debit card machine for chapter transactions

[tld221]

Does anyone have info on getting a debit machine for chapter transactions? I'm exploring this option for paying dues, merchandise and for when we sell items at events. Does anyone's chapter do this and is it beneficial? More importantly, is it cost effective? Or am I better off sticking to checks and paypal?

[Kansas City]

I would anticipate that there will be a fee associated with debit transactions that you do not incur with checks. Unless your chapter is very large or you sell lots of items for events (i.e. lots of transactions) my guess is that it would not be a cost effective method of payment. Some national organizations are looking at supporting credit/debit card transactions for dues payment on a national level but I have not heard of individual chapters undertaking such responsibility.

[melongirl]

Look into Click and Pledge www.clickandpledge.com

Its not an actual machine, but it allows you to take credit card/debit card payments.

Originally Posted by tld221

Does anyone have info on getting a debit machine for chapter transactions? I'm exploring this option for paying dues, merchandise and for when we sell items at events. Does anyone's chapter do this and is it beneficial? More importantly, is it cost effective? Or am I better off sticking to checks and paypal?

I work for a non-profit, and we rented a terminal from our bank for a fundraiser we had.

When the bill came in, almost $130 was debited from our account. The rental fee, transaction fees, etc. etc. all added up. That was just for one night's use.

[gpb1874]

For dues and merchandise, you could look into Greek Bill, Omega Financial or APH. they allow you to send bills to members for those items and they can pay with debit cards or electronic checks and some allow CC use. Wouldn't help with onsite sales though.