accepting credit cards

[nccs]

Hey, I'm sure there are alot of you out there that accept credit cards from clients. What is a good company to go with. I do not know much about this area, but have had 2 residential clients ask if I take credit cards. I know there is usually a service fee that comes with accepting credit cards. Do you pass this on to clients? And how does it work if they are not present when you arrive at their house? Thanks!!
Lynn

[Kevin]

I am a big fan of Paypal, Info here

It can be integrated with a website very easy, you can email invoices, transfer money to your bank account or use their debit card. Along with superior accounting reports. Roughly 2% on each transaction which can be rolled over to the customer.

I also like google checkout, which is pretty much the same but it automatically transfers the money to your bank account.

More info on google
checkout.google.com

I definitely think you should have a method of accepting credit and debit cards, I would say on average 40% of our cleaning customers use credit or debit.

[EcoGenie]

Google Checkout and Paypal are great resources!

I personally use quickbooks merchant services and there are many other merchant account avenues available. Whatever you find to be the best for your particular situation I would suggest you go with. If you plan on accepting the credit card at the locations then you will have to get some sort of portable terminal. Good luck and let me know what you decide to go with.

[integritycs]

If you do infrequent CC billing Paypal is a great option.

No monthly fee and Paypal allows you to personalize and send an invoice right from their site to the customers e-mail.