Accepting credit/debit cards.

[ppentertainments]

Out of 4 client meetings today, 3 of them no longer have a cheque book. The main reason is that the banks have stopped issuing them.

I have decided it is time to start accepting card payments.

I know of the FSB offer, but has anyone any other ideas for accepting payment by card.

NOTE - please do not suggest Paypal, just personal preference but I do not want paypal.

[A1DL]

All the high street banks have a merchant services department, whom should steer you in the right direction.

[Corabar Entertainment]

What are you looking for exactly?

Do you want to take cards in person / on the phone, or just online via your website?

[ppentertainments]

What are you looking for exactly?

Do you want to take cards in person / on the phone, or just online via your website?
In person and over the phone. Would like the option to add website capabilities at a later date but not too important.

Tony - Cheers. I was just wondering if there were any know cheap deals / methods people know of. Will certainly contact my bank to see what they offer. :beer1:

[Corabar Entertainment]

In which case, I'm afraid you'd be very hard-pushed to beat the Streamline offer via FSB. :)

[Vectis]

NOTE - please do not suggest Paypal, just personal preference but I do not want paypal.

That's like saying you're opening a paint shop but out of personal preference won't stock white emulsion :o

I've used PayPal for a number of businesses for a number of years without a hitch. I even tried Virtual Terminal (allows you to take cards over the phone or in person by tapping the details into a secure website) for a while but couldn't justify the monthly charge - it sounds like you might be able to.

I've also used Google Checkout and Nochex but neither is as well accepted by the client, so stopped through lack of use.

[ppentertainments]

In which case, I'm afraid you'd be very hard-pushed to beat the Streamline offer via FSB. :)
I thought that may be the answer ;)

I think it may be worth the plunge. As well as making it easier to secure deposits it will also enable me to take immediate full payment for last minute bookings, removing a lot of the risk.

[ppentertainments]

That's like saying you're opening a paint shop but out of personal preference won't stock white emulsion :o

I've used PayPal for a number of businesses for a number of years without a hitch. I even tried Virtual Terminal (allows you to take cards over the phone or in person by tapping the details into a secure website) for a while but couldn't justify the monthly charge - it sounds like you might be able to.

I've also used Google Checkout and Nochex but neither is as well accepted by the client, so stopped through lack of use.
Hmmm..... Virtual Terminal looks quite tempting. :beer1: :beer1:

[A1DL]

That's like saying you're opening a paint shop but out of personal preference won't stock white emulsion :o


Martin, I must say 99% of the time I agree with your stance on matters, but I'm struggling with that analogy!

Are you saying in your opinion/experience, a large majority of customers would prefer to pay by paypal and not offering the facility is rather crazy?

Perhaps I'm missing your point? :confused:

Tony

[Corabar Entertainment]

Hmmm..... Virtual Terminal looks quite tempting. :beer1: :beer1::confused: :confused: Now I'm confused, because the monthly fees and % for transaction fees are quite a bit higher on paypal's virtual terminal than they are with the FSB/Streamline offer :confused: :confused:

[ppentertainments]

:confused: :confused: Now I'm confused, because the monthly fees and % for transaction fees are quite a bit higher on paypal's virtual terminal than they are with the FSB/Streamline offer :confused: :confused:
It was not Paypal I was actually looking at. I googled the term and many companies came up. Think I need time with a clearer head to look through all the pros and cons.

[wensleydale]

Why not BACS?
90% of my customers pay this way now and it doesnt cost anything for them or me- with faster payments the cash is moved instantly too.

[Corabar Entertainment]

It was not Paypal I was actually looking at. I googled the term and many companies came up. Think I need time with a clearer head to look through all the pros and cons.
Ahhh! :lightbulb:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why not BACS?
90% of my customers pay this way now and it doesnt cost anything for them or me- with faster payments the cash is moved instantly too.

And if people want to pay by credit card?

[wensleydale]

And if people want to pay by credit card?

I advise that I dont take it - never had an issue with it.

In my experience Credit is not something that they expect when booking a disco.

I genuinely dont think anyone would not book me because I didnt take a Credit Card.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I advise that I dont take it - never had an issue with it.

In my experience Credit is not something that they expect when booking a disco.

I genuinely dont think anyone would not book me because I didnt take a Credit Card.

In your experience. You hit the nail on the head Rich. By your own admission you don't DJ every week and can afford to pick and choose.

It's giving the client a choice and this thread is about accepting cards and not BACS. ;)

[wensleydale]

In your experience. You hit the nail on the head Rich. By your own admission you don't DJ every week and can afford to pick and choose.

It's giving the client a choice and this thread is about accepting cards and not BACS. ;)

Maybe I can afford to pick and choose more than some, but it doesn't change the fact that in over 15 years of doing this I have never had one client ask if I take Credit Cards.

I'm all for offering the customer exactly what they want, but in 15 years if someone hasn't asked for something I'm also not for incurring unecessary expense.

[Corabar Entertainment]

...n over 15 years of doing this I have never had one client ask if I take Credit Cards.Wow! That's surprising, because in the lead up to us taking cards several years ago, we were getting asked on a regular basis!

[wensleydale]

Wow! That's surprising, because in the lead up to us taking cards several years ago, we were getting asked on a regular basis!

Only as surprising as others on the forum saying they never got asked for BACS payments- most of my clients ask if I accept payment this way before I offer it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Maybe I can afford to pick and choose more than some, but it doesn't change the fact that in over 15 years of doing this I have never had one client ask if I take Credit Cards.

I'm all for offering the customer exactly what they want, but in 15 years if someone hasn't asked for something I'm also not for incurring unecessary expense.

Fair enough, but this thread ain't about you.

If you offer a service then people will take it.

It's a bit like saying that no-one has ever asked you to supply uplighting in 15 years. If you don't advertise the fact, then people probably won't ask.

Before I started offering the service, I didn't get many people asking if they could pay by card either. I do now. It's more convenient for them and relatively inexpensive too.

[rob1963]

in over 15 years of doing this I have never had one client ask if I take Credit Cards.


Wow! That's surprising, because in the lead up to us taking cards several years ago, we were getting asked on a regular basis!

In 26 years I've only had one person ask if I accept credit cards.

Getting back to the main discussion, I think Paypal might be worth looking at. The main advantages are that it's quick, simple & flexible (as it can be used to make payments from your bank account OR your credit card).

The one big negative would be the charges, but I guess you could pass these onto the customer.

[Starlight]

In which case, I'm afraid you'd be very hard-pushed to beat the Streamline offer via FSB. :)
Ahem, be very careful with Streamline, I had LOADS of problems with them and I lost well over £300 for signing up with them - robbing :Censored:

I'm NOT saying you'll have problems but they might sting you :(


How about you buying your own terminal that will take cards? I'm sure you can buy off the bank rather than pay a fee each month. I'm pretty sure you can buy them but you'll need to find out exactly from your bank ;)

Neil.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Chris.

Ive no experience in this, but let me know what you decide to go for ;)

[woody2]

The one big negative would be the charges,

one big negative is the client claiming the money back, even if they had a good night

[Starlight]

You can't get any safer than a direct bank transfer ;)

How about Western Union? That's VERY quick and convenient ;)

Neil.

[wensleydale]

No one who mentions likes the credit card option has mentioned the issues of charge back- I would have thought that would be a major issue not to take them as I think this could be a whole load of hassle.

Another reason I dont think it's for your average mobile disco.

[rob1963]

one big negative is the client claiming the money back, even if they had a good night

I have no idea how the system works for claiming back money paid through Paypal, so I can't comment.

Why do you describe this as a BIG negative, though? Surely a client claiming the money back would be no different to a client asking for a refund...and I've not had one of those yet.

[Vectis]

No one who mentions likes the credit card option has mentioned the issues of charge back- I would have thought that would be a major issue not to take them as I think this could be a whole load of hassle.

Another reason I dont think it's for your average mobile disco.


Never happened to me. If you have confidence in your product, this shouldn't concern you.

The recourse is there - small claims.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ahem, be very careful with Streamline, I had LOADS of problems with them and I lost well over £300 for signing up with them - robbing :Censored:



I was told there was a sign up fee, so I'm not sure how you work that out...

[Starlight]

I was told there was a sign up fee, so I'm not sure how you work that out...
Dunno mate because it was a couple of years ago when it happened.

Neil.

[wensleydale]

Never happened to me. If you have confidence in your product, this shouldn't concern you.

The recourse is there - small claims.

Not because the product is not right- just because there are people who are not as honest as we are out there- otherwise cheques wouldnt bounce.

Just think the cons outweigh the pros on this.

[Vectis]

Not because the product is not right- just because there are people who are not as honest as we are out there- otherwise cheques wouldnt bounce.

Just think the cons outweigh the pros on this.

I understand your concern, but I reiterate that I've never had a chargeback in well over 2,500 PayPal transactions (not all disco-related, sadly :p )

If you follow good business practice and deliver what you promise, then you'd be in a position to prove that any chargeback attempt was unlawful.

[wensleydale]

I understand your concern, but I reiterate that I've never had a chargeback in well over 2,500 PayPal transactions (not all disco-related, sadly :p )

If you follow good business practice and deliver what you promise, then you'd be in a position to prove that any chargeback attempt was unlawful.

I didnt actually mean with Paypal- I was talking about Credit Cards.
I had (legitimate) cause to claim a refund through my CC company last year and was amazed at how easy it was.
Wouldnt want the hassle of going through that process as a Merchant- to me it's a loophole that people could exploit that is unnecessary

[Vectis]

I didnt actually mean with Paypal- I was talking about Credit Cards.

PayPal ... Bank ... Same process ... Same level of risk.

(as you can tell) I have no qualms about this at all, and a good majority of my customers use this method. Most of the minority use BACS and just a very few cheque or cash.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ive just had my first client pay their £50 NRBF online using Paypal, and paypal charged me £1.90 for the pleasure! :eek:

[rob1963]

Ive just had my first client pay their £50 NRBF online using Paypal, and paypal charged me £1.90 for the pleasure! :eek:

Which is why earlier in this thread I said the one big negative about Paypal is the charges!

Imagine how much they'd charge if the client paid their balance that way too.

[DazzyD]

No one who mentions likes the credit card option has mentioned the issues of charge back- I would have thought that would be a major issue not to take them as I think this could be a whole load of hassle.

Another reason I dont think it's for your average mobile disco.

First read this story:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Nigerian-credit-card-scammers-target.6107822.jp

Now, think what you would do if you unwittingly took an order from someone using a credit card frauduently. You might lose out so make sure your business insured against losses caused by fraud.

Or don't accept credit cards if you want to be really cautious! ;)

[wensleydale]

First read this story:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Nigerian-credit-card-scammers-target.6107822.jp

Now, think what you would do if you unwittingly took an order from someone using a credit card frauduently. You might lose out so make sure your business insured against losses caused by fraud.

Or don't accept credit cards if you want to be really cautious! ;)

Isnt that what I said though?

[Vectis]

Ive just had my first client pay their £50 NRBF online using Paypal, and paypal charged me £1.90 for the pleasure! :eek:


Imagine how much they'd charge if the client paid their balance that way too.

It's 20p per transaction plus 3.4%, so for a larger transfer you wouldn't pay the 20p again.

The fee is tax deductible so there's at least 20% "back", if you want to think of it that way.

If you receive more than £1,500 per month you can apply for a merchant rate which takes the 3.4% down as low as 1.4% on a sliding scale.

I KNOW that about half my payments come via PayPal so I factor 1.2% (80% of half of 3%) of my turnover into my future fees. Simples ;)

[DJMaxG]

I think I'll have to agree on BACS. You could even open a seperate account if need be.

[yourdj]

Paypal,

internet banking (98% of clients use this)

sagepay a good option through your website.

or counter transaction at the bank.

I do not like cheques as they cost money to bank. they will be obsolete before too long.

[DJMaxG]

does Sagepay charge a fee per a transaction? If so, how much?

[ppentertainments]

Good discussions but unfortunately not many solutions. :) Thanks to all who have made suggestions.

I know about paypal and would rather not use.

I want to accept cards - credit and debit. I know about BACS but want to add card facilities. I also would prefer the transaction NOT to be done through my website. I simply want to be able to take a booking, take card details, secure the booking - all over the phone.

So any more suggestions ?? :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Good discussions but unfortunately not many solutions. :) Thanks to all who have made suggestions.

I know about paypal and would rather not use.

I want to accept cards - credit and debit. I know about BACS but want to add card facilities. I also would prefer the transaction NOT to be done through my website. I simply want to be able to take a booking, take card details, secure the booking - all over the phone.

So any more suggestions ?? :)

Why don't you want to use Streamline?

[A1DL]

does Sagepay charge a fee per a transaction? If so, how much?

Sagepay's "Small Business Service" costs £20 per month, which includes processing of up to 1,000 transactions per quarter.

This operates in conjunction with a Merchant Account, which is billed separately by the bank, charges are percentage based on credit card transactions and fixed fee based for debit card transactions.

Note if you operate telesales (terminal based transactions), a separate merchant account is required for web transactions.

[ppentertainments]

Why don't you want to use Streamline?
Being a tight :Censored: I was looking for something cheaper :o
At present I do not have a great call for the facility but predict once the facility is on offer most people would pay by this method - lets face it we pay for everything else by card.

Streamline through FSB looks like winning at present, unless I find a suitable virtual terminal ;)

[Danno13]

I looked for ages and couldn't find a better deal than Streamline. If you get a virtual terminal, you usually have to then get a merchant account elsewhere, which means paying two lots of monthly fees as well as high % costs per transaction.

You can also get the streamline rate down after 6 months based on how much you put through - I only pay 28p for debit cards and 1.63% for credit cards (both including a small surchage for customer not present transactions)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I only pay 27p for debit cards and 1.59% for credit cards (both including a small surchage for customer not present transactions)

I pay more than you, you git and it was me who introduced you to the idea!

How did you get your charges lowered then?

[Danno13]

Ring Streamline and ask for a rate review. When I joined the FSB and their rep came round, he told me to do that after 6 months, so I did :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ring Streamline and ask for a rate review. When I joined the FSB and their rep came round, he told me to do that after 6 months, so I did :D

Mind you, I charge an admin fee or whatever you want to call it for credit cards and I only pay 29p for debit cards, so it's hardly worth it. ;)

[Marc J]

Just to add to this, I don't think anyone's mentioned here (or in similar threads) that anyone with a merchant account is now required to fill in a PCI compliance questionnaire which they log with their merchant account provider and/or have a full audit of their systems. There are different levels of PCI questionnaire and for most, where using a payment gateway and never handling or storing the credit card details at all, the simplest self-assessment would suffice.

More information is available here on PCI compliance and the questionnaires etc.: https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/

[Get Me A DJ]

Ahem, be very careful with Streamline, I had LOADS of problems with them and I lost well over £300 for signing up with them - robbing :Censored:

I'm NOT saying you'll have problems but they might sting you :(


How about you buying your own terminal that will take cards? I'm sure you can buy off the bank rather than pay a fee each month. I'm pretty sure you can buy them but you'll need to find out exactly from your bank ;)

Neil.

I looked into this and it's a no goer.
Firstly the PDQ machine is second hand and you set up a merchant account you have to have the it reprogrammed which will cost you a fair bit due to the merchant not making money on the machine.
If you buy one brand new you are talking about 400-500 pounds.
Then you have to get a merchant account and then have it programmed.


one big negative is the client claiming the money back, even if they had a good night

a "charge back" can only be given if the service received is not up to standard.
So if you turn up for a gig and do it as per your contract, under law you have provided the service to which you where contracted to do.
It's not like you buy an electrical item and it fails to work after 6 months and the supplier is unhelpful.


I was told there was a sign up fee, so I'm not sure how you work that out...

Yes there is a set up fee that the merchant will charge you for.
This is a one off fee for setting up the account.


First read this story:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Nigerian-credit-card-scammers-target.6107822.jp

Now, think what you would do if you unwittingly took an order from someone using a credit card frauduently. You might lose out so make sure your business insured against losses caused by fraud.

Or don't accept credit cards if you want to be really cautious! ;)

Wise words, but PDQ terminals have extra security built into them that allow you to check the postcode of the issuer if they are CNP (customer not present)
If you are in front of the customer and they use there card then you have chip and pin in place.


Why don't you want to use Streamline?

Good company but rates are expensive.


I looked for ages and couldn't find a better deal than Streamline. If you get a virtual terminal, you usually have to then get a merchant account elsewhere, which means paying two lots of monthly fees as well as high % costs per transaction.

You can also get the streamline rate down after 6 months based on how much you put through - I only pay 28p for debit cards and 1.63% for credit cards (both including a small surchage for customer not present transactions)

That is the standard rate for FSB and streamline.
FSB are good in some areas but that in others.
That rate CAN be beaten if you look around.

[Jiggles]

Get Me A DJ, when replying to multiple posts please use the multi quote button. http://forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/images/buttons/multiquote_off.gif
Thanks

[Get Me A DJ]

Get Me A DJ, when replying to multiple posts please use the multi quote button. http://forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/images/buttons/multiquote_off.gif
Thanks

oops, did not relise there was one on here :(
Sorry guys, slapped wrist (and a**e]) :eek:

[Danno13]

That is the standard rate for FSB and streamline.
FSB are good in some areas but that in others.
That rate CAN be beaten if you look around.

Surely the rate I was on for the first 6 months was the standard rate? Perhaps you could share the other cheaper providers with us, as I certainley couldn't find any :confused:

[Get Me A DJ]

If anyone needs any advise on PDQ machines, CC acceptance etc, just give me a shout.

[Get Me A DJ]

Surely the rate I was on for the first 6 months was the standard rate? Perhaps you could share the other cheaper providers with us, as I certainley couldn't find any :confused:

You got the right idea about the 6 months, but you can get away with murder if you push the merchants hard in the beginning.
I'm currently at 19p debit cards and 1.19 for CC
This I think is due to me having the account for other companies I run, but I've known of individuals getting 1.23 for cc and 21p for debit

Kev