Jan 27 2009
How To Accept Credit Cards Without A Merchant Account
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>
Three Ways to Use the Internet to Earn Residual Income Posted By : Dominic Boykin
Entrepreneurs with realistic expectations and tenacity may be able to earn residual income using the Internet. These three ideas can help you earn residual income and give you experience making money on the Internet.
Merchant Account Services
What can Merchant Account Services do for your business? Here is a preview of some of the advantages that your company can enjoy when your application is approved for a merchant account.
1. Merchant Account Services can provide your business with a credit line that is similar to the one offered by a personal credit card. You will have to apply for it, of course, and your company must meet the acceptance criteria to be approved. In general, your company should not have a history of bankruptcy, nor should it have a bad credit background overall. You should not be involved in shady dealings or the type of business that lenders hesitate to approve. These may vary by lender, so ask your preferred financial underwriter whether your type of enterprise will qualify. You also should be able to demonstrate that your organization has the means to pay monthly fees associated with a merchant services account. Under these conditions, a lender is likely to approve your business for this special account.
2. Merchant Account Services can equip your company with various type of electronic equipment and credit card processing technology. If your own a shop or store, for example, you can install a tabletop credit card processor for the cashier’s use at checkout. You can get one with a combination terminal and printer for better spatial management and convenience. Another version is the wireless model that you can take with you for deliveries or remote service. You can process payments onsite before leaving without the hassle of leaving a statement and hoping the customer remembers to pay on time each month.
3. Merchant Account Services is ready to advance your company when you are. In addition to a credit card processor, you can become equipped with a pager and an e-check or debit processor for added convenience. For more sophisticated credit card processing applications, you can ask about wireless options and install a phone order and payment system that is operated by keypad touch or dialing. Your clients will be able to dial a toll-free number, listen and respond to prompts, and then enter a credit card number for point-of-sale payment.
4. Merchant Account Services can prepare your company for the electronic age of business by helping you to set up a Website that provides a credit card payment option. Your site can list a complete product description guide, along with prices and ordering information, allowing your customers to transact business at their convenience and pay instantly in real time with a credit card. Your lender will coordinate a gateway to deposit payments in your company’s account.
Your company will outdistance competitors in the field by offering customers the latest bill-paying technology. Your merchant account can position your company for growth and success that you never imagined. Of course, you will need to check out the fees and any possible risks associated with a merchant services account, but you will probably find that your company is likely to benefit when you apply and are approved for Merchant Account Services.
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>
How can I earn cash from home? Posted By : charlene
With the world’s economy slowing down, or worse in some parts, there are a lot of people who are wondering how they can earn cash from home — even if they already have a part-time, or full-time, job. Unbeknownst to some, there are actually quite a few options available to anybody who is looking to generate a little bit of extra income, and these options do not necessarily require a great deal of skill, time, or even monetary investment.
Shopping Carts Tips when shopping online Posted By : DanPartridge
Know the useful buying tips when buying online with shopping carts.
Protect Your Merchant Account With Secure Payments
Are your current payment processing methods secure? The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards were created to make sure payment gateways keep your data secure. Payment Card Industry payment gateways are fully compliant with all Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. This gateway system provides vital protection for e commerce merchants that process credit cards. Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) is the world wide standard for consumer data protection across the payment industry. The regulation is used to protect credit card information from being stored, processed or transmitted by non PCI certified entities. PCI standards require organizations that handle bank cards to conform to security standards and follow certain levels of requirements for testing and reporting. The Standard offers a single approach to safeguarding sensitive data for all card brands. Each card type has a different name for PCI. Master Card - Site Data Protection (SDP) Program. VISA - Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP). American Express - Data Security Requirements. Discover - Discover Information and Security Compliance (DISC). Consequences for failing to comply with all data security regulations are very serious. Fines and penalties, starting at $25,000, may be accessed against the merchant banks. The banks immediately pass responsibility and liability for the fines directly to the merchant. Merchant accounts may be restricted and can be terminated on a permanent basis. The easiest way to guarantee protection for your business and your customers is to use a PCI certified e commerce processing gateway. A PCI certified gateway meets all the stringent standards demanded for PCI compliance. The gateway automatically updates all changes to PCI security, keeping you continuously protected. Using a PCI certified gateway is simply the smart way to safeguard your online business.
Tina Brandon has been involved in the payment processing industry for the past 15 years. During that time she has worked with US and international banks, processors, sales organizations offering a range of electronic payment processing solutions. She is currently Vice President of TransNetSecure. www.Transnetsecure.com 972-986-8450
Choosing The Right Merchant Account Provider
As a business owner, you want to succeed. You undoubtedly want to increase your sales and make more money. The best way to do this is to offer your customers the ability to pay for merchandise with their credit cards. Whether you operate your business in a physical location or online-only, allowing customers the option of credit card payment is logical. You will increase sales because of the convenience of the payment options you offer. The vast majority of shoppers, online and in person, prefer to pay with their credit cards. Opening a merchant account is the way to give your customers more payment options. But it is important that you find out as much as you can about merchant accounts and merchant account providers.
A merchant account is set up through a bank or an online merchant account provider for a retail or online organization in order to accept credit cards as payment from customers. A merchant account is not a bank account. The merchant account provider’s job is to place the money you earn from credit card sales into your bank account. It used to be that merchant accounts were only offered by banks and providers to retail businesses that were located in a physical location. But with online shopping gaining popularity over the past several years, merchant account providers have started providing accounts to online business owners as well. Even though most banks still do not provide online merchant accounts due to the constant concern over credit card fraud, there are an increasing amount of online merchant account providers that offer services especially to those merchants that market their products online. Because of the high number of merchant account providers out there, it is important that you research all aspects of them, what services they provide, and especially the costs they impose, so that you don’t lose precious profits.
When looking into merchant accounts and providers, be aware that there are two types pf payment processing that they will offer. These are manual and real-time processing. Manual processing requires that the credit card number be delivered through a phone transaction, fax transaction, or an online order form. The order is processed manually by contacting the payment processing company (through an Internet connection) to verify the credit card number, or by using a point of sale machine to swipe the card at the time of purchase. This type of processing is more secure, less costly, and ideal for a low-volume merchant in a physical store location. Real-time processing is perfect for web-based merchants because the credit card is immediately processed at the time an order is placed. Pending verification and approval of the credit card, the customer receives notification (via e-mail) that his or her order is accepted and fund transfer is approved. This is the less secure of the two processing options.
There are costs associated with opening and sustaining a merchant account. Not all of the fees are necessary, and not all merchant account providers will charge them. One type of cost is the application fee, which covers the costs of processing your application, whether you open an account or not. A number of merchant account providers will waive the fee if you decide to open an account. And some merchant account providers do not charge this fee at all. There is often an annual fee associated with a merchant account as well. Merchant account providers charge this fee simply for holding an account with them. Another common fee is the statement fee, a monthly fee that can be as much as $25 per month, and is supposedly imposed by the account providers in order to cover their own costs. Yet another fee is the discount rate, which the merchant account provider earns from each of your sales, usually between 2 and 4 percent. The fixed transaction fee, like the discount fee, is also based on each sale, but the provider takes the same amount regardless of the cost of the product purchased, usually .20-.30. Usually, buried in the fine print of your agreement with your provider is a termination fee. Because some providers require a lengthy commitment period more than 2 years, this fee applies if you cancel your account early. There are also various miscellaneous fees that are levied on your account. Often, these charges are withdrawn if a customer requests a refund, and wants the amount credited back to their card. There are many costs associated with an online merchant account, and it can cut into your profits. It is important that you evaluate different the merchant account providers you are interested in so that you save yourself money down the line. You can also use your current sales information to guesstimate the costs of your merchant account.
More than likely, you will have a long relationship with your merchant account provider. Therefore, you should have the utmost trust and confidence in them. Your provider should offer various services that will give you options in making your business transactions run smoothly. They should be able to accommodate several brands of credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, etc.), in addition to providing other payment alternatives, such as PayPal. They should have a record of impeccable service and reliability. They should also be first-rate customer service providers. Any problems should be handled discreetly and quickly. Despite the seeming necessity of having a merchant account provider, it can make or break your business with its fees and service. That is why it is important to know the ins and outs of a merchant account provider, and to choose one carefully.
Learn the essential information for picking the right merchant account services at <a href="http://www.merchants-account-services.com/merchant-account-provider.html">Merchant Account Provider</a>
Where Can I Sell Clothing Online? Posted By : Sean Watson
Do you have tons of clothing, sitting in your closet, that you just don’t wear anymore- either because you’ve put on a few pounds or they’re just not fashionable anymore? Why not use eBay to turn them into cash?
How to avoid make money online scams Posted By : charlene
For every legitimate make money online website or service, there are a half a dozen fly-by-night websites and companies that will do nothing more than consume your time and help you dispose of your disposable income — with nothing to show for it, no less. Scammers, swindlers, and fraudsters are abundant online, and the anonymous nature of the internet only helps to obscure these thieves even more.
Merchant Credit Card Account Applications
Since a personal credit card provides us with the means to make life easier and more enjoyable, can you imagine what a merchant credit card account can do for your business? This type of account is more than just a line of credit. It is an entire service package that offers support to help your company flourish and grow. Of course, as with any other type of credit account, it is important to use it responsibly. The first step toward obtaining this type of financial and technical support is to submit an application.
Finding a merchant credit card account company is not hard at all. You just have to check with bankers in your area to see if they provide this service and are willing to work with you. Barring that route, you can do an online Internet search to find merchant account providers who are accepting new clients. There are plenty of banks and professional lenders who are looking for entrepreneurs to work with. They often will take a chance on new business owners if they think you have the potential to become a trusted client. But first you will need to pass muster by demonstrating your company’s capabilities in a few distinct areas. One is that you have a solid credit history and are not in bankruptcy. A copy of your company’s credit history should be adequate proof for this requirement. A second criterion is that your business has enough income to meet the new expenses of a merchant account. Bank statements or an annual report should help with this concern. Another thing the lender will want to know is the type of business you are doing. If you traffic in pornography, are engaged in telemarketing, or have left a trail linking your company to some unsavory dealings, the underwriter may decline your application. Conditions can vary; so ask about the eligibility requirements before applying.
The next step toward applying for a merchant credit card account is to submit the application. Some lenders provide an online form that you can submit electronically, although you may be charged a fee for this privilege. Other loan agents will let you download a print application that you can complete in ink and mail by U.S. post. Either way, you will probably receive a response to your application within a few days by e-mail or in a letter. If your application is accepted, you can immediately begin to use your credit line and service package to set up a credit card processing system. Working with an account associate, you can arrange to install a credit card processor at your store’s checkout area. Or you can buy a wireless model for several hundred dollars and take it with you on the road when you service computers or appliances, or make deliveries to homes or businesses. Discuss the applications of your new merchant account with the loan officer to clarify limits and equipment options for your company’s use.
You won’t be able to enjoy the use of merchant services until you apply for them, so ask your preferred lender about the application process for a merchant credit card 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>.
