Payment method for home parties

[xhale2007]

Hi guys,

I'm in the planning stages of a new venture which will include parties at other peoples houses.

I would like to collect payment by card and cash.

Cash is simple, but what's the best method for taking card payments in this situation.

Can I collect peoples card details on a order form (like the offers in the back of newspapers) then put then through my website on behalf of the customer? Or through a virtual terminal?

Thanks in advance for you answers/help

Dan

 

[Formidable Photography]

I don't think you'd get many people happy to write all their card details down nowadays?

I remember reading about this some time ago - https://squareup.com/ - no idea if it's any good or if you've even got an iPhone but might be worth a look?

Hope that helps,

Mark

EDIT: Sorry, that only works in the US but there might be something similar for the UK?

 

[Billmccallum]

Simple solution is to take a laptop with wireless connection with you and get the customers to order on the night.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

There are these people.
http://www.adelante.co.uk/mobilepos.html

 

[xhale2007]

Thanks for the ideas, it will be self employed people selling for us, ( like ann summers). I'm on the understanding they take payments on the order form?

 

[gemd89]

Forgot how ann summers take payments now! I thought it was cash at the party?

Gemma

 

[xhale2007]

From what i can make out, nearly all the home parties take payment by way of order form, then pass it onto the compant to process.

Whats the law about collecting details like this :/

Dan

 

[WJP]

What's wrong with Bill's suggestion? Check beforehand you can use the host's wireless and there you go. Much more straightforward I would've thought.

 

[xhale2007]

The problem with that is, its not going to be me doing the parties, it will be other people who may not have a laptop, cant get / wont allow wireless access at the party.

Its ok for the time being, as my partner is going to be doing the parties, so she can collect payments via our laptop/wireless dongle.

 

[gemd89]

Why not just take cash? Or send people an email invoice after the party with paypal?

Are you going to be going to peoples houses and leaving the products with them or will the products be delivered after

Gemma

 

[Sparx]

Or why not just rent a Mobile GPRS chip & pin machine?

http://www.cardsave.net/card-machines/mobile

 

[AdelanteSoftwareLtd]

Hi Dan

We have launched a new iPhone and Android application that helps you take card payments through your phone.

Basically, when you want to make a transaction, you insert the customers card details, which are not saved on the application (secure), add the amount and any transaction charges, submit and the transaction will show as successful or not.

The transaction will go straight into your account, where you only pay us some start-up fees.

Feel free to call us on 01628 820500 to learn more about our products.

Or you can visit: adelante.co.uk/iPhone.html for more info.

Best of luck

Andy