My question is who takes credit cards? And since you started taking credit cards did you gain more customers because of it? I was thinking of getting the intuit card swiper for my iphone. what do you guys think?
Have you lost any customers because you don’t currently accept credit cards?
I accept CC numbers, in fact…this year I took advice from the articles in the WCBO magazine and I now take deposits on every new client who books with us, even old clients. No more cancellations! I give them the option of weather or not they want to make the remainder of the payment by CC or by check, and if they go by CC, I do have to charge the tax that the CC company charges me (well, the transaction fee).
Your idea for the swiper is a good one I think. In fact, I think Doug was doing that here in San Diego…I think he’s MIA right now…
I just ordered mine this week
I have a Paypal business account for which there is no monthly fees. They simply take 3.something % of each transaction. You don’t collect any CC info, just send them an email through Paypal, they enter the CC of their choice and it’s done.
Very few of my customers seem to be interested, but at least I have it when I need it.
I would make a rough guess that about 15% of new and returning customers use the plastic. My brother just purchase the Intuit thing for his pressure washing service just before winter hit. Dont know anything about it but he’s stoked about using it. I would suggest getting on board with some sort of credit card processing in the future. Accepting credit cards is also a awesome way of getting paid by those who dont have the $$ readily available in their bank account to pay thebill.
Steve
Im all set up with the “squareup” for my Droid X.
I take credit cards, but all last season I only had 2 customers actually ask if I did, and only one paid with it.
This season, however, i will be taking deposits on each and every resi job. i agree with Tori… cancellations are for the birds and it was a major problem with scheduling last year. This is my second year in, and I expect to be rocking and rolling, so the last minute switchups need to be discourged a bit
EDIT: This is a general overview of my CC policy
http://www.nj-window-cleaning-pros.com/triple-c-window-cleaners-pay-screen.html
you don’t need the swiper. you can just get the information and process when you get back to the office just enter the info in qb. They charge $39 a month but if you rack up $19 in transactions you only pay $20
I offer credit card payments in two different ways.
First, I have my website set up to receive cc payments through Paypal (no monthly fees).
Second, I have the “Square” app I use with my iPad or Droid phone. They sent me a free card reader that simply plugs into my device through the headphone jack. Works great, and again… No monthly fee. (www.squareapp.com)
Even with both of these options, I am not quick to offer them to customers. I prefer getting a check or cash and avoiding any transaction fees. :-). However, it has allowed me to gain customers that I otherwise wouldn’t have.
Ryan
Olsen Brothers Window Cleaning
Olsen Brothers Window Cleaning- Arizona’s Premiere Window Cleaning Company!
I love the cashflow that an “Easy Pay” System affords. I have recently set up a program where my customers can have their card charged automatically for their annual agreement of window cleanings +$25. $1163 of annual window cleanings costs $99/mo. You can’t beat that! And I know how much money is coming in each month from Easy Pay! Great budgeting tool for me and my customers.
What do you say to collect a deposit to schedule an appointment
Ive been using Square no trans fee i think its like 2.5 and you get the unit free, all you have to do is get the customer to sign the receipt, and they sen you a email receipt. or you can bill them on paypal if they want to do that.
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Not to schedule an appointment; to secure a valuable appointment slot in your busy schedule so they don’t risk losing out on the benefits of your service.
How do you word what you say to the customer? What about long time clients, do you change your approach?
I don’t currently require deposits.
