NT-Disappointed with Clients Principals

[JohnH]

I decided to just put a "MEMO" on my regular invoices letting clients know I can invoice them via PayPal if they wish. All they have to do is send me an email (or call if they are still communicating the old-fashioned way), and I'll send them a PayPal invoice.

I spent about 15-20 minutes formatting the PayPal invoice so that it reflects my business name, etc. and references the original invoice I sent them. Looks nice.

[geekgirldany]

Paypal

Here is the info on Paypal:

https://merchant.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/?cmd=_render-content&content_ID=merchant/online_invoicing

I've been using the Credit Card service in QBs. Plus got a few of my clients signed up with it. Was cheaper than a "regular" merchant with a card swipe and for one client it came out cheaper even using one with Intuit.

[Lion]

Swipe

I pay a slightly higher percentage to key into my computer than if I had a swiper. But, I pay an even higher percentage to use the gadget on my iPhone (all through QB where my ProAdvisor membership gets me good discounts, no minimum monthly fees, etc.). So, swiping on my iPhone is cheaper than entering on my iPhone but still more expensive than swiping on my computer (which I don't due to the added expense of a swiper) and about the same cost or a bit higher than just entering on my computer.

Just use PayPal if you can't find a cheaper processor. PayPal takes checks and credit cards.

[joanmcq]

With most, it seems if you key the number, the percentage you pay is higher. And since I don't use QB for my accounting, that option is lost. My website also allows for a paypal link, so I do plan on setting that up too.

[Lion]

Microphone Jack

My iPhone swiper uses the microphone jack. Maybe it would work on the microphone jack in my computer, if I install the software.... But, I'm content just keying in the info on my computer to accept credit cards.

[spanel]

not square. cell phone only. unless they were talking about an "IPAD" computer.


Chris

[oceanlovin'ea]

attach to computer

someone said you can get one that attaches to the computer. That would work for me. I really don't need it on my phone since I won't use it anywhere except my office.

Linda, EA

[joanmcq]

The Square is about an inch square. No problems with taking up desk space...I would have a bigger problem with misplacing the **** thing! and I already have an iPhone, so no problem there. I'm likely to get both that and Paypal.

I'm starting to get clients that use checks so infrequently they can't find their checkbooks. One said I was the only check he's written all year.

[JohnH]

I think with PayPal, the fees come into play when you want the money moved to your bank account. So, find some merchants YOU can pay via PayPal so you're using PayPal like just another bank account and not have to move funds to your checking account.

I didn't know this about PayPal. I use it all the time to pay for ebay transactions and internet purchases. So with no need to move the funds to a checking account, you're saying that PayPal invoicing doesn't cost anything. That's great news - thanks...

[spanel]

I have 2 comments:

second is about taking credit cards. I am researching this and will probably make this change before tax season starts. I had a client and an EA at a seminar I was at last weekend both tell me about Square. Website is squareup.com But I also got an email today from National Notary Association that said Get paid via your phone/tablet. Free credit card reader. They process though Intuit GoPayment so it may be the same as QB. This one said if you process under $1000 per month there is no monthly fee, no set up fee, no minimum monthly amount. Swiped cards at 2.7%. There was a little 1 beside that and it sounded like Intuit might have a charge. So I think I will check out Square first.

We have to keep up with the times. If we can take credit cards that easily we need to do it. My only problem is that I don't have a "smart" phone. My phone has internet access although I don't have it right now. That will cost me an extra fee per month on my phone. So I have to go to Verizon wireless to see if my phone will work or if I have to upgrade my phone. I don't get a free upgrade till next summer.

I love the stories. I don't feel so bad when I read what all of you are going through too.

Linda EA

No need to go to verizon to ask about square.. the answer is no. You need an Andriod/Apple/Blackberry phone for it to work. I read they will start selling the card readers for square at walmart/bestbuy shortly. I took over $1000 in payments with it (dont advertise cc) and it went smoothly.

Chris

[Lion]

Internet

Your computer must have internet. Take credit cards via computer. Use Intuit or PayPal or another merchant account. You'll pay a fraction more to key in the info instead of swiping the card, but you'll save buying or leasing a machine and having it take up valuable desk real estate. The few bucks a year you'll pay in fees is worth it to get money in your bank faster. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to pay you.

I think with PayPal, the fees come into play when you want the money moved to your bank account. So, find some merchants YOU can pay via PayPal so you're using PayPal like just another bank account and not have to move funds to your checking account.

[oceanlovin'ea]

I have 2 comments:

1 is for Luke. That employee will probably make such a mess of the bookkeeping or post things like boss wants her to that you wouldn't be able to do an accurate tax return. Tell him no deal!!!

second is about taking credit cards. I am researching this and will probably make this change before tax season starts. I had a client and an EA at a seminar I was at last weekend both tell me about Square. Website is squareup.com But I also got an email today from National Notary Association that said Get paid via your phone/tablet. Free credit card reader. They process though Intuit GoPayment so it may be the same as QB. This one said if you process under $1000 per month there is no monthly fee, no set up fee, no minimum monthly amount. Swiped cards at 2.7%. There was a little 1 beside that and it sounded like Intuit might have a charge. So I think I will check out Square first.

We have to keep up with the times. If we can take credit cards that easily we need to do it. My only problem is that I don't have a "smart" phone. My phone has internet access although I don't have it right now. That will cost me an extra fee per month on my phone. So I have to go to Verizon wireless to see if my phone will work or if I have to upgrade my phone. I don't get a free upgrade till next summer.

I love the stories. I don't feel so bad when I read what all of you are going through too.

Linda EA

[JohnH]

I liked the "I'm Billing You For This" coffee cup. There are times when I'd like to have that on hand to place in front of the client.

[ChEAr$]

That tequila amortization t shirt reminds me of the sum of the years' digits depreciation method.
And I see there is a tee shirt just for Norm Peterson.

[BHoffman]

http://shop.cafepress.com/accountant

Apparently, there's a market for accountant jokes