Internet Merchant Accounts For Innocents Abroad
By T. O' Donnell
If you want to sell on the internet, your need to accept credit
cards. To accept credit cards, you need a merchant account, or
access to one. There're two ways of getting this: Get your own
merchant account, or 'pimp' off someone else's.
The latter is the option most new merchants choose. You use a
third-party to process your payments, and they take percentage.
Here are a few popular ones:
PayPal.com (http://www.paypal.com)
I don't recommend them as your main processor. See
http://www.paypalsucks.com. PayPal is popular because it was
'firstest with the mostest' on auction sites. For this reason,
eBay bought them out. PayPalSucks.com alleges that if you have
a bad order they freeze your account, and can even dip into
your bank account to make up any shortfalls. Mitigating
circumstances are not taken into account. I've read enough
complaints about PayPal on webmaster forums to heed them.
The usual rejoinder is; "But I've never had any problems with
PayPal". To which is usually retorted "Just wait 'till you get
a chargeback!"
A chargeback occurs when someone asks their credit-card company
for a refund. They say they didn't get the goods, or they never
made the order, or the goods were not as advertised. This is
passed on to the processor, who in turn debits the merchant. Or
drops him entirely. You don't want too many of these.
I've used them for years for small amounts, with no problem,
but on the basis of others' complaints in webmaster forums, I
wouldn't use them for large ones. Don't leave large amounts 'on
deposit' in any internet-based company; they're not banks, and
even banks go bust occasionally.
The best use for PayPal is to entice customers who already use
it. Find another provider to be your main one. One like ...
2Checkout.com (http://www.2checkout.com)
This is a factoring service like PayPal. Unlike them, they have
a pretty good reputation with webmasters. Like PayPal, they
don't provide you with a merchant account; they process your
orders through their own.
This is why such sites have to be very stringent; they are
answerable to their own merchant account provider. Too many
bogus orders, and they go out of business.
This is why third-party factoring services like 2Checkout are
very useful to a newbie merchant: fraud prevention. They can
screen out suspicious orders.
Most merchants would like to think they can sell worldwide. The
fact is most of the world is poor; MOST countries can't afford
your goods. So some citizens try to get them fraudulently.
A smart merchant would bar most of the world from accessing his
cart, and only accept orders from the USA, Canada, western
Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and his home country. Harsh,
but you'll sleep better at night.
WorldPay (http://www.worldpay.com)
A well-regarded service. I found adding it to the Oscommerce
cart (http://www.oscommerce.com) a bit of a chore, but it
worked. More expensive to join than 2Checkout. You don't hear
many gripes about WorldPay, which is rare in webmaster circles.
ClickBank.com (http://www.clickbank.com)
Handy if you're selling a few items of inexpensive software to
start off your business. They'll let you up the price once
they're sure of you. I managed to get them to go up to $150
(whoo!). I was very jealous of their system. It's well designed
and extremely 'viral'; they're basically a huge affiliate
program. Join ClickBank, and others will try and sell your
product for you.
They allow you to block whole continents from trying to buy
your product, and that is good. The odds are that a $25 order
for an ebook, from a third-world country, is fraudulent.
If an order looks dodgy, it probably is. Contact the customer
by 'phone or email. If you don't get a satisfactory reply,
refund the card.
When you're making $1000+ a month, get your own merchant
account.
MerchantSeek (http://www.merchantseek.com)
A useful collection of affiliate links to merchant account and
processing providers. Scroll down their front page to their
search tool. You can find an account that suits your needs.
This is most helpful to non-U.S. merchants, or those seeking
'international merchant accounts'.
In the UK, look for 'merchant services' at:
Barclays bank (http://www.barclaycardmerchantservices.co.uk)
NatWest (http://www.natwest.com)
Bank Of Scotland (http://www.bankofscotland.co.uk)
Royal Bank Of Scotland (http://www.rbs.co.uk)
Streamline (http://www.streamline.com)
UK processing services are:
Secpay (http://www.secpay.com)
Netbanx (http://www.netinvest.co.uk)
Protx (http://www.protx.com)
Having one's own merchant account means paying less in
processing fees.
IMPORTANT: You should specify up-front that you are looking for
an internet merchant account. Internet transactions are viewed
as higher risk than those by bricks-and-mortar businesses. The
technical term is 'card not present'.
Some things you may need, if applying for an internet merchant
account of your own:
Business bank account;
Photocopy of a voided cheque for said account;
Copy of the articles of incorporation of your company;
Photocopy of your return policy information;
Trade references;
Photocopy of your driver's license or passport.
In short, you need to prove that both you and your company are
what you say they are. Your account provider is taking a chance
on you. You might send them a ton of bogus orders. A bank is a
business too, not a community service. Help them to make the
right decision! The more you can establish that you are
bona-fide, the lower the cost of your account.
Things to avoid, if you can:
a) Expensive credit-card processing software rental or
hire-purchase.
b) Monthly fees.
c) High discounts (the % of your sales they keep).
d) Fat fees up front (anything over $500 is a joke).
e) Salesmen calling you up with a spiel.
f) Getting lumbered with hiring their shopping cart as well.
Things to look out for at sites offering merchant accounts:
If you need to maintain a U.S. presence - full U.S.
incorporation, U.S. server, U.S. offices, U.S. bank account -
or NOT.
Also if they want a deposit, and the size of their application
fee. And the usual monthly minimums, discounts etc.
Avoid getting into any software purchase or equipment rental.
You can sort all that out later, for less money. There are
plenty of good payment gateways, like Authorize.net
(http://www.authorize.net) just itching for your business.
PS: Don't accept a merchant account from an Eastern European
bank. I did, some years ago. The bank went bust. One guy wailed
on Usenet that he'd lost $10,000 dollars. Luckily for me,
business was bad that year!
About the Author: T. O' Donnell (http://www.tigertom.com) is an
ecommerce consultant in London, UK. His latest projects are a
mortgage calculator and ebook, available at
http://www.tigertom.com/mortgages-uk.shtml
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Monday, May 14, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Merchant Account
Online Merchant Services
By Alison Cole
An online merchant service is one that enables you to make payments on the internet. Typically, online merchant services work through Internet merchant accounts that are provided through an acquiring bank. This acquirer effectively allows you to accept or make payments through credit cards online. As it is the case with almost any business decision, there are a number of both advantages as well as disadvantages to online systems of payment and also to other types of processors of credit card. On a general basis, the advantages tend to be tied to having a direct control of the system for processing the payment. On the flip side the disadvantages tend to revolve around factors like mechanics, logistics, and security. The responsibility for the entire process of payment is a very risky affair and needs to be contemplated to avoid any loopholes.
A major concern that a lot of people face is the costs incurred to obtain online merchant services. There are a multitude of potential fees and costs that are associated with even designing an ecommerce web site that would provide these services. If you are looking to set up such a web service to enhance your business process then you need to consider potential charges for the same. Various credit card merchant account fees will crop up from each provider who is involved in assisting you to establish your ecommerce web site. The merchant service set up will involve application fees, the actual set-up fees, not to mention yearly membership charges. There are also other factors like monthly statement charges and gateway access fees. The list is quite long and so you will need to look into it in a comprehensive manner as it is easy to misinterpret the fee structures. This is because very rarely are all the exact costs related to ecommerce revealed in a single place. However in the end the set up of such an online merchant service could prove to be extremely beneficial to your trade and could leverage your customer base.
Merchant Services provides detailed information on merchant services, e-commerce merchant services, high risk merchant accounts, internet merchant services and more. Merchant Services is affiliated with Internet Merchant Accounts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole
http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-Merchant-Services&id=410024
By Alison Cole
An online merchant service is one that enables you to make payments on the internet. Typically, online merchant services work through Internet merchant accounts that are provided through an acquiring bank. This acquirer effectively allows you to accept or make payments through credit cards online. As it is the case with almost any business decision, there are a number of both advantages as well as disadvantages to online systems of payment and also to other types of processors of credit card. On a general basis, the advantages tend to be tied to having a direct control of the system for processing the payment. On the flip side the disadvantages tend to revolve around factors like mechanics, logistics, and security. The responsibility for the entire process of payment is a very risky affair and needs to be contemplated to avoid any loopholes.
A major concern that a lot of people face is the costs incurred to obtain online merchant services. There are a multitude of potential fees and costs that are associated with even designing an ecommerce web site that would provide these services. If you are looking to set up such a web service to enhance your business process then you need to consider potential charges for the same. Various credit card merchant account fees will crop up from each provider who is involved in assisting you to establish your ecommerce web site. The merchant service set up will involve application fees, the actual set-up fees, not to mention yearly membership charges. There are also other factors like monthly statement charges and gateway access fees. The list is quite long and so you will need to look into it in a comprehensive manner as it is easy to misinterpret the fee structures. This is because very rarely are all the exact costs related to ecommerce revealed in a single place. However in the end the set up of such an online merchant service could prove to be extremely beneficial to your trade and could leverage your customer base.
Merchant Services provides detailed information on merchant services, e-commerce merchant services, high risk merchant accounts, internet merchant services and more. Merchant Services is affiliated with Internet Merchant Accounts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole
http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-Merchant-Services&id=410024
Friday, May 11, 2007
Merchant Account
Apply For Merchant Account?
By Shane Penrod
Who Should Apply For Merchant Account Status? Why you, of
course! If you are a business owner of a small company or even
a home-based business, there is no reason why you should not be
eligible for a merchant account if you have maintained a
positive credit history and are willing to make timely payments
on future accounts. A merchant account will open e-commerce
doors to let you accept credit payments at your place of
business, over the telephone, on the run, or at your Website.
What could be easier than installing a credit processor to
start accepting credit card payments from eager customers?
When Should You Apply For Merchant Account Status? There’s no
time like the present! Start browsing the Web by using a search
engine to find sites affiliated with “merchant account.” You
will be amazed by how many there are. You can even find sites
listed as “merchant account lead sites” to point you to a
variety of lenders who will accept your application for a
merchant account and provide a timely response. Your chances of
approval are good if your company has a fairly solid credit
history. The rates are not too bad at present; don’t wait for
them to go higher. Apply now to get a good deal.
Where Should You Apply For Merchant Account Status? While
browsing Internet links, you will come across various kinds of
lenders. It goes without saying you should avoid those with an
unfamiliar name or questionable background. Stick to companies
you know and trust, like American Express or a local banker, to
make sure you don’t become the victim of a scam and lose your
shirt. Check out the terms and fees for each lender so you can
get good terms for your account. Some charge an online
application fee, while others might charge a membership fee.
Avoid paying any charges that you don’t have to.
Why Should You Apply For Merchant Account Status? Because a
merchant account will move your company into the 21st century.
Look around at your competitors; how many already have a
merchant account? What percentage of your customers would be
willing to pay with credit if you could provide credit payment
services with the help of a merchant account? Research suggests
that people who pay with credit cards tend to buy more than
those who pay with cash. Take advantage of this phenomenon to
make it easy for your customers to buy when they like as much
as they like by allowing them to pay with credit cards. As your
revenues increase, your profits will soar. Your customers will
be happy, and so will you.
With a merchant account, you can set up credit processing
options at your store, over the telephone, in your company car,
or at your Internet site. Marketing your goods and facilitating
customer payments will never be easier than with a merchant
services account. Make time to check out this exciting
opportunity to build your business when you Apply for Merchant
Account Status!
About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
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
By Shane Penrod
Who Should Apply For Merchant Account Status? Why you, of
course! If you are a business owner of a small company or even
a home-based business, there is no reason why you should not be
eligible for a merchant account if you have maintained a
positive credit history and are willing to make timely payments
on future accounts. A merchant account will open e-commerce
doors to let you accept credit payments at your place of
business, over the telephone, on the run, or at your Website.
What could be easier than installing a credit processor to
start accepting credit card payments from eager customers?
When Should You Apply For Merchant Account Status? There’s no
time like the present! Start browsing the Web by using a search
engine to find sites affiliated with “merchant account.” You
will be amazed by how many there are. You can even find sites
listed as “merchant account lead sites” to point you to a
variety of lenders who will accept your application for a
merchant account and provide a timely response. Your chances of
approval are good if your company has a fairly solid credit
history. The rates are not too bad at present; don’t wait for
them to go higher. Apply now to get a good deal.
Where Should You Apply For Merchant Account Status? While
browsing Internet links, you will come across various kinds of
lenders. It goes without saying you should avoid those with an
unfamiliar name or questionable background. Stick to companies
you know and trust, like American Express or a local banker, to
make sure you don’t become the victim of a scam and lose your
shirt. Check out the terms and fees for each lender so you can
get good terms for your account. Some charge an online
application fee, while others might charge a membership fee.
Avoid paying any charges that you don’t have to.
Why Should You Apply For Merchant Account Status? Because a
merchant account will move your company into the 21st century.
Look around at your competitors; how many already have a
merchant account? What percentage of your customers would be
willing to pay with credit if you could provide credit payment
services with the help of a merchant account? Research suggests
that people who pay with credit cards tend to buy more than
those who pay with cash. Take advantage of this phenomenon to
make it easy for your customers to buy when they like as much
as they like by allowing them to pay with credit cards. As your
revenues increase, your profits will soar. Your customers will
be happy, and so will you.
With a merchant account, you can set up credit processing
options at your store, over the telephone, in your company car,
or at your Internet site. Marketing your goods and facilitating
customer payments will never be easier than with a merchant
services account. Make time to check out this exciting
opportunity to build your business when you Apply for Merchant
Account Status!
About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
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
Merchant Account
Global Ecommerce: New Trends Involved in Ecommerce Business by Michael Braganza
Internet use has grown and spread during the last decade. With the fame and widespread usage of Internet this new trend in ecommerce business is spreading like wild fire and has a pivotal role in global economy. Businesses these days are rising in all realms. Ecommerce has changed the way people do business. These days, ecommerce business is at its boom. From big corporations to cottage industries, businesses are online, opening up their products and services to new groups of people worldwide.
What is ecommerce? Ecommerce is generally associated with purchasing and selling things over the internet. It is a technique of selling your products on the internet. To put your products over the internet, you need an attractive website and an ecommerce storefront for your business products.
These days, the use of other media trade, such as the telephone, television, fax, and electronic payment, has been also grown. These play also an important role in the boom in ecommerce business because ecommerce has been an integral part of the global economy. The WTO has begun to consider how it fits into the multilateral trade framework, and what rules or regulations should apply.
With the emergence of ecommerce business during the last decades, a number of ecommerce business solution providers have been also grown. No one can imagine a successful ecommerce business without the assistance of a reliable ecommerce business solution provider. Ecommerce service provider performs many useful jobs for your business, such as doing market research, getting traffic for your ecommerce storefront and online ordering system.
Today, ecommerce is the latest mantra in increasing your sales. This is because instead of selling your goods and services through a local store, you can sell online and gain a greater customer base. Apart from providing shipping services, you will need an online ecommerce merchant account to accept credit card payments to make your venture a success.
These days, even a restaurant is running under ecommerce system. Ecommerce solution provider performs many jobs for the Restaurant, such as, they put online restaurant menu, online restaurant ordering systems, and bed and breakfast booking system. There are many ways to get your products and services online, from a simple brochure site to a high-end database driven site.
In this way, we see that ecommerce has changed the people to do the business in a different way. Every thing in this world has been being globalize and of course business is no exception. Global ecommerce business has been new trends in ecommerce business and plays a pivotal role in global economy. Also the role of ecommerce business solution providers cannot be ignored because you cannot imagine successful and fruitful ecommerce business without their assistance.
About the Author
Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Economics and Technology related topics. He has authored many books on ecommerce business solution and ecommerce storefront. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.communalmarket.com/
Internet use has grown and spread during the last decade. With the fame and widespread usage of Internet this new trend in ecommerce business is spreading like wild fire and has a pivotal role in global economy. Businesses these days are rising in all realms. Ecommerce has changed the way people do business. These days, ecommerce business is at its boom. From big corporations to cottage industries, businesses are online, opening up their products and services to new groups of people worldwide.
What is ecommerce? Ecommerce is generally associated with purchasing and selling things over the internet. It is a technique of selling your products on the internet. To put your products over the internet, you need an attractive website and an ecommerce storefront for your business products.
These days, the use of other media trade, such as the telephone, television, fax, and electronic payment, has been also grown. These play also an important role in the boom in ecommerce business because ecommerce has been an integral part of the global economy. The WTO has begun to consider how it fits into the multilateral trade framework, and what rules or regulations should apply.
With the emergence of ecommerce business during the last decades, a number of ecommerce business solution providers have been also grown. No one can imagine a successful ecommerce business without the assistance of a reliable ecommerce business solution provider. Ecommerce service provider performs many useful jobs for your business, such as doing market research, getting traffic for your ecommerce storefront and online ordering system.
Today, ecommerce is the latest mantra in increasing your sales. This is because instead of selling your goods and services through a local store, you can sell online and gain a greater customer base. Apart from providing shipping services, you will need an online ecommerce merchant account to accept credit card payments to make your venture a success.
These days, even a restaurant is running under ecommerce system. Ecommerce solution provider performs many jobs for the Restaurant, such as, they put online restaurant menu, online restaurant ordering systems, and bed and breakfast booking system. There are many ways to get your products and services online, from a simple brochure site to a high-end database driven site.
In this way, we see that ecommerce has changed the people to do the business in a different way. Every thing in this world has been being globalize and of course business is no exception. Global ecommerce business has been new trends in ecommerce business and plays a pivotal role in global economy. Also the role of ecommerce business solution providers cannot be ignored because you cannot imagine successful and fruitful ecommerce business without their assistance.
About the Author
Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Economics and Technology related topics. He has authored many books on ecommerce business solution and ecommerce storefront. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.communalmarket.com/
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Merchant Account
Merchant Account Basics
16th August 2006
Author: Steve Depraida
A Merchant account is an account at a bank or financial institution that permits you to accept credit card payments. You can acquire a merchant account from a merchant account provider or your bank.
A merchant account helps in boosting your business as when your account can accept credit cards you get instant payments. The whole process of receiving a payment is simplified and speedy, as it takes a lot less time then the conventional method of receiving payments. The whole processing time of credit card payment through the credit card machine or online account is lot shorter than the conventional methods.
If you increase the number of payment options for your customer it helps your business to grow. In case you are an online businessman this option provides the customer ease as well as flexibility of shopping, which in the long run converts into repeat purchases. Today majority of customers prefer credit card payment therefore it makes prudent business sense to opt for merchant account or merchant accounts.
Before establishing a merchant account it is necessary to check the credentials of the merchant account or merchant services Provider Company that is trustworthy and provides secure services. For online businesses real time processing is the best solution as the charge from the client's card is processed swiftly when the client places the order. The client or customer gets an email stating that the order has been processed and the money transfer is approved by the credit card company.
The credit card companies charge different fees for the credit card processing. The companies may charge an application fee, a monthly statement fee, an annual fee, a discount fee etc. The credit card company charges a transaction or the processing fee for each transaction that takes place. As different merchant account services charge different fees it is advisable that a thorough study is made before deciding which credit card processing company you choose. Make a monthly estimate of the current sales figure and project expenses.
Merchant accounts, is one of the largest merchant account processor in USA. It provides one of the best credit card processing solutions and efficient round the clock service. The main distinguishing features are a 90 day price match offer, same day approval for merchant account, instant online applications, no early cancellation fees, good quality credit card machines and terminal solutions.
Visit the site if you want to avail the merchant account services from http://www.merchant-accounts.com, one of the best credit card processing companies in USA.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_81901_19.html
16th August 2006
Author: Steve Depraida
A Merchant account is an account at a bank or financial institution that permits you to accept credit card payments. You can acquire a merchant account from a merchant account provider or your bank.
A merchant account helps in boosting your business as when your account can accept credit cards you get instant payments. The whole process of receiving a payment is simplified and speedy, as it takes a lot less time then the conventional method of receiving payments. The whole processing time of credit card payment through the credit card machine or online account is lot shorter than the conventional methods.
If you increase the number of payment options for your customer it helps your business to grow. In case you are an online businessman this option provides the customer ease as well as flexibility of shopping, which in the long run converts into repeat purchases. Today majority of customers prefer credit card payment therefore it makes prudent business sense to opt for merchant account or merchant accounts.
Before establishing a merchant account it is necessary to check the credentials of the merchant account or merchant services Provider Company that is trustworthy and provides secure services. For online businesses real time processing is the best solution as the charge from the client's card is processed swiftly when the client places the order. The client or customer gets an email stating that the order has been processed and the money transfer is approved by the credit card company.
The credit card companies charge different fees for the credit card processing. The companies may charge an application fee, a monthly statement fee, an annual fee, a discount fee etc. The credit card company charges a transaction or the processing fee for each transaction that takes place. As different merchant account services charge different fees it is advisable that a thorough study is made before deciding which credit card processing company you choose. Make a monthly estimate of the current sales figure and project expenses.
Merchant accounts, is one of the largest merchant account processor in USA. It provides one of the best credit card processing solutions and efficient round the clock service. The main distinguishing features are a 90 day price match offer, same day approval for merchant account, instant online applications, no early cancellation fees, good quality credit card machines and terminal solutions.
Visit the site if you want to avail the merchant account services from http://www.merchant-accounts.com, one of the best credit card processing companies in USA.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_81901_19.html
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Merchant Account
Overview of the Credit Card Machines by steve depradia
Credit card machines can be seen everywhere in a restaurant, retail shop or a shopping mall. These small machines help businesses to process credit cards safely and efficiently. These {a href = http://www.merchant-accounts.com/merchant_account_swipe_terminals_printers.htm} credit card machines don't cost much but the impact of these little wonders on a business is tremendous. Invest in a good credit card machines and if you have a merchant account you are all set to accept credit cards.
Credit Card Processing Machines are Essential
* Most of the merchant account services charge extra money for keyed in transaction as compared to swiped charges. If you have an old machine that is not reading the cards properly you may be unnecessarily paying more money.
* An old credit card machine is not able to read debit card transactions it is therefore necessary to invest in new credit card machines.
* Credit card machines save valuable counter space.
* Credit card machines help in increasing the cash flow by greatly reducing the payment time.
Different Types of Credit Card Machines:
There are different types of credit card machines available, choose one according to your budget and requirements. All these machines have their advantages and disadvantages; consider both while making your choice.
* Basic Credit card machines These machines are the cheapest of the lot and are very affordable but are a somewhat bulky in appearance.
* Credit card machines with printers These machines are combo machines with printer attached. These machines come in sleek designs.
* Wireless Credit card machines or Pin pads These credit card machines are as the name suggests wireless.
Merchant accounts.com is the site that provides information about merchant accountand lists machines that accept credit card transaction. There are many credit card machines on offer and the latest being The Hypercom T7 Plus, a great machine with either an AMS retail merchant account or mail order merchant account. This product is equipped with a sure load thermal printer that eliminates paper jamming. Visit the site www.merchant-accounts.com to get more information about the different services and products being offered and choose the one that suits you. There are many latest credit card machines being offered on the site, choose the one that has the features you were looking for in a {a href= http://www.merchant-accounts.com/credit_card_processing_pos_software.htm} credit card processing. These machines will give boost to your business by providing easy cash flow and safe and speedy payment solution.
About the Author
Mr.steve depradia is a very well know author who writes article for www.merchant-accounts.com
Credit card machines can be seen everywhere in a restaurant, retail shop or a shopping mall. These small machines help businesses to process credit cards safely and efficiently. These {a href = http://www.merchant-accounts.com/merchant_account_swipe_terminals_printers.htm} credit card machines don't cost much but the impact of these little wonders on a business is tremendous. Invest in a good credit card machines and if you have a merchant account you are all set to accept credit cards.
Credit Card Processing Machines are Essential
* Most of the merchant account services charge extra money for keyed in transaction as compared to swiped charges. If you have an old machine that is not reading the cards properly you may be unnecessarily paying more money.
* An old credit card machine is not able to read debit card transactions it is therefore necessary to invest in new credit card machines.
* Credit card machines save valuable counter space.
* Credit card machines help in increasing the cash flow by greatly reducing the payment time.
Different Types of Credit Card Machines:
There are different types of credit card machines available, choose one according to your budget and requirements. All these machines have their advantages and disadvantages; consider both while making your choice.
* Basic Credit card machines These machines are the cheapest of the lot and are very affordable but are a somewhat bulky in appearance.
* Credit card machines with printers These machines are combo machines with printer attached. These machines come in sleek designs.
* Wireless Credit card machines or Pin pads These credit card machines are as the name suggests wireless.
Merchant accounts.com is the site that provides information about merchant accountand lists machines that accept credit card transaction. There are many credit card machines on offer and the latest being The Hypercom T7 Plus, a great machine with either an AMS retail merchant account or mail order merchant account. This product is equipped with a sure load thermal printer that eliminates paper jamming. Visit the site www.merchant-accounts.com to get more information about the different services and products being offered and choose the one that suits you. There are many latest credit card machines being offered on the site, choose the one that has the features you were looking for in a {a href= http://www.merchant-accounts.com/credit_card_processing_pos_software.htm} credit card processing. These machines will give boost to your business by providing easy cash flow and safe and speedy payment solution.
About the Author
Mr.steve depradia is a very well know author who writes article for www.merchant-accounts.com
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Merchant Account
The Basics To Setting Up A Merchant Account
By: Jim Saka
If you're business is not offering credit card payments, you could potentially be losing out on a tremendous amount of business. Because of the options you give customers by offering credit card payments, it creates a wider customer base. However, the first step to offering credit card payments through your business is setting up a merchant account.
A merchant account is a bank account that is established by your company to receive the payments from credit card purchases. Simply done, right? It is a little more extensive than it comes off as, especially if you are accepting credit cards online. However, it is well worth it to set up a merchant account because of the potential increase in your business.
Generally, you will also need to lease equipment and software when setting up your merchant account. The reason for this is to ensure you and the customer that the transaction flows to your operating account.
If you are looking to accept credit cards online, you will need to sign up with a payment gateway. The payment gateway will allow you to accept credit card transactions online. When selecting your payment gateway, it is vital that the gateway is compatible with your software so that the transactions go through. Some of the more well-known payment gateways include Paypal, SECPay and authorize.net.
When you are looking for the right financial institution to help you set up your merchant account, make sure to research in-depth. There are a number of financial institutions that can offer you a merchant account, but you are going to want to go through an institution that has experience with small businesses. The reason being is that you are just starting out, so the institution will assist you with setting up your merchant account far better than any other financial institution.
The next phase of setting up your merchant account is the application. Each financial institution varies from one another, so you can receive word of your application from anywhere between 48 hours to 2 weeks. If you are starting an internet business, it is far more difficult to be approved than a retail store because of the higher rates for charge back and fraud.
After all this, how much is it going to cost you to be able to accept credit card payments? You should expect to pay on average around $200 to $300 for start up costs when setting up your merchant account. After that, there are processing fees that will cost you 2-2.75% of your annual sales volume for online transactions. Remember, this is a small fee for having versatility and opening the doors to many more customers.
While it may seem like a lot, it is a rather quick and painless process to set up a merchant account. Once it is set up, you will be ready to accept credit card payments on or offline.
Copyright (c) 2006 Jim Saka
Article Source: http://www.ApprovedArticles.com
For more information about Jim Saka or to find out how your business can can benefit from accepting credit cards online or at a place of business visit United Bank Card PS at www.unitedbankcardps.com
By: Jim Saka
If you're business is not offering credit card payments, you could potentially be losing out on a tremendous amount of business. Because of the options you give customers by offering credit card payments, it creates a wider customer base. However, the first step to offering credit card payments through your business is setting up a merchant account.
A merchant account is a bank account that is established by your company to receive the payments from credit card purchases. Simply done, right? It is a little more extensive than it comes off as, especially if you are accepting credit cards online. However, it is well worth it to set up a merchant account because of the potential increase in your business.
Generally, you will also need to lease equipment and software when setting up your merchant account. The reason for this is to ensure you and the customer that the transaction flows to your operating account.
If you are looking to accept credit cards online, you will need to sign up with a payment gateway. The payment gateway will allow you to accept credit card transactions online. When selecting your payment gateway, it is vital that the gateway is compatible with your software so that the transactions go through. Some of the more well-known payment gateways include Paypal, SECPay and authorize.net.
When you are looking for the right financial institution to help you set up your merchant account, make sure to research in-depth. There are a number of financial institutions that can offer you a merchant account, but you are going to want to go through an institution that has experience with small businesses. The reason being is that you are just starting out, so the institution will assist you with setting up your merchant account far better than any other financial institution.
The next phase of setting up your merchant account is the application. Each financial institution varies from one another, so you can receive word of your application from anywhere between 48 hours to 2 weeks. If you are starting an internet business, it is far more difficult to be approved than a retail store because of the higher rates for charge back and fraud.
After all this, how much is it going to cost you to be able to accept credit card payments? You should expect to pay on average around $200 to $300 for start up costs when setting up your merchant account. After that, there are processing fees that will cost you 2-2.75% of your annual sales volume for online transactions. Remember, this is a small fee for having versatility and opening the doors to many more customers.
While it may seem like a lot, it is a rather quick and painless process to set up a merchant account. Once it is set up, you will be ready to accept credit card payments on or offline.
Copyright (c) 2006 Jim Saka
Article Source: http://www.ApprovedArticles.com
For more information about Jim Saka or to find out how your business can can benefit from accepting credit cards online or at a place of business visit United Bank Card PS at www.unitedbankcardps.com
Friday, May 4, 2007
Merchant Account
Prevent Credit Card Processing Fraud by Bob Donegan
If you are a merchant, particularly someone who sells products online, the chances of your business being exposed to credit card fraud is highly likely. For many businesses, credit card fraud is a cost that they apportion into doing business and they may even account for it in how the price products - similar to how a business may account for bad or doubtful debts. In the UK for example, government published statistics reveal that credit card fraud has went up from £83.3m 10 years ago to £504.8m just before the introduction of the chip and pin scheme. Chip and pin is a system where by a number is assigned to each credit card, meaning a thief has to do more than just fake a signature to complete a purchase with someone else's credit card. This has been said to have reduced fraud by 13% since its introduction.
With so many different types of credit card fraud, it is important to have a strategy to address each one. This article offers an insight into prevention methods for well known techniques of committing credit card fraud.
Card Not Present Fraud
CNP fraud is among the fastest rising category of fraud. The main reason for this is that it is becoming much harder to commit fraud in person, especially with the introduction of Chip and Pin. As credit card fraud continues to move towards telephone and internet merchants, there are measures that all merchants can take to ensure their associated costs of being exposed to fraud can be reduced.
* Telephone back customers to confirm orders. Although this is also a cost center, it could be used as a technique when the transaction appears somewhat out with the ordinary
* Pay attention to transactions where the delivery address and cardholder address are different
* AVS or CSC checking does not fully remove all risks associated with transactions, but it removes the ability for fraud to be done base solely on acquiring a/c details with out having the credit card in person.
Card Present Fraud
Card Present Fraud has become increasingly hard to commit, and as a result it is no longer associated with being a white collar crime as is often the case with CNP fraud. Despite this, card present fraud is still an issue which merchants still have to deal with. Following certain protocols can help to limit the chances of you being affected, and ensure that your business is refunded by following the correct procedures.
* Ask your employees to look for people who may appear uncomfortable. They should not confront then based on that alone, but they should certainly be discreetly vigilant when they do.
* Check that the card number that is embossed matches the card number on the receipt. Pay particular attention to the last 4 digits if this has to be done discreetly and promptly. If they are different then it is important to act. In situations like this it is likely that skimming has taken place.
About the Author
Bob Donegan, a proficient Writer, writes for Payment Gateway sites. The author writes articles about Payment Gateway. Supplementary editorials that were written by Bob Donegan about Internet Merchant Account and Online Merchant Accounts are accessible on the internet.
If you are a merchant, particularly someone who sells products online, the chances of your business being exposed to credit card fraud is highly likely. For many businesses, credit card fraud is a cost that they apportion into doing business and they may even account for it in how the price products - similar to how a business may account for bad or doubtful debts. In the UK for example, government published statistics reveal that credit card fraud has went up from £83.3m 10 years ago to £504.8m just before the introduction of the chip and pin scheme. Chip and pin is a system where by a number is assigned to each credit card, meaning a thief has to do more than just fake a signature to complete a purchase with someone else's credit card. This has been said to have reduced fraud by 13% since its introduction.
With so many different types of credit card fraud, it is important to have a strategy to address each one. This article offers an insight into prevention methods for well known techniques of committing credit card fraud.
Card Not Present Fraud
CNP fraud is among the fastest rising category of fraud. The main reason for this is that it is becoming much harder to commit fraud in person, especially with the introduction of Chip and Pin. As credit card fraud continues to move towards telephone and internet merchants, there are measures that all merchants can take to ensure their associated costs of being exposed to fraud can be reduced.
* Telephone back customers to confirm orders. Although this is also a cost center, it could be used as a technique when the transaction appears somewhat out with the ordinary
* Pay attention to transactions where the delivery address and cardholder address are different
* AVS or CSC checking does not fully remove all risks associated with transactions, but it removes the ability for fraud to be done base solely on acquiring a/c details with out having the credit card in person.
Card Present Fraud
Card Present Fraud has become increasingly hard to commit, and as a result it is no longer associated with being a white collar crime as is often the case with CNP fraud. Despite this, card present fraud is still an issue which merchants still have to deal with. Following certain protocols can help to limit the chances of you being affected, and ensure that your business is refunded by following the correct procedures.
* Ask your employees to look for people who may appear uncomfortable. They should not confront then based on that alone, but they should certainly be discreetly vigilant when they do.
* Check that the card number that is embossed matches the card number on the receipt. Pay particular attention to the last 4 digits if this has to be done discreetly and promptly. If they are different then it is important to act. In situations like this it is likely that skimming has taken place.
About the Author
Bob Donegan, a proficient Writer, writes for Payment Gateway sites. The author writes articles about Payment Gateway. Supplementary editorials that were written by Bob Donegan about Internet Merchant Account and Online Merchant Accounts are accessible on the internet.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Merchant Account
Become a Merchant Account Provider
By Alison Cole
Merchant account providers help provide accounts to merchants. Banks are the most well known providers of merchant accounts. Also, there are third party merchant account providers that are extremely popular with international and Internet merchants. To become a successful merchant account provider, there are a few basics one needs to understand.
The merchant account provider requires the help of at least two other entities to grant a merchant account to a client. One is an ISO (Independent Service Organization) and the other is the underwriter. An ISO normally comes from the local debt collection. Their job is to verify the risks that come with granting the merchant account. They look at the operation of the applicant, as well his history and assets. Often, ISOs are also merchant account administrators, with the power to liquidate the merchant account in the event of something going wrong. The underwriter is typically a bank. Their responsibility lies with the cardholders. They reassess the website, the merchant's operations, and the report provided by the ISO. It is the underwriter that actually grants the merchant account to the applicant. Underwriters often request superficial and even structural changes to the merchant's website to protect the latter's interests.
The merchant account provider should be adept in dealing with high-risk accounts. These businesses include pharmacy accounts; adult accounts; travel accounts; telemarketing accounts, etc. They are high risk in nature because of their potential for unnecessary charge backs, legal violations, or they can simple give the merchant account provider bad publicity for accepting their kind of business.
Today, it is essential for someone wanting to become a merchant account provider to have some experience and knowledge with e-commerce doctrine, terminology and workings. Proficiency with computers is imperative.
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 Free Webcam Chat.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole
http://EzineArticles.com/?Become-a-Merchant-Account-Provider&id=277238
By Alison Cole
Merchant account providers help provide accounts to merchants. Banks are the most well known providers of merchant accounts. Also, there are third party merchant account providers that are extremely popular with international and Internet merchants. To become a successful merchant account provider, there are a few basics one needs to understand.
The merchant account provider requires the help of at least two other entities to grant a merchant account to a client. One is an ISO (Independent Service Organization) and the other is the underwriter. An ISO normally comes from the local debt collection. Their job is to verify the risks that come with granting the merchant account. They look at the operation of the applicant, as well his history and assets. Often, ISOs are also merchant account administrators, with the power to liquidate the merchant account in the event of something going wrong. The underwriter is typically a bank. Their responsibility lies with the cardholders. They reassess the website, the merchant's operations, and the report provided by the ISO. It is the underwriter that actually grants the merchant account to the applicant. Underwriters often request superficial and even structural changes to the merchant's website to protect the latter's interests.
The merchant account provider should be adept in dealing with high-risk accounts. These businesses include pharmacy accounts; adult accounts; travel accounts; telemarketing accounts, etc. They are high risk in nature because of their potential for unnecessary charge backs, legal violations, or they can simple give the merchant account provider bad publicity for accepting their kind of business.
Today, it is essential for someone wanting to become a merchant account provider to have some experience and knowledge with e-commerce doctrine, terminology and workings. Proficiency with computers is imperative.
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 Free Webcam Chat.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole
http://EzineArticles.com/?Become-a-Merchant-Account-Provider&id=277238
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Merchant Account
Evaluating Merchant Services for Small Business
By Natalie Aranda
The selection of a Merchant Service provider is of utmost importance to the owner of a small business. There is no doubt that it is necessary to have one. The use of credit cards is on the increase. The introduction of debit cards and the wide dispersal of ATM machines has made carrying large sums of cash a less and less attractive option. It is important to understand the complete fee structure of a Merchant Service provider before agreeing to a preset contract arrangement. Although the discount rate is the most important of the fees, hidden and unexpected fees can seriously cut into profits. This could be fatal to the small business owner.
A good Credit Card Merchant Service should act as an extension of your business. The small business owner is used to dealing personally with all aspects of his operation. If the Merchant Service seems distant, complicated, and uninterested in your business, it might be a good idea to keep looking a bit longer. There is a curious mix in the nature of United States Merchant Services in the past years. On the one hand, competition has driven them to lower their rates and increase the quality of their services. This has certainly benefited the small business owner. At the same time, increased scrutiny of individual accounts has created some problems. Some business owners report that their accounts have been suddenly shut down or closed due to extremely good sales increases! This unusual situation has come about due to worries about illegal transactions, homeland security, and even money laundering.
Offshore Merchant Accounts are a viable option even for the small business owner. Although they have not felt quite the competitive pinch of the local institutions yet, they are starting to lower their rates as well. They are nowhere near as concerned with how you conduct your business, and they have important tax implications as well. Even the smallest business owner needs only a PC and an internet connection to enter the global marketplace. Many small businesses are entering the virtual marketplace, and a Credit Card Merchant Service that understands this can often be just the ticket. Your internet connection can let you investigate a worldwide assortment of financial institutions interested in your business. It is common sense that the more options available generally leads to finding the better deal.
It does not matter how small you are right now. You plan to grow and expand. This is why you are in business in the first place. Carefully evaluate all your options and do not rush into an arrangement that you will regret.
Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. Some business owners report that their accounts have been suddenly shut down or closed due to extremely good sales increases! This unusual situation has come about due to worries about illegal transactions, homeland security, and even money laundering. An Offshore Merchant Account is a viable option even for the small business owner. Although they have not felt quite the competitive pinch of the local institutions yet, they are starting to lower their rates as well. If you consider going online, online merchant accounts are a valuable investment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda
http://EzineArticles.com/?Evaluating-Merchant-Services-for-Small-Business&id=490654
By Natalie Aranda
The selection of a Merchant Service provider is of utmost importance to the owner of a small business. There is no doubt that it is necessary to have one. The use of credit cards is on the increase. The introduction of debit cards and the wide dispersal of ATM machines has made carrying large sums of cash a less and less attractive option. It is important to understand the complete fee structure of a Merchant Service provider before agreeing to a preset contract arrangement. Although the discount rate is the most important of the fees, hidden and unexpected fees can seriously cut into profits. This could be fatal to the small business owner.
A good Credit Card Merchant Service should act as an extension of your business. The small business owner is used to dealing personally with all aspects of his operation. If the Merchant Service seems distant, complicated, and uninterested in your business, it might be a good idea to keep looking a bit longer. There is a curious mix in the nature of United States Merchant Services in the past years. On the one hand, competition has driven them to lower their rates and increase the quality of their services. This has certainly benefited the small business owner. At the same time, increased scrutiny of individual accounts has created some problems. Some business owners report that their accounts have been suddenly shut down or closed due to extremely good sales increases! This unusual situation has come about due to worries about illegal transactions, homeland security, and even money laundering.
Offshore Merchant Accounts are a viable option even for the small business owner. Although they have not felt quite the competitive pinch of the local institutions yet, they are starting to lower their rates as well. They are nowhere near as concerned with how you conduct your business, and they have important tax implications as well. Even the smallest business owner needs only a PC and an internet connection to enter the global marketplace. Many small businesses are entering the virtual marketplace, and a Credit Card Merchant Service that understands this can often be just the ticket. Your internet connection can let you investigate a worldwide assortment of financial institutions interested in your business. It is common sense that the more options available generally leads to finding the better deal.
It does not matter how small you are right now. You plan to grow and expand. This is why you are in business in the first place. Carefully evaluate all your options and do not rush into an arrangement that you will regret.
Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. Some business owners report that their accounts have been suddenly shut down or closed due to extremely good sales increases! This unusual situation has come about due to worries about illegal transactions, homeland security, and even money laundering. An Offshore Merchant Account is a viable option even for the small business owner. Although they have not felt quite the competitive pinch of the local institutions yet, they are starting to lower their rates as well. If you consider going online, online merchant accounts are a valuable investment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda
http://EzineArticles.com/?Evaluating-Merchant-Services-for-Small-Business&id=490654
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