I'm in the process of starting up a part time ADC business and was wondering how some of you smaller operators accept plastic as payment? It seems that's how everybody wants to pay these days. Thanks for info!

Greg

There are many good services for the small operator....PayPal....square up...

Ultimately, you can decide to accept cards or not. Let the customer know up front, and let them decide. Most will just write a check.

Ok, thanks, I'll check those out. I'm just trying to think of different scenarios before I get started. Trying to get all my ducks in a row and decide when to start, now or spring? Would you have an opinion on that?

They say western Pennsylvania is different than the rest of the country. We didn't have the housing bubble, higher savings rate, people don't tend to leave.
In 20 years of wildlife pest control and tree service work, I've only been asked 3 or 4 times if I accept credit cards.
Everyone asked "do you want a check or cash"
In my market I will never never deal with accepting credit cards (I don't have one)
In talking to folks across the country, lots seem to have to accept them to do business

Don't sweat that too much. You will be changing things and learning things in the next 2 years that will make you laugh at yourself for thinking you could "get all my ducks in a row".
That being said I would tell you to not worry about credit cards for your first year.

Today is always a good day to start. It took me 3 months to get the first phone call.

I found that I was over accommodating to potential customers when i started. In a variety of ways. Now, that we are swamped, we set our structure and people pick us...or not. I often considered not offering credit cards. I think if we were only a single operator, I wouldn't.

you can always trade for goats and chickens...........

I can't even imagine running this business as smoothly without accepting credit cards. ( And sheep, chickens, and an occasional bottle of cheap whiskey )

Well, I at least have to build some inventory of cage traps of various sizes. I don't think people would care for I'll be back in 2 weeks after I order what I need.

Been through the whole goats and chickens with the kids, now one at college and one on xbox. That leaves nobody to do chores.

I appreciate the replies, Thanks!

You will be much better off accepting plastic if you work in a big city. Costs you a few bux but will get more business, plus you will be paid. We started demanding a valid CC # after running out on emergency jobs, only to be told "we don't need you...the squirrel left on its own (or similar reason).
As you grow, you will probably see the $$$ you are giving up by not accepting plastic.
We have a little slider thing that mounts on my phone to read cards. If you do this, make darn sure that the device is compatible with your phone and your service.

You will find this out when you look into these, but something not mentioned.

If you get a square up reader and account, it won't cost you a dime until you use it, which means that literally you can sign
up and let it sit in your glove box until you get a client who asks and you can respond, "I certainly do" blow the dust off it
and away you go.

You pay a percentage to square for the service which is based on swiping or manually entering (the higher amount for manual).

****

I've only been open 3 going on 4 years now, so not long in terms of some on here. We mainly state our ability to take credit
cards on our proposals for major exclusion work be it birds or bats or other and let them know we do pass on the "convenience"
fee if they want to go that route. If they pay with check or cash it is the flat amount as shown, if they want to run the plastic
it is the grand total plus that 2.9% or whatever your service provider charges.

You can also eat that 2.9% if you like, the fee is deductible on your taxes, we prefer to pass it on and no one has complained yet.

People use all manner of methods of balancing their own personal finances, if they like to use the card, get rewards points, miles
or other, or just want to pay off a major home issue over months or year they have that option, I'm not dictating, they can pay
me anyway that results in cash in my account.

****

I will say this, if you do get any govt. work, while some like the city we work for currently pay with check after invoicing, I have another
that loves to use the card and I ended up getting a B.O.A. account for the card because Squareup is considered a 3rd party provider
not a direct bank, but can tell you having it has allowed me to make a nice piece of my income the last 3 years by making it easy for
these folks to pay me.

If I said, I can only take checks, this entity would be looking for another shop, so weigh your options and remember it is free to get the
3rd party products like squareup, just costs to run the xaction.

Hope that helps.

No one said, but if it was me, I'd go in the spring, we did and it was good timing, why start when things might be leaner in terms of animal
activity? For some winter is still busy, not for me with what I handle so I might have decided I wasn't any good at this if I launched on December 1st.

Best,

Justin

Justin, I think we were all hoping that you would be a little more thorough! Remind me, next time I have a question, just PM you!

Wow Justin, great info. I really appreciate it. Today I actually did sign up for the square, like you said, doesn't cost until you use it.

Greg

Thanks Paul lol! I type like I'm talking to you and I run on in both arenas, hard to help it, but in this case, probably a good thing!

So many threads are open ended and allow more debate, discussion, this one to me is quite simple and the tools are out there and
easy to acquire in short order.

___

Good Deal Greg, we never had an issue with them, money comes to your account in short order and all is well. If you ever run into
a govt. contract where they want to use the card you can setup the other type with a bank directly quite quickly, so till then enjoy
the square unit!

I concur with Paul in his last post not on many other things though.

Well Yeah, some Pauls are smarter than others.

Why? they do not make money until they are deployed.(always have thought of my traps as little soldier doing my battles for me).. I started the beaver side with 6 mb750, 6 duke 330's,,, the city side with 1 havahart coon trap (purchased moments after they accepted the set up fee on the phone) Next call I purchased 2 more....

Marketing is were the time/ money should be spent

Well vinke, another good point. The city side is what I am not set up for, but I do have a couple city traps to get started.
I appreciate everyone's comments
and opinions, I'am feeling better about this decision.

Greg

Google "credit card readers for smartphones" (or specifically search for readers for whatever phone you have) It's just this little gadget that plugs into your headphone jack. I believe it's 1 or 3 cents per swipe, and as was already said, you will get more business if you accept cards.

Cents? If only...

It's a couple percent right off the sale. It adds up.