How to Accept Credit Cards at Craft Shows: 4 Steps

Questions and Answers

Accepting credit cards at craft shows can be tricky, because you need a way to take the card information and determine that the card is valid. For this reason, many merchants opt to go cash-only, which can reduce your sales as many customers prefer using credit cards. Several companies now offer mobile credit card processing which allows you to use your web-enabled device, such as a smart phone or tablet, to accept credit cards at craft shows.

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Steps

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   Open a merchant account with a company that supports mobile credit card transactions. Several companies offer this service, possibly including your current bank. The company you choose depends on your budget and personal needs. Some companies charge on a per-transaction basis while others charge a monthly rate and may charge additional fees per transaction. If you only do credit card transactions a few times per month, an account that charges per-transaction may be more cost-effective.

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2. 

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   Install a card reader on your web-enabled device for more accuracy. Some smart phone manufacturers make Bluetooth card readers that allow you to swipe the card directly into your phone. If you opt not to use a reader, you can enter the card information manually using the keypad on your phone.

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   Log into your merchant account online with your web enabled device. Enter the credit card information manually, or swipe the card with the card reader. Follow the merchant account’s instructions for processing the sale.

4. 

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   Write a receipt for the sale and present it to your customer. Write the last 4 digits of the customer’s credit card number, the security code and the expiration date on the back of your copy of the receipt. Record the customer’s name and phone number as well. Write the transaction amount and the date of the transaction on your and your customer’s copies of the receipt. Maintaining your receipts helps you keep track of your transactions. Having the customer’s contact information helps you get in touch with the customer in the event of a charge-back.

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