Question about The National

[that T206 Guy]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

As a vendor I accept checks from people that I know well or cash. I just don't have time to play with credit devices as there are usually 3 to 8 people at my booth buying or working on lists. I don't have enough eyes to be distracted in that manner. I lost a major theft to someone when I turned my back momentarily to run a credit card. Never again.

You can do it on your Phone Now.

No Need to Turn Your Back.

[Leon]

When I was in buying mode, first time around, I think I would bring upwards of 10k in cash. Nowadays when i go it is somewhere between 3k and 5k. I never worried about it. When I set up I will take almost anything except a CC as I don't have a personal merchant account. Folks can still pay on CC through Paypal though, which is how i earn 2% cash back when I use PP. I have also borrowed numerous wads of 100s, from friends at the National, to make cash purchases when I ran out of said cash. Where there is a will there's a way.
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[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by Leon

When I was in buying mode, first time around, I think I would bring upwards of 10k in cash. Nowadays when i go it is somewhere between 3k and 5k. I never worried about it. When I set up I will take almost anything except a CC as I don't have a personal merchant account. Folks can still pay on CC through Paypal though, which is how i earn 2% cash back when I use PP. I have also borrowed numerous wads of 100s, from friends at the National, to make cash purchases when I ran out of said cash. Where there is a will there's a way.
.

+1 on the cash. Just don't carry it all in one place (i.e., your wallet--and keep your wallet in your front pocket!) and be aware of what's going on around you, both on the show floor and to and from the parking lot. Somebody that's stepping right along with you, making every turn, is more than likely up to no good. Cash will often get you better deals (the 2015 National), but not always (not as much discount percentage wise at the 2016 national, IMHO).

Just be careful,

Larry

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

You can do it on your Phone Now.

No Need to Turn Your Back.

You can, I can't. I have a smart phone, but do not use internet. Good suggestion though. I'm an old dog and have trouble learning new tricks!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

You can, I can't. I have a smart phone, but do not use internet. Good suggestion though. I'm an old dog and have trouble learning new tricks!

Square on your phone doesn't use the internet. It's an app.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Square on your phone doesn't use the internet. It's an app.

Pretty sure you need internet to use a Square to process transactions.

EDIT: I went and looked and Square does allow you to make(record) transactions without internet. The transaction doesn't really take place till you do have an internet connection. That is pretty cool.

[Rich Falvo]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Pretty sure you need internet to use a Square to process transactions.

EDIT: I went and looked and Square does allow you to make(record) transactions without internet. The transaction doesn't really take place till you do have an internet connection. That is pretty cool.

The tricky part is that you are assuming the risk that the transaction will be declined when it does get sent.

[that T206 Guy]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Pretty sure you need internet to use a Square to process transactions.

EDIT: I went and looked and Square does allow you to make(record) transactions without internet. The transaction doesn't really take place till you do have an internet connection. That is pretty cool.

It is 2018

I know alot of People and the Only People I know that do not have Internet on their Phone are my Grandparents who are in their 90's.

[midmo]

I always take 5k+ cash. Never had a problem. I did have a problem with paypal at the Baltimore National though. I tried calling customer service and was on hold for about a half hour before I gave up. Turns out they put a hold on my account because they thought the transaction was fraudulent. I wasn't able to get the hold lifted until I was back home.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by midmo

I always take 5k+ cash. Never had a problem. I did have a problem with paypal at the Baltimore National though. I tried calling customer service and was on hold for about a half hour before I gave up. Turns out they put a hold on my account because they thought the transaction was fraudulent. I wasn't able to get the hold lifted until I was back home.

You coming to Cleveland Justin?

[RedsFan1941]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

It is 2018

I know alot of People and the Only People I know that do not have Internet on their Phone are my Grandparents who are in their 90's.

please define “alot”

[conor912]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

It is 2018

I know alot of People and the Only People I know that do not have Internet on their Phone are my Grandparents who are in their 90's.

...but I bet they know how to capitalize properly.

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

It is 2018

I know alot of People and the Only People I know that do not have Internet on their Phone are my Grandparents who are in their 90's.

I guess we will never meet. I have a flip phone. No need for an idiot phone. The only person I would call with it is my wife and that is just when I am travelling. Under 60 and comfortable with technology that I use and need. I also still shoot film with my Nikons and use film scanners and photoshop along with real darkrooms.

[edhans]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

It is 2018

I know alot of People and the Only People I know that do not have Internet on their Phone are my Grandparents who are in their 90's.

I'm in my 60s, have a flip phone and do not accept electronic payments. I'm not the only one either.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Square on your phone doesn't use the internet. It's an app.

Interesting, might look into it.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

Interesting, might look into it.

I have to say Square has been a boon to my business. I wanted to use Paypals processing to keep all my business with one company but for some mysterious reason they didn't approve me. So I went with Square and I've never regretted it.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

I have to say Square has been a boon to my business. I wanted to use Paypals processing to keep all my business with one company but for some mysterious reason they didn't approve me. So I went with Square and I've never regretted it.

Thanks for the advice!

[Steve_NY]

I have set up at every show but the first four shows. I have never accepted credit cards. I prefer cash and have accepted checks in the past, but now I hold the items until the check clears. I have accepted Paypal cash as well but not for very pricey items. In most cases, anyone who gives me a check comes back and pays in cash usually on that same day. Believe it or not, I have known a number of buyers who carry $100,000+ to a show, and sometimes with a bodyguard. Everyone has their own limits, so I am not suggesting that you do the same, just that you could lose out on a special item if you assume that most sellers take credit cards.

Stop by and say hello at booth 600.

Steve Sabow

[chalupacollects]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

Interesting, might look into it.

It uses your data plan unless you set your phone to connect to Wi-Fi when available...

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by chalupacollects

It uses your data plan unless you set your phone to connect to Wi-Fi when available...

Thank you for the information.