Getting paid or paying for a knife?

scottickes

scottickes

Joined
Oct 27, 2005
Messages
2,527
What ways do each of you accept payments for knives? Paypal? other?

I ask this for over the internet, on a makers webite and at shows.

I'm extremely new to this, and would rather not learn the hard way. I want to make it convenient both for myself and potential customers. I'm looking for feedback from makers, buyers, dealers, etc. Any and all advice would be appreciated.

Advantages? Disadvantages? etc.

What level of paypal service is best for a beginning maker?

I ask because I'm making knives for my first show and would like to begin offering them over the internet also. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Ickie
 
This brings up another question for me as I'm thinking about my first show as well. At show do you accept only cash? I'd personally be wary of checks just because I'm pessimistic and untrusting by nature. Clearly taking credit cards is out unless I have internet connectivity at the show so folks could use Paypal. Although, I could call a data plan on my cellphone a business expense then.... ;)

-d
 
I personally think PayPal sucks. Trying to sort a problem out within their bureaucratic maze is enough to give me diaper rash.

Money Orders seldom fail when through the mail. Cash is always good too.

Syn
 
Ickie,

The major portion of my sales are via the net. I use PayPal and have had no problems so far. They are going to get a certain percentage for handling the transaction, but if a customer prefers PayPal, then I want to offer that option.

I get a lot of money orders and a few personal checks. Usually I won't ship until a personal check has cleared unless it is a repeat customer that I have built a certain rapor with.

Cash is always good, but DO NOT let your customer send it via mail......... too many potential problems there.

I have been known to "barter" for corn and peas.:D

Unless things have changed greatly in the past few years, you can hook up with your bank to accept credit cards. They will give you a hand operated card swiper, and you can call an 800 number to get an authorization number right on the spot. This would help at shows. Of course the credit card folks also get their percentage for the convenience of using their cards.

As of now, I don't do shows as I never seem to have enough inventory. I guess that is a good thing in a way, but on the other hand, shows sure help with exposing your work to the public. Maybe I need to concentrate on making a handfull and trying to do a show.

Anyway, I hope this helps.

Robert
 
From a buyers point of view, take all forms of payment for net deals. Hold off on shipping untill checks clear and money orders are confirmed by the bank to not be fake. Nobody is going to complain about the short wait. Never been to a knife show but all the gun shows take cash,checks and CC.
 
Well. So far I have one vote for paypal and one against it. Which level of paypal service is best for a part time maker?
 
Well, For me I like using Postal Money Orders. I can cash the check at the time I ship out the knife. And if the money order is no good I do not ship. That's the only check the Post Office will cash. And that's it. L@@K ------:thumbup:
 
If it wasn't for Paypal, I'd be out of business.
You can also activate a cell phone option and do business with Paypal right at your table at a show! (As long as the customer has a Paypal account.)
 
For internet sales, money orders and cashiers checks, personal checks if I know the person. I won't use paypal. For shows,cash or check with good ID.I will say in the 15 years I have been doing this I have never had a problem with payments or bad checks.Dave:)
 
I also, have never received a bad check.

I do take paypal, because it's so damn easy, but I'd rather have a good personal check.
 
I accept paypal, but only because of the number of buyers who like to use it. If you're interested in accepting credit cards, see FirstData card services- I use them and have had great service and no problems.
http://www.merchantinc.com/
 
I prefer to pay with money orders or bank wire transfers. Being from Canada, my cheques aren't good in the US, so that's not an option.
 
Keith, my father is in Canada and I recently could not cash a Canadian money order from him at my Credit Union. Just a heads up more than anything, big banks are still no problem, but smaller ones like mine have adopted a no "international" money order policy thanks to all of the recent overpayment scams.
 
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