I mentioned a few days ago that we would be selling at Clover Market on June 5th. At the last market in April, we had a few customers ask if they could pay with credit cards. Sadly, the answer was "no". But we are getting our asses in gear for the June show, and we will finally be accepting credit cards!
I thought I'd let you know about the service that we will be using, in case you are a dealer who sells at one of those fabulous vintage markets like The Farm Chicks or 2nd Saturdayz or Luckett's Spring Market or Summer Retreat.
It is called Square, and you can sign up free on their website. They send you a free swiper that you plug into the headphone jack of your iPhone, iPad or Android phone. I received a FedEx package in the mail three days after signing up:
Square only charges 2.75% per swipe, with no monthly fees. (Don't worry - customers don't have to pay anything extra, and their credit card data is completely secure - sellers don't even have access to it.) You get your money deposited directly into your bank account the next day.
After I received the swiper, I installed the free Square app onto my iPad, and plugged in the swiper (which is officially called a "dongle", my most favorite computer-related word ever):
I tested it out by charging one dollar to my credit card. It took a few swipes for it to work (my own fault), but then it went through just fine. I even had to sign my name on the screen - just like when you get a FedEx or UPS package.
The cool thing is that the customer can enter their email address or phone number to receive a receipt electronically. No printing required!
If you are a seller who accepts credit cards, how do you do it when you are on the road? Have you ever tried Square? I would love to hear your feedback.
P.S. Although this seems like a commercial for Square, I have not been compensated. It just seems like a totally rad service that I thought some of you would like.
That is fantastic!!! Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Cassandra | May 20, 2011 at 07:52 AM
I have a dongle at work and it still makes me giggle every time the I.T. guys mention it. Let us know how it goes with the Square. I don't sell off-site frequently enough to get one yet....
Posted by: Sue | May 20, 2011 at 08:26 AM
As soon as they support webOS, I'm all over this for my Stampin' Up! classes, clubs, and kits! I LOVE gadgets! Thanks Colleen!
Posted by: Michelle T. | May 20, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Ha - you said dongle! Thanks so much for the shout-out and the info. Nice chenille, btw.
Posted by: Into Vintage | May 20, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Can't wait to hear how it works for you in June! I've always wondered if there was some way you could have people use PayPal at those kinds of events but I think the fact that PayPal can reverse payments at will makes it iffy. Now I just have to get an iPhone or Android!
Posted by: Heidi | May 20, 2011 at 02:58 PM
I have the swiper that goes on my iPhone. It's fine, but looks like this is better, no monthly fees! I will be switching. Thanks!
Posted by: Auntie Pami | May 20, 2011 at 03:21 PM
I just got a Square too! I'll be trying it out Sunday at a craft fair. Though, I'm bringing along my "tech guy" a.k.a. my husband for support. I'm so excited! I'll keep you posted with my results!
Posted by: Holly Do. | May 20, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Thank you SO much for this info - I had not heard of Square before. I've just ordered mine!
Posted by: kim | May 20, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Square is great! People should use credit cards more!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Dimon | May 20, 2011 at 10:39 PM
I LOVE it. I love your blog and my son, who is one of Square's original programmers and its CTO. So we've been using Square for more than a year at shows. It's boosted business quite a bit. But you do have to put up with those funny remarks when you have people sign your phone with their finger. Nope....not going there, at least not in public.
Posted by: Nan Lee | May 20, 2011 at 10:43 PM
My hairdresser uses it, and as a customer I love it. I'm glad there's an option like this!
Posted by: Kirsten | May 20, 2011 at 11:16 PM
Just got mine in the mail!
Posted by: Dana | May 22, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Thanks a mill for the info. When I get back to the U.S. in June I'll be getting one for the markets in California.
Cheers!
Posted by: France Geek | May 23, 2011 at 01:55 AM
That is beyone cool and I will be recommending this service/app to any vendor I come across that doesn't currently accept credit cards!
Posted by: Poppy | May 23, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Collen, we just started using the Square and LOVE IT. Easy, fast, reasonable cost, customers LOVE that we can send them an instant receipt for payment to their phone or email, and the Square has GREAT customer service when you have a question.
What more can you ask for? Oh, yeah, a great phone service provider ;0) We have Verizon and so far, it's coverage is flawless. This app is THE BOMB for vintage show sales - and we'll be torquing ours up for sales in our Retreat booth at the Farm Chicks Show in less than two weeks!
I also just HAVE to say a HUGE 'Thank You!' for your mention of and link to our Summer Retreat Vintage Market! Bless your PeterHeater braggin' lil' heart, you are wonderful <3<3<3
Posted by: Deb @ Retreat | May 25, 2011 at 03:24 AM
Okay, I didn't get a chance to use my Square on Sunday. It took longer for them to confirm my bank account than expected. So I can't wait until my next sale to try it out!
Posted by: Holly Do. | May 25, 2011 at 11:01 AM
This is fabulous! I can see how sales would go way up at shows. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Kim | May 25, 2011 at 04:15 PM
Fantastic work guys im a fan of your website.
Posted by: free 3 credit report | July 12, 2012 at 05:04 AM
I went to www.nabswipe.com way better and less expensive,
Posted by: David | September 17, 2012 at 12:10 AM