payment methods at card shows

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

square reader is so simple if you have a smart phone. I use it constantly for shows and auctions.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

square reader is so simple if you have a smart phone. I use it constantly for shows and auctions.

agreed!

A square reader is the difference between only being able to make a sale for the 40 bucks in someones pocket or now opening the door to sell a 2k item to anyone with the credit limit.

Every one should have one.

[steve B]

I have a friend who has Square, and the makerspace also had it for their retail space. It's pretty impressive, as it's not just a card processor, but has a lot of inventory management stuff that comes with it. You don't have to use that, but it's there. The basic thing works with a phone or tablet, and is a simple card reader. But it can be setup with a lot of optional stuff, a chip reader -Possibly a big plus, barcode scanner - maybe not so useful depending on inventory, There's a tablet stand that's pretty cool, and it also has a variety of cash drawers available.

[bigfish]

Can I ask why you’re r skittish about taking cash for purchases over 200 at shows?

[darwinbulldog]

Just prefer not to be robbed and figure it's more likely if there are people around who know I'm carrying hundreds of dollars in cash.

[bigfish]

Makes sense I guess. There are some unsavory characters in this hobby!!!

[joshuanip]

Would love to have people accept venmo. Its another form of pp friends and family. But really easy to use.

[GasHouseGang]

Originally Posted by bigfish

Makes sense I guess. There are some unsavory characters in this hobby!!!

Really? Where?

[vintagetoppsguy]

What prevents chargebacks? What's to keep a buyer from saying that their credit card was stolen and fraudulently used? I've thought about using Square too, but how do you protect yourself as a seller?

[timzcardz]

Originally Posted by darwinbulldog

Just prefer not to be robbed and figure it's more likely if there are people around who know I'm carrying hundreds of dollars in cash.

FWIW, "hundreds of dollars of cash" ain't what it used to be!

I don't know if I am anywhere near a typical buyer, but based on the complaints from many dealers about how slow business is, I likely have way more cash in my pocket than they do.

I only buy with cash and will have enough money to buy anything that may strike my fancy within reason.

[rsdill2]

I've set up at shows about 10 times. I have a square reader but never used it at a show. From my experience, everyone brings cash to a show, but the square reader is free so why not have one just so you don't miss a sale.

[Snapolit1]

Last few shows I attended bigger ticket items were paid by PayPal on the spot.

Seems like everyone is using Venmo these days. (Another very good reason to buy PayPal stock IMHO.)

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I use my square every show, I also have credit card placards displayed. I think it definitely attracts buyers to advertise they have options at your booth.