New Party Plan style Business - how do I accept payments via credit cards ??????

DSmiffy

Hi all, just in the process of setting up a small business (jewellery, watches etc.) and am thinking of going down the party plan line. How would I go about accepting payments from customers via a credit card.
Is it possible, or is there a lot of outlay? How do I go about it?
Also, what are the pitfalls regarding security and fraud, am I covered at all?

Currently advertising on eBay and using Paypal or postal orders / cheques, however, these are pretty much useless for party plan payments. I could only use cheques with bankers card or cash, but, as we are a plastic society, most people expect to be able to pay with a credit card.
Any useful tips at all??
Many thanks in advance

Teresa60

I've held a few parties selling jewellery and lamps. On the invitation I said that I accept cash or cheques. All of the customers paid by cash and I think most people expect that at a party plan evening, so I wouldnt worry about it.

gonzo10

Try https://www.adelante.co.uk they offer creditcard payments over mobile phones.

Gonzo

Savvy_Sue

There have been a few previous threads about credit card payments in similar situations, so worth doing a look for that, but I'm with Teresa, I wouldn't expect to be able to pay by credit card at a party sales event. You will incur charges on all these transactions so you really do need to make sure the volume justifies it before you do it. Why not start that way and then see if you are losing any business because of NOT taking plastic before you commit yourself?

It might be different if you were going to markets and specialist fairs on a regular basis, where you're up against perhaps a more 'professional' style (not suggesting you're not professional, btw, hope you understand what I mean), but if it really is party plan in people's homes then I'd keep it simple for as long as possible!

tomstickland

Random thought: I paid via credit card using http://www.btclickandbuy.com/ the other day. Might be worth checking out their charges.

DSmiffy

Gonzo, thanks for the info, I have pm'd you.

gonzo10 wrote:

Try https://www.adelante.co.uk they offer creditcard payments over mobile phones.

Gonzo

DSmiffy

Thanks for all the advice, will have a look at the adelante website and see if that's what I need. Of course the right thing to do in the early stages is, as savvysue and theresa60 stated, deal in cash and cheques only and make that clear from the start.
Thanks to all..