Dealing with a Declined Card for My Fundraiser Show - Tips and Tricks"

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various personal experiences and strategies for handling declined credit cards during fundraiser shows. Participants share their approaches to communicating with guests and the common reasons behind declined transactions.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions receiving an email about a declined card and seeks advice on how to address the situation without embarrassing the guest.
  • Another participant shares their experience of calling the home office to re-run the card, noting that it often goes through successfully.
  • Several users agree on the strategy of taking responsibility for the error, suggesting that it helps to ease the situation for the guest.
  • One participant highlights that many declined cards are due to incorrectly entered expiration dates, emphasizing the importance of careful data entry.
  • Another participant suggests that calling the guest is more personal than emailing, allowing for better communication.
  • One participant mentions reassuring guests that technology can fail and that it’s not necessarily their fault, which can help alleviate embarrassment.
  • Another participant shares a personal anecdote about their own experience with a declined card due to bank issues, illustrating that such occurrences can happen to anyone.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of taking responsibility for the declined card and prefer calling over emailing guests. However, there are no clear consensus points on the best approach, as experiences and preferences vary.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal experiences and strategies, reflecting a range of situations that can lead to declined cards during fundraising events.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for Pampered Chef consultants looking for insights on handling declined credit card situations during their shows.

Jessamary
Jessamary
Messages
350
I got an email last night saying one card of my fundraiser show was declined. How do you guys handle this? Do you call or email the guest? What is usually the response? I don't want to embarrass her (I mean, I know what it's like to have your card declined), but at the same time, I need this taken care of ASAP.

Any words of wisdom?
 
I usually call HO with the number first and have them re run it. Over half of the time it will go thru. If that doesn't work, I call the customer and say this is Chantelle with Pampered Chef, I met you at/thru Susie's party and I have a question about your credit card. I usually pause after that, and if they know it was declined they will usually fill in the blank, otherwise, I just ask them if we can verify the number in case I wrote it down wrong. Either way, I either find that I had the number wrong or they give me a new number to try. Hope that helps
 
I do what Chantelle does....blame myself, I must have written it down wrong. They'll know if there is a problem.
 
Almost all of my declined CCs are because I entered the exp date incorrectly. Be careful when you enter the date and then scroll your mouse - it changes the year.
 
Blame yourself when you call them, I agree. All of mine have been a mix up with the expiration date.

I would call them not email, more personal and you can play off their voices and reaction better.
 
I always assure them that the technology is always on the blink. Or you might have put the info in wrong. Even if their card was really declined.. it will save face for them and they will appreciate that. I have had perfectly good cards declined before. It is always embarassing even if it is not your fault. I make any comment to relieve their fears. We want them to order again!!!!!
 
I agree Ginger - I used to bank with a small hometown bank and my debit card was declined one time because their network was down. I was trying to shop at Target on a Friday evening and the card was declined there, the transactions were declined at the ATM. I went home and their website was down. Monday morning everything was fine again. Another was declined once because the bank realized that there was some unusual spending happening and it turns out that the card number had been stolen!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a guest's card is declined during my fundraiser show?

If a guest's card is declined, first reach out to them privately to inform them of the issue. Ask if they would like to try a different payment method or if they need assistance resolving the issue with their bank. It's important to handle this delicately to maintain a positive atmosphere during the show.

How can I prevent declined cards from happening during my fundraiser?

To minimize the chances of declined cards, encourage guests to check their card information before the show, including the expiration date and billing address. Additionally, remind them to ensure they have sufficient funds available. Providing a variety of payment options can also help.

What are some tips for communicating with guests about payment issues?

When communicating about payment issues, be clear and respectful. Use a friendly tone and express understanding. Let them know that it's a common issue and ask if they would like to try another payment method. Always follow up with a solution-oriented approach to keep the conversation positive.

Can I offer an alternative payment method if a card is declined?

Yes, you can offer alternative payment methods such as cash, checks, or other credit/debit cards. Make sure to communicate these options to your guests at the beginning of the show, so they are aware of what is available to them in case of any issues.

What should I do if multiple guests have declined cards?

If multiple guests experience declined cards, it may be worth checking if there is a technical issue with the payment processing system. Reach out to your payment processor for assistance. Additionally, consider sending a follow-up message to all guests, reminding them to double-check their payment information and offering to assist with any issues.

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