Credit cards ? or cash/check only ?
I used to accept Visa and MC as a form of payment but when fees skyrocketed I gave up and have been only accepting cash or checks. It is not only the fees charged but the inconvenience of having to leave the room, have another phone line to pay for...etc.. As far as safety (guarantee) I don't need it. My clients are only word of mouth referrals, nobody off the street. However, with the economy , maybe more people would be willing to indulge in pro skin care if they were able to charge their purchases. I would like to know if other independent, selfemployed estheticians accept credit cards.(obviously a full service spa, etc...will accept those!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Turner on
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Hi Cora,
Before I opened my day spa, I was a solo esty and I definitely accepted CC. People will spend more !
Some friends use the Cell Charge service, where you phone in your CC sales from your cell phone I think. No terminal to rent or extra phone line needed. I can't imagine not accepting them.....
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Permalink Reply by Cora Ariella on
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Thank you , Mary. Good point...people will spend more if all they need is to sign. It's been so long (7years) since I accepted cc that I don't remember the spending traits of my clients. Of course, the economy was booming. I like the idea of Cell charge, honestly don't know how I missed it. Anyone out there that has it, I would appreciate any leads, otherwise I'll google it myself.
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Permalink Reply by Nondy Llewellyn on
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http://SquareUp.com may be your answer. Someone else here was going to try this (I work in a med/surg center, so I can't) and for 2.75% per swipe (plugs into your Smart Phone) and deposits into your account the next day...
Looks AWESOME to me!
Nondy
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Thanks Nondy, I will check it up. I also work in a plastic surgery clinic (had for the last 18 years) but I am an independent "partner". I rent my space just like the other 3 doctors. They already have 5 (!!!) phone lines dedicated to credit cards. I have my own direct line that I might be able to split. The truth is that between email, Facebook, texting and cell phones, my land line hardly gets any use. It's that I have had it since 1993, same number. So I understand that you do accept cc, although I don't understand why being in a surgi-center would prevent you from using your Smartphone). It really helps to talk to other esties. Thanks again Nondy, have a great day. Cora
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Permalink Reply by Gina Williamson on
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I love Intuit's GoPayment- and ASCP just recently took them on as a merchant so we can now get a discount even!! Super easy- use your cell phone or iPad- only charged per use.
www.gopayment.com
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Permalink Reply by Rachel Collins on
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Yes! I have heard this was a great way to go. All the booths at waterway mkt use it and I asked them if they liked it. All said yes! I use Elevon through Costco, but square Up! Is cheaper than that! I do think you need a smart phone, possibly an iPhone.
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Permalink Reply by Amber on
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I use square with my iPhone and it's awesome! 2.75% on all cards, keeps track of sales for easy tax prep and is free. No monthly fees and the swiper was free as well
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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Bourbon on
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I am an esthetician who has been working independently for 10 years. I have always accepted credit cards,If I could do it all over again I would probably just accept cash and checks. If your good and your clients love you, they will find a way to make it work. I am getting killed by fees. It's ridiculous! It's a tough decision! Maybe it would be worth it to your clients to give them a little discount on product when they pay by cash or check. I'd much rather put the money back in there pocket then the banks.
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Kimberly, for the first 10 (ten years) of my business I accepted cc when you could do it manually (you know, the old metal thing that you swipe the card and it makes an imprint, they sign...). I don't think I lost any business when I explained why it will have to be cash or checks only....The question is weather the client spends more with a cc....and I now know the answer to be yes. This is a different economy and we have to constantly reinvent the wheel if we want to stay alive. Don't regret that you are killed by the fees...see if you can go cash/check only or find a better bank to do business with. I have to tell you that a lot of times, clients "forget" a check at home. I give them an envelope and they mail it later. Nobody has stiffed me yet, but I need to keep track of that , too.
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Stein on
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I am an independent owner and although I dislike the fees of the phone line the income far outweighs the cost! If a facial client wants to pay cash for her facial services but can put her retail on c/c that usually brings in any where between $50-$250 per client! Sometimes service and retail go on c/c but it is a convenience that may make all the difference in their coming in at all. I personally dont carry that kind of cash on me so I wouldnt expect my clients to do so. Its just part of business today!
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Andrea, I agree, please see my reply above. Thanks for your feedback. However, when I leave $200 at my hairdresser's it's always in cash.....
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Permalink Reply by Holly Green Langley on
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I use paypal. It can be pricey. www.paypal.com I find that once new clients arrive they tend to add $100+ buying skin care products. I always hear, "I am so glad you accept credit cards". I love having my business paper-free and everything is on line. I have it set up where my clients do not need to sign a slip. A receipt is emailed to their email.
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