Credit Cards

accepting

[AvenueComputers]

I am debating on accepting credit cards. Not just through paypal. but from customers actually swiping the cards. Looking at wireless software for my pda or cell. The good thing about accepting wireless, with an actual card swipe, is the rates are around 1.6%. Software prices are kind of high, but worth it in the long run versus a lease on dialup equipment. Anyone having luck accepting credit cards personally? any advice is appreciated.

~Gerard

[Brett_Tabke]

Most everyone here is virtual.

[Mardi_Gras]

I do an event at a hotel every year where we accept credit cards - we just get a signature, write down the numbers and call them in when we get to the office on Monday. It is a semi-private event, so this is a little less risky than, say, a jewelry show.

If I did this more than once a year - or with attendees I did not control - I would look into wireless authorization. Not just for the lower rate (that will add up if you process a lot of transactions), but I think you have a much better argument against chargebacks if you swipe and process the card at the time of transaction.

I've also had problems where people submitted AMEX (which I can't accept) or out of date cards. Using wireless authorization, we would have caught those issues immediately, rather than having to track down people after the fact.

In short - I don't use it for my rather unique circumstances, but I can easily imagine it being worth the investment.

[AvenueComputers]

Thanks for the reply's. Besides web design I also do onsite computer repair. I think i'm going to make the investment.

Hey mardi Gras you from New Orleans? I grew up in Metairie.

-Gerard

[JasonIR]

I use authorize.net's virtual terminal on my PocketPC through a secure connection when processing trade show orders for items.

[chameleon]

Jason,

I've seen that PocketPC setup advertised on Authorize.net's web site. Looks very cool. How does it actually work? Is it reliable? Does it rely on WiFi for the connection, or just store the info until you dock?