Pamela Regentin on sun 25 mar 07
I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell alot of work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards. Someone on clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have used it and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other recommendations for credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need to use the service a few times a year, not every month.
Thanks,
Pam
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Kathi LeSueur on mon 26 mar 07
Pamela Regentin wrote:
>I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell alot of work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards. Someone on clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have used it and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other recommendations for credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need to use the service a few times a year, not every month.>>
>
Be aware that even though you may only use the service a few times a
year you will be charged a monthly fee for having the account. You may
also be given a rate based on the average ticket, which will be low if
you don't use it all of the time.
I took charge cards for years and quit about ten years ago. I was giving
another potter, who did not accept cards, a break. People kept coming
up with pots to buy and presenting their card. I explained in a friendly
manner that she did not accept cards but would be glad to take a check.
In most cases they just paid cash. At the next fair we stopped taking
cards. People who didn't have a check with them were allowed to take the
pots and send a check. After all of these years only one check did not
come in. After several unreturned calls and letters, I wrote to "Judge
Judy". A week later the check arrived. Usually the checks are
accompanied by notes thanking me for trusting them.
Some artists think it gives them an air of legitimacy to take cards.
And, for some media it is essential. If I were a jeweler I'd take cards
because jewelry can easily be taken apart, resold, or fenced. Who's
going to fence pots. So, I'd recommend you skip the card.
Kathi
>
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John Rodgers on mon 26 mar 07
Pam,
I use Propay. I find it inexpensive, easy to use. Never had a problem
with them. I don't use a card reader or imprinter. I just use a simple
receipt book on which I record all the customers info. - Name, address,
phone num, card type, card number, exp date, details of the purchase.
The customer signs my book, they get a copy, I keep original, and when I
get home after the show, I log onto the internet, go to the Propay
website and enter the data. Three days later, my funds are available for
transfer from my Propay account to my local checking account.
Works for me.
John Rodgers
Chelsea, AL
Pamela Regentin wrote:
> I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell alot of work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards. Someone on clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have used it and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other recommendations for credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need to use the service a few times a year, not every month.
>
> Thanks,
> Pam
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> TV dinner still cooling?
> Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
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> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
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>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
>
WJ Seidl on mon 26 mar 07
Pam:
I will not address which processor to use. That has been done to death and
is in the archives.
I will say this however:
Fully 70% of all sales by credit card are "impulse" purchases. I saw that
figure on a website, don't know if it's true or not, or how to prove it.
I do know from personal experience, though, that for myself it is TRUE. (I
proved it at NCECA (sigh) in the limited time I had in the exhibition hall.)
If you are not accepting credit cards, you are cutting yourself out of a lot
of sales.
Best,
Wayne Seidl
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Pamela Regentin
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 2:35 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: accepting credit cards for sales
I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell alot of
work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards. Someone on
clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have used it
and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other recommendations for
credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need to use the
service a few times a year, not every month.
Thanks,
Pam
---------------------------------
TV dinner still cooling?
Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
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Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Patty Kaliher on mon 26 mar 07
Costco has a credit card acceptance program for small business. They state
it is cheaper than others. If you are already a member of Costco, check it
out. Costco.com is the website.
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Pamela Regentin
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 2:35 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: accepting credit cards for sales
I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell alot of
work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards. Someone on
clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have used it
and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other recommendations for
credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need to use the
service a few times a year, not every month.
Thanks,
Pam
---------------------------------
TV dinner still cooling?
Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Gail Dapogny on mon 26 mar 07
Wayne is absolutely right. As a member of a guild which dragged its
feet (back in the 20th century) before finally getting credit card
technology. we saw our sales go up, and clearly the impulse buy thing
took place.
Gailo Dapogny in Ann Arbor, Michigan
On Mar 26, 2007, at 10:19 AM, WJ Seidl wrote:
> Pam:
> I will not address which processor to use. That has been done to
> death and
> is in the archives.
>
> I will say this however:
> Fully 70% of all sales by credit card are "impulse" purchases. I
> saw that
> figure on a website, don't know if it's true or not, or how to
> prove it.
> I do know from personal experience, though, that for myself it is
> TRUE. (I
> proved it at NCECA (sigh) in the limited time I had in the
> exhibition hall.)
>
> If you are not accepting credit cards, you are cutting yourself out
> of a lot
> of sales.
> Best,
> Wayne Seidl
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Pamela
> Regentin
> Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 2:35 AM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: accepting credit cards for sales
>
> I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell
> alot of
> work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards.
> Someone on
> clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have
> used it
> and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other
> recommendations for
> credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need
> to use the
> service a few times a year, not every month.
>
> Thanks,
> Pam
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> TV dinner still cooling?
> Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ______
> __
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
Rikki Gill on mon 26 mar 07
Try the Potters Council credit card plan. You can look at it on their
website. [potterscouncil dot org.]
I have it, and it works well for me. I only use it occasionally, and their
fee per month is about $3.50. I found it slow to set up at the beginning,
but works smoothly now.
Best,
Rikki Gill
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pamela Regentin"
To:
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2007 11:35 PM
Subject: accepting credit cards for sales
>I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell alot of
>work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards. Someone on
>clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have used it
>and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other recommendations for
>credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need to use
>the service a few times a year, not every month.
>
> Thanks,
> Pam
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> TV dinner still cooling?
> Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.18.15/728 - Release Date: 3/20/2007
>
>
Pamela Regentin on mon 26 mar 07
I appreciate everyone's recommendations about credit card services, especially from people who actually use and are pleased with a service. Also the opinions about whether or not to accept cards at all. I know I rarely carry my checkbook with me any more and use my debit card a lot. I am mostly concerned with the sales that will be over $100 (I have a few birdbaths and such) that people wouldn't have cash for. I think I should be able to take a card.
I wonder if I would be able to share a service contract with another artist or two that are on the tour? If we kept the books properly would that be feasible?
I will check out the service recommendations.
Thanks!
Pam
WJ Seidl wrote: Pam:
I will not address which processor to use. That has been done to death and
is in the archives.
I will say this however:
Fully 70% of all sales by credit card are "impulse" purchases. I saw that
figure on a website, don't know if it's true or not, or how to prove it.
I do know from personal experience, though, that for myself it is TRUE. (I
proved it at NCECA (sigh) in the limited time I had in the exhibition hall.)
If you are not accepting credit cards, you are cutting yourself out of a lot
of sales.
Best,
Wayne Seidl
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Pamela Regentin
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 2:35 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: accepting credit cards for sales
I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell alot of
work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards. Someone on
clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have used it
and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other recommendations for
credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need to use the
service a few times a year, not every month.
Thanks,
Pam
---------------------------------
TV dinner still cooling?
Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
---------------------------------
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Jennifer Boyer on mon 26 mar 07
The guy who sets these accounts up is flakey enough that it requires
your extra attention(call him if you haven't heard from him in
awhile) to get things going. But once things are set up it works great.
Jennifer
On Mar 26, 2007, at 11:55 AM, Rikki Gill wrote:
> Try the Potters Council credit card plan. You can look at it on their
> website. [potterscouncil dot org.]
> I have it, and it works well for me. I only use it occasionally,
> and their
> fee per month is about $3.50. I found it slow to set up at the
> beginning,
> but works smoothly now.
>
> Best,
>
> Rikki Gill
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Pamela Regentin"
> To:
> Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2007 11:35 PM
> Subject: accepting credit cards for sales
>
>
>> I am preparing for an open studio event next month. I hope to sell
>> alot of
>> work! I feel that I should be prepared to accept credit cards.
>> Someone on
>> clayart recommended ProPay and I was wondering if many people have
>> used it
>> and what they thought of it. Does anyone have any other
>> recommendations for
>> credit card services that aren't too expensive. I would only need
>> to use
>> the service a few times a year, not every month.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Pam
>>
>>
>>
>> ---------------------------------
>> TV dinner still cooling?
>> Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.
>>
>> _____________________________________________________________________
>> _________
>> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>>
>> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>>
>> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>> melpots@pclink.com.
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.18.15/728 - Release Date:
>> 3/20/2007
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
*****************************
Jennifer Boyer
Thistle Hill Pottery
Montpelier, VT
http://thistlehillpottery.com
*****************************
Lois Ruben Aronow on mon 26 mar 07
>>Some artists think it gives them an air of legitimacy to take cards.
And, for some media it is essential. If I were a jeweler I'd take cards
because jewelry can easily be taken apart, resold, or fenced. Who's going to
fence pots. So, I'd recommend you skip the card.
This is so untrue, and I'm going to ditto what Wayne and kathi said -
impulse purchases. It has nothing to do with stealing and fencing - it has
to do with getting paid for work you did. There are plenty of deadbeats out
there, and I would no sooner give away my pots to strangers than decide to
just hand them for free.
The monthly charge, if you shop around and do your homework, is a drop in
the bucket compared to the increased sales you'll see when you take credit
cards. Often, people will decide to buy an extra item ("I can't decide
which mug, so I'll take both") when you take credit cards. And when you
take cards, there is less room for haggling (gee...I only have $20. Will
you take that for this $35 mug?) I have RARELY experienced haggling, even
at studio sales.
I will also add that the "studio sale" is the generally START of your
selling business. When you move on to bigger shows, and shows that are
out-of-town, you'd be surprised how little cash you actually see. I walked
out of Baltimore with $200 bucks in cash - and I had a great show. On a
busy Saturday, I had not one cash sale. No one bothers to even ASK if you
take credit cards anymore - they just assume.
Lastly, be aware that if you are accepting credit cards, be ready to collect
AND PAY local sales taxes. I'm not advocating anything illegal, mind you.
It's just not possible to "hide" those sales.
..Lo
Lois Aronow Ceramics
www.loisaronow.com
www.craftsofthedamned.blogspot.com
Lois Ruben Aronow on tue 27 mar 07
You should be concerned with the smaller sales as well. People might have
enough cash for one small-ticket item - but may buy two if they can use a
credit card.
I doubt you can share a service contract with someone else (a credit check
is required, and do you really want to get into a financial business with
someone else?). I have had studio sales where only 1 person took credit
cards. The person with the account would pay the seller the amount of the
sale, minus the merchant fee (the percentage plus the transaction fee).
Not a bad one-time solution, but a pain in the ass, I think.
Jonathan Kirkendall on tue 27 mar 07
Hi Pam,
In my experience of selling at two weekly open air markets here in
Washington DC my sales went up about a third once I took the card.
Dialog with the customers went something like this:
Customer: "I think I'll take this mug. You don't accept cards, do you?"
Me: "Yes, I take cards."
Customer: "Oh, great! Well here, add these other mugs to the sale as
well, I might as well have a full set."
Me: "May the gods of commerce be thanked."
Customer: "What?"
Me: "Oh, nothing...."
Also, when you're calling around, you should know that some cards offer
services for "seasonal merchants." For me, that meant three months out
of the year I did not have to make any minimum sales. Naturally, I
chose Jan - Feb - March.
Jonathan in DC
Cherry blossoms in two weeks, but allergy season hit me today!
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