I’ve been watching the development of Square with great interest. It’s a service that turns your iPhone, Android phone, or iPad into a credit card payment processor, complete with a little plastic swipe. David Pogue in the New York Times offers an enthusiastic overview. Pogue notes that we’re all quite used to using credit cards at major establishments, but we can’t do so in the more individual transactions in our lives:
Why can’t we use them to pay the piano teacher, the baby sitter, the lawn-mowing teenager, even first graders at their lemonade stand? Why aren’t credit cards accepted at garage sales, food carts and PTA bake sales? Heck, when your tipsy buddy wants to borrow $20 for a cab home, why can’t you eliminate the awkwardness and future conflict by just running his Visa card on the spot?
Square is an effort to make credit card transactions available to the masses. It’s the YouTube of credit card processing. Which is what makes it so intriguing for the world of arts and culture. Gallery owners, street artists, art fairs, wedding performers, craftspeople, lesson providers, and dozens of other individuals or small organizations now have access to credit card payments at a reasonable rate (2.75% of the transaction, plus $0.15).
The system automatically authorizes, allows signatures on the device screen, and sends an instant receipt to the purchaser by e-mail.
It’s certainly not appropriate to venues that require multiple processing stations (at least, not yet). And it may take a while to gain comfort and credibility with those making the payments. But to my mind it’s a game-changer for any and all small transactions that support artists and the arts.
I just got my free swiper, and I’m eager to take your payments. If only I had something to sell.
I just received my Square swiper in the mail and am using it to sell books. It’s pretty incredible and a great conversation piece with folks. Crossing my fingers that they’ll start accepting international credit cards soon…
This is amazing. I just came back from my weekly shopping trip to the farmer’s market. I had to stop at the ATM en route since this is a cash-only affair. Bring your square to the conference and I’ll pay your fee on the spot : )
The Square is a great tool for independent entrepreneurs! Graduates in RISD’s Class of 2010 received one upon graduation:
http://www.core77.com/blog/education/risds_artrepreneur_starter_kit_for_2010_graduates__16641.asp