Debit/credit card acceptance

You need to accept credit cards. It's a little paperwork to get started. Calling in cards on the phone, using a portable swiper, using an iPhone app (that's what we do) . . . all of it is really easy. Talk to your banker.

Great sense of humor, smart!
What is portaVle?

kostajm wrote: Great sense of humor, smart! What is portaVle?

Definitely, I get 3 or 4 cc per month. Make sure the bank/company you are going through has low rates. It was a $99 setup fee and I pay $79/year with 2.2% per transaction. I call it in...no machine or high monthly fees required. The name of the company is CTS Holdings LLC. Google it!

credit card acceptance really makes you and your customer's life easier, all you need to do is apply for it and viola, you're  good to go! and for customers, there are great visa rewards credit cards in Canada if you really want to have more! you should go and check them out!

Absolutely! You can use a wireless terminal that you carry in your car but that's kind of a lot of BS. I have a machine at the office and I'll usually take an imprint and run it when I get back to the shop if no-one is there to run it. There is also a phone number you can call and get a pre-authorization (hold) on the funds that guarantees the funds (there is something like that with check too). I only use that if I get a feeling it might not be good.

I haven't had a problem since I've been in business (6 years) about collecting money. A few declined credit cards here and there, but after a couple of days the customers have always straightened it out. A few bad checks too. But you can put a check in through twice so if it comes back, hold onto it, call the issuing bank and verify funds (most will let you, some won't). It helps if you go in person. I only had one big problem: $700 check bounced. I had to wait about 4 months until finally the funds were available and I deposited it.

A word of advice. Always get a credit card imprint. Always get the DL#/DOB/EXP on checks. And make sure you get the invoice signed!! I have them sign before I begin, with the prices written down (so there is no misunderstandings afterwords) and one when I'm finished saying the job was completed to satisfaction. It helps when you have your paperwork in order (not only legally but psychologically too).


Let me tell you. The hardest thing for new carpet cleaners to understand is when to walk away from a job. If a customer is nickel and diming me over the phone, or nickel and dimes me once I get in the door (when it exceeds normal negotiation and becomes ridiculous), I'll walk the job. You can usually tell the problem customers. I refer them to my competitors

Ive tried multiple merchants and so far I prefer intuit for my credit card and debit card processing it has definately made it easier. Some people recommend paypal if you are starting out. At the beginning I lost a few jobs because I didnt accept credit cards. Alot of people today rather pull out plastic and I too am one of those people.