How are you accepting credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs?
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How are you accepting credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs?
How are you accepting credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs?
Hi All How do you process your credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs? I can only process my credit cards on my website through authorize.net. I want to be able to accept credit cards at local trade events but authorize.net is telling me I need to set up a Card Present account through my web host. Any Ideas?
Hi All How do you process your credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs? I can only process my credit cards on my website through authorize.net. I want to be able to accept credit cards at local trade events but authorize.net is telling me I need to set up a Card Present account through my web host. Any Ideas?
Slydaug
I use an aircard and PCCharge on a laptop. You're CC processor has to be on-board with PCCharge. Some don't support it. When you sign up for a merchant account, just make sure they support some sort of internet based processing.
You can also go with a cellular based wireless terminal, but the terminal is $400+ and there are monthly and per transaction fees for it's use. Processing via the internet/PCCharge has no additional fees associated. It doesn't care how you are connected to the internet. Costs the same as processing through a dedicated terminal plugged into your phone line.
We use a CC service through Quickbooks I believe. You can get the card swiper or you can use the Internet via QB to manually enter the information for processing.
We use a CC service through Quickbooks I believe. You can get the card swiper or you can use the Internet via QB to manually enter the information for processing.
In most cases, a non-swiped transaction costs a couple points more. The system knows whether it was swiped or manually entered. I can manually enter a card number in PCCharge, but the rate is 3.9% vs 2.7% for a swiped transaction. I have a USB card reader.
Hi. We have been using Propay and so far, it is working out well. We take down the information on our order form and enter it online at propay.com right after the show. We also have the option to call it in on the spot.
I did that before I went to online processing and had a number of declined cards, which you can't do anything about after the show. I started calling them in, but when you are busy at a show that takes too much time. Regardless of which software you use, swiping on-location is the way to go. It takes 10 seconds and the transaction is either approved or denied right there on the spot.
Why can't you process in real time via the internet with Propay?
I did that before I went to online processing and had a number of declined cards, which you can't do anything about after the show. I started calling them in, but when you are busy at a show that takes too much time. Regardless of which software you use, swiping on-location is the way to go. It takes 10 seconds and the transaction is either approved or denied right there on the spot.
Why can't you process in real time via the internet with Propay?
I think that you can process in real time with Propay but we don't bring a laptop with us, at this point. We live in Maine and do mostly local shows, so we can easily track someone down whose card is declined. We take their address, phone number and email address. So far, it has worked out well and we have seen an increase in sales, as a result.
It's amazing how much more people will spend when they can put it on a CC. I'll have people put together maybe a $20 order, then when they see the Mastercard/Visa sign, they end up tripling it.
In most cases, a non-swiped transaction costs a couple points more. The system knows whether it was swiped or manually entered. I can manually enter a card number in PCCharge, but the rate is 3.9% vs 2.7% for a swiped transaction. I have a USB card reader.
Re: How are you accepting credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs?
I read through this entire thread and appreciate all the info as well. Do any of you use Authorize.net for your webstores? This is what I use. What solutions have you come up with for non-web based CC transactions. A local clothing co. wants to buy some of my tees but wants to make a CC transaction and since I am offering them wholesale pricing, I am in the dark as to what steps I should take to process the order. I hope I am not being redundant here because you all spent a great deal of time answering essentially the same question. I am only focused on Authorize.net.
Re: How are you accepting credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs?
I see no need for a non-web based processor. It works just the same on the road as it does here in the office. The only difference being here in the office I'm on broadband cable and on the road I'm on a Verizon aircard.
If I understand correctly, authourize.net only handles your website transactions and you have no way of taking a CC from a customer in person. You could add a private link in your website for that amount and give him the URL. The card would be processed through authorize.net just like any other sale.
This is a discussion about How are you accepting credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs? that was posted in the Offline Retail and Tradeshows section of the forums.
How are you accepting credit cards at local events, trade shows, fairs? 
