“Breaking Down the Pros and Cons: Which Payment Processor is Best for Modern Blacksmiths?”

As a modern blacksmith, you might be wondering which payment processing option is the best for your business. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming and confusing. Fear not, we’ve done the research for you and are here to break down the pros and cons of each payment processor.

First up is PayPal, one of the most popular options out there. PayPal offers fast and easy setup with no monthly or annual fees. It’s also widely recognized by customers as a trustworthy payment method. However, PayPal charges a transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction which can add up quickly.

Next is Stripe, another well-known option that’s gained popularity in recent years. Stripe has no setup or monthly fees but does charge a slightly higher transaction fee than PayPal at 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction for all major credit cards except American Express which comes with a 3.5% fee instead.

If you’re looking for an alternative to these big-name processors, Square might be worth considering. Square offers easy-to-use hardware like card readers and point-of-sale systems that integrate seamlessly with their app-based software platform (which has no monthly fees). However, their transaction fees are slightly higher at 2.6% plus $0.10 per tap or dip/swipe/chip transactions for in-person sales and 3.5% plus $0.15 per manually entered or online sale.

Lastly, there’s Authorize.net which is great if you have an e-commerce website as they specialize in online payments including recurring billing options (great for subscription services). They offer several pricing plans starting at $25/month but do charge additional fees including a $49 setup fee and $0.10 gateway fee per transaction on top of their standard transaction fee of 2-2 .9%.

In conclusion, when deciding on a payment processor consider your specific needs such as whether you primarily sell in-person or online, whether you need a recurring billing option and how much you’re willing to pay in fees. Ultimately, the best payment processor for your business is one that’s reliable, affordable, and easy to use.