Mini iPad Buffering Issues at Parties - Anyone Else Experiencing This?

[chefjeanine]

Good morning friends. I use a Mini iPad at my parties. I continually have problems with it buffering (is that the correct term) as I'm trying to put in orders. I thought it might be this particular device, so I took my husband's iPad to last night's party. Fine at first (which is what would happen with my mini) but then it started buffering (right when I had a customer with a credit card. . . so I got to write down all her info instead of just swiping ). I was able to finish processing the orders through my phone.

So, is it my old iPads or something with the app/server? Anyone else having issues?

 

[chefjeanine]

 

[raebates]

I wish I could help. I don't have a tablet, and I almost never use my phone to enter orders at a party. I am too often out in the boonies with little/no reception.

 

[mspibb]

Good morning friends. I use a Mini iPad at my parties. I continually have problems with it buffering (is that the correct term) as I'm trying to put in orders. I thought it might be this particular device, so I took my husband's iPad to last night's party. Fine at first (which is what would happen with my mini) but then it started buffering (right when I had a customer with a credit card. . . so I got to write down all her info instead of just swiping ). I was able to finish processing the orders through my phone.

So, is it my old iPads or something with the app/server? Anyone else having issues?

No it happens to me. It is worse when you don't have good WiFi but I have had it "lock up" to the point I just had to hand figure them and take the orders home to enter. Not fun!

 

[byrd1956]

I've only used my laptop at parties. When I made a fake show with my phone to practice I got frustrated and decided using it is more trouble than it is worth. Have not tried my i-pad.

 

[Bec5287]

I'm new but have not found the app to be as user friendly as the website so have purchased a small laptop as a back up to take to shows. I have a card reader to insure I have the correct credit card info. Contemplating using my square to make sure charges go through. Any thoughts?

 

[chefjeanine]

I'm new but have not found the app to be as user friendly as the website so have purchased a small laptop as a back up to take to shows. I have a card reader to insure I have the correct credit card info. Contemplating using my square to make sure charges go through. Any thoughts?

I'm not sure how you want to use your Square in this situation. I have one but I'm not super adept at using it. Are you thinking you can run the information on the Square but not submit it -- and that you can see if it will work WITHOUT completing the actual charge? OR, are you thinking that you'll pay yourself and then pay Pampered Chef? (This becomes an issue if that person has a problem with a product and wants a refund.)

I use the card reader (and it's working again after some troubles after an Apple update). I always require a phone number from someone using a credit card. I let them know that occasionally there is a problem so I must be able to call.

 

[Bec5287]

Thank you. I have already had to call, about a card that didn't go through. I think it was a debit card so she had to call the bank for the charge to go through.
It sounds like the only way the square would work is if the show closed the day of the party?