Signing on With Square Up

Swiping a card

In preparations for my first art festival (yes I always do things a little backwards), I've just signed on with Square Up so that I can accept credit cards.  I'd read about it before on several blogs, including Tari's very nice review last year.

I know from my own experiences when attending shows that I prefer to use my card for most purchases.  If a vendor doesn't accept credit cards, I have to really, really, really want what they're selling to use cash because I just don't like to carry a lot on me.

Square Up sounds almost too good to be true.  Besides turning my phone into a card reader (no extra equipment besides a little dongle), they charge a much lower rate (2.75%) when I physically swiping the card. 

If I choose to manually enter the number, they'll charge 3.5% plus a 15cent transaction fee.  Not bad.  And they pay out the next day! 

I'm still stuck in the account verification process, so I haven't been able to play with the ap yet, but hope to do so this week and will write an update with any new news.  But it looks like the receipt process is sweet - it can include my info, pictures of their signature, the actual item purchased, a written description and even geo-information for where they were when they purchased the item. 

If you are already using the Square, I'd love to hear what you think!