Do you take on-site orders? Then you might want to look at the new Square.
Announced a few months ago, the Square was just released and allows photographers to be able to accept Credit Cards anywhere you can get a signal on your iPhone or Android phone.
Even better, there’s no merchant account needed and no monthly fee.
The app is well designed and good looking, and has some cool features, like the ability to send SMS receipts, or the ability to calculate tips or taxes.
The drawback is that there is a maximum fee that can be accepted using the service, which some people claim to be as low as $100, with a maximum of $700 in transactions per week. (This information is not currently available on the Square Website.) This amount is expected to increase as time goes on, but for now, very few photographers will be accepting wedding downpayments using the Square.
Still, it is something for all you US photographers to check out (the Square is currently not available anywhere else)
Photographers if you like the idea of square be sure to check out our article on Payware Mobile for the iPhone as well.
Back Home
2 Comments at "Don’t be a Square, use a Square"
Hi Trent
Phone payment has been mainstream in Japan for about 6 years now. You could also get refund, credit and gift certificates through your phone in Japan which is essentially the same as getting payment.
The problem in North America, in my opinion (and I don’t know jack about the finance system), is that there is a monopoly on on-line payment and no one is about to let loose.
I still don’t understand how you can get payment with a credit card without paying fees to the credit card companies. Credit card companies make a fortune from machine rentals and merchant monthly fees. Let’s see how they react.
By the way, here in Canada we have the most advanced banking system in the world. It is true that it’s a bit conservative but I MUCH prefer it to be like that than having a wild west monetary system.
Go Habs Go!!
Motti
Motti – I hear Verifone’s mobile card swiper is due in Canada shortly. No low limits like square.
Comment Now!