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The Square Reader – EFTPOS on the go for busy authors

Okay so over the last couple of days I’ve been asked a number of times about my Eftpos facility – the Square Reader.  So, because I really like it (no I’m not affiliated to them in any way) here is the down low on them.

Squareup is newer in the Australian marketplace, offering a reader that you can plug into your iPhone, iPad or android in order to accept a range of payments:
The great thing with square is firstly, the amount it costs to get the system up an running. For $AUD19 you can purchase the chip reader, the tiny device and get started simply. The app itself is free.

The device comes with a USB charging cable and you can plug it into your computer and ta da! you’re ready to start accepting payments once you set up your products, categories and bank account.
Happy to spend a little more? For $AUD59 you can purchase the Tap & Go unit and you get the chip reader as well.

The only drawback to that, is if like me you already have the chip reader, there is no rebate on the Tap and Go Unit.

All you need is the wifi connection your phone offers. (I don’t have the T&G at this time.)
Okay so down to pricing. 

The square system is simple to use, and has a 2 tier pricing system. I’ve copied and pasted the details below:

  • 1.9% for each card tapped, inserted, or swiped transaction the Square Point of Sale app
  • 2.2% for each manually entered payment through the Square Point of Sale app 
  • 2.2% for each Square Invoice  paid securely online
  • 2.2% for each payment through the Square E-Commerce API
  • 2.2% for each Virtual Terminal payment
I know other authors who use and swear by the Paypal reader, though for me a part of the attraction of the square reader is the initial cost to set up and the ongoing fees are generally lower using the Square Reader.

There is no cost for getting the PayPal Here app, and the card reader is just $99 now. You simply pay 1.95% for transactions through the card reader and PayPal check-in payments, and 2.9% + $0.30 for Key in card payments. Cash transactions will be added to your PayPal account free of charge.
Another big positive for me is the size of the reader itself. It’s small enough to fit in your handbag, lightweight and that makes it awesome for authors lugging boxes of books, swag and even pre-orders to conferences, conventions and even markets!
Once you get inside the app, which is accessed online, you find the site is super easy to use.

Simply you set up your account – you will need your bank details to hand, your ABN if you have one and an address/telephone number. 

I set mine up in 5 minutes. Then I started on the items themselves. They aren’t tricky and you can have multiple pricing for each item. I included a conference price and a regular, which is the one I use on my website for sales where the customer needs to contact me.
I can track my stock, add postage AUS if I need to (and I have to make life simple) and I’ve already added my surcharge into the costing. 

A note about surcharges:

The RBA hasn’t set an amount for the permitted surcharge amount, but they have defined which costs will be allowed to be included in the allowable surcharge. The actual cost of a transaction does not include the costs of accepting card payments in general (e.g. costs involved in the risk of fraud, or IT infrastructure). Canstar.com.au 

If you plan to add the surcharge, you need that somewhere on your signage. I do mine by stating “1.9% surcharge included” and only charge that across the board.

And Receipting?

Okay the reality is that these affairs are generally considered to be markets. So rule of thumb is YOU DON”T NEED to receipt every items, however, the Square Reader has that under control too! Your customer, at the time of entering their details (pin etc) can choose to receive a receipt via email. The great thing is, it itemises everything, so if they want a full list, it’s there!

Okay, so where can you buy them?

They are available from Officeworks, Bunnings, Apple Stores and online through their website www.squareup.com.
 
Disclaimer: I do not work for or have any affiliation with SquareUp. I own one and use it whenever I attend signing functions, markets etc.,
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