Square
I was reading American Express’ newsletter article, 12 Cool Holiday Gift Ideas for Business Owners,
when I saw something of interest. I don’t think it qualifies as a gift idea. Well, maybe if you give gifts like a frying pan to your wife or a battery powered screwdriver for your husband. (Yes, I’m stereotyping here. There are some of us who could go with either and others for whom it’s the opposite!)
Anyway, there’s a portable credit card reader that’s available from SquareUp.com. Look at the photo to see how easy it is to use. This reader allows you to utilize your “smartphone to process credit cards on the go”. You don’t need a credit card processing machine…which you’d have to connect to power somewhere and set up at a table. And you definitely don’t need a cash register!
This is probably great for those who are having a yard sale. (Whoever heard of credit cards at a yard sale?! Well, this makes it possible/easy.) Or great for a business owner or employee who is selling only a few items, say at a conference, seminar, etc. If you will potentially be scanning tens of credit cards, obviously it’s better to go with a credit card processing machine.
And oh, by the way, this handy dandy gadget by SquareUp.com, called a Square, is free! You just pay a 2.75% processing fee per transaction.
