What kind of Credit Card processor should i use to accept credit cards at an arts and crafts fair?"

Merchant e-Solutions is currently the only processor that has it’s own card verification program (Trident), making it cheaper to use.

The best practice for accepting cards is to ALWAYS have a signed, swiped draft. This proves that you saw the card, checked the ID and have the cardholder’s signature.

NEVER alter the draft in any way, don’t write over the card numbers to make them more visible or the receipt becomes invalid.

If you don’t use a wireless terminal to swipe the card, use a manual imprinter, also known as a knuckle-buster. This will also count as proof of the card being present.

Any sort of refund or return policy MUST be initialed by the cardholder or printed on the receipt that they sign. Visa is very detail-oriented when it comes to terms and conditions.

Run your batch within seven days or the authorizations from Visa are no longer valid. Cardholder banks will dispute a late transaction without ever notifying the cardholder.

It may seem like you’re being picky but the real cardholders will appreciate the care and you’ll avoid chargebacks from scam artists.