Card Machine...Yes or No ? - Page 2

calla · 14-08-08, 06:40 AM

If you join the FSB you can apply for a card machine with Streamline. The normal set up fee of £200 is waived, and the monthly fee is £14.94, and the starting merchant fee is 1.95%, reducing to 1.65% after 6 months. This is for a fixed terminal, but via the FSB you can have a wireless terminal if you prefer. The fees are slightly different for that, but I can't remember what they are!

nicjill · 14-08-08, 08:50 AM

I have a card machine and it really made a difference to my takings! I've had it almost since day 1 so can't remember what I was taking before but I know my takings shot up. There are so many people who are willing to spend more if they use their credit card as it doesn't seem like 'real money', plus they are not restricted by how much caash they are carrying. I think they are a must these days in a salon. Just shop around for a good deal.

HelenRobinson · 14-08-08, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bombini

I took my terminal out with Silverpay for several reasons although they are one of the more expensive companies (5% per transaction) and approx £30 per month rental there is only a 3 month initial contract which is brilliant as all of the other companies I looked at are between 12 - 36 months

a longtime if your card machine isn't popular or to expensive.

When the three months are nearly up I will start to investigate other companies and see what offers they have but tbh although 5% & £30 pm sounds a lot the benefits I have seen outway the negatives.

I found that as I needed a mobile terminal (I use the hair salon number for bookings only & unable to have card terminal on their line) the rates are not particuarly competitive from the banks and I didn't want to be tied into a long contract.

Overall I am really impressed with it and wish id got it in sooner, I have had some clients that paid cash from day one and never bought retail go product crazy as sooner as they could pay by card.

The other bonus was that it was sent out boxed up within 5 days and all I had to do was charge it up and away I go, one company I spoke with insisted a sales rep comes out to meet you then the whole process takes FOUR weeks

Bombini Thank you for your endorsement. It's always nice to hear when customers are happy with the service and product they receive, and we pride ourselves on offering a premium service compared to that of the big four banks.
The 5% transaction charge is due to “SilverPay” being the merchant so there is no need for you to have any relationship or lengthy contract with a bank other than an account for your monies to be deposited in. It also gives you the ability to accept American Express & Diners Club cards, which would involve you in additional merchant accounts and extra expense.
SilverPay don't charge any minimums, unlike the banks who usually charge upwards of £20.00 per month if your card business percentages do not reach a minimum monthly threshold.
SilverPay offer a customer help-desk that is U.K based and will support you if there are any problems, are able to process an urgent payment for you if there is a terminal problem, replace the terminal within 48 hours if it fails, defend any customer charge backs on your behalf, etc.

SilverPay also give an online service, a virtual terminal “free” with the mobile terminal so you can take card holder not present payments (booking fees, course fees, gift vouchers etc) and also view your account online.
The online service is available as an individual product at very reasonable rates for those who have internet access in their place of work and do not see their customer face to face (ie; all transactions are customer not present).
Its been proven time after time to raise revenue especially when there are complimentary treatments and products available. It also makes a business look professional.

HelenRobinson · **SilverPay -** 18-08-08, 03:20 PM

If any one would like more information please pm me for details, thanks x

hippy-chick · 18-08-08, 03:35 PM

I have been thinking about this for a while as new clients are always gutted when I don't take a card.
I work from 2 venues, so would I be able to use the terminal from both of them?

calla · 18-08-08, 05:18 PM

Ann, you can get wireless terminals from 123Send, also via the FSB. You can eithr buy or lease them depending on whether you want a long contract with them. V useful for mobile/multi-location therapists!

hippy-chick · 18-08-08, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calla

Ann, you can get wireless terminals from 123Send, also via the FSB. You can eithr buy or lease them depending on whether you want a long contract with them. V useful for mobile/multi-location therapists!

thanks Calla,
would I be able to take details from people over the phone who wish to pay for courses, or a deposit on a treatment?

calla · 18-08-08, 06:58 PM

Yep, you can have a "cardholder not present" function added to your terminal.

Jinny · 18-08-08, 09:53 PM

I bank with the Abbey and I got a credit card terminal through Streamline. The were no set up fees and I pay £15 per month plus Vat. At first my transaction fees were 30p for each debit card transaction and 2.5%for every credit card put through the terminal. After a year I called them to ask if they were prepared to reduce my fees and I now pay 22p and 1.9%.

jenny2 · 19-08-08, 05:26 PM

I have voted no, but think it is a great idea, but for people just starting would probably work out costly, but overall great idea

bombini · 19-08-08, 06:18 PM

Jenny I agree that if you are just starting out it can be costly but I suppose it depends on the situation.

For mobile therapists I guess clients would not expect the therapist to have a card machine but I think salons definetely should have them (maybe not so necessary if just renting a room) I never carry cash and always get frustrated if I go somewhere that doesn't accept cards.

Carol at CottageNails · **Phone Line -** 19-08-08, 08:54 PM

I am opening a salon on the 2nd ept, and thought about having a card payment machine. I have been working from home from 4 years and always been paid with cash/cheques from clients, as I had no other method. The shop I am renting does not have a landline phone and neither does the hairdresser next door whom I am renting from. I shall be using my mobile phone at work and home tel.no. on an evening when closed. Do I need a landline phone for a card terminal. The hairdresser does not want a card machine in her salon but I wouldnt mind especially if it boost takings.

regards
Carol
Cottage Nails/Beauty

Martin Duffy · 19-08-08, 09:25 PM

You'll need a landline for a card machine; I don't know any that work without them.

calla · 19-08-08, 10:25 PM

What about the wifi ones, Martin? Do they need a landline too?

Carol at CottageNails · 19-08-08, 10:41 PM

Hi.

Do you need a landline phone for a card payment machine as I am using my mobile phone at work Cheers

Carol
Cottage Nails

View Poll Results: Do you have a credit card machine ?
Yes	48	42.48%
No	65	57.52%
Voters: 113. You may not vote on this poll