The Square!

Recently I did a craft show, which I have done many times before, but this show I had a new 'gadget' to help with sales!!!  Square is a credit/debit card reader that plugs into your android or smart phone and allows you to take payments!  My son originally told me about this new device.  The best part about it: it's free!  Obviously you pay a fee each time you swipe for payment which amounts to 2.75 percent, which is less than most credit card processing companies charge.  But to order the device, there is no fee.  It arrives in just a few days; next you sign up for an account online; then you download the free app to your phone, sign in to your account, plug in your card reader and you are ready to go!

I used the device at my show, which worked fine and was a big hit with the customers.  People are always interested in new gadgets and I had people standing around my booth just to watch!!  The only problem seemed to be an older card that would not read, even though it was tried several times. But this is not unusual, since I have had this happen with one of my older cards at the supermarket! Anyway, my customer's daughter used her card and I still made the sale!

Another craft bazaar is coming up in a week and I plan to use it again.  People only carry so much cash to a craft show and  I am hoping that the ability to process credit card payments will enhance my sales, especially on larger items (like quilts).

Anyone else using the Square or planning to??? Love to know what you think.