Just a general question i have about credit cards

Since you're just looking for feedback - Nope, I'd rather stick with cash.

Also, when I see ads that show the CC logos, I shy away - it makes me think it is not an independent and/or a scam.

But if you just want to do it for regulars, go for it. I'm sure many guys are looking for a way to write it off as a business expense.

[...]So what is the point of this blog then....you are getting requests from regular clients...then just deal with your regular clients.[...] Originally Posted by LeilaniBebe

She has a point.

Since you asked for feedback, here's a few things to consider: If you have a merchant account (other than access to PayPal's virtual terminal - which is not a "real" merchant account) and you have regular clients that you trust IMPLICITLY whom would like to pay by credit card - then do that if you like. But, be aware that if you get a single chargeback and they mention (or even hint) anything about this endeavor in their discussions with their card issuer you'll not only lose the merchant account in a heartbeat but MasterCard and/or Visa International will forward the information to local authorities. Also - you might want to be acutely aware that whoever the primary applicant was on that merchant account (if it is you, a friend, a S/O, whomever), they will risk losing ALL anonymity - one call to the merchant clearinghouse and/or a simple form letter (request) will allow anyone to obtain a reply directly from the merchant bank that issued the account with all the real life info of the primary approved applicant on the account . . . so, if the merchant number is important to your other business and you desire anonymity, why risk it??

I'd never user a credit card directly. Cash only. If I was in a position where I needed to use a card, I'd go get a cash advance off the card and use that cash.

like i said was a friendly poll....im not doing it was just asking....but seems some are taking it the wrong way *shrugs*

There was a similar thread a while back. The Elves were using pay-up-front Green Dot cards for new unverified clients. I thought something like that had merit if you absolutely trusted the provider because they get the money before you see them. On the positive side, there is no real paper trail and no exchange of money in the room. On the negative side, if the provider wants to stiff you, they already have your cash. Like I said, it has to be someone the client can really trust. I believe they have quit doing that in favor of some sort of signed waiver that is creating its own share of controversy. I would generally not like using a regular credit card for a variety of reasons.

That waiver is in their BP ad--pretty funny. Won't hold up, but I'll sign it--in big swirly letters big enough for King George to see--"John Handycock", of course, but only when in the course of human events.

Off topic from the OP but in line with the discussion:

The waiver (any waiver, for that matter) is idiotic lunacy. They've been around since the 1800's and became very popular in Louisiana after the Mann Act was passed in June of 1910. They spread across the country like wildfire following, always popping up in a different incarnation specific to what part of the country you may be in (covering also that jurisdiction's particular local statute prohibiting prostitution) . . . In fact, some waivers (those that were printed, are blank [particularly] and pre-1980's - but especially pre-WWII) enjoy a healthy second life in the marketplace as erotic memorabilia.

They are otherwise completely and absolutely worthless and better for wiping one's ass than they would ever be for providing either party to such a waiver a shield from prosecution (it will probably only make the conviction easier).

I say take em. I know the device in which you speak, and the % is way better than normal credit card companies. I would pay with CC, depending on teh provider. Granted, we havent seen each other (though I tried) yet, but you have a good enough rep that I would trust you.

like i said was a friendly poll....im not doing it was just asking....but seems some are taking it the wrong way *shrugs* Originally Posted by bustycici

So I have had this friend for some years now and she moonlights in the lifestyle and has her own bizz..we don't connect as often as we used to but when we do I usually write her a check..to her business name. She has also had me write it to her personally. Either way as long as you and your client trust one another it should be cool and if the check bounces you actually have recourse unless it's under 50.00.

In a previous career, I implemented a Corporate Credit Card Program for expenses management of over 2,000 card carrying employees, many of whom were company salesmen traveling extensively throughout the Midwest, particularly in rural areas.

Program was rolled out and was a great success, both for employee and employer.

After a month or two while simply trolling through the reports I came across payments to vendors with an SIC (Standard Industry Code) which at that time was identified as "Escort Services" (subsequently changed to "Personal Services")

At that time I was Amazed at the number of transactions, and the amount of money paid to these vendors.

A low-key, investigation revealed that these employees were not using the corporate card for personal use, as was first suspected, but were paying for the entertainment of their customers during sales meetings.

Run up to the executive flagpole, this expense was ultimately saluted as a legitimate element in securing sales to particularly demanding purchasing agents with large accounts.

How 'bout that...?

Want to sell me something?