Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Merchant Account

Merchant Account Provider Services
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shane_Penrod]Shane Penrod

Could your company benefit from merchant account provider services? A merchant account can help your business set up a system to accept credit card payments. When your payments have the option of paying by credit card instead of by cash or check only, they will appreciate the versatility and convenience that having a choice of payment options provides. You may be wondering how merchant services can assist your business to grow. Take time to find out some of the ways that this special account can aid your company’s interests.

Small business owners can apply for merchant account provider services from many banks and lenders around the area or from other parts of the world. A merchant account works something like a personal credit card account to provide your business with a credit line and technical equipment that will allow you to accept credit card payments as well as e-checks and debit cards. If you are tired of tracking bad checks or waiting for monthly payments to arrive, installing a credit card processor may be just what you need. Your clientele will admire your company’s progress into the 21st century electronic age, and your will be grateful for the fast processing of credit card payments at the point of sale. You will enjoy the professionalism with which you can conduct company business while earning your customers’ respect.

Merchant account provider services can help you get the equipment you need to collect credit payments on the spot. Depending on the type of business you operate, you can get a desktop credit card processor for use at the checkout line or cashier’s window. If you deliver goods or services to customers at their homes or businesses, your merchant services account will provide you with a wireless credit card processor that you can take on the road for prompt payment at the time of delivery. A more sophisticated option is to install a dial-in telephone credit card processing service so that customers can key in a credit card number when they order products or services over the telephone by responding to pre-recorded prompts.

Perhaps the fastest growing credit card processing option that you can obtain with the help of merchant account provider services is a company Website. When visitors come to browse your wares, perhaps directed to your site by a search engine or word of mouth, they will enjoy the opportunity of checking out your product lists with photos and pricing details. If they find something they like, they can order online and pay by credit card. The lending institution that is underwriting your merchant account will coordinate credit card processing with a gateway company that will funnel payments in real time for deposit in your company account. A small transaction fee for each payment or a low percentage rate overall is what you will pay for this service, although other fees may apply.

With so many credit payment choices to work with, isn’t it time for you to check out the array of services that your company can tap into when you partner with a lender to request merchant account provider services?

Shane Penrod is the founder of http://www.merchant-account-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 http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Penrod http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Account-Provider-Services&id=109633

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Merchant Account

Merchant Credit Card Account Applications
By Shane Penrod

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.

About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
http://www.merchant-account-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
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Friday, July 27, 2007

Merchant Account

Merchant Credit Card Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton

Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.

A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.

At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.

There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.

Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Merchant Account

Internet Merchant Account Provider
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole]Alison Cole

An Internet merchant account is an account with a bank or a financial institution that allows a businessman to accept credit card payments from his clients via the Internet. The payment gateway essentially transmits the required data to the Internet merchant account provider. Most local banks, however, do not offer Internet merchant account capability.

There are reasons why local banks or financial institutions do not want to give online merchant accounts. One is because transactions through the Internet are completely unlike face-to-face transactions, where a signature from the customer is required to approve the purchase. Thus, online truncations are deemed susceptible to credit card fraud. When choosing an Internet merchant account provider, fraud protection should be one of your major considerations.

So, how much will it cost? Comprehending the costs of your merchant provider can be complicated. Characteristically, an Internet merchant account will have certain costs.

Many Internet merchant accounts require a fee for application. This fee, purportedly, is to cover their expenses for processing the application. In the case that you eventually do not open an Internet merchant account, they will still ask for the initial payment. Many providers waive these up front application fees, and it is recommended that one chooses a provider that does not require up front application fees.

Almost all Internet merchant providers need a “statement fee"" (as the monthly fee is commonly named); this is simply a different way to cover costs and make some money. It is difficult to find providers who do not ask for this type of payment.

Then there is the discount rate, which is usually between 2 to 4 percent. The discount rate is actually the sales commission that the provider earns on every sale. For instance, if the discount rate is 3% and you get a sale over your web site for $10, you will owe 30 cents to the Internet merchant provider.

The fixed transaction fee is somewhere between $0.20 and $0.30. It is the fixed fee portion of every sale. The fixed transaction fee, unlike the discount fee, is the same for every transaction. Whether you get a $10 sale or a $50 sale, the transaction fee will not change.

Also, there is the termination fee that can apply if you cancel your account within a particular period of time (generally a year). There are some merchant providers who require a three-year commitment from your side.

If a customer requests for a refund, an Internet merchant provider can charge you a separate fee (somewhere around $20). [http://www.e-MerchantAccountProviders.com]Merchant Account Providers provides detailed information on Merchant Account Providers, Internet Merchant Account Provider, Merchant Account Service Providers, Become a Merchant Account Provider and more. Merchant Account Providers is affiliated with [http://www.e-FreeChat.com]Free Webcam Chat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole http://EzineArticles.com/?Internet-Merchant-Account-Provider&id=273024

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Merchant Account

Merchant Accounts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson]Marcus Peterson

An account where merchants can accept credit card payments is known as a merchant account. Merchant accounts can be acquired through credit card companies, banks, or any other payment processor. A merchant wanting to take credit card payments must have a merchant account.

There are three major forms of merchant accounts. One is the retail merchant account. This account generally offers the lowest transaction fees, but often comes with stringent rules. Retail merchant accounts mostly require credit card sales be done with the "card present." In other words, the card has to be swiped through a credit card terminal for the transaction to take place. Retail merchant accounts are usually linked with restaurants, small hotels and grocery stores. Retail merchant accounts are not suited for merchants who want to conduct business through the Internet or the mail.

Mail Order Telephone Order (MOTO) accounts generally charge higher transaction rates; these accounts are used when the credit cards cannot be physically utilized. In this case, merchants process the payments by entering the customer’s credit card data onto a personal computer, or through a standard web browser, where they can process the transaction on the payment service provider's website.

Internet merchant accounts are quite similar to MOTO accounts in that the credit card need not be physically used. However, these transactions can only be done through the Internet. Merchants with Internet accounts employ a payment service gateway or a virtual terminal to process credit card transactions.

It is imperative to choose the appropriate form of merchant account for the business you are conducting. Also, it is wise to carefully go through the terms of service of the providers, as many charge a fortune and have strict rules. [http://www.z-MerchantAccounts.com]Merchant Accounts provides detailed information on Merchant Accounts, Credit Card Merchant Accounts, Internet Merchant Accounts, About High Risk Merchant Accounts and more. Merchant Accounts is affiliated with [http://www.merchantservices-web.com]Internet Merchant Services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Accounts&id=251460

Monday, July 23, 2007

Merchant Account

Discount Merchant Account Availability
By Shane Penrod

Find out if discount merchant account services are available
for your company by browsing Websites of potential lenders. By
checking application guidelines, you will soon see whether you
quality, and if so, how to apply and enhance your chances of
being approved for this account. Getting a merchant account
makes you eligible to accept credit card payments. Think of how
greatly your sales volume could increase when you allow
customers to pay with credit instead of insisting on cash or
checks. They will love you for providing this option, and your
sales volume could quickly skyrocket when happy customers come
to visit with plastic in hand.

A discount merchant account lets you provide credit payment
options at one low price. For example, after paying a possible
application and setup fee of perhaps $100, you may be charged
just $19.95 per month for the options of accepting credit card
and debit payments as well as e-check processing and related
services. You have to be careful when shopping for a merchant
account, as there may be all kinds of hidden fees that are not
listed on the home page. Instead, these may be buried in fine
print or posted on a distant link from the home page. You need
to find out in advance what the costs will be and how you will
be expected to pay them. For example, ask about an online
application fee, a membership fee, and a setup fee, among
others, if you don’t see these posted. Some services will tell
you that what you see is what you get. In other words, if you
don’t see a certain fee in the price list, it doesn’t exist and
cannot be added later. Even if you accept a merchant account
under certain conditions the first year, during the second year
your fees could change, so ask about the long view as well.

Applying for a discount merchant account must be undertaken
with caution. Something that sounds too good to be true probably
is just that. Look for a lender’s name you can trust along with
a reputation built on values like integrity and respect. Avoid
companies that you are unfamiliar with, as there are many
fly-by-night entities looking to make a fast buck. Get the
contract in writing, and make sure you read it all before
signing up. Ask for clarification of any terms or conditions you
do not understand. All too often, an unwary entrepreneur may end
up in dire straits when a seemingly lucrative merchant account
becomes a sinkhole.

Don’t rush out and buy all types of credit processing equipment
when your merchant account is approved. First, make a business
budget that includes a category for growth and marketing. Then
look for the right kind of equipment that will best serve your
customers’ needs. For example, you don’t have to buy every type
of credit processing system available when a simple plug-in
terminal will do. Keep your expenditures low while you get used
to this new way of collecting payments. If all works out well,
you can add more options later with your discount merchant
account.

About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
http://www.Merchant-Account-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
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Friday, July 20, 2007

Merchant Account

Merchant Accounts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson]Marcus Peterson

An account where merchants can accept credit card payments is known as a merchant account. Merchant accounts can be acquired through credit card companies, banks, or any other payment processor. A merchant wanting to take credit card payments must have a merchant account.

There are three major forms of merchant accounts. One is the retail merchant account. This account generally offers the lowest transaction fees, but often comes with stringent rules. Retail merchant accounts mostly require credit card sales be done with the "card present." In other words, the card has to be swiped through a credit card terminal for the transaction to take place. Retail merchant accounts are usually linked with restaurants, small hotels and grocery stores. Retail merchant accounts are not suited for merchants who want to conduct business through the Internet or the mail.

Mail Order Telephone Order (MOTO) accounts generally charge higher transaction rates; these accounts are used when the credit cards cannot be physically utilized. In this case, merchants process the payments by entering the customer’s credit card data onto a personal computer, or through a standard web browser, where they can process the transaction on the payment service provider's website.

Internet merchant accounts are quite similar to MOTO accounts in that the credit card need not be physically used. However, these transactions can only be done through the Internet. Merchants with Internet accounts employ a payment service gateway or a virtual terminal to process credit card transactions.

It is imperative to choose the appropriate form of merchant account for the business you are conducting. Also, it is wise to carefully go through the terms of service of the providers, as many charge a fortune and have strict rules. [http://www.z-MerchantAccounts.com]Merchant Accounts provides detailed information on Merchant Accounts, Credit Card Merchant Accounts, Internet Merchant Accounts, About High Risk Merchant Accounts and more. Merchant Accounts is affiliated with [http://www.merchantservices-web.com]Internet Merchant Services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Accounts&id=251460