Used Square Reader For First Time

[LysesKids]

So you ARE or aren't passing the fee off onto the parent?

Is that legal to do?

I don't use the square reader at all but I've always been told that you can't pass the fee off to the parents.

So unless the law has been changed.....I don't see a way around even if you word it the way you did.

The law changed 2 years ago or so… I'm in a state that I CAN pass the charge on

[LysesKids]

when I got the square reader a few years ago I remember reading I was not allowed to charge clients the fee, but looks like maybe that has changed. I only let parents use it as a last resort, its just a bookkeeping pain in the butt to me and totally wasn't worth the $25/week in fees I'd be racking up if I couldn't pass them on to parents.

That 2.75% actually comes out to more once you process the transaction too.

For ex, weekly fee is $150. Adding 2.75% parent is paying you $4.12 extra. When you run it for $154.12 square actually charges you the 2.75% on that amount, not on $150, so they charge you $4.23. I know its only a few cents but over the course of a year from multiple families it would add up.

Also need to look into how you have to claim that fee as income, not sure how that works???

First off you have to add the 2.75% charge as 'tax' when you run it so adds it to to the original amount… say 150, so your way would be wrong - you don't add it then run it… you essentially "tax" the amount (say 150) and then they total it for you just before the parent signs on the phone. The receipts go directly to parent vie phone or email

Not all my families use it, it's an alternative to cash pay; if the card isn't good, then the charge isn't done and I know right away we need another card or cash.

[Blackcat31]

The law changed 2 years ago or so… I'm in a state that I CAN pass the charge on

First off you have to add the 2.75% charge as 'tax' when you run it so adds it to to the original amount… say 150, so your way would be wrong - you don't add it then run it… you essentially "tax" the amount (say 150) and then they total it for you just before the parent signs on the phone. The receipts go directly to parent vie phone or email

Not all my families use it, it's an alternative to cash pay; if the card isn't good, then the charge isn't done and I know right away we need another card or cash.

Good to know!

Thank you! I just might have to look into using Square now.

[misslori50]

I really want to offer a debit/credit card option for my clients. But I have heard complaints of companies holding on to your money for up to a week or more before depositing into your bank. Sometimes the next day....sometimes 3 or 4 days......sometimes a week or more......

Anyone had any experience with this? It's the only thing holding s back. I need to know when my money is coming in!

this is why i have paypal and use itfor payments. they have a card reader and i have a debit card for my paypal

[daycarediva]

I won't use a credit card reader because I can't legally pass the fees onto parents. I can't justify eating the costs to be paid.

[LysesKids]

I won't use a credit card reader because I can't legally pass the fees onto parents. I can't justify eating the costs to be paid.

Those fees are tax deductible because it's a cost of being able to take CC… personally I would rather eat the $3 per 100 instead of chase down my money because they forgot on payday. My sanity is worth so much more.