May 24 2008
A Mobile Merchant Account
A Mobile Merchant Account
If you operate a mobile business and worry about taking credit card payments the old fashioned way, rest assured that a mobile merchant account can provide you with up-to-date technology that will give you the lowest retail rate and instant card feedback while in the field. You won’t have to worry that you might not learn that a customer’s credit card is rejected when you return to the office. Nor will you have to leave a statement and hope the customer remembers to send in a payment. Now you can apply for a mobile merchant account that will provide you with up-to-date wireless equipment that can provide confidence and security while you are processing payments on the road.
When you are ready to apply for a mobile merchant account, you will be happy to know that many companies can give you an answer the same day. As long as your company has a decent credit history and is able to pay monthly fees for account services, you should have no problem in getting approved for a merchant account. If you conduct business while on the road, for example, by delivering floral arrangements, making service calls, or providing transportation, you can collect credit card payments at the point of sale rather than waiting to send a bill or hoping the customer will have the correct amount of cash or pay with a check that won’t bounce. If you plan to attend a trade show, a conference, a convention, or a seminar where you will be selling products, you can take along a wireless credit card processor to make sure you get paid the same day. Wireless units come with or without printers. They will let you get the lower retail swiped rate, along with immediate authorization and sales confirmation, instead of paying the keyed-in rate if you call the credit card number into the office for processing.
Your mobile merchant account will help you save money and time. You can handle the credit card processing yourself instead of hiring accounting staff to send out bills and call for collections when checks bounce from the back. You can even get additional mobile equipment to support your business transactions while in transit, like a pager or an e-check processor. Most units are small and easy to transport in a vehicle of just about any size. They fit neatly on a table for indoor business purposes, too. No special training is required for operating them. Just read the instructions or talk to the account associate to learn how you can start accepting credit card payments quickly and easily.
The rates for utilizing a merchant account are not prohibitive. Plan to discuss the fees with your lender to be sure you understand the pricing for each type of service. Your credit card processor may be billed at so much per transaction, or you might be able to request a monthly percentage rate. Find out why so many business owners are using credit card processing equipment that can be obtained with the help of a mobile merchant account.
Shane Penrod is the founder of <a href="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" title="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" target="_blank">http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com</a> Specializing in allowing merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account rates and fees, please go to <a href="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" title="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" target="_blank">http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com</a>
Why MySpace is successful
MySpace is the most popular social networking website - it still has more traffic than Friendster and similar sites. MySpace was founded in 2003 by Tom Anderson. Originally MySpace was intended as a c
Business Banking ” Professional Advice
At the beginning, you will be offered plenty of advice and support to set up your business ” enterprise schemes often run seminars and give out free software to help you manage your accounting, for example. Local mentoring schemes can provide a useful way to make contacts with other people who have set up in business and excellent chances to network. When it comes to tax and accounting, however, you may want to enlist the help of specialists. Particularly if your business has a large turnover or complicated finances, using an accountant can make a world of difference. While some people are put off by the thought of paying fees to accountants, the costs involved can actually be relatively low, and often your tax bill can be significantly reduced. Taking on an accountant may save you money as well as a lot of hard work! Some offer additional services, such as advice and auditing that could help to make your business more profitable. If you run a business you are legally required to keep records of certain things. For example, if you employ staff you will need to keep PAYE records, and VAT records if you are VAT registered. All businesses must submit a tax return every year ” you can now do this online. If you have an annual turnover of over 5.6 million you are legally required to have an annual audit, which must be carried out by a qualified and registered auditor. Choosing an accountant is a matter of knowing what you want from your relationship, and finding someone whom you trust to do the best job. While personal recommendations from family and friends are a frequent reason for choosing an accountant, you may also want to consider whether they have particular experience in your sector, how much the practice charges, and what additional services they may be able to offer you. Qualified accountants must be registered with one of the professional bodies that regulate them: The Institute of Chartered Accountants (in England and Wales, Scotland or Ireland respectively) www.icaew.co.uk The Association of Chartered Accountants www.accaglobal.com Chartered Institute of Management Accountants www.cimaglobal.com Tax is an immensely complicated subject, but the Inland Revenue do attempt to make it as easy as possible to understand the basics. They offer a starter pack for new businesses, and a helpline for the newly self-employed. Check www.hmrc.gov.uk for full details.
Joe Kenny writes for the UK Loans Store where you will find information and reviews of the latest <a href="http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/">loans</a> and offer more information on <a href="http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/compare_personal_loans.html">personal loans</a> and other loan topics available on site.<br> Visit Today: <a href="http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/">http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk</a>
Protecting Your Business From Credit Card Fraud
Credit cards are used as forms of payments now more than ever. There are also more online businesses and most of these businesses accept credit card payments. Therefore, protecting your online business from credit card fraud is vital. For businesses that are offline, the challenges of accepting credit cards as payment can be the same. Fraud is such an ugly word and we want to avoid it at all costs. Thankfully, there are steps you can take, whether your business is online or offline, that will help to eliminate your risk of being a victim.
Steps For Online Business Owners
Although most consumers think being a victim of credit card fraud, particularly when purchasing a product online, it is actually much more likely that the merchant will be the victim rather than the consumer. Here are some tips to help you avoid this.
First, always verify that the address the consumer has given you is correct. Your merchant account probably offers an Address Verification System that will verify that the address you have been given matches the billing address of the cardholder.
If you’re shipping a product to a consumer, make sure the shipping address matches the billing address. If it does not, you probably should investigate the transaction.
Be leery of unusual orders. Since a thief would have no idea of the consumers purchasing history with you, if something gets ordered that is completely out of the ordinary check it out. Phone the customer if you can. Even if it’s legitimate, they should be grateful that you called.
Take as much information from the buyer as you can when they are filling out the order form. In addition to their name, address, and telephone number, ask for the name of the bank that the card is issued from as well as the 3 or 4 security digits that all cards have now.
State on your web site that you have anti fraud devices in place and operating at all times. This will give the thief pause before entering your web page.
Steps For Offline Business Owners
Since you are actually going to see the person that is trying to use the credit card, your chances of being a victim of fraud are diminished, but problems can still happen. Here are some tips to help protect you and your business from credit card fraud.
Never take a credit card without getting identification. Check the name and signature to see if they match. This will not offend most customers who are on the up and up. Most will even be grateful.
Check the credit card for forgery by knowing what characteristics are found on legitimate cards. Many cards now contain a hologram that changes color in the light. Check the signature panel to make sure the signature cannot be erased. If it can, it’s fake. Look for the magnetic strip and make sure it is intact.
You should also use the Address Verification Service. This will help you as well.
Keith Baxter made it his mission after college to educate as many people as possible to the advantages and disadvantages of credit through a widespread re-education initiative. You can find out more about Keith and what he's up to at <a href="http://www.credit-card-debt-consolidation.net" target="_blank">http://www.credit-card-debt-consolidation.net</a>
Restaurant Merchant Accounts
Some eatery entrepreneurs enjoy the old fashioned style of cooking and serving customers themselves, while others are experimenting with the latest technological enhancements via restaurant merchant accounts. While it is always enjoyable to dine at a restaurant where the owner or manager employs a personal touch, there are times when a customer appreciates modern conveniences like a server’s use of a pager or paying by credit card that are unavailable at many old-fashioned establishments. If you are an owner or manager who appreciates customers’ needs for fast, up-to-date service, you may want to learn more about a restaurant merchant account.
Restaurant merchant accounts help owners to provide the latest technology to their clientele. We all know of restaurants that don’t accept credit cards, and when we’re in a hurry or low on cash, we avoid such places. But other eateries, from fast food to fine dining, are increasingly choosing to implement credit card payment options, electronic check processing, and even wireless payment processing for merchants on the go who deliver food at home or to businesses and public places for special occasions. A server wearing a pager will be greatly appreciated when someone at your table chokes or a little one spills her beverage. Scenarios like these, as well as a host of others, show why it makes sense to consider an upgrade to a restaurant merchant account.
If you are unsure about the benefits of restaurant merchant accounts, you can readily find information on the Internet at a variety of Websites. Merchant accounts come in many forms and offer a range of advantages depending on your company’s specific needs or your long-term business growth plan. For example, you may want to start with a simple credit card processor on-site at your restaurant. You will get a feel for the degree to which your customers appreciate the new technology by their comments at checkout. If they appreciate the option of using credit, you will know that further upgrades may likewise be valued down the road. But if they complain about your establishment losing its old fashioned appeal, you may want to hold off on additional improvements until the clientele has time to get used to the initial changes.
Restaurant merchant accounts will provide the means of setting up a restaurant Website and accepting online credit payments for reservations, business accounts, or bulk purchases, among other things. Your Website can attract visitors from all over the world who may come to visit when in your part of town. The site can also offer local customers helpful information, such as hours and days of operation, driving directions to your location along with a map, regular and banquet menus, and special services. Your merchant account status will let them order online and confirm reservations without the need of a human voice, thus reducing staffing hours and human resource costs. If you want your restaurant to attract fast-paced customers who pay with plastic, check out the limitless possibilities that await you by browsing the available restaurant merchant accounts.
Shane Penrod is the founder of Merchant-Acount-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account rates and fees, please go to <a href="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" target="_blank">http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com</a>
Contactless Payments Merchant Accounts
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Article Title: Contactless Payments Merchant Accounts Author: Pat A. McDavitt
Word Count: 1021
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Contactless Payments Merchant Accounts
Consumers don t like carrying cash but are wary of
handing over a credit card because of the risk of
credit card fraud.
But what s the alternative?
Contactless payments.
The next generation of electronic payment, contactless payments don t require the customer to hand over their
card. The whole transaction is completed electronically,
and their card never leaves their hand. It s faster, easier
and much more secure.
But what about the merchant? Should cash-heavy
merchants rush into setting up a contactless payments merchant account? The answer is a resounding yes! Contactless payments merchant accounts deliver even greater benefits to merchants than it does to consumers. Read on to find out how.
What is Contactless Payment?
Contactless payments merchant accounts are the third generation of electronic payments. (The first generation
was the old plastic credit card, and the second was the magnetic stripe card.) Merchants with contactless
payments merchant accounts enable customers to use
their credit cards for purchases without ever handing their
card over. Contactless payments merchant account transactions use one of the following methods:
Contactless readers;
Retailer cards/fobs;
NFC (near field communication) enabled cell phone payment software; or
Back end processing/over the air payment software.
Customers love it!
Research shows that 86% of consumers want to carry
less cash, and most carry less than $20. (Survey was
conducted in 2005 by lpsos and commissioned by MasterCard). They re growing more comfortable using
credit, but they re still quite worried about security
issues when handing over their card. In fact, 91% of
likely users would feel more secure if they were allowed
to hold their payment card through their entire payment process.
And then there s ease of use, speed and convenience. Nationwide, almost 75% of respondents refuse to wait in
line longer than five minutes for a purchase of less than
$25, and more than 25% refuse to wait longer than just
two minutes.
So how does contactless payment compare in terms of speed? Very well, in fact It takes only 1/3 to of the
time of the average cash or traditional credit card
transaction:
CVS Pharmacy Average Cash Transaction = 33.7 seconds
Average Card Transaction (w/o Signature = 26.7 seconds
Average RF Transaction = 12.5 seconds
So contactless payments increase customers sense of security and decrease hated wait-times. It s no surprise,
then, that customers love it!
And the growth rate of contactless payments merchant accounts shows it. According to Brian Triplett, senior vice president for emerging product development-Visa USA,
The adoption rate is the fastest we ve seen for any new technology. I do expect we will continue to see significant growth; whether it s double or triple we ll have to wait and see.
What are the Benefits for Merchants?
The most obvious benefit for merchants in having
contactless payments merchant accounts is that
consumers love it, so they ll use it more often and spend more.
But the benefits don t end there. Contactless payments merchant accounts also:
Leverage Top of Wallet convenience - Like traditional credit cards (and unlike cash), the customer s card is always in their wallet, which means they re more likely to spend, simply because they can.
Deliver increased merchant differentiation - Particularly in the early days of adoption, merchants with contactless payments merchant accounts will stand out from the crowd. They ll offer consumers a new and exciting way to pay for goods and services.
Are cheaper to operate - Transactions clear as a card-present, magnetic stripe-read transaction, but card readers are a fraction of the cost of a new POS terminal.
Increase efficiency - Businesses with contactless payments merchant accounts enjoy much more rapid check-out times during peak hours.
Are easy to install and upgrade - The hardware for contactless payments merchant accounts is all plug-n-play.
Increase customer loyalty - Studies show that customers return to the participating merchant s location on an average of two times a month.
Leverage a general consumer movement away from cash (20%) - Even customers who don t specifically love contactless payment probably DO specifically dislike cash. By offering them an alternative, businesses increase the likelihood of a sale.
Put simply, businesses with contactless payments merchant accounts enjoy increased transaction volume (average 45%) and increased ticket size (average 20%).
What Merchants Benefit Most from Contactless Payments Merchant Accounts?
Contactless payments merchant accounts are ideal
for cash-heavy merchants. Target industries include:
QSR
Petroleum & C-store
Book Stores
Dry Cleaners
Video Rental
Pharmacy
Grocery
Parking
Movie Theaters
Stadiums & Arenas
Theme Parks
Events
Cafeterias (Schools & Corporate)
Taxis
Transit
Vending
News Stands
Parking Garages
Conclusion ” The Future of
Contactless Payments Merchant Accounts?
Contactless payment offers significant bottom-line
benefits to merchants. It s the next generation payment system that s faster, easier, more secure and more convenient for consumers, which means it facilitates
more sales (greater volume transaction) of greater value
(ticket lift) for merchants. It s a win-win situation!
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C. J. & Tuck Consulting, LLC owns and operates http://www.cashflownow.org. We specialize in Electronic Payment Processing Services and offer low cost Contactless Payments Merchant Accounts. For more information, contact: Pat A. McDavitt, Sole Manager of C. J. & Tuck Consulting, LLC Go to: http://www.cashflownow.org to visit my web site. Go to: http://www.cashflownow.org to request a free report about me. Email: pat@cashflownow.org Telephone: (512) 837-1358 Fax: (512) 837-0345
How To Accept Credit Cards Without A Merchant Account
To increase sales on your website, you must accept credit cards. To process credit cards, you could apply for a merchant account through your bank or other financial institution.
Sometimes, though, you would be further ahead to use the services of a credit card processor. This is especially true when you are first starting out and have more limited resources. In this way, you may process credit card transactions without the high front-end costs and requirements of a merchant account.
Here, then, are just a few ways of accepting credit cards without a merchant account. I personally use all of these vendors and can recommend them wholeheartedly.
1. Clickbank
If your product is downloadable (such as electronic books or software), you might consider ClickBank.com . For a $49.95 initial fee, you can process credit cards and on-line cheques for $1.00 per transaction plus 7.5% of sales.
You receive additional exposure through free listing on their website and through the search facilities of other websites, such as CBMall.com.
As an added bonus, you have your own built-in affiliate program. You decide what commission (from 1% to 75%) you would like to pay your affiliates.
2. PayPal
PayPal.com has no initial fees. For just 2.9% of sales and $ .30 per transaction (and sometimes less), you can receive money from anyone.
Also, you can pay others by credit card or chequing account without supplying your personal credit information to the payee. PayPal can be used to collect money from your auctions, website sales, or even from friends or clients.
3. PaySystems
In the original edition of this article, I recommended PaySystems.com (also known as MyPaySystems.com). This is what I wrote about them:
“PaySystems.com can handle either intangible (downloadable) or tangible (shippable) products. For an initial fee of $49.00, you can accept all major credit cards as well as online checks. Fees are just 3.95% of sales and $1.00 per transaction. Alternatively, you may pay 5.5% of sales and $ .35 per transaction.”
“For this, you receive shopping cart, integration with third-party affiliate programs (such as ClixGalore.com), fraud screening, multi-currency transactions, toll-free support, marketing tools, and more.”
Unfortunately, PaySystems.com has discontinued their “Internet Billing Account” for those outside the United States.
4. 2CheckOut
2CheckOut.com can handle both intangible and tangible products. For an initial fee of $49.00, you can accept all major credit cards as well as online checks. Fees are just 5.5% of sales and $0.45 per transaction.
For this, you receive shopping cart, fraud detection, integration with third-party affiliate programs, multi-currency transactions, free on-line support, and more.
Incidentally, 2CheckOut.com has the same policy as ClickBank.com does with regard to sales taxes. Both companies take the position that you are selling your product to them and that they resell it to the final consumer. Thus, they claim that you are not subject to sales taxes on those sales.
J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc., has been helping clients to earn maximum business profits for over twenty-five years. To learn more about accepting credit cards and other profitable Work at Home Small Business Ideas, visit <a href="http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/creditcards.html" target="_blank">http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/creditcards.html</a>
The Travails Of The Pros And Cons Of A Business Credit Card
Getting a sense out of a deal is, in some instances, the most difficult thing to do. This is because most people could not instantly figure out the benefits they can derive from obtaining it.
Take for example the case of business credit cards. Some people contend that business credit cards are crucial in the growth of a business, while other s contend that it is just one way of losing their investments.
But whatever the point there is, only one this is certain, it is still a credit card and just like any financial decisions, extensive consideration is a must.
So, for those who want to know whether getting a business credit card will be good for their company, here are some of the pros and cons to be considered first.
PROS
1. It is efficient and provides management on the company?s financial charges.
With the business credit card, most entrepreneurs can manipulate their costs and payments through separate charges consolidation. This means that the company will only have one billing statement with details on the employees? expenses instead of having various statements and invoices.
2. Business credit cards provide their client?s with the opportunity to curb overspending in their employees.
Because the business owners are given the right to ?preset? the credit limit of their employees, they are able to impede any probable overspending of their employees instead. This, in turn, poses great discipline among the people.
The statements that go to the manager or to the financial administrator are in full details of all the financial transactions incurred at a specific time. Hence, the company can track down the kind of spending habits of their employees.
CONS
1. It is still a credit card.
This means that even if it is a company?s property, employees will still have the tendency to over spend or splurge into more cashless shopping. This can be very risky especially to business management who is primarily the one responsible for the accounts.
2. Any errors or faults can damage credit ratings.
If credit history is very important to common individuals, it has a greater impact on businesses. So, if something goes wrong with their business credit card, the effect is mostly imposed on the business rather on the employee.
So, what?s the bottom line here? As compared to other types of credit, it is always best to monitor the spending habits. Credit cards can really be feasible where it serve its purpose, but can also do more harm than good if misused and taken for granted.
David Riewe is a Publisher and Online Marketer. Visit his Credit Resources Blog Below: <a href="http://www.push-button-online-income.com/creditcards/" title="http://www.push-button-online-income.com/creditcards/" target="_blank">http://www.push-button-online-income.com/creditcards/</a>
Get The Best Credit Card Merchant Account
Looking for the best credit card merchant account? Admittedly, there are a plethora of lenders to choose from when you browse the Internet for merchant account services. But what are you really looking for? Do you want an enhanced business image? Increased public exposure? A larger client base? Additional sales and revenues? Then you’re on the right track! A merchant account can do all this and more when you work with the right company.
Finding a quality lender to work with for the best credit card merchant account is not as difficult as you might think. You can start by asking your local banker for information about its merchant accounts. If you don’t feel the terms are quite right for your company, ask for a referral or check out other local banks yourself. You also might want to try credit unions or reputable lenders to see if you can partner with a financial underwriter in your community. That way you will get to know the company representative and perhaps meet occasionally face to face, which is always a desirable goal in business when feasible. But if not, there are plenty of good lenders to work with.
The best credit card merchant account providers tend to compete with each other to get business owners’ business. In fact, some will offer to meet or beat a competing underwriter’s price. So if you like the terms but not the price at a particular bank, find a lower rate somewhere else and tell the first bank about it. Perhaps you can get your preferred terms and lower costs at the bank of your choice. But if it doesn’t work out for some reason, keep looking for other lenders and shop for the deal that will best suit your company’s growth plan. It’s just a matter of matching your needs with the lender’s capabilities to make a match that satisfies both of you.
What would the best credit card merchant account do for your business? You can start accepting credit card payments immediately when you get approved for a merchant account. Start by installing a simple credit card processor, the kind that swipes a credit card, at your place of business. Then you may want to consider digital telephone credit processing services. Or you might opt to go wireless if you travel to remote destinations to collect payments. You can even put up a company Website as your crowning achievement and accept credit card payments there as well. In a very short time your client base could multiply, along with your profits, all because of your merchant account status. Are your competitors already using technology like this to accept credit card payments? Then you have no time to lose!
Start shopping now for a lender that will approve your application, offer low-fee services, and provide reliable support while you upgrade your company’s business image. Don’t stop with the first company to offer you a merchant account. You deserve the best so don’t settle for less when you apply for your bank merchant account.
Dane Collins is the owner of <a href="http://www.merchantdigital.com" target="_blank">http://www.merchantdigital.com</a> a nationally recognized merchant account provider. Start accepting credit cards today: <a href="http://www.merchantdigital.com" target="_blank">http://www.merchantdigital.com</a>
Merchant Account Set Up
Owners of small businesses who hope to increase their profits may have questions about a merchant account set up. Although perhaps interested in applying for this special type of account through a banker or preferred lender, they may be unsure of the costs and other requirements for getting equipped to process credit card payments. Since it is always wise to find out about required expenses before asking for a new account, business owners should carefully review the terms and fees associated with a merchant services account, along with any other information that will help them understand how to set up a merchant account.
One of the first things you will need to know is how to apply for a merchant account set up. This part is easy enough. You just have to do an Internet search to find a list of the available lenders who are eager to offer your company this valuable service. Those that seem to be a little iffy you will want to avoid, naturally. These are the companies with whose names you are unfamiliar or who have not been in business very long. It is probably a good idea to look for companies with a solid reputation or history. In fact, you may want to ask trusted business colleagues for a recommendation. Another option is to check with the bank where your company has its accounts at present. Perhaps that lender offers a good rate on a merchant account.
After being approved for a merchant account set up, the next step is to decide what type of services you would like your business to implement. Do you want to set up a simple credit card processor for checkout transactions in addition to check and debit processing? This could speed checkout time as well as please customers who prefer to use a credit card instead of cash or check for your products or services. Another way to use your merchant account is to purchase or lease a wireless credit card processor for point-of-sale payments, which will help you avoid the added step of mailing invoices and then awaiting payment.
Your merchant account set up will be based on certain fees, possibly including but not limited to an application fee, set up fee, gateway expense, or annual membership cost. Don’t forget that there will be a per-transaction fee or monthly percentage rate that you will need to pay for merchant account services. If you decide to put up a company Website, the merchant account could cover basic set up fees and maintenance service, though you will need to work this out with your account provider. Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions of your merchant account before you sign an agreement.
Your company can enter the world of electronic commerce, or “e-commerce,” almost immediately and bring your customers into the 21st century of bill-paying when you qualify for a merchant services account. Start browsing offers by established lenders today to find the best deal for your merchant account set up.
Shane Penrod is the founder of <a href="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" title="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" target="_blank">http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com</a> Specializing in allowing merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account rates and fees, please go to <a href="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" title="http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com" target="_blank">http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com</a>
