Credit card virtual terminal

[glennbtn]

I would like to start taking credit cards payments from my customers for IT services when on sites. Is there a low cost solution to take these as I am a sole trader who has just started up.

Thanks

Glenn

[Rags]

If you join the FSB, you can use Streamline at a heavily discounted rate.

http://www.fsb.org.uk/default.aspx?id=5&loc=FSBbenefits&re=default.asp

[NetConneXions]

or upgrade your paypal to web payments pro, costs £20 a month and 4.3% percent per transaction may put you off slightly.

[OldWelshGuy]

Paypal pro is ideal for what you want.

[SFD]

I use a virtual terminal on ProtX which is ~£20 per month
I use HBOS as a merchant account which was £100 to set up and minimum £10 a month after that.

I am charged 30p for debit cards and 1.4% on credit cards transactions. First £10 is covered from monthly payment.

I can log in from anywhere, input details and get confirmation straight away.

This, although having higher setup costs, may work out cheaper for you, it depends on your turnover really. HBOS are good too as they don't require you to have been trading over 6 months like a lot of banks do.

[stugster]

If you're fixing the computers, would you maybe be better offering your invoices online and taking payments online as well?

[glennbtn]

The online invoice\online payment is fine with businesses but when it comes to dealing with home users one really need to get paid at the time if you know what I mean.

I understand if you use the paypal virtual terminal you need to go through some sort of vetting service. What's this all about?

Cheers

Glenn

[Burden]

vetting just checks your T+C of business and Privacy Policy etc. and checks your site to make sure nothing "dodgy" about it.

Doesnt take long at all

[stugster]

I'd be surprised if you find a card machine issuer/merchant that wont hold onto your money for at least 14 days. If you find one that lets it out quicker, let me know.

I use google checkout at the moment purely because I get paid within a few days. Most clients are more than happy to log in whilst you're there to pay the invoice - if not, you open the window and tell them to "feckin do it as soon as I leave, or else!!!" ;)

[glennbtn]

LOL like it Stugster

[KidsBeeHappy]

I'd be surprised if you find a card machine issuer/merchant that wont hold onto your money for at least 14 days. If you find one that lets it out quicker, let me know.

I use google checkout at the moment purely because I get paid within a few days. Most clients are more than happy to log in whilst you're there to pay the invoice - if not, you open the window and tell them to "feckin do it as soon as I leave, or else!!!" ;)


Hi Sugs

Protx, with streamline, RBS business account = cleared money in the bank in 2 working days. (Moto as well as online payments)
If you are FSB then there are no set up costs or monthly fees for the Streamline account, just the Protx basic £20pm. And, if you can persuade all you customers to pay by debit card...........:D

[Page]

You might like to go down the portable physical terminal route.

These give a diiferent look/feel/impression and might be easier to take payment and move on quickly.

Cost about £25 a month to hire plus the merchant account.

[KateCB]

I too use PROTX with HSBC, but we are not charged a monthly fee by HSBC - BTW the charges for processing have just gone up with HSBC - got a letter this morning (generic) telling us that the charges were going to1.88% and 'Are not negotiable' !

Protx is reliable, I can access it anywhere and get all the daily, weekly or monthly reports I need quickly.

They transfer funds into your bank account at midnight every night....so they don't hold your money for longer than 24 hours - if someone orders at 11.55pm, it's in your bank by 12.01am! Great for cashflow and reconciliation at month end!

[tic-tac-toe]

I use google checkout at the moment purely because I get paid within a few days.

Google is busy shuttering a number of projects that weren't going anywhere and is refocusing its efforts on its core business.

When it comes to Google Checkout Google is throwing in the towel in the worst way possible: it's hiking fees. Effective 5th May Checkout merchants will see their fee structure shifted to a tiered system that's more expensive. In the UK, the new tiers are:

* Less than £1500 in monthly sales: 3.4% + £0.20
* £1500 - £5999.99 in monthly sales: 2.9% + £0.20
* £6000 - £14999.99 in monthly sales: 2.4% + £0.20
* £15000 - £54999.99 in monthly sales: 1.9% + £0.20
* £55000 or more in monthly sales: 1.4% + £0.20