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JAEIII Veteran user 310 Posts |
I'm returning to magic from a multi-year break. I used to be happy just accepting cash and checks for a birthday party, but I assume these days credit cards are the way to go. I would think (correct me if I'm wrong) that more people would be willing to spend the money on a show if they can use their credit card instead of coming up with the cash. Do you accept credit cards for your birthday parties? Do you use a specific phone app to do this? Do you charge the card in advance? Do you charge a little more to cover any credit card fees you have to pay?
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
Believe In Magic....I do!
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10585 Posts |
Absolutely. We used to only accept them for corporate accounts that wanted to pay this way, but these days even for our kids parties many people prefer to pay by cards. Mostly debit card, so I would suggest being able to accept both credit and debit.
Where it used to be a hard process to be able to accept card payments through a merchant account through merchant services, today it is easier than ever with Square, Paypal, and Clover to name just a few. You will find that you will earn greater tips, more likely for the client to add extras, add-ons, upsells, or overtime, etc. Also, it is fantastic for getting advance payments in full or at least a deposit payment in advance and on the day of you can just ask if they would like to pay cash or check, or if you should just put in on their card on file. Many benefits ad advantages to accepting cards. I also think for kids performers there is a professional perception at play as well. |
danfreed Inner circle West Chester PA 1354 Posts |
Yes, I require deposits for most parties, and I invoice them $100 via Square, unless they prefer to mail a check. I tell them balance payable cash or check, but if they want to pay balance on card I can swipe their card at the party, though once in a while I have connection issues so I have invoice them online later that day. I prefer invoices by card online cause getting people to mail a check is troublesome and takes time, it's just easier online. The downside is the fees, which add up, but are a cost of doing business. I prefer balance in cash or check to avoid the fees, and most people don't mind paying that way. Most people don't hire you only because they can pay by card, but for many preschools and corporate clients they greatly prefer to pay by card for both deposit and balance because paperwork is a hassle for them and takes a long time to cut a check, and that may delay your payment as well.
Dan Freed
AKA The Amazing Spaghetti https://www.magiciandanfreed.com/birthday-party-magician-for-kids http://thecaricatureartist.com http://danieljayfreed.com |
randysburtis New user 68 Posts |
In the US do you have e-transfer? It is a banking option where they email the amount with a question only you answer. You do that and $ yours. Some banks charge a fee after a certain amount...
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
I accept all major credit cards but charge a 5% surcharge for cards. I have never had a client balk at the fee, and they know when they book me that it applies.
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randysburtis New user 68 Posts |
They know from your website or during negotiation chats?
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 4, 2019, randysburtis wrote: From negotiations, as well as my contract. |
randysburtis New user 68 Posts |
Sweet. I need to look further into this as well.
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TKD27 Elite user Wallingford, CT 458 Posts |
In some states it's illegal to charge extra for a credit card, so check with your state. Personally, I find it incredibly offensive when a business tacks on a fee for a credit card. I do not do business with such places (it's also illegal in my state, but places do it).
I take a deposit on every show with a credit card. I put in my contract that I prefer cash but accept check or credit card. Most clients pay me with cash as a result. Some pay with check or credit card. The processing cost is just the cost of doing business. No big deal.
Connecticut Kids' Magician, Matt Matthews (formerly known as Matt The Balloon Man)
Magic Shows, Face Paintingand, Balloon twisters. |
randysburtis New user 68 Posts |
Canada based so different dynamics. But after about the add on fee. It doesn't sut well. Just account for it in your fee .
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10585 Posts |
I agree it is just the cost of being in business. You are offering a payment convenience for your customers. It allows you to accept payments over the phone. It's the same for servicies such as Gigmasters and the others. You don't want to give your price and then have them pay the addititonal GM fee on top of it. It too should just be your cost in doing business. Nothing worse than quoting a price and then it being more due to charges they were unaware of. Especially for kids performers whose trtypcial booking price is minimal that is being charged to a card. When you are doing major venues or markets where each chareg may be $3,500- $5,000 or more these charges can become larger, but again, it's still just the price of doing business. Raise your prices slightly to inclusively cover it in your price rather than charging the customer extra.
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randysburtis New user 68 Posts |
Agreed
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Jolly Roger V.I.P. Sedona, Arizona 1667 Posts |
I have never once taken a credit card or a deposit for a birthday party. Naturally, for my big corporate shows, they often require credit cards, which is fine. JR
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randysburtis New user 68 Posts |
Never taken one but would you if that what they said they wanted to use to pay?
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
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On Feb 6, 2019, TKD27 wrote: Since my original response in this thread, I've learned that Oklahoma is, indeed one of the few states that make charging a fee for accepting credit cards illegal. I have since updated my contracts to eliminate that fee. Thanks for the heads-up TKD27. |
Wx4usa Regular user 198 Posts |
I am about 65% credit card. I use PayPal as processor and my funds are available instantly.
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Jolly Roger V.I.P. Sedona, Arizona 1667 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 27, 2019, randysburtis wrote: Absolutely not for a birthday party. They occasionally ask, I say no, and they still book me. The birthday party business is always booming, so if ever I did lose a show because of this, that would not concern me. JR |
randysburtis New user 68 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 27, 2019, Jolly Roger wrote: Cool to know your principle behind this. |
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