Tried the Wave Credit Card Reader – Here’s My Take

M

Martinez2010

Member
I recently started using the Wave credit card reader and wanted to share some quick impressions for anyone thinking about trying it out.

Setting it up was a breeze it paired with my phone via Bluetooth with no issues and the app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. I've been using it primarily for side gigs and pop-up events, and so far, it’s processed payments without a hitch.

A few things worth mentioning:
  • The transaction fees are reasonable though not the absolute cheapest available.
  • Battery life is fine for casual use, but if you're planning to run it all day having a charger on hand is a smart move.
  • The device itself is lightweight and compact which is great for portability but I do wonder about its durability over time.
All in all if you're already using Wave for accounting or invoicing the integration is seamless. It may not revolutionize your workflow but it’s a dependable option for freelancers or small business owners.
 
I’ve been using it at pop-up events for my jewelry business and it’s been a great addition. Super portable totally reliable it’s never crashed on me and customers really appreciate getting instant digital receipts. Overall, I’d give it a solid 8.5 out of 10
 
I’ve been trying to decide between Wave and Square for my weekend vintage booth. Has anyone here used both and have a clear favorite or strong opinion on which one’s better?
 
One time I forgot the charger and the reader died right in the middle of an event. I had to type in every transaction by hand like it was the Stone Age. Take it from me never leave home without the charger!
 
I gave it a shot for my tutoring side gig simple interface, payments go through smoothly, and it doesn’t drive me crazy in the process. That’s a win in my book
 
I really like using it at farmers’ markets! The only hiccup is that it occasionally struggles to read chipped cards on the first try so I end up doing the classic chip then-swipe dance
 
The battery life isn’t the greatest but the portability more than makes up for it. I’ve started carrying a power bank in my bag just to be safe and that’s solved the issue
 
It’s got a surprisingly sleek design honestly looks like something Apple would come up with if they made a card reader. Someone even mistook it for a health tracker once
 
I was pretty skeptical in the beginning. But it’s definitely won me over. It’s nothing fancy but it’s reliable gets the job done and hasn’t given me any tech headaches
 
People seriously underestimate how solid the invoicing and reporting features are. They’ve made tax season so much easier and way less stressful for me
 
Square’s tap feature is a bit more responsive but if you’re already using Wave for accounting and invoicing it’s the more convenient choice. Really just comes down to how your system is set up
 
Omg, same here. Now I’m obsessive about charging everything before an event—my phone, the card reader, and honestly… my social battery too
 
I ran into the same chip-reading problem. Gave the reader a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth and surprisingly it made a difference
 
I typically meet clients at coffee shops, so it’s a pretty relaxed vibe. I also send digital invoices if they prefer that option
 
If you're processing fewer than 20 transactions a month wave is a solid choice. But once you start handling higher volumes, that flat-rate fee can really start to add up
 
For those wondering the fee comes out to 2.9% plus 60¢ per transaction. It’s not the lowest out there, but at least it’s consistent and easy to plan for.
 
The reader works offline, but keep in mind that payments won’t actually process until you're back online. Super handy for events where the Wi-Fi is unreliable
 
In my experience the card reader connects noticeably faster with iPhones compared to Android devices. It’s not a major issue or anything that would stop me from using it but it’s definitely something I’ve picked up on after multiple events. Just a minor quirk that could be good to know, especially if you’re planning to use it in a fast-paced setting where every second counts
 
I use Zapier to connect Wave with Google Sheets for automatic tracking, and it’s been a total game changer. If you’re a fan of automation and streamlining your workflow it’s definitely worth setting up
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top