Credit Card Merchant Account – Do You Need One?
By Shane Penrod
There are many reasons why a creditcard merchant account may be
right for your business. If your customer base is growing
steadily or if you are having problems finding time to collect
delinquent accounts, a credit card merchant account may be the
answer to your difficulties. A merchant account allows you to
partner with an acquiring bank to process credit card payments
made on your company’s Internet Website. You also may wish to
consider adopting wireless services as well as other electronic
equipment that can help you facilitate online transactions.
A credit card merchant account is the first step toward
establishing an international business presence. After the
account has been approved and opened, often within a few days,
you can arrange to install a credit card processing unit that
will allow clients to make Internet payments at your Website.
You can save thousands of dollars in human resource staffing
when you rely on electronic equipment to manage some of these
functions for you, including customer service inquiries,
orders, payments, and other related functions. Your job may
become easier than ever while profits soar to new heights.
Customers will appreciate the ease and convenience of browsing
your company’s products or services online at any time of the
day or night without the pressure of a sales associate looking
over their shoulders.
Failing to open a merchant account will thus deprive your
customers of the benefits of online shopping and avoiding cash
transactions. If you are unwilling to provide e-commerce
options, they are likely to find other customers who already
have posted credit card processors for easy shopping payments
and checkout. Your credit card merchant account can put you
ahead of the competition, as others will see you as an
innovative leader in your field and bring their business to you
instead of other entrepreneurs who do not yet have merchant
accounts.
Opening a credit card merchant account is easy. In many cases,
all you need do is fill out a form online at a suitable
financial institution like a bank or credit union that manages
this type of accounts. In a day or two your account could be
approved, especially if you have a good credit history and a
specific plan for operating your business so as to avoid
overextending your company assets. After being approved, you
could be operating under your new merchant account status
within three days or so. As your company Website begins to
accept credit card payments, the word will get around and you
soon could be seeing unexpected high-income levels due to your
merchant status as well as a growing reputation for
sophisticated business practices.
Browse the many local banking institutions that are waiting to
work with you to provide a merchant account that will enhance
the way you do business. Then request credit card processing
equipment to handle online payments from enthusiastic
customers. Business has never been better for those who take
the initiative to explore this exciting new way of making money
by opening a credit card merchant account.
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
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Merchant Account
Ecommerce Hosting - How To Choose A Merchant Account
By Stanley Spencer
For a number of e-Businesses, discovering the best way to
accept payments is a frustrating task. As the Internet is an
instant medium, it is highly recommended that a ecommerce
website must accept credit/debit cards and online checks as
modes of payment. In order to accept credit card transactions,
you require setting up a merchant account with a merchant bank.
As soon as you set up a merchant account, an online processor
can provide you with the software or gateway you need to
transact.
Selecting a suitable merchant account is considered to be one
of the most tough business decisions you make as their
existence has almost doubled and are now into more than
hundreds. At the time of choosing a merchant account, you
should be aware of the cost involved in setting up the account.
Refer to the list below and don’t forget to ask about each of
these items before agreeing to an account.
Application Fee
The application fee is compulsory so an agent or bank can
"research" you as a potential customer. Few firms are more
likely to repay this fee if your application is not accepted
while others won't. It is always advisable not to pay an
application fee that will not be refunded in case you are
rejected.
Minimum Account Billing
This fee requires you to do a least amount of business with a
merchant bank. A majority of banks require a monthly minimum of
at least 25 dollars in transaction fees. Anything less than 35
dollars minimum is satisfactory.
Statement Fee
In case there is a considerable minimum-billing need, then
there should be no statement fee. Still, a number of banks
charge this to cover administrative costs. If you are assessed
a statement fee, it shouldn't exceed 10 dollars per month.
Charge back Fee
In case a customer is not satisfied with their purchase, can't
get a refund, or is just looking for something free, you may be
faced with a charge back attempt. Under this, the bank will
return customer’s fund and debit your account for the full
amount. Always make sure to ask about your bank's charge back
policy. Most banks tend to be more loyal to cardholders than
merchants so protect yourself by preventing charge back fees.
Transaction Fee
This fee, which is usually about 2-3 percent of the purchase,
is assessed on every transaction. If a product costs US$100,
the bank would receive US$2-3 for their services. While rates
are relative to the nature of your business, anticipated volume
and your credit history, you should never pay more than 3
percent.
Setup Fee
This covers administrative work necessary to establish your
account. In case you're charged an installation or programming
fee, there shouldn't be a setup fee. There is a considerable
amount of work completed to create merchant accounts, so fees
of US$50-500 should be expected.
At the time of approaching banks or an intermediary about a
merchant account, always keep in mind the following tips:
1. Read the terms, conditions and anticipated charges
carefully. Don't sign anything until your questions are
answered to your satisfaction. Take time to understand exactly
what you are getting and how much you are paying to get it.
2. Do you require a reserve account? It shouldn't be, but if
you are a start-up Internet business, have poor to marginal
credit, anticipate low volumes or run a "risk" business, it may
be required.
3. How long before funds are available to you? Ideally it
should not take more than 72 hours from the time an order or
transaction is processed.
Given below are some of the options available with whom you can
setup your merchant account.
Paypal: With a free PayPal account one can accept credit cards
on your website immediately
Click bank: It offers distribution of digital products and has
an instant affiliate network promoting your business.
North American Bancard: It is a full service payment solution
provider of Credit, Debit, EBT, Check Conversion and Guarantee,
Checks by Phone & Net.
About the Author: Copyright © Active-Venture.com's
(http://www.active-venture.com) ecommerce hosting service. This
article may be reprinted freely online or in print, provided an
active link is made to http://www.active-venture.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Stanley Spencer
For a number of e-Businesses, discovering the best way to
accept payments is a frustrating task. As the Internet is an
instant medium, it is highly recommended that a ecommerce
website must accept credit/debit cards and online checks as
modes of payment. In order to accept credit card transactions,
you require setting up a merchant account with a merchant bank.
As soon as you set up a merchant account, an online processor
can provide you with the software or gateway you need to
transact.
Selecting a suitable merchant account is considered to be one
of the most tough business decisions you make as their
existence has almost doubled and are now into more than
hundreds. At the time of choosing a merchant account, you
should be aware of the cost involved in setting up the account.
Refer to the list below and don’t forget to ask about each of
these items before agreeing to an account.
Application Fee
The application fee is compulsory so an agent or bank can
"research" you as a potential customer. Few firms are more
likely to repay this fee if your application is not accepted
while others won't. It is always advisable not to pay an
application fee that will not be refunded in case you are
rejected.
Minimum Account Billing
This fee requires you to do a least amount of business with a
merchant bank. A majority of banks require a monthly minimum of
at least 25 dollars in transaction fees. Anything less than 35
dollars minimum is satisfactory.
Statement Fee
In case there is a considerable minimum-billing need, then
there should be no statement fee. Still, a number of banks
charge this to cover administrative costs. If you are assessed
a statement fee, it shouldn't exceed 10 dollars per month.
Charge back Fee
In case a customer is not satisfied with their purchase, can't
get a refund, or is just looking for something free, you may be
faced with a charge back attempt. Under this, the bank will
return customer’s fund and debit your account for the full
amount. Always make sure to ask about your bank's charge back
policy. Most banks tend to be more loyal to cardholders than
merchants so protect yourself by preventing charge back fees.
Transaction Fee
This fee, which is usually about 2-3 percent of the purchase,
is assessed on every transaction. If a product costs US$100,
the bank would receive US$2-3 for their services. While rates
are relative to the nature of your business, anticipated volume
and your credit history, you should never pay more than 3
percent.
Setup Fee
This covers administrative work necessary to establish your
account. In case you're charged an installation or programming
fee, there shouldn't be a setup fee. There is a considerable
amount of work completed to create merchant accounts, so fees
of US$50-500 should be expected.
At the time of approaching banks or an intermediary about a
merchant account, always keep in mind the following tips:
1. Read the terms, conditions and anticipated charges
carefully. Don't sign anything until your questions are
answered to your satisfaction. Take time to understand exactly
what you are getting and how much you are paying to get it.
2. Do you require a reserve account? It shouldn't be, but if
you are a start-up Internet business, have poor to marginal
credit, anticipate low volumes or run a "risk" business, it may
be required.
3. How long before funds are available to you? Ideally it
should not take more than 72 hours from the time an order or
transaction is processed.
Given below are some of the options available with whom you can
setup your merchant account.
Paypal: With a free PayPal account one can accept credit cards
on your website immediately
Click bank: It offers distribution of digital products and has
an instant affiliate network promoting your business.
North American Bancard: It is a full service payment solution
provider of Credit, Debit, EBT, Check Conversion and Guarantee,
Checks by Phone & Net.
About the Author: Copyright © Active-Venture.com's
(http://www.active-venture.com) ecommerce hosting service. This
article may be reprinted freely online or in print, provided an
active link is made to http://www.active-venture.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, April 27, 2007
Merchant Account
Ecommerce: Landing the Merchant Account
By Scott Lindsay
Accepting credit card orders online is a convenient way to do business, especially for the consumer. There are online businesses that do not use credit card payments, but rather invoice and accept either cashiers check or money orders. However, in most cases this billing process results in a loss of more than half of a site’s potential customers.
The reasons many businesses do not like to accept credit cards are many and include financial issues such as transaction fees, discount rates, setup, statement and application fees as well as a minimum monthly fee. Combined this can take a significant bite out of your potential profit.
If you are developing an ecommerce website you may discover some sites for ecommerce development that offer a Merchant Account at no cost. Others may charge as much as $500 for this type of account. What a Merchant Account does is allow those credit card orders to be processed.
The Merchant Account is also necessary to the implementation of many online shopping carts. The two often work together.
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue a Merchant Account is to expand the potential growth of your ecommerce website. With a credit card sale the consumer has a level of assurance that they will either receive their product or they are not held liable for the purchase by the credit card company (in many instances). However, with an invoice/pre-payment plan the consumer may be wary of providing cash for something they haven’t received. This is especially true when the customer is new.
In essence, an invoicing system might work for existing customers, but in order to grow you may need to consider obtaining a Merchant Account for ecommerce and then expanding your marketing plan to increase the demand for your product. In turn, growing demand may more than offset the fees associated with credit card transactions.
Some small businesses might make use of a PayPal account in lieu of a Merchant Account in order to send and receive online payments. Fees are required in this arrangement as well and some consumers may not like establishing their own PayPal account just to make a payment, but this option may be more palatable for some online business startups or small businesses that operate a niche corporation.
The knowledge of available tools provides a certain empowerment. Online searches can lead you to a variety of Merchant Account providers, but knowing the options may help you manage your company goals and objectives. Ecommerce is a big step and the more you know about available options the easier it becomes to define the solution.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com Start your own ebook business with BooksWealth at: http://www.bookswealth.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ecommerce:-Landing-the-Merchant-Account&id=440168
By Scott Lindsay
Accepting credit card orders online is a convenient way to do business, especially for the consumer. There are online businesses that do not use credit card payments, but rather invoice and accept either cashiers check or money orders. However, in most cases this billing process results in a loss of more than half of a site’s potential customers.
The reasons many businesses do not like to accept credit cards are many and include financial issues such as transaction fees, discount rates, setup, statement and application fees as well as a minimum monthly fee. Combined this can take a significant bite out of your potential profit.
If you are developing an ecommerce website you may discover some sites for ecommerce development that offer a Merchant Account at no cost. Others may charge as much as $500 for this type of account. What a Merchant Account does is allow those credit card orders to be processed.
The Merchant Account is also necessary to the implementation of many online shopping carts. The two often work together.
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue a Merchant Account is to expand the potential growth of your ecommerce website. With a credit card sale the consumer has a level of assurance that they will either receive their product or they are not held liable for the purchase by the credit card company (in many instances). However, with an invoice/pre-payment plan the consumer may be wary of providing cash for something they haven’t received. This is especially true when the customer is new.
In essence, an invoicing system might work for existing customers, but in order to grow you may need to consider obtaining a Merchant Account for ecommerce and then expanding your marketing plan to increase the demand for your product. In turn, growing demand may more than offset the fees associated with credit card transactions.
Some small businesses might make use of a PayPal account in lieu of a Merchant Account in order to send and receive online payments. Fees are required in this arrangement as well and some consumers may not like establishing their own PayPal account just to make a payment, but this option may be more palatable for some online business startups or small businesses that operate a niche corporation.
The knowledge of available tools provides a certain empowerment. Online searches can lead you to a variety of Merchant Account providers, but knowing the options may help you manage your company goals and objectives. Ecommerce is a big step and the more you know about available options the easier it becomes to define the solution.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com Start your own ebook business with BooksWealth at: http://www.bookswealth.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ecommerce:-Landing-the-Merchant-Account&id=440168
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Merchant Account
Merchant Account - Credit Card Processing for Your Business
By Jimmy Wilson
Merchant Accounts allow you to conduct business online or offline with confidence to both you and your customers. Your merchant account is designed to make your business transactions a smooth exchange of goods and/or services for a payment method of credit cards, debit cards, online payment centers, faxes, or over the phone transactions.
Credit Card Processing can be much easier to set up for your online business, unless you choose to go through conventional means as you would for a brick and mortar business. If you need actual credit card processing terminals for the card swipe method, you can apply for that card processing separately.
A Merchant Account allows you the freedom of accepting credit card purchases and you don't have to wonder if the customer's account is in good standing, before you make the transaction. This is a must have in today's economy. More and more online customers are choosing to bank and purchase online, so in order to be conduct your business successfully, a merchant account is essential.
A merchant account provider gives you everything you need to get started accepting credit cards... with a payment gateway, usually with set-up fees and percentage rates per transaction charges. You need to check around for the best merchant account providers and see what they charge for set-up and processing your credit card transactions.
As you expand your merchant account, you may see a need for a credit card terminal, phone order processing, and/or a wireless credit card processor. This should also be a consideration for anticipated expansion to your business when shopping initially for a merchant account provider.
A Discount Merchant Account Provider is where you will find your best deals. With any business just starting out, the merchant account provider should grow with your business and when the time is right for your business to expand, you can rest assured your initial merchant account provider can make the necessary changes with you.
A good way to know a merchant account provider is reputable, check with the Better Business Bureau Online for feedback about the merchant account provider's scoring and if they have a high or low record of complaints. Obviously, all merchant account holders have had some bad dealings with dissatisfied customers, but the percentage rate will reflect whether they have too many to consider normal or average. Other questions you should ask:
_______________________________________________________
- What kind of merchant businesses do you accept?
- What if I have less than perfect credit?
- What credit cards will my merchant account be able to accept?
- Do I need a business license?
- What is the merchant discount rate?
- What is the Address Verification System?
- Will I receive a merchant account statement?
- How will I receive my money?
- How do I apply for a merchant account?
- How long does the approval process take?
- Is there a service phone number that I can call if I need help?
_______________________________________________________
For more information about opening a merchant account http://wealthsmith.com/merchant-account-credit-card-processing.htm
Jim has found a total package merchant account set-up ideal for entrepreneurs wanting to get started with a great opportunity. http://wealthsmith.com/merchant-account-credit-card-processing.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Wilson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Account---Credit-Card-Processing-for-Your-Business&id=388597
By Jimmy Wilson
Merchant Accounts allow you to conduct business online or offline with confidence to both you and your customers. Your merchant account is designed to make your business transactions a smooth exchange of goods and/or services for a payment method of credit cards, debit cards, online payment centers, faxes, or over the phone transactions.
Credit Card Processing can be much easier to set up for your online business, unless you choose to go through conventional means as you would for a brick and mortar business. If you need actual credit card processing terminals for the card swipe method, you can apply for that card processing separately.
A Merchant Account allows you the freedom of accepting credit card purchases and you don't have to wonder if the customer's account is in good standing, before you make the transaction. This is a must have in today's economy. More and more online customers are choosing to bank and purchase online, so in order to be conduct your business successfully, a merchant account is essential.
A merchant account provider gives you everything you need to get started accepting credit cards... with a payment gateway, usually with set-up fees and percentage rates per transaction charges. You need to check around for the best merchant account providers and see what they charge for set-up and processing your credit card transactions.
As you expand your merchant account, you may see a need for a credit card terminal, phone order processing, and/or a wireless credit card processor. This should also be a consideration for anticipated expansion to your business when shopping initially for a merchant account provider.
A Discount Merchant Account Provider is where you will find your best deals. With any business just starting out, the merchant account provider should grow with your business and when the time is right for your business to expand, you can rest assured your initial merchant account provider can make the necessary changes with you.
A good way to know a merchant account provider is reputable, check with the Better Business Bureau Online for feedback about the merchant account provider's scoring and if they have a high or low record of complaints. Obviously, all merchant account holders have had some bad dealings with dissatisfied customers, but the percentage rate will reflect whether they have too many to consider normal or average. Other questions you should ask:
_______________________________________________________
- What kind of merchant businesses do you accept?
- What if I have less than perfect credit?
- What credit cards will my merchant account be able to accept?
- Do I need a business license?
- What is the merchant discount rate?
- What is the Address Verification System?
- Will I receive a merchant account statement?
- How will I receive my money?
- How do I apply for a merchant account?
- How long does the approval process take?
- Is there a service phone number that I can call if I need help?
_______________________________________________________
For more information about opening a merchant account http://wealthsmith.com/merchant-account-credit-card-processing.htm
Jim has found a total package merchant account set-up ideal for entrepreneurs wanting to get started with a great opportunity. http://wealthsmith.com/merchant-account-credit-card-processing.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Wilson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Account---Credit-Card-Processing-for-Your-Business&id=388597
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Merchant Account
Credit Card Merchant Account – Do You Need One?
By Shane Penrod
There are many reasons why a creditcard merchant account may be
right for your business. If your customer base is growing
steadily or if you are having problems finding time to collect
delinquent accounts, a credit card merchant account may be the
answer to your difficulties. A merchant account allows you to
partner with an acquiring bank to process credit card payments
made on your company’s Internet Website. You also may wish to
consider adopting wireless services as well as other electronic
equipment that can help you facilitate online transactions.
A credit card merchant account is the first step toward
establishing an international business presence. After the
account has been approved and opened, often within a few days,
you can arrange to install a credit card processing unit that
will allow clients to make Internet payments at your Website.
You can save thousands of dollars in human resource staffing
when you rely on electronic equipment to manage some of these
functions for you, including customer service inquiries,
orders, payments, and other related functions. Your job may
become easier than ever while profits soar to new heights.
Customers will appreciate the ease and convenience of browsing
your company’s products or services online at any time of the
day or night without the pressure of a sales associate looking
over their shoulders.
Failing to open a merchant account will thus deprive your
customers of the benefits of online shopping and avoiding cash
transactions. If you are unwilling to provide e-commerce
options, they are likely to find other customers who already
have posted credit card processors for easy shopping payments
and checkout. Your credit card merchant account can put you
ahead of the competition, as others will see you as an
innovative leader in your field and bring their business to you
instead of other entrepreneurs who do not yet have merchant
accounts.
Opening a credit card merchant account is easy. In many cases,
all you need do is fill out a form online at a suitable
financial institution like a bank or credit union that manages
this type of accounts. In a day or two your account could be
approved, especially if you have a good credit history and a
specific plan for operating your business so as to avoid
overextending your company assets. After being approved, you
could be operating under your new merchant account status
within three days or so. As your company Website begins to
accept credit card payments, the word will get around and you
soon could be seeing unexpected high-income levels due to your
merchant status as well as a growing reputation for
sophisticated business practices.
Browse the many local banking institutions that are waiting to
work with you to provide a merchant account that will enhance
the way you do business. Then request credit card processing
equipment to handle online payments from enthusiastic
customers. Business has never been better for those who take
the initiative to explore this exciting new way of making money
by opening a credit card merchant account.
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
There are many reasons why a creditcard merchant account may be
right for your business. If your customer base is growing
steadily or if you are having problems finding time to collect
delinquent accounts, a credit card merchant account may be the
answer to your difficulties. A merchant account allows you to
partner with an acquiring bank to process credit card payments
made on your company’s Internet Website. You also may wish to
consider adopting wireless services as well as other electronic
equipment that can help you facilitate online transactions.
A credit card merchant account is the first step toward
establishing an international business presence. After the
account has been approved and opened, often within a few days,
you can arrange to install a credit card processing unit that
will allow clients to make Internet payments at your Website.
You can save thousands of dollars in human resource staffing
when you rely on electronic equipment to manage some of these
functions for you, including customer service inquiries,
orders, payments, and other related functions. Your job may
become easier than ever while profits soar to new heights.
Customers will appreciate the ease and convenience of browsing
your company’s products or services online at any time of the
day or night without the pressure of a sales associate looking
over their shoulders.
Failing to open a merchant account will thus deprive your
customers of the benefits of online shopping and avoiding cash
transactions. If you are unwilling to provide e-commerce
options, they are likely to find other customers who already
have posted credit card processors for easy shopping payments
and checkout. Your credit card merchant account can put you
ahead of the competition, as others will see you as an
innovative leader in your field and bring their business to you
instead of other entrepreneurs who do not yet have merchant
accounts.
Opening a credit card merchant account is easy. In many cases,
all you need do is fill out a form online at a suitable
financial institution like a bank or credit union that manages
this type of accounts. In a day or two your account could be
approved, especially if you have a good credit history and a
specific plan for operating your business so as to avoid
overextending your company assets. After being approved, you
could be operating under your new merchant account status
within three days or so. As your company Website begins to
accept credit card payments, the word will get around and you
soon could be seeing unexpected high-income levels due to your
merchant status as well as a growing reputation for
sophisticated business practices.
Browse the many local banking institutions that are waiting to
work with you to provide a merchant account that will enhance
the way you do business. Then request credit card processing
equipment to handle online payments from enthusiastic
customers. Business has never been better for those who take
the initiative to explore this exciting new way of making money
by opening a credit card merchant account.
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
Monday, April 16, 2007
Merchant Account
Getting a Real Merchant Account or Using 3rd Party Processors Like PayPal(R) - Which is Better?
By Chris Rempel
A lot of folks see PayPal, ClickBank and other third-party agents as the optimal method of doing business excluding a Merchant Account. This view is substantiated because there is usually no application process, and a few companies, PayPal for example, do not have any fees up-front. This feature boosts their appeal to "shoestring" start-ups and companies that deal in online (digital) products. A bargain is not always the 'cheapest' product.
Why don't we discuss the real differences between going with a third-party company (such as PayPal) and setting up a merchant account of your own...
1. A regular merchant account will charge between $100 - $250 initially to set up, a minimum monthly fee (minimum charges incurred) of $25 and $5+ to send out statements. These companies will bill you somewhere around 1% to 4% or even more per transaction (discount rate) - this varies with your business type - and a majority also use some kind of flat-fee for transactions. These fees range from $0.05 to $0.25
In contrast, PayPal does not charge a set up fee. They do have a 2.9% discount rate and charge 30 cents for each transaction. CC Now lacks fees except a 9% per transaction charge. ClickBank's set-up fee is $49.95. They charge no monthly fee, but a transaction fee of $1 in addition to 7%. DigiBuy has a set-up fee of $29.95 and no monthly fee. They do charge 13.9% or $3 per transaction (you pay the larger fee).
To better explain the fees involved, essentially, as soon as you build up a noteworthy sales volume ($1000/month or more), the costs involved with utilizing companies such as ClickBank, CCNow and DigiBuy far exceed what you would pay for a true merchant account that really works with your business. The advertised discount rate is normally where most of the money is used anyway, and this is how third-parties usually take in all their money.
PayPal, however, has a quite affordable discount rate, and the sole extra charge incurred for a regular account is the 30 cents transaction fee. In fact, if the average charges of a traditional merchant account are compared with PayPal's strictly from a "numbers" standpoint, the only time it is less expensive to use a merchant account is if your transactions are upwards of $50,000 monthly.
This perspective is only taking considering the actual numbers involved - and not any other variables that crop up when conducting business online, or offline...
2. Initially, it seems like PayPal is by far the better choice. Their low discount rate and transaction fees are without equal, and there is almost no entry impediment. You can start a PayPal account at no cost in a few minutes, and you are able to begin taking payments the moment your details are verified. For some small-time sellers and internet entrepreneurs, PayPal is just the ticket.
However, there are huge shortcomings that are not disclosed in the black and white contrast table that deals with cash - the value of the service could be different after you understand the following:
a. Many times these alternatives don't deal with support requests quickly; there have been times that delays persisted for several weeks.
b. Paypal does not give you access to your customer's credit card number, neither do any of the other third party service bureaus
c. A great majority of the alternatives cannot calculate shipping charges and taxes in their shopping carts
d. Some other companies are only serviceable for large profit-margin sales because of the expensive charges per sale (eg. DigiBuy charges 14% per sale which is huge)
e. Many alternatives to the merchant account lack a shopping cart altogether (eg. ClickBank), while like Paypal's is crude to say the least
f. PayPal has been known to shut down accounts and freeze funds - without warning - based solely on the hunches of employees that feel that vendors have violated their terms of service.
g. If you're especially accomplished at marketing, and if you render an ample amount of sales during a launch - you should not be startled if your account ends up being "red-flagged", frozen and audited. And this will take place, once again, without warning.
In comparison, this is what you can anticipate from a merchant account:
1. If you are processing sales online, you will have the ability to enter your merchant details into an easy to use, uncomplicated menu-driven (shopping-cart) interface/gateway - and there are several that are readily obtainable, even free ones such as OSCommerce. These are is simple to use by potential clients, and all-inclusive in terms of assembling crucial data
2. You can allow you to modify the shopping cart to fit your precise purpose including the shipping costs and taxes
3. It will show you your clients' credit card numbers to make tracking, refunds, etc. easier.
4. It will assist you in fully automating your business's payment processing
In other words, when you are starting out and your sales volume is low, a more cost-effective approach could be to use services like PayPal. However, when your sales increase - or if you desire more control over your ordering process, at the same time saving cash on higher sales volumes, a merchant account is a better choice.
In conclusion, if you're sincere about making your small business succeed, you will sooner or later need to obtain a merchant account. It's more cost effective, and you have much greater control over the money being processed.
Chris Rempel highly recommends http://www.AcceptByPhone.com, which enables anyone to accept credit cards using any touch-tone phone (or cellular) for a FRACTION of the regular cost - and it's completely mobile.
Find out why Chris and others think this service is the ultimate mobile merchant account service.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Rempel
http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-a-Real-Merchant-Account-or-Using-3rd-Party-Processors-Like-PayPal(R)---Which-is-Better?&id=428271
By Chris Rempel
A lot of folks see PayPal, ClickBank and other third-party agents as the optimal method of doing business excluding a Merchant Account. This view is substantiated because there is usually no application process, and a few companies, PayPal for example, do not have any fees up-front. This feature boosts their appeal to "shoestring" start-ups and companies that deal in online (digital) products. A bargain is not always the 'cheapest' product.
Why don't we discuss the real differences between going with a third-party company (such as PayPal) and setting up a merchant account of your own...
1. A regular merchant account will charge between $100 - $250 initially to set up, a minimum monthly fee (minimum charges incurred) of $25 and $5+ to send out statements. These companies will bill you somewhere around 1% to 4% or even more per transaction (discount rate) - this varies with your business type - and a majority also use some kind of flat-fee for transactions. These fees range from $0.05 to $0.25
In contrast, PayPal does not charge a set up fee. They do have a 2.9% discount rate and charge 30 cents for each transaction. CC Now lacks fees except a 9% per transaction charge. ClickBank's set-up fee is $49.95. They charge no monthly fee, but a transaction fee of $1 in addition to 7%. DigiBuy has a set-up fee of $29.95 and no monthly fee. They do charge 13.9% or $3 per transaction (you pay the larger fee).
To better explain the fees involved, essentially, as soon as you build up a noteworthy sales volume ($1000/month or more), the costs involved with utilizing companies such as ClickBank, CCNow and DigiBuy far exceed what you would pay for a true merchant account that really works with your business. The advertised discount rate is normally where most of the money is used anyway, and this is how third-parties usually take in all their money.
PayPal, however, has a quite affordable discount rate, and the sole extra charge incurred for a regular account is the 30 cents transaction fee. In fact, if the average charges of a traditional merchant account are compared with PayPal's strictly from a "numbers" standpoint, the only time it is less expensive to use a merchant account is if your transactions are upwards of $50,000 monthly.
This perspective is only taking considering the actual numbers involved - and not any other variables that crop up when conducting business online, or offline...
2. Initially, it seems like PayPal is by far the better choice. Their low discount rate and transaction fees are without equal, and there is almost no entry impediment. You can start a PayPal account at no cost in a few minutes, and you are able to begin taking payments the moment your details are verified. For some small-time sellers and internet entrepreneurs, PayPal is just the ticket.
However, there are huge shortcomings that are not disclosed in the black and white contrast table that deals with cash - the value of the service could be different after you understand the following:
a. Many times these alternatives don't deal with support requests quickly; there have been times that delays persisted for several weeks.
b. Paypal does not give you access to your customer's credit card number, neither do any of the other third party service bureaus
c. A great majority of the alternatives cannot calculate shipping charges and taxes in their shopping carts
d. Some other companies are only serviceable for large profit-margin sales because of the expensive charges per sale (eg. DigiBuy charges 14% per sale which is huge)
e. Many alternatives to the merchant account lack a shopping cart altogether (eg. ClickBank), while like Paypal's is crude to say the least
f. PayPal has been known to shut down accounts and freeze funds - without warning - based solely on the hunches of employees that feel that vendors have violated their terms of service.
g. If you're especially accomplished at marketing, and if you render an ample amount of sales during a launch - you should not be startled if your account ends up being "red-flagged", frozen and audited. And this will take place, once again, without warning.
In comparison, this is what you can anticipate from a merchant account:
1. If you are processing sales online, you will have the ability to enter your merchant details into an easy to use, uncomplicated menu-driven (shopping-cart) interface/gateway - and there are several that are readily obtainable, even free ones such as OSCommerce. These are is simple to use by potential clients, and all-inclusive in terms of assembling crucial data
2. You can allow you to modify the shopping cart to fit your precise purpose including the shipping costs and taxes
3. It will show you your clients' credit card numbers to make tracking, refunds, etc. easier.
4. It will assist you in fully automating your business's payment processing
In other words, when you are starting out and your sales volume is low, a more cost-effective approach could be to use services like PayPal. However, when your sales increase - or if you desire more control over your ordering process, at the same time saving cash on higher sales volumes, a merchant account is a better choice.
In conclusion, if you're sincere about making your small business succeed, you will sooner or later need to obtain a merchant account. It's more cost effective, and you have much greater control over the money being processed.
Chris Rempel highly recommends http://www.AcceptByPhone.com, which enables anyone to accept credit cards using any touch-tone phone (or cellular) for a FRACTION of the regular cost - and it's completely mobile.
Find out why Chris and others think this service is the ultimate mobile merchant account service.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Rempel
http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-a-Real-Merchant-Account-or-Using-3rd-Party-Processors-Like-PayPal(R)---Which-is-Better?&id=428271
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Merchant Account
Merchant Account Fees to Business Owners
By Debbie Dragon
As a business owner, when you set up a merchant account to enable your customers the ability to pay for your products or services using credit cards (or debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard Logo), you will have some fees associated with the credit card transactions.
The specific fee amounts that you pay will depend on the merchant account provider you select to provide your credit card processing service; however, there is a list of typical fees that the majority of providers charge business owners in exchange for the ability to accept credit as payment.
Discount Rates
Visa and MasterCard have what is called “interchange” rates. They range in price- so in order to make it easier, the merchant providers created three categories.
Qualified Discount Rate – a percentage is paid from each dollar charged.
Mid-Qualified Rate – does not apply to merchants that manually enter transactions.
Non-Qualified Rate – added to the qualified rate n certain transactions. Also get billed this higher rate if you don’t use address verification service (AVS) when you manually enter transactions.
Other fees many merchant account providers charge their business customers include, but are not limited to the following:
Reward Cards- most merchant providers charge higher rates if the consumer pays using a reward card.
Transaction Fees- a specific, flat rate that is paid on every sale processed through the credit card processor. (Sometimes the transaction fee is called the interchange fee, authorization fee, or per inquiry fee).
Address Verification Service (AVS)- merchant account providers charge a small fee for the validation service to ensure that the billing address provided in the online checkout process matches the issuing bank’s records. Not using this service will result in hefty charges on the processing of the card for that sale.
Batch Fees- most merchant account providers require that customers close out their transactions a minimum of one time each day. The batch fee pays for expenses for the gateway or software that accesses the credit card processing network. If you don’t have transactions to process, there is no batch fee to pay.
Monthly Statement or Customer Service Fee – most merchant account providers charge a monthly fee in order to cover their monthly costs of operation (paying their customer service team for example).
Monthly Minimum Fee- some merchant account providers require you process a minimum amounts of sales per month, or you pay a monthly minimum. Monthly minimums tend to range between $15 and $40 per month.
Gateway Fees- for some merchant accounts, there are fees for internet and mail order merchants to use an internet gateway service such as Authorize.net, although some merchant providers will cover this fee on their customer’s behalf as part of the package deal. If you are solely an internet business, you’ll want to look for an internet merchant account that includes the gateway service as part of the package.
Annual Fees- often charged by merchant account providers- particularly the merchant account providers that offer free terminal equipment. There are numerous merchant account providers that do not charge an annual fee, so you may want to shop around if the first few you look at require an annual fee. Sometimes it would be cheaper to purchase the equipment than to pay an ongoing annual fee.
Cancellation/Termination Fees- Most merchant accounts require a contract agreement of one or two years and if you cancel early, you are likely to be charged a termination fee.
Chargeback/Retrieval Fees- When a customer requests a refund (or the customer’s credit card issuer requests a refund), merchant account providers typically charge a “chargeback” fee.
This article has been provided by Creditor Web. Creditor Web has the articles and other credit card processing resources to help you choose the right provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Dragon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Account-Fees-to-Business-Owners&id=498057
By Debbie Dragon
As a business owner, when you set up a merchant account to enable your customers the ability to pay for your products or services using credit cards (or debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard Logo), you will have some fees associated with the credit card transactions.
The specific fee amounts that you pay will depend on the merchant account provider you select to provide your credit card processing service; however, there is a list of typical fees that the majority of providers charge business owners in exchange for the ability to accept credit as payment.
Discount Rates
Visa and MasterCard have what is called “interchange” rates. They range in price- so in order to make it easier, the merchant providers created three categories.
Qualified Discount Rate – a percentage is paid from each dollar charged.
Mid-Qualified Rate – does not apply to merchants that manually enter transactions.
Non-Qualified Rate – added to the qualified rate n certain transactions. Also get billed this higher rate if you don’t use address verification service (AVS) when you manually enter transactions.
Other fees many merchant account providers charge their business customers include, but are not limited to the following:
Reward Cards- most merchant providers charge higher rates if the consumer pays using a reward card.
Transaction Fees- a specific, flat rate that is paid on every sale processed through the credit card processor. (Sometimes the transaction fee is called the interchange fee, authorization fee, or per inquiry fee).
Address Verification Service (AVS)- merchant account providers charge a small fee for the validation service to ensure that the billing address provided in the online checkout process matches the issuing bank’s records. Not using this service will result in hefty charges on the processing of the card for that sale.
Batch Fees- most merchant account providers require that customers close out their transactions a minimum of one time each day. The batch fee pays for expenses for the gateway or software that accesses the credit card processing network. If you don’t have transactions to process, there is no batch fee to pay.
Monthly Statement or Customer Service Fee – most merchant account providers charge a monthly fee in order to cover their monthly costs of operation (paying their customer service team for example).
Monthly Minimum Fee- some merchant account providers require you process a minimum amounts of sales per month, or you pay a monthly minimum. Monthly minimums tend to range between $15 and $40 per month.
Gateway Fees- for some merchant accounts, there are fees for internet and mail order merchants to use an internet gateway service such as Authorize.net, although some merchant providers will cover this fee on their customer’s behalf as part of the package deal. If you are solely an internet business, you’ll want to look for an internet merchant account that includes the gateway service as part of the package.
Annual Fees- often charged by merchant account providers- particularly the merchant account providers that offer free terminal equipment. There are numerous merchant account providers that do not charge an annual fee, so you may want to shop around if the first few you look at require an annual fee. Sometimes it would be cheaper to purchase the equipment than to pay an ongoing annual fee.
Cancellation/Termination Fees- Most merchant accounts require a contract agreement of one or two years and if you cancel early, you are likely to be charged a termination fee.
Chargeback/Retrieval Fees- When a customer requests a refund (or the customer’s credit card issuer requests a refund), merchant account providers typically charge a “chargeback” fee.
This article has been provided by Creditor Web. Creditor Web has the articles and other credit card processing resources to help you choose the right provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Dragon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Account-Fees-to-Business-Owners&id=498057
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