Web Merchant Accounts

Trying to Choose Your Internet Merchant Account

2009-11-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

By Anthony Carter

If you have a business that sells a product or a service, before you can accept credit card payments you must have a merchant account set up. Without such an account you will not be able to get paid for your products or services.

If you have a business that sells a product or a service, before you can accept credit card payments you must have a merchant account set up. Without such an account you will not be able to get paid for your products or services.

When you first look into all the options on offer for accepting credit card payments, you may be very surprised at the sheer number of merchant accounts that are available today. Obviously, with this number of merchants, the services, fees and different features that each will offer will differ drastically from one end of the spectrum to the other. Therefore, before making any decision at all on what merchant account to go with, you will have to make a comparison of the different services available so that you can make sure you will be getting the very best one for your particular requirements.

To begin with, you should select around ten different merchant account services so you can compare them, and begin by looking through the various customer reviews for each individual one. These customer reviews will obviously have been written by business people like yourself and as such will give a great insight about the services offered. Merchant account reviews can easily be found on the internet by using a search engine. If a particular company has received many reviews that are not up to scratch, then you can safely remove these from your list.

Whilst you are online, you can find out a whole lot of information about each particular company and the services they offer. Check the website of each one and read through the available information very carefully. Note the different fees quoted as well as any information that each company would require from you to get an account with them. Make sure the terms of Service for each company is read through thoroughly, no matter how tedious this may be, or how small the writing is.

Try to find out things like what particular equipment may be needed to use with an account. Whereas some companies, for example, can work with a good range of equipment, others may specify you have to use theirs as part of your agreement, and this is equipment you will most probably have to buy yourself, or the very least lease from them. At the end of the day it is always a wiser decision to go with those merchant accounts that allow you to utilize your own equipment. This way if you ever feel it’s time to move on from this company, there will be no issues regarding the equipment and you will not need to purchase any more.

For those business owners that feel they are not qualified to choose a merchant account t properly, or do not have the time to go through the vetting procedure, services have sprung up all over the places that can help you select a merchant account based on your own specific criteria. They can connect you to a range of reputable companies, cutting out any hard work you have to do.

About The Author

If you are searching for advice on different aspects of credit card processing, visit our site at cardaccept.com for all the information you need.

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Credit Card Transaction Charges

2009-10-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

By Alter Sage

Understanding credit card transaction charges will lower your bills and enable you to take advantage of free transactions and interest-free credit.

There are a number of fees and charges associated with using a credit card, and being aware of these will help you to minimise them as much as possible. The good news for consumers is that competition within the financial industry has provided more advantages to cardholders in recent years, including free transactions and reduced banking costs.

Nonetheless, there will always be credit card charges attached to using plastic. These fees are dependent upon the type of credit card you have, its features and benefits, and the particular rates charged by your bank. In this article we’ve unpacked credit card transaction charges and taken a look at free credit card transactions.

Cost of credit card transactions

• Free credit card transactions:
Credit card holders do not pay to swipe their cards – in other words, they pay no point of sale (POS) fees. This expense is carried by the merchant. It’s one of the major differences between using credit cards and using other types of non-cash payment methods, such as debit and cheque cards, for which swiping fees are usually incurred.

• Pay As You Use transaction costs
There are a number of “pay as you use” costs associated with credit card usage. These credit card transaction costs differ from bank to bank, and the specific figures are available on the banks’ websites, or in informational pamphlets available from the branch.

Cardholders will pay credit card transaction fees when, among other things, they:

• Withdraw money at an ATM or branch
• Request balance enquiries at an ATM
• Make branch deposits of cash or cheques into the account
• Incur penalties for payment transgressions, such as dishonoured payments

Credit card holders will also be charged interest on their purchases, unless they enjoy an interest-free credit period, and settle their outstanding balances in full before the interest-free period is over. The interest-free period offered by banks is usually around 55 days. Annual card fees and once-off initiation fees are also applicable to some credit cards.

How can I avoid paying credit card transaction charges?
Credit cards are highly efficient money management tools, and by using them correctly, you can reap significant benefits without incurring excessive transaction fees. Try to use your credit card only for swiping purposes. If you need to withdraw cash from the bank, use a different account. Many cheque accounts, for example, offer a number of free withdrawals per month. Take advantage of these types of benefits.

Moreover, always try to settle your credit card debt within the interest-free period. This way, you’ll enjoy a continuous interest-free credit loop. Being a responsible credit user will ensure that you don’t incur any penalties for dishonoured payments and other such transgressions, which will also help you to avoid unnecessary fees.

Apply for a credit card today

Applying for a credit card is quick and confidential, thanks to online credit card application facilities. Simply follow the steps for submitting your application, and you’ll soon know whether you qualify for a leading South African credit card.

About The Author

Plastiq offers a range of leading South African credit cards that feature interest-free credit and competitive transactions fees. Explore the range of personal credit cards and American Express credit cards, as well as Nedbank Business credit cards.

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Advantages of Mobile Credit Card Processing

2009-10-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

By Jack Chevalier

Credit Card Processing Equipment are the essential tools for any business. And to sail through today's competitive market, mobile credit card processing equipment is a necessity for your business. With these equipments. You can take your business to the customers and can process a transaction quickly and easily from anywhere in the world.

Mobile credit card processing equipment ensures fast payments and increases total sales. It also helps in boosting your business credibility. With smooth and simple operation, transactions are conducted automatically and in real time. And once getting the authorization, a printed receipt is given to the customer.

These equipment helps in accepting payments through both online credit cards and telephones. It also provides a secure payment gateway that enables fraud screening. The users are just required a virtual terminal for the online transactions. It enables you to get all the services through the Internet.
Mobile credit card processing equipment further include benefits like; low monthly charges, low processing fees and no monthly minimum processing charge. Today, the wireless mobile credit card processing equipment is the latest in terms of offering convenience and portability.

Paynet Systems introduce credit card processing into your business, and make things convenient for your potential customers. With our facilities and equipments, you are saved from sending money checks, placing checks by phone, or sending money orders to purchase any product. We assure our users of smooth execution of transactions after a complete verification process.

Browse through http://www.paynetsystems.com to get more information about Credit Card Processing and How to Accept Credit Cards.

About The Author

Paynet Systems is a leader in credit card processing and merchant accounts services. For more information on credit card processing and credit card machines visit http://www.paynetsystems.com

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How to Secure Your Online Processing Web Site

2009-10-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

By 10x Marketing

It’s so easy making purchases online and just waiting until they arrive in the mail. However, with this rise in web business and online credit card processing, people need to be even more diligent in protecting their identity. Make sure you are playing it smart when it comes to using internet transactions to make your life easier.

Credit cards are the most common way people pay for things online. While some options also include paypal, direct from your checking account or e-check, most people tend to rely on credit cards. You should not be afraid to shop online or store your information online. However, you can easily make yourself smarter regarding some of the scams out there and also how to make sure you are shopping from a secure source.

1. Keep your internet browser updated. Browsers have security software capabilities and you need to keep this information up to date. Make sure you are using the latest encryption technology.

2. You can look for digital certificates to validate the identity of the site you visit. Look for the VeriSign logo on the site or other such independent services, which will assure you that the site is legitimate.

3. Read the privacy policy. Make sure that your personal information isn’t being sold or passed around.

4. Use one credit for online purchases rather than several.

5. Every once in awhile you may receive those scam e-mails asking you to verify your personal information, passwords or credit card numbers. Don’t fall for these e-mails. Never give out this kind of information unless you know exactly who is requesting it.

6. Keep receipts and keep track of your credit card statements.

7. You will almost always get an online receipt when you purchase. Make sure you receive one.

8. Keep an eye on the domain. Make sure you are not transferred to an outside site trying to steal your information.

More and more people are using the internet to save costs during this troubled economy. From online subscription services allowing you to get household items at monthly increments to buying gifts for the whole family, there is a reason for everyone to flock to the web. It is a great way to comparison shop. Online banking too is becoming more commonplace. The days of check writing are in the past and the days of bill pay, credit and debit cards are here to stay. In fact, even a lot of media is now online allowing users to purchase downloadable television shows, movie and music. We have not seen the end of the wonders and possibilities available with the internet.

Act smart when you purchase things online, pay your bills or handle other banking matters. You don’t have to shy away from the internet as more and more things are becoming easier to handle online.

However, you should stay smart. Protect yourself so those scam artists don’t steal your identity. If you do become afraid that you are a victim of identity theft check your credit report online. Stay on top of your information so that you can make sure it is accurate. If you take some simple steps to keep your information safe you will be able to shop online with peace of mind.

About The Author

Jason Ausmus is a web content producer for Innuity. For more information regarding credit card processing or web business go to Merchant Partners

Article source http://getmyarticles.com/

The Benefits of Point of Sale Systems Are Becoming More Apparent

2009-10-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

By Amy Nutt

The early days of using a cash register and pen and notebook for accounting and processing transactions are no longer an effective means of keeping up with today's advancements in business technology. In order to stay competitive businesses have to adapt and change with emerging technologies. A technological advancement that businesses are now using is the point-of-sale (POS) system. They are now realizing the many benefits POS have on their businesses.

The following are the many benefits of utilizing point of sale systems:

1. POS systems provide a business with a real-time detailed report of sales. This allows businesses to assess what products are being sold and what products are lagging in sales. The business can then implement marketing strategies to boost sales of the popular products. They will also know in real-time what is not selling so they can decide whether or not to order that product. A POS system provides the latest sales reports for the day, week, month, or year.

2. POS allows for improved customer service. Transactions are processed much quicker, item that are scanned for their price are accurate which lessens sales discrepancies.
There is also a wide selection of methods to take payments such as credit cards, debit cards, gift cards...etc.

3. POS provides an efficient method of managing inventory. By being able to view in real time what is selling, they will be able to reorder products that are running low. POS software will also let you know when you need to reorder a product. Businesses can also keep track of the time of day that certain products are selling so they can arrange marketing displays around peak selling times. As well, businesses will spend less time on paperwork, accounting, inventory management, sales record keeping, as well as managing such programs as marketing, special advertising programs, loyalty programs, discount programs, and much more.

4. POS allows for the management of gift cards, coupons, and loyalty programs. This is effective way of monitoring the program and keeping track of the success of the programs.

5. POS systems and software is easy to learn. Most POS sellers will train staff and management on how to use the system. It is also easy to install and maintain. As well, POS software can be integrated into other applications so that all areas of business management can be viewed in one central place. It gives the user better control of the business. As well, technical support is only a phone call away.

6. POS retail software makes it easier to keep track of customer personal information, staff payroll, customer billing and shipping, vendor listings, and inventory management.

The many benefits of point of sale systems make it an essential business investment. The type of retail software a small business chooses depends on the type of business, size of the business, amount of sales, and the type and amount of inventory.

Point of sale systems allow for better management of a business, improve customer satisfaction, and helps increase sales. With POS, businesses are able to run a more effective and efficient operation.

About The Author

Not only are payment gateway services allowing consumers to experience a better shopping experience, but some of the offered merchant services also allow businesses to better manage their merchant account. As retailers accept credit card, hassle of using cash is eliminated.

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Overcoming Credit Card Purchase Minimums

2009-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

By Ben Dwyer

The Merchant's Standpoint:

It's an all too common headache for customers: They attempt to pay for a small purchase with a credit card, only to be informed that cards are only accepted for amounts over a certain minimum.

Merchants who impose minimums aren't purposely causing customers headaches, however, and there's an understandable reason for these purchase restrictions: the merchant can actually lose money on smaller purchases when the processing fees are larger than their profit on the sale. While a minimum purchase price is perfectly logical from a merchant's standpoint, it's specifically prohibited by three of the four major card brands.

The Credit Card Company's Standpoint:

MasterCard states clearly that merchants may not impose (or even say that they require) a minimum or maximum on purchases: "A Merchant must not require, or indicate that it requires, a minimum or maximum Transaction amount to accept a valid and properly presented Card."1

Visa's stance is similar, but with two small differences. Firstly, rather than simply forbid minimum or maximum purchases, they expressly instruct merchants to always honor valid cards, a subtle distinction but a distinction nonetheless. Furthermore, they go an extra step in explicitly stating that failing to do so is a violation of their rules: "Always honor valid cards in your acceptance category, regardless of the dollar amount of the purchase. Imposing maximum or minimum dollar amounts in order to accept a Visa card transaction is a violation of the Visa rules."2

Discover's statement is slightly more confusing: "You may not require that any Cardholder make a minimum dollar purchase in order to use a Card and you may not limit the maximum amount that a Cardholder may spend when using a Card except when the Issuer has not provided a positive Authorization Response for a Card Transaction."3

American Express doesn't specifically address the issue in their guidelines, but they have publically discouraged any practices that may discourage customers from using their cards.

So, here we're presented with the other side of the coin. When merchants place a minimum on card purchases, they're protecting their own business from losses. However, each transaction they refuse is one less purchase that benefits the credit card companies. Obviously, the credit card companies want their customers using their cards as often as possible, whether or not the merchants lose money on processing fees.

The Bottom Line:

So, it may seem that merchants are faced with two options: On one hand, they can comply with the credit card companies and lose money on small transactions. On the other, they can ignore the rules put forth by credit card originators and require a minimum amount regardless. Neither is ideal, especially as violating the rules set by credit card companies can have dire consequences. All it takes is one phone call to the credit card company from an upset customer, and merchants may lose their ability to accept credit cards or face fines reaching into the thousands of dollars.
Additionally, their bank may place the merchant on what's called a Terminated Merchant File (TMF), which will keep them from getting a competitive merchant account with in the future. Losing the ability to accept credit cards is a huge blow to business, and for e-businesses or retailers it is essentially a death sentence.

Luckily for merchants, they can avoid both losing money and violating the rules through a little resourceful pricing.

The first is to simply raise prices on everything to offset your losses. Higher prices will side-step your processing fee problem, but they may also make you less competitive. Market research is required to determine the price increases you can reasonably make.

The second option is to pass your processing fees to the customer. Charging customers extra fees for paying with a credit card is, unsurprisingly, forbidden by credit card companies. However, you can offer them a discount for paying with cash or check so long as the cash price is clearly shown as a discount from the standard price.

This will encourage customers to pay with cash across the board (for both smaller and larger purchases) while keeping your prices competitive. A menu item at a coffee shop might then look like this:

Grande Iced Mocha
Price: $5.00
Cash Discount : $0.50

Notice that there aren't two different prices. Instead, a cash discount is clearly stated and credit card transactions aren't singled out as directly costing more. The discount gives the customer an incentive to pay with cash instead of credit for small items while simultaneously protecting you from losses.

Sources:

1 "MasterCard Rules", p. 125, "Minimum/Maximum Transaction Amount Prohibited"
2 "Card Acceptance and Chargeback Management Guidelines for VISA Merchants". Section: "VISA Rules", "Dollar Minimums and Maximums"
3 "Discover Operating Manual", p. 26, "Maximum/Minimum Dollar Amounts and Other Limits"

About The Author

MerchantCouncil helps business get a cheap merchant account by offering the best merchant account information.

http://getmyarticles.com/index.php

Merchant Cash Advance Provide Capital To Expand

2009-10-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Marcus Manson

My brother and I quit our jobs a few years ago to start our own home renovation business. We know all too well why they say timing is everything, because just when we were gaining traction, our business was walloped by the recession. People who are losing their jobs don’t have the cash to be putting on that addition, replace their windows or build a new deck.

So what did we do? While the layoffs devastated the real estate market, other renovation companies went under and banks quit lending out money to small businesses, so we couldn’t get a loan to carry us through the tough times. We used a Merchant Cash Advance to raise additional capital and expanded. Besides the fact that we could actually qualify for funds using this method, once we had it, there was no bank account manager breathing down our necks and demanding a say on how we spent it.

In case you don’t release how financing of this nature works, it’s a form of credit card advance. Since our customers frequently pay by Visa or MasterCard and our credit card sales (even during the worst of the slowdown) easily exceeded $2,500 per month, we were able to work with an alternate lender to secure a cash advance based on future credit card transactions. Our repayment is based on a percentage of future credit card sales, so if we did see further slowdowns in bookings, our repayment would have a corresponding dip; as opposed to a traditional loan that keeps its fixed payment amount, regardless of circumstances. We used Rapid Capital Funding, since they specialize in this sort of financing, but there are other lenders in this area. Turnaround was fast, we didn’t have to spend the better part of a day filling out forms, there were no closing fees and even better, we did not have to put up personal collateral to secure a Merchant Cash Advance.

So while our competitors went under, we had the cash available to react to the circumstances and we actually expanded, keeping our reno business, but using the funds from the credit card advance to purchase additional equipment and hire staff for a new division that works with banks to provide maintenance on foreclosed homes. It’s kind of ironic when you think about it; the banks didn’t have the time of day for us when we applied for a business loan, but if we hadn’t raised the capital to expand by way of a Merchant Cash Advance, their foreclosed real estate assets would be depreciating further in value.

About The Author

Ken Walls owns a successful small business that he expanded by using a Merchant Cash Advance. The additional funds, which traditional banks had no interest in loaning him, provided the capital to take advantage of conditions and expand his business at a time when many competitors who weren’t aware of credit card advance options missed their inflexible loan payments and went under.

Article source http://getmyarticles.com/index.php

Merchant Account Interchange Pricing: What it Is, And What it Can Do For Your Business

2009-10-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

By Ben Dwyer

Traditionally, the most popular pricing structure for merchant accounts has been a tiered rate model. Under the common three-tiered system, merchant accounts have a base rate (referred to as a "qualified rate") and two subsequent tiers that determine a surcharge that is added to the base rate. These tiers are often labeled Qualified, Mid-Qualified, and Non-Qualified. Transactions charged at the Qualified rate will incur the lowest fees, while a Non-Qualified transaction will be subject to the highest surcharges.

This is not true of the largest, high-volume companies. Larger companies have long had access to accounts with interchange pricing models. Interchange fees are essentially the wholesale rates for various types of credit transactions. There are countless factors that determine the interchange fee for a given credit card transaction, and it's not important for the purposes of this article to understand them all. What is important is this: interchange pass-through pricing allows the merchant account provider to pass on the interchange fee to the merchant plus a flat surcharge, resulting in substantially cheaper rates for the merchant overall.

Since the profit margin on interchange merchant accounts are tighter, this pricing structure has previously been available only to very high-volume merchants, but recently there has been a trend towards making interchange pricing available for low-volume or even brand new merchants.

Reasons for the Mainstream Availability of Interchange Pricing

Increasing market competition and a tense economic playing field have been contributing factors to the increased availability of interchange pricing. Merchants also have access to a wider and better array of information online than ever before. The more merchants educate themselves, the less likely they are to agree to the more expensive tiered pricing structures. To keep their market edge, many merchant account providers have been forced to make pass-through pricing available to more merchants.

The Effects of Interchange Pass-through Pricing on Your Business

Interchange has always been the core factor in determining a merchant's processing fees, but the simplified three-tier structure has been built on top of this. Visa and MasterCard release interchange fee schedules twice yearly in April and October, listing hundreds of different qualification tiers. These are substantially more intimidating to understand than a simpler tiered model, but merchants who obtain pass-through pricing (especially those who take the time to understand it) stand to make considerable savings.

The exact savings a merchant can expect to see will depend on a variety of factors. The type of business and the specifics of their tiered pricing structure will strongly affect their savings. However, according to CardFellow.com, a comparison shopping site for merchant accounts, average savings are often around 20%, with some merchants reducing their expenses by over 40%.

Interchange Pass-through Pricing in the Days Ahead

For merchants, the switch to a more complicated (and currently less common) interchange pricing scheme might be daunting at first, but those who put in the effort are consistently rewarded with significantly lower processing expenses.

For account providers, it all boils down to competition. They've become accustomed to large margins, and they will surely be hesitant to let go of that extra revenue. Regardless, no business can ignore the changing tides of a free market, and as interchange pass-through pricing becomes more mainstream we'll only see an increase in the number of providers who begin to offer it.

About The Author

Information to help businesses get the best merchant account such as merchant account reviews and tips on getting a cheap merchant account is available at MerchantCouncil.

Article source http://getmyarticles.com/

How To Go About eCommerce Website Design?

2009-06-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

By Grace Alexa

Websites are developed with the aim of information sharing. This information sharing can be reciprocal or non reciprocal in nature. Non reciprocal information sharing can be touted as one way information sharing where the web visitor visits the websites to gather the information relevant for the purpose. Reciprocal information sharing is termed as two way information sharing where the web visitor can actually engage themselves in information sharing and advance to next step of information sharing by making some purchases or subscribing to some news letters etc.

eCommerce websites are sort of reciprocal information sharing. eCommerce websites are designed with the sole purpose of simplifying the online purchase experience of a web visitor or to guide the visitor towards making an online purchase. The website design involves lots of intricacies but a designer working on the eCommerce web design needs to understand the online selling principles.

For a viewer the eCommerce web design and normal website design may seem same because both of them follow the same principles of website design that is attractiveness, systematic organisation of elements, correct color palette to boost website spirit. The differences begin to troop in once you have a close look into the some of the eCommerce web designs and other website designs.

Every eCommerce website design needs to follow some simple selling principles like:

1. Simplifying online shopping experience: The users prefer to go for online shopping in order to avoid the hassles of offline shopping. So it becomes the priority of web designer to ensure that website design delivers the smooth online shopping experience to the user.

2. Furnishing the authenticated information: The user should be given the reason why they should believe your site and how easily they can reach out to you.

Customers are more attracted towards the virtual arrangement of the things during the shopping. It becomes very difficult for the web designer to convey that virtual shopping arrangement through website design. It is pretty easier for the web designer to showcase the objects without the bother of space constraints. It becomes relatively difficult for the web designer to lure the customer to make purchase through the website design.

Customers favour those eCommerce website designs which will lead them to right page with minimum number of clicks. Web designers often use some unconventional techniques to promote eCommerce web designs. Sometimes a web designer may utilise the potential of single paged website by integrating the order form at the end. Many people perceive sales letter as good example of eCommerce web design. In reality sales letter is not the good example of eCommerce website design because they are niche specific and may sell a single product. Still sales letters are capable of large conversions because they present the product information in a smart way.

The supermarkets and shopping malls are similar to the online shops both showcase products. As in shopping malls the arrangement of things seems to be much simpler to the ones in online shop. It becomes difficult for the user to browse through the complex website to search for the things. The eCommerce websites make it simpler for the web visitor to browse through the product section easily with the help of personalisation technology. This personalisation technology also casts spell on the eCommerce website design.

Layouts play important role in success of an eCommerce web design. Most of the eCommerce website designs are distinguished by their layouts. These eCommerce websites are always searching for a simplified design which will lure the customer to purchase the things. Average time each customer spends on a website is around 2 minutes before they leave the site. So these two minutes time should be utilised to the maximum so as to lure the customer. Lots of research has been conducted so as to find the most accessible point in a website design. It has been found that most of the customers first view the middle left area and center portion of the webpage. By balancing these regions with smart content in a web design these web designers know how to create an easy path for the visitor to browse through the online shop and make the easy purchase.

In order to make your ecommerce website a best selling online shop, make sure you pay attention towards the web design principles. Don’t fail to take help from experienced website designers who have experience of developing successful eCommerce website designs.

About The Author

Sigma InfoTech is an Australian based Web Designer firm specialising in Web Developer, Website Development, Application Development, Website design Australia.

How Exactly Does Ecommerce Work?

2009-05-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

By Lisa Schmeckpeper

This has to be the most-frequently asked question I receive from newbie clients. They know people are buying online and they know they have to accept credit cards if they want to stand a chance in all the net-based competition, but beyond that realization, most are clueless as to how it all works.

I can't blame them, really. It's a confusing online world out there and a lot of people who are trying to tell them how it works are really just trying to sell them their own solution. It's kinda hard to trust the validity of what they say when profit is a huge motivating force behind their persuasive suggestions.

And to be sure, there is profit in this Ecommerce game! Money is to be made at many steps along the Ecommerce path. With that in mind, let's take a walk along the path to Ecommerce, and take a look at the signs--or components--that are necessary to take part in the Ecommerce excitement and potential profits.

1. The Merchant Account

This really is your first step towards Ecommerce, unless you have chosen to go through a payment facility and are willing to give up a rather large portion of your sales in fees. The up-front costs of a merchant account can be hefty for a small business, but the long-term savings can be substantial.

This is especially true if you are selling big ticket items. For instance, on the sale of a $300 product/service through a payment facility you could pay between $20-$45 dollars or more in fees.
With your own merchant account it will probably cost you about $9. With the typical fees and equipment for a merchant account startup costing about $1,500, you can recoup that cost rather quickly.

A merchant account comes with a merchant identification number. That is about all it gets you. In order to process transactions you need either a terminal (the little box that you swipe your credit card through at retail outlets) or software that runs on your PC and will dial up the merchant via your modem, and then process the transaction and deposit the money into your bank account.

2. The Shopping Cart

If you are selling just one or two items on your site you won't have much need for a shopping cart. A site with a variety of products should use the shopping cart system because it's the easiest way for your customers to shop. The easier it is to shop, the more they will spend, which is exactly the psychology supermarkets use, and exactly how shoppers are similar whether in a supermarket or scanning through your website. And the nice thing about electronic shopping carts is that the wheels never go square, and you don't have to send a clerk out after the store closes to round up all the carts that have been left scattered around the neighborhood. So shopping carts are good. But how will they work with your merchant account and the all-important ordering process?

If the orders placed on your site are to be processed with the customer's credit card as a sale through your PC or swipe/terminal, then there doesn't have to be any compatibility between your cart and your merchant account. The two will work completely independently, each doing their part of the job.

If, on the other hand, you would like all of your incoming orders to be automatically processed for you as the customer hits the submit button, you will need what is called "real time processing."

3. Real-Time Processing

Almost every website company I talk to would like to have their orders processed for them (the vision of the owner of a website company turning on the PC and then stretching out in a hammock, watching the orders get processed on the screen, comes to mind). However, most web company people, upon learning the cost involved, take my advice to wait until they have a steady flow of orders coming in before they use real-time processing. If you're on a tight budget the extra fees involved in real-time processing might be better used to aggressively advertise and drive customer traffic to your site. Processing a few orders per day doesn't take very long and until you find it to be more time-consuming to process the orders yourself than you like, you are probably better off processing such orders manually.

If you are starting with a healthy budget and an aggressive promotion plan you will probably be better off implementing real-time processing right from the start. Changing order-processing methods can sometimes result in system hiccups and you don't want anything to slow down your momentum once you've started. You'll also save money, not having to set up your ordering system twice.

4. Web Hosting

The web host who is hosting your site can sometimes make a difference in how compatible your entire site and ordering system are with each other. I say "sometimes" because for those of us not using real-time processing, it doesn't matter who your host is or where your merchant account is located. They are independent of each other. Orders arrive and you process them. No interaction between the two is needed.

Problems can arise when you bring a shopping cart AND real-time processing into the picture. A shopping cart alone won't cause problems but the cart you choose to use must be compatible with your web host. Some carts are designed to run on certain types of servers, so when choosing one be cautious to make absolutely sure you can use it with your current host. Otherwise you had better be prepared to find a new one.

If you want a shopping cart AND real-time processing the three (cart, processing, and host) must work together well. Your shopping cart must be compatible with your host and the cart must be compatible with your payment processor. With all the different shopping carts, hosts and payment facilities out there, putting together the right team can be a real challenge. This is especially true for the newbie who doesn't understand how it all works and how it all has to work together, or understands imperfectly but thinks he or she has it all under control when the decisions are finally made.

Card Service InternationalOne Stop Shops -

The easiest way to find a compatible solution is to choose a provider who offers all you need under one roof. This is what I have done by partnering with Virtualis Systems. I am able to offer a great hosting solution along with a compatible shopping cart that works with almost any real time processor. I have even taken this a step further by partnering with a rock-solid merchant account provider, Card Service International. For Non-US Merchant Accounts I recommend visiting our own International Merchant Accounts site.

Your Website Designer:

Asking your website designer to recommend a compatible solution is also a good idea. Most likely, he or she has successfully set up shopping carts and payment systems that have worked together for other clients and with that experience can confidently recommend one that will be right for your specific needs. There is also the added benefit that your designer is comfortable and familiar with the cart and payment processing configuration. This will result in less time spent setting up your site, thus saving you money in design costs.

Who to Choose?

Choosing the right person for this task is perhaps the most important decision you can make (in Ecommerce, that is. Choosing a dentist, a pet, and which TV show to watch also rank high in importance). Nobody is an expert in all areas of Ecommerce because there are so many variables, depending on which configurations of hosts, carts, and merchants you choose. Find someone with whom you can talk to and who will listen to YOUR needs with understanding. A web designer who has created sites selling one product through mail order is NOT the best person to go to for Ecommerce advice. Just like a web designer trying to create a site that will sell and not just look good, with no marketing experience, a designer who doesn't know Ecommerce is going to be hard-pressed to juggle all the components that must fit together seamlessly and attractively to construct a truly effective Ecommerce site.

The Most Common Mistakes?

I've had clients come to me who have been provided a shopping cart by their web host but who then have purchased another cart, not realizing they already have one. They've set themselves up with real time processing and then purchased a terminal even though they will never swipe one card. They've had SSL enabled on their web host server even though it's provided at their payment gateway. I have been on the sympathetic end of many, many more sad tales from earnest folks who have told me their own personal accounts of throwing hard-earned money away on these kinds of mistakes.

Why? Cutting through all the technical jargon, it's all because they simply didn't understand how each component can, should, and must work in conjunction with one another.

Ecommerce can appear simple (well, almost) once you understand how all the components work together. A merchant account allows you to accept credit cards, your web host shows your website to the world, your shopping cart helps your customers order easily and real-time processing processes the orders in real-time and approved transactions are credited to your merchant account. All are independent components but they all function together to make Ecommerce work. Find a designer or webmaster who can bring all these elements together on your site & watch Ecommerce work for you.

About The Author

This article was written by Lisa Schmeckpeper of LRS Marketing and published in their free newsletter, Website Success Monthly. To receive a free copy of this informative e-zine just send email to subscribe@lrsmarketing.com or visit their website at www.lrsmarketing.com. Copyright © 2000 [LRS Marketing]. All rights reserved.

6 Tips to Select the Right Merchant Service Provider to Enhance Your Business Online

2008-11-30T04:20:00.000-08:00

By Egidijus Andreika

If you are trying to sell products online then as a merchant it is critical that you look for a service provider that has effective tracking, customer support and merchant protection features enabled. Here are 6 tips to select the right merchant services provider to enhance your business online:

Credit card payment acceptance

If you are only accepting PayPal as mode of payment and avoiding credit card payments on your website then you are missing out on a huge chunk of customers. Most customers (close to 60-70%) prefer paying through their credit cards when it comes to online shopping as compared to options like PayPal etc. So if you only have PayPal as your payment option then it is time to look for a merchant service provider that offers a wide variety of payment options like credit card payments, direct deposit into accounts in Worldpay or Authorize.net, Google Checkout etc. This wide range of payment options will help you expand on your customer base and attain more sales online.

Complementary to business type

Ideally, you want your merchant services provider to complement your line of business. If you are into selling digital products like ebooks, software etc. then your merchant services provider should accommodate and have provision for such products as well. Try looking for a merchant services provider that has provision for digital, material as well as subscription based products for maximum product exposure and variety.

Sign up fees: strict no-no

If your prospective merchant service provider is charging you for signing up then you should let it go. It is because there are merchant service providers these days who provide doesn't charge you a cent to signup and start selling your products online. Besides this, you can access many value-added services on such sites to enhance your business online.

Reliability and reputation

You must always do a background check and thorough analysis of your prospective merchant services provider. Always check out the testimonials and customer speak sections, ask around about the company and see if they have efficient and value-added services to complement your business.

Existing affiliate networks

It always helps to signup with a merchant services provider that has a built-in network of affiliates. This way, you do not have to hunt for affiliates to register for your affiliate program. This way you can easily increase your sales with a help of affiliates. You can also choose from various high quality affiliates by analyzing their past performance. This also ensures you only recruit the best affiliates in the industry and get maximum referrals and sales on your site.

Affordability factor

Another important factor to consider is how much fees does the merchant service provider charge you? Do they have a signup fee involved? Do they charge extra fees that do not pertain to the transaction and monthly fees?

Click2sell is a great merchant services provider that has exclusive features like built-in affiliate network, tracking and monitoring systems for measuring performance, flexible and easy customer support, variety of payment processor accounts to expand customer reach, thousands of products to choose from based on digital, material or subscription based and many other features. Whether you wan to sell digital or material product, such service is for you! Happy profiting!

Egidijus Andreika is a creator of Click2Sell.EU affiliate programs network. Click2Sell allows you to sell digital products online and run your affiliate program with a built-in affiliate network. Get paid instantly, provide easy payment options for customers, recruit affiliates. Sell downloads online. Visit Click2Sell affiliate network.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Picking a Product Before Getting Miva Merchant

2008-11-30T04:19:00.001-08:00

By Phoenix Delray

Choosing a product to sell on your website is the foundation for everything else that you will do to build your business. You may already think that you have finished this step and that your chosen product is already refined and ready to be launched, but most likely you have not thought of everything. There are a few key things that you must consider before you are ready to take your goods or services to the mainstream market.

The first thing to consider is if you are truly interested in the product you have chosen to sell. Some people do not think that this matters that much, but it really does. It just does not make sense to market something that you have no interest in; why not just choose another product that you do have some type of investment in? You have already made the decision to create a website and market on the internet, so keep in mind that this allows you to sell or advertise pretty much anything you want. It is a fact that your business is much more likely to succeed if you are interested in what you are doing. Also, keep in mind that you are not the only one who should have an interest in this; you must create something that the market wants, a product that people need. If you create a need or desire for something then you will be much more successful.

Expanding on this idea is that you should make sure that the product you are trying to sell is not overpopulating the market. There are so many things like credit cards, prescription drugs and site designs that all have oversaturated markets, so it is not a good idea to try and target something like that. This will only make it harder for you to turn any profit on your business idea. Also consider whether or not this is something that people will want to buy off the internet. Think of things that you can do to make yourself stand apart from everyone else in the same niche as you.

Once you have the basic business model then you are ready to purchase one of the shopping cart software programs like Miva Merchant SEO, Zen Cart, OS Commerce or BV Commerce. All of these programs are very similar, but it is important to take the time to find out the little things that make them different. Miva Merchant SEO friendly software is an out of the box answer to building your site, so this may be just what you need. The key is to take your time with everything you do, you will be happy you did in the end.

For more information on Miva Merchant SEO, please visit our website.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

What To Look For In A Merchant Card Processing Service

2008-11-30T04:18:00.001-08:00

By Alan Largo

Choosing a merchant card processing service is something that should be taken seriously. It represents an investment in the growth and expansion of your business, as well as increasing the companys overhead all the while you are seeking the greatest profits available.

There are a few things that you are going to want out of your merchant card processing service; you want affordability. Most processing services are going to charge you a per-transaction fee.

While this is normal, you want to be sure that you are getting the lowest amount pulled for each transaction. This obviously lowers overhead and increases your profits. You also want to make sure that they have a good record, and that disputes, complaints and issues are filed quickly.

You also want to make sure that their customer service is friendly to you and promptly provides you with a resolution to your program or question. You also want to choose a merchant card processing service that has both online and on-site services if necessary, and that they acknowledge the cards that you are looking to accept in your stores.

You indeed want to look for policies that are going to be fair to you as well as fair to your customers. You may also want to see all available options so that you have an idea of what is available to you when you expand your business.

If you are expecting large amount of growth, need to have extensive client management or are handling large transactions, there are some services that will be better suited for your needs than others. In addition, if you are planning to handle everything via the web, you will need a processing service that is going to be of assistance in handling online transactions.

A good merchant card processing service that handles online transactions will help you keep track of a client database in order to maintain a record of transactions, as well as provide you with shopping cart options that allow you to streamline the process of using credit cards at your store. The benefits are numerous, but the most important are the fact that adding credit card acceptance to your business is a great way to increase your sales!

People are more willing to make purchases on impulse when they are able to use their credit cards. They are also more willing to make larger item purchases or larger quantity because they can pay over time. You also have the benefit of pre-authorization and the benefit of knowing that the credit is there, unlike checks, which may take up to 10 days to clear.

Merchant card processing in the age of technology is necessary in order to be able to successfully compete with the rest of the market providers. The trick is to find a provider that meets all of your needs, allows for growth and does not drastically increase your overhead. Then you have surely found a winner.

Alan Largo is the creator and administrator of Better Solutions and strives to assist others identify with an ever-expanding internet marketing presence through informative reviews. You are invited to visit Better Solutions to read his most recent article review.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Advantages Of Merchant Card Processing

2008-11-30T04:09:00.000-08:00

By Alan Largo

Huge advantages exist for those businesses and individuals who engage in merchant card processing. In fact, the advantages can provide significant profit for your business and lower the level of worry and hassle you have, while allowing you to expand your business and increase your sales.

The largest advantage to using merchant card processing comes when you move your business online or if you have an online aspect to your business. Most people are not going to want to send in a check, make a phone call or send a money order when ordering something online.

They are going to want the convenience that comes with being able to use their credit card in order to make purchases. There are also a number of other advantages when it comes to using merchant card processing services for your business.

One of the big benefits is the fact that when using a merchant card processing service, it is the protection that is offered because you are using a credit card for payment as well as a processing service that can provide a good place to resolve conflicts that may arise.

Another benefit is that merchant card processing services usually have lower fees than you would find by talking directly to the credit card company and having them process the cards themselves.

You also end up being limited in the types of cards that you can accept. Using a processing service usually lifts the restriction on the types of cards that you can use with your business.

You may need to pay additional fees for being able to accept multiple types of cards. However, the fees are usually standardized and usually reduced when using merchant card processing than if you were going to each individual credit card and paying the transaction fees.

Also with processing services, you may be able to find services which use a monthly fee, or per X number of transaction flat fees rather than having to pay a certain percentage per transaction.

One of the biggest advantages is that there is a level of protection that you have with merchant card processing. This type of protection is not just for you as a business owner, but also something that you can offer your customers.

This gives them piece of mind and makes them more willing to use your store than if they did not have that protection in place. While it is probably almost never used and most people do not actively think about it, it is something that sits in the back of their minds when they go to make an online purchase.

Merchant card processing usually offers secure sites and shopping carts making it significantly easier to ensure the privacy of your customers online. Individuals are also usually more willing to make purchases and spend more on a purchase if they can use their credit card.

This is more so than if they have to use another method such as cash or check to make their purchase. There are a number of reasons to have merchant card processing but they come down to convenience, piece of mind, increased profit and a decrease in overhead with protection for both you and your customers.

Alan Largo is the creator and administrator of Better Solutions and strives to assist others identify with an ever-expanding internet marketing presence through informative reviews. You are invited to visit Better Solutions to read his most recent article review.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Offshore Merchant Accounts: Offer Multi-Currency Flexibility

2008-11-30T04:07:00.000-08:00

By Ramapati Singhania

Compared to onshore accounts offshore merchant accounts are much better as these have lot more advantages. Being offered only by offshore banks these accounts do not have account limitations or restrictions like onshore accounts.

With features such as multi-currency accounts and more tax benefits offshore merchant accounts facilitate international trading. This type of offshore bank account is a new addition to the offshore banking system and it allows you to trade 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As these accounts are tax-free it allows offshore companies to offer products to clients at a much lower rate than competitors. High risk companies engaged in activities such as gaming, pharmaceuticals, phone card sales, timeshare rentals, multilevel marketing, credit card repair and counseling are best suited to have offshore merchant accounts.

Offshore merchant accounts offers immense benefits such as more tax benefits, better privacy and security, multi-currency trading enabling international trade, setting in currencies of choice, zero restrictions on transactions which means unlimited transactions, short set up time requiring just one week, international forgery/fraud protection cover etc.

All this however comes with a high price tag and expenses such as initial set up costs, discount rates and transaction fees are much higher in comparison to domestic banks. Almost anyone can open such an account and it is simple and easy. All you require is to own an offshore trading company and must have a bank account in its name.

There are however exceptions, with some offshore banks insisting on security in the form of either upfront cash deposit or ongoing cash reserve. Apart from offshore banks, offshore merchant accounts are also offered by certain international financial service providers.

You can also apply online to open such an account after you have decided on a particular offshore bank. Before opening such an offshore account you need to check out the background of the bank and services being offered by it such as privacy, security and tax benefits.

With offshore banking becoming more and more popular the need of the hour is offshore ecommerce merchant accounts and offshore destinations are going all out of their way to provide their clients with this facility. In offshore business it is no longer feasible to transact through onshore accounts and with offshore accounts giving clients so many benefits that they did not even think that they would get with their onshore accounts.

Tax and investor-friendly countries like Mauritius, Seychelles and BVI possess the most secure financial sectors in the world. Applying for offshore e-commerce merchant accounts in such countries will account for a single corporate structure. You get privileges such as the option to choose your settlement jurisdiction either within the Caribbean or Europe thereby giving you a dual acquiring presence.

This facility enables you to implement a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional and multi-currency acquiring services. Other benefits includes opportunity of presenting your customers secure payment alternatives, currency solutions, advantage of offshore and e-zone tax structures and channeled marketing which in turn reduces currency and location costs and also simplifies cross-border processing.

Ramapati Singhania specializes in creating and managing web businesses. His latest website http://www.incorporation-offshore-saves-wealth.com focuses on helping you to incorporate offshore companies in Seychelles, Mauritius and BVI. You can also visit his blog, http://www.ramapatisinghania.com

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Miva Merchant is SEO Friendly

2008-11-30T04:04:00.000-08:00

By Phoenix Delray

A search engine is something that is designed to search for information on what we know as the World Wide Web. This information can consist of web pages, images and many other types of files. Some of the search engines can also mine through data that is available in newsgroups, databases and different kinds of open directories. Before we had these things known as search engines, there was just a complete and boring list of all web servers. These were maintained by people and it was an extremely long and tedious process to update them. Web search engines are great because they operate algorithmically or they are a simple mixture of algorithmic and human input. Either way, they are much better then what preceded them.

Many people do not understand search engines and they think that they have a hidden agenda or something, but that is absolutely false. Search engines are very helpful because they provide content that is of high quality to anyone who is searching on the internet. Search engines that have the broadest distribution networks are the ones that sell the largest amount of space for advertising. Google and Yahoo are examples of this, but Google is considered to be the search engine with the greatest relevancy.

When you start and build a new site, probably one of the first things you do is decide on what product you want to market and sell. After this you should look into different shopping cart programs for your site. Some products you may want to learn a little more about is Miva Merchant, Zen Cart, OS Commerce and BV Commerce. Miva Merchant is marketed as a program that is SEO friendly right out of the box, but it is important to entertain other options too. This will ensure that you make the best possible choice for your business. Probably the biggest problem with new websites is making it so search engines recognize it. When a new site is launched on the internet, search engines have no idea that it exists.

Typically, search engines learn to trust websites the more time that goes by because they see that they have been on the web for a substantial amount of time. The best way to get your site picked up and visited is to build links toward it through articles. If you write articles that are relevant to your site and product, post them on the internet with link backs on them, within months you are sure to climb the rankings on any search engine.

To know more about Miva Merchant please visit our website.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Yahoo Merchant - Processing Orders Just Got Easier

2008-11-30T04:03:00.000-08:00

By Russell Blanc

Your online store is designed to get orders. After all, that's why you're in business, right? But with some online store scripts and providers, actually fulfilling orders can be a challenge. Yahoo Merchant makes filling orders easy, so you can spend your time doing things you enjoy. After all, that's why you started your own business in the first place.

With Yahoo Merchant, you can choose to be notified of new orders by email, fax or online. However you prefer to work, you can be alerted to new orders right away, so that you can get the products out to your buyers quickly.

With your online store from Yahoo Merchant, you have all the tools you need to process orders, including not only fulfilling those orders but also managing returns and exchanges, issuing refunds, and voiding transactions. These functions are quick and simple, making running your Yahoo Merchant store a breeze to operate.

Keeping in touch with your customers and tracking orders are essential to running a store, and with Yahoo Merchant you can do these tasks easily, and look up old orders for customers who have a question or would like to reorder a product they've bought from you before.

If you use order management or accounting software, as most store owners do, you can transmit your Yahoo Merchant Solutions data easily to your computer and use customer data in your business records with no fuss.

If your online store carries physical products, you'll need to ship those products. Unlike many online merchant systems, Yahoo Merchant allows you to choose any carrier you like, easily set shipping rates based on the product's weight, the destination, the order total, or any other criteria you choose. You can also offer free shipping to encourage repeat sales or reward customers for buying a certain product or in a certain time frame.

International shipping can cause a lot of headaches for online store owners, but with Yahoo Merchant, international shipping is absolutely no problem. You choose where you will ship and set shipping rates for international destinations.

Sales tax can be confusing with Internet sales, and failing to collect and pay sales tax can carry sever penalties. Yahoo Merchant allows you to determine quickly and easily whether you need to collect taxes, and helps you set up the right tax rates based on your location and the buyer's location.

As you know, running an online store is more than just putting up a web site; you need the tools to fulfill orders, process payment, and promote your store. In other words, you need a complete solution. With Yahoo Merchant Solutions, not only is the word solution right in the name, but you know you're working with Yahoo, one of the most respected companies on the web.

You have a lot of choices when setting up your online store. Making the choice to build your store with Yahoo Merchant will help you build a professional store, attract visitors and make sales, so you can spend your time the way you wish.

Russell Blanc is a professional in the web hosting industry and manages a Yahoo Web Hosting and Yahoo Merchant resource web site at http://www.website-hostingco.com.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Choosing The Right Merchant Card Processing Service

2008-11-30T03:59:00.000-08:00

By Alan Largo

One of the hardest things about merchant card processing is choosing the right one for your business. There are a large number of companies out there and finding the right one for you is essential in making your business functional, both for you and for your customers.

When looking for a merchant card processing service, there are a few things that you may want to consider in determining which merchant card processing service is right for your business. The first thing to do is determine exactly what your needs are when it comes to card processing. This includes the average volume that you are doing now and the volume you will anticipate doing. You also may want to consider the types and kinds of cards that you will want to process.

Depending on the merchant card processing service, you may have monthly service plans which are determined by the volume and types of cards that you take in your store. If you are planning on running an online store or having a website for your business, you will definitely want to have some sort of merchant card processing.

Once you know the volume and the cards that you will want to accept, look at the prices and customer service ratings and do research on the company itself. This company is going to be handling a valuable set of transactions for your business. You want to make sure that the company you pick is one that you can work with and offers what you want at an affordable price.

Rates are usually either flat fee based on the number of transactions or volume amount that you are doing in your business, or there is a percentage or fee charged for each transaction. These fees should be reasonable with usually no more than 5% of the transaction, though this may vary depending on location.

If you are completely internet based, consider using an internet based merchant card processing company such as Paypal or Worldpay. Both of these companies allow you to accept credit card payments while providing a wealth of services for your business and also providing you with means of protection.

Client management is an important aspect of a merchant card processing service. You are going to want to choose a company that is easy to work with and handles disputes or customer issues in a professional and timely manner.

When you are looking into merchant card processing services, the best thing to do is decide what exactly you need in order to handle your business effectively. Once you have determined that, things such as customer service ratings and any possible disputes filed against the company should be uncovered. Also make sure that the rates are reasonable and are certainly affordable.

Alan Largo is the creator and administrator of Better Solutions and strives to assist others identify with an ever-expanding internet marketing presence through informative reviews. You are invited to visit Better Solutions to read his most recent article review.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

How Can A Merchant Cash Advance Help A Smart Business Owner

2008-11-30T03:58:00.001-08:00

By David Castro

Merchant cash advances help business owner's open doors for better types of funding opportunities. The business cash advance industry is climbing at a continuous rate. This ever increasing growth is because traditional bank loans are not meeting the demands of small business owners.

Business cash advances are a unique funding method. It's a purchase of future credit card sales, not a loan, so we have to use specific language consistent with purchase of future credit card sales, like payback rate and discount rate instead of commonly used interest rate on bank loans. Merchant cash advances are a lot like factoring but are based on a sale that hasn't happened just yet.

A business cash advance lender gives business owners a sum of cash advance up front. In exchange, the business owner agrees to pay back the principal amount plus the fee, by giving the lender a daily percentage of their visa and master card sales until the payback is completed.

The daily payback percentage won't be higher than 10% of daily gross sales, the daily percentage is based on the monthly credit cards sales volume and the amount of cash advance required. The payback time-frame is structured for a 6-9 months term, but it's not fixed, and there won't be any penalties if it takes longer.
Business owners usually must switch the credit card processor because the advance is paid back automatically as a percentage of each batch's proceeds, but the rates will be the same if not better. Just a small number of merchant cash advance lenders don't require the merchant to change their credit card processors company. Most time this won't be a problem at all since the rates will be matched.

Business cash advances differ a lot from the traditional bank funding programs. In essence a merchant cash advance lender purchases a small percentage of future Master Card and Visa sales, and the business owner pays back this as a daily percentage of such sales.

Obtaining cash from the bank can be difficult for most business owners, but particularly retail businesses, restaurants, store franchisees or seasonal businesses. These merchants mostly use credit card processing, making a merchant cash advance program a great funding opportunity for them.

What are some of the benefits?

The money is available much faster than it is with a bank loan. Unsecured merchant cash advances are specially a great option for retail and restaurant merchants, not only because these types of businesses can hardly be funded by the traditional bank, but also because of the immediate liquidity and simple process.

Many merchant cash advance lenders advertise that the money will be available in as fast as 10 days, and unlike a bank loan that have a fixed interest rate, as the amount due and due date are fixed each month, no matter if your sales drop. Instead, with a merchant cash advance the payback comes from future credit card receivables, not straining your business cash flow.
Fast merchant cash advance programs are cash flow friendly, during seasonally slow periods specially.

Traditional bank loans require a fixed set of payments every month, whether the business has made a sale or not. But if you choose a merchant cash advance, payments are calculated as a percentage of credit card sales, and if the sales are growing, the re-payment could be quicker, but if the business owner experiences some interruption or sales drop in the business, the payments will drop with it.

Another great advantage of a merchant cash advance, is that the business owner won't risk he's personal assets, because there's no collateral required.

David Castro often writes articles about Merchant Cash Advance and Small Business Loans for Merchant Resources International - To Learn more Visit Us at http://www.cashprior.com.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

A Merchant Cash Advance Guide

2008-11-30T03:56:00.000-08:00

By David Castro

Merchant cash advances are a great way for small business owners get the funding they need, with a fast and simple process, merchants can be funded with up to $500,000 dollars in as little as 10 days.

How merchant cash advances work?

A lender will purchase a small percentage of your future credit card sales, until the payback is completed and will give you upfront the money your business needs. Often times the business owner will be approved even with a less than great credit history record, making a merchant cash advance a top funding choice.

How do the lenders make money?

Funding charges can widely vary, and that's not just from one lender to another, but from one cash advance to another. For example, the payback on a $10,000 cash advance could be as low as $11500 or as high as $14,000 dollars.

Even though there is a fixed payback daily percentage, and because of that, theirs is no fixed monthly payment, you pay as you sell; the payback factor varies depending on your business sales and the amount of money asked for.

If your business is doing well and sales are good, the advance lender collects the money sooner making the payback amount rather high. Since there is no time limit on paying back the loan, the annual rate will decrease as the payments will be extended over time, although the lender typically forecasts a rather short term for payback, it could usually take less than a year.

There are no questions that the merchant cash advance cost for this kind of unsecured funding is going to more expensive than the cost of a traditional loan, but if you understand the advantages of a cash advance and know how hard it would be to qualify for a bank loan, you will find that a merchant cash advance is a great option.

Often, business owners interested in funding programs like this may have a less than perfect or even bad personal credit history. They may have credit history records like past tax issues, a list of delinquencies, collections, liens or even judgments that would be an automatic red flag for a traditional bank loan. Instead, the merchant cash advance industry is here to help businesses that can't qualify for traditional funding methods.

The lender risk:

There is a rather high risk when providing these types of unsecured funding options (hence the higher cost to the business owner for the money), but they use advanced funding models to determine the possible future credit card sales. They also offer the cash advance with fairly short payback terms to help counter the risk.

Although the approval is much easier than it is with most bank loans, few cash advance lenders will lend to new merchants or start-ups without a history of credit card statements. Even less lenders will approve amounts larger than what the business can predict to earn from credit card sales in a year.

The merchant cash advance lender takes all of the risk, but since it is paid out of projected future sales, it is typically a risk worth taking. Seasonal businesses that need cash flow to move them through slow seasons or merchants, who have an unexpected low season, may find a need for a cash advance until business picks up.
Merchant cash advance lenders say that slow businesses are not the only merchants interested in this funding method. Most types of businesses are often ignored by traditional banking institutions.

There are many times when owners of healthy small businesses could use cash flow or working capital to help build their businesses but don't qualify for the traditional bank loans. These include franchise owners who have exhausted their personal savings to purchase their franchise and would like to open another one; merchants who can buy bulk inventory at discount rates or move into a new, more efficient location; expansions; new equipment; or simply the desire to move forward on a great new opportunity.

David Castro often writes articles about Merchant Cash Advance and Small Business Loans for Merchant Resources International - To Learn more Visit Us at http://www.cashprior.com.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

6 Questions To Ask Before Opening A Merchant Account

2008-11-30T03:48:00.000-08:00

By Todd I. Nelson

A merchant account is essential in order to become eligible for accepting payments over the internet. In order to get a merchant account, one must approach a right kind of merchant service provider. However, selecting a right merchant service provider can be a difficult task considering the number of banks and independent service organizations providing merchant services. Below listed are some basic aspects one must always keep in mind while approaching any service provider for opening an account.

1. What are the basic requirements for opening an account? In general, the foremost requirements for opening a merchant account with any bank or independent service organization are to have a registered commercial website and also good credit ratings. However, one should always seek clarification with regard to credit ratings. This means whether the bank requires the credit ratings of the owner or the ratings of the business.

2. What sorts of documents are required by the bank in order to open a merchant account? Documentation required for opening an account is at sole discretion of the bank providing the service. In general, documents required include registration details of the website and also the credit reports. While some banks want to verify the business history of the firm and its credit ratings, others just require the credit rating of the owner. In order to get qualified for the account, one must have an exceptional credit rating that is supported by great credit scores. It is important to have all the documents in place before approaching the bank for opening an account. Banks don't approve whatever application comes their way. In case of merchant services, banks are a bit choosy about the companies they offer service. Usually, start-up firms and individuals with bad credit histories are not encouraged for providing merchant services. Apart from this, banks also suggest merchants to deposit certain amount of money with the bank as collateral. It is important to inquire about all these aspects before filing an application.

3. How long does it take to get the account? While most banks provide assurances of completing the process within 48hrs, it can take up to 2 weeks depending on the time taken to submit all the relevant documents.

4. How much experience does the bank have in handling merchant services? The way a bank scrutinizes the credibility of the customer, the customer should also verify the credibility of the bank. Not all banks are experienced in this sector. It is always better to approach a bank that is specialized in this area.

5. What if the applicant doesn't have any website? The answer for this question varies from provider to provider. While some provider don't even prefer to talk to applicants who don't have a live site, certain providers do open the account but keep it inactive until the applicant creates a running live web portal.

6. What are the costs involved to open an account? These costs differ from provider to provider. It is always important to inquire about all the relevant costs that are being levied by the provider and also obtain a complete list of fee schedule so as to avoid any confusion.

Todd I. Nelson is the Director of Marketing for Capital Merchant Solutions Inc (CMS). CMS specializes in providing merchant account services to all business owners, both brick and mortar, as well as ecommerce businesses. Their website can be found at http://www.TakeCardsToday.com.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Having A Merchant Account Is No Longer An Option!

2008-11-30T03:45:00.000-08:00

By Pat McDavitt

Setting up a merchant account makes it easy and affordable for your business to accept credit cards. Setting up merchant account services offers you:

* Improved customer satisfaction

* Larger customer base with more payment options

* Increased credibility for your business

With a merchant account you can offer your customers several payment options:

* Point of sale processing--Using physical terminals to process your sales

* Virtual terminal processing--To process telephone, fax, or Internet sales made at a web site

* Software--to make sales using your computer to process orders

Your company cannot afford to ignore the need to accept credit cards. Setting up a merchant account solves this problem. Any good merchant account representative can give you the information you need on how you can either add credit card acceptance to, or improve credit card processing for, your business.

Even if your company is considered high risk, (adult sales, gambling sites and other similar high risk business categories) a merchant account can be set up for you! Most US banks will not set up high risk merchant accounts. However, if your credit is good, offshore merchant accounts provide the perfect solution for your business needs.

When a customer says: "I would like to buy your widget. Do you accept credit cards?" A yes answer results in a sale. A no answer results in a no sale. Which answer is best for your business health? Well, that is pretty obvious!

Your merchant account services should offer a comprehensive line of payment solutions for your business--credit card acceptance, debit cards, and check acceptance--for all types of businesses including retail storefronts, restaurants, hotels, service companies, wireless merchants and mail, telephone or Internet order businesses.

Additionally, your merchant account should provide customer service 24/7/365 to provide the following information:

* Transfers of money into your designated checking account, monthly statements, chargeback and retrieval requests, and other issues that face merchant account holders very day

* Provide answers about your point of sale credit card terminal, need to schedules telephone training for you or your employees, need to replace broken equipment, or need additional supplies

Some important definitions:

What is a merchant account?

A merchant account is a special account that allows your business to accept credit cards as payment in person, over the telephone, by mail order, or over the Internet. You must have a merchant account if you want to be able to accept credit cards from your customers.

What is an acquiring bank?

An acquiring bank is the bank that holds your credit card merchant account. It is also the bank that transfers funds from your merchant account into your local bank account.

How do I apply for a merchant account and a payment gateway?

It's easy to establish a merchant account. You can submit an application online, by fax, or by meeting with a sales representative at your business location. Your application will be approved almost immediately, your account will be activated, and, if you're buying or leasing new credit card processing software or terminal equipment, it will arrive in just days.

What credit cards will I be able to accept?

You'll be able to accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Diners Club/Carte Blanche. In addition, you'll be able to accept debit cards that carry a Visa or MasterCard logo, purchase cards, and online checks.

What is the discount rate?

The discount rate is one of the processing fees charged to your merchant account. It is a percentage of your gross sales.

What is the "per transaction" fee?

The "per transaction fee" is a nominal charge for processing each transaction through your merchant account service.

What is a charge back?

Charge backs occur when a credit cardholder informs the credit card company that the charge was not authorized, or that goods or services were not delivered as promised.

What is a merchant account?

A merchant account is a special account that allows your business to accept credit cards as payment in person, over the telephone, by mail order, or over the Internet. You must have a merchant account if you want to be able to accept credit cards from your customers.

What is an acquiring bank?

An acquiring bank is the bank that holds your credit card merchant account. It is also the bank that transfers funds from your merchant account into your local bank account.

How do I apply for a merchant account and a payment gateway?

It's easy to establish a merchant account. You can submit an application online, by fax, or by meeting with a sales representative at your business location. Your application will be approved almost immediately, your account will be activated, and, if you're buying or leasing new credit card processing software or terminal equipment, it will arrive in just days.

What credit cards will I be able to accept?

You'll be able to accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Diners Club/Carte Blanche. In addition, you'll be able to accept debit cards that carry a Visa or MasterCard logo, purchase cards, and online checks.

What is the discount rate?

The discount rate is one of the processing fees charged to your merchant account. It is a percentage of your gross sales.

What is the "per transaction" fee?

The "per transaction fee" is a nominal charge for processing each transaction through your merchant account service.

What is a charge back?

Charge backs occur when a credit cardholder informs the credit card company that the charge was not authorized, or that goods or services were not delivered as promised.

How often will I receive funds from Total Merchant Services?

Total Merchant Services will transfer funds from your merchant account to any checking account you designate on a daily basis.

What type of equipment do I need to accept credit cards?

If you have a retail storefront, restaurant, hotel, or service business you can use either a hard-wired or wireless point-of-sale (POS) credit card terminal or a personal computer equipped with credit card processing software. If you have an Internet business, or a telephone order or mail order business, you can use a virtual terminal. With a virtual terminal, you do not need to load any software onto your computer. Since this is Internet-Based software, you simply need access to the internet. Other options include using credit card processing software. This is software that you load onto your computer. Authorizations are obtained by dialing into the credit card processor with your computer modem. Or, you can hand enter (key in) data into a point of sales (POS) credit card terminal.

Why do I need a separate account for orders I accept over the phone, fax, mail or Internet?

Because you never take physical possession of a credit card so that you can swipe it through a magnetic strip reader, both Visa and MasterCard use different criteria for evaluating risk and have different fee structures for card-not-present transactions.

What is a payment gateway?

A payment gateway links your web site to the credit card processing companies and your merchant account. When your customer enters his or her credit card number on your web site, the payment gateway obtains authorization for the charge and later handles the transfer of funds into your merchant account. Total Merchant Services works with the industry's most widely used and reliable gateways including the Total Pay powered by Authorize.Net, Plug N Pay, and VeriSign Payment Systems.

C. J. & Tuck Consulting, LLC owns and operates http://www.cashflownow.org. We specialize in Electronic Payment Processing Services and offer a complete package of electronic payment processing solutions. For more information, contact: Pat A. McDavitt, Author and Sole Manager of C. J. & Tuck Consulting, LLC Telephone: 512-837-1358 Fax: 512-837-0345

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Getting Started With Miva Merchant

2008-11-30T03:43:00.000-08:00

By Phoenix Delray

Anyone who is interested in hosting and running a successful ecommerce website has likely heard of Miva Merchant and the shopping carts, site modules, and software programs they provide. The first thing that you will need to begin using Miva Merchant is a Miva enabled host provider, ie a provider that is able run Miva software which can be achieved by purchasing and installing MIVA Empressa on one or more server.

Empressa interprets Miva Script, the web scripting language used by the MIVA Corporation, and Internet browsers are not able to interpret the MIVA script code without it.

The next step is to obtain an SSL or Secure Socket Layer Certificate, which will allow your ecommerce store to securely accept information obtained via the Internet. This is absolutely essential, since most people will not even consider shopping at your store without one, because of security concerns.

If you do not have a merchant account, specifically, a separate merchant account for online transactions, this is the time to get one, especially since the majority of banks require it, and will not allow you to accept credit cards online without using a third party service, like PayPal. Ask your host provider whether they have any partnerships with merchant account providers, and/or visit the Miva Merchant site to find a list of merchant account provider partners.

You will also want to ensure that a payment gateway is in place. A payment gateway is the step between the merchant account provider and the Miva Merchant software, and is needed to automate the authorization process, and capture funds from credit cards, in the event that you are not manually submitting credit card payments to your merchant account provider. When a shopper orders something from your Miva Merchant powered stuore, the payment gateway encrypts their information and sends it to the credit card issuer, which in turn sends an approval or decline to Miva Merchant.

The integrations built into your Miva Merchant software are designed to save you both time and money, and following the above tips will ensure that the process of setting up your ecommerce website goes even more smoothly. Be sure to research the different Miva programs available before you purchase one, as there are different types designed for different levels and stages of ecommerce. Using Miva will enable you to be successful in your online retail ventures, and since the software is designed to grow and expand along with your store, you will soon realize why so many people choose Miva Merchant.

For more information about Miva Merchant please visit our website.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Choosing A Yahoo Merchant Package (Yahoo Store)

2008-11-30T03:40:00.000-08:00

By Russell Blanc

So you have your business plan completed and the tools and location are in place to create and operate your small business. Now it is time to see which Yahoo Store package can accommodate your needs when building an online store. It is time to choose a Yahoo Merchant package.

Yahoo Merchant Solutions is Yahoo's e-commerce solution for building and managing your online storefront. The packages include a free domain name, email, web hosting, shopping cart, online credit card processing, inventory management and catalog management. Depending on your immediate needs, Yahoo Merchant solutions offers three packages to get you going.

Yahoo Merchant Plans

The three packages are called Starter, Standard and Professional. Upgrading plans is extremely easy so you can always upgrade later as your business grows. Most people and businesses will probably start off with the Starter plan and immediately take advantage of the many options that the Yahoo Merchant plan offers.

An Important Recent Upgrade

Another great reason to choose the Yahoo Starter Merchant plan is that Yahoo recently upgraded this plan so that there is now unlimited bandwidth and disk space for the web hosting features of this plan. So now you can handle more visitors and never have to worry about running out of file space on the server. The improved Yahoo Merchant Starter makes opening a successful online store even easier. Also, this plan comes with free tools to help you easily design a unique yahoo store and add products. Also added is a $100 credit with Yahoo Search Marketing to attract more customers and free store setup advice from a selection of e-commerce experts. The setup fee is waived and you save 25% on your monthly fees for the first two months as well.

Learn more about the Yahoo Merchant Starter plan at http://www.website-hostingco.com/YahooMerchant.asp

Choosing a Yahoo Store package will depend on your business model, cost of web hosting and the features you would like to utilize. The many Yahoo solutions offer a number of features that will make your online storefront easy and efficient. Features such as:

- Order Processing with credit cards
- Free Domain Name
- Catalog and Inventory Management
- Customer Support
- Security
- Email
- and much more...

Yahoo Merchant Solutions has plenty of features to build, manage and market your website and yahoo online store. View an updated comparison chart of Yahoo stores. But remember that upgrading as your business grows is easy and might be your best strategy. Upgrade later as your business expands.

The price ranges from $39.95 to $299.95 with the setup being waived and a 25% discount on your monthly fees for the first two months. Also, there is a transaction fee which differs based on your plan.

Once you choose a merchant package, you have to build your online store. Yahoo has 2 different tools for hosting and building your store: Store Editor and Yahoo Web Hosting. If you are new to building a web page and do not know html, and want to create a Yahoo store as quickly as possible, the store editor may be the way to go. You fill out a few forms and upload your images via a browser and the store editor will create your product pages for you. If you know HTML and want to use a third-party software such as Dreamweaver, building your store with the web hosting component might suit you best.

Either way, Yahoo Merchant Solutions has a variety of features to create, manage and market your website and yahoo online store.

Russell Blanc is a web hosting professional and manages an informational resource site for Yahoo Store and Yahoo Web Hosting at http://www.website-hostingco.com/

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Offshore High Risk Merchant Account

2008-11-30T03:37:00.000-08:00

By Jessie Ferguson

Get the experience from not just a seller of a high risk offshore merchant account - but a merchant who has been thru all the hoops and has seen everything from "both sides".

The risks of offshore high risk merchant accounts

Most sellers of such high risk merchant account are delivering low-grade products - or simply take your money and run away (this has happened to me several times in the past). These sellers have never processed 1 single cent themselves from credit cards - and therefore do not know (or care) about the requirements of a merchant. They only know how to sell a useless "solution" that will go down after 1-2 months of use.

These days the scam artist make your account run for 2 months and then suddenly it gets closed - and then you never see the funds from the last 3-5 weeks processing - plus the standard 10% reserve that you normally should get back after 6 months.

A new variation of this scam is that the high volume high risk merchant account processor has very poor reporting system making it difficult or impossible for you to see when and how much you will get paid for which period.

For example a gateway processor that claims to be located in Switzerland (they have no telephone that actually works) and be operated by a Swiss person shows only 7 transactions per page - and has no reporting system whatsoever. This processor claimed that their discount rate was 8% and reserve was 10% - but actually, they kept 53% of all processed amount - and after7-8 weeks the account suddenly closed. This so-called Swiss gate also put a chargeback belonging to a completely different merchant on my account and never removed it even though they promised to do so. Another chargeback I was able to prove that the product was delivered but the chargeback still remained.

Another example was a so-called Chinese gateway processor using a gateway went down (lost their bank connection) also after 6 weeks of processing with them - and never told anything to me - ever - so for 2 weeks all my orders got declined - making my potential customers upset and me very frustrated. Besides the cheating then this gateway is so badly built that you can only use Internet Explorer to access the gateway with and you must disable popup blockers. The DNA-gateway does not permit you to use the mouse for copy/paste of customer info which makes it very slow to use. This doesn't really matter because they never pay you 1 single cent.

A great way that these sellers also make money is to make up fines from Mastercard or VISA - that supposedly requires 1-4 years litigation. These fines do not exist at all or at a much lower amount - or, are only temporary fines that are refunded to the processor after a short "hold"-period. The processor has already deducted these funds from the merchant - but the merchant never gets these funds again. Ever.

A processor broker/seller having a foreign name - Gany Karim - (this is not his real name - just the name he uses for his customers - so he can not sue me for defamation and supposedly located in Canada sold me those 2 solutions. The total loss was more than 40.000 USD in direct losses - plus I was not able to process for several months waiting for a new solution to be made - which never came. However, all his "fees" that ran into 2.000 USD - including extra fees that were never explained to me - was deducted from my processed funds and funny enough I never saw 1 cent at all.

Before a processor loses his bank connection then the bank has for some time asked the processor to change certain procedures which the processor chooses not to do so. Then the bank closes the processors merchant account and then the processor blames the bank for the problem.

When you ask the processor which bank they use then they will never tell you.

After a couple of years you have forgotten all about it and have moved on - which is what these scam artists hope for.

These processors also have no or very poor customer service (before they close down your account). And after they close down the account - then they have zero customer service and you can not get hold of them at all or not talk to the decision maker.

Other times then the processor sets up another corporation which they process thru. Then in your contract it says that the processor is not liable for losses incurred if your processor is not paid. The funds will then be in the other company (that the processor also owns).

Are there any offshore credit card processors that are not con artists?

Yes, there are some good offshore merchant account processors out there. I use some of them myself for my own websites so I know that they are reliable.

You will get your own MID account and be able to accept VISA, Mastercard, ACH and maybe other cards also (depending upon your business area) - for a small setup fee of $599.

You also get to talk to a real life person - who knows the requirements of a merchant - and uses the very same processor solutions that I sell. So, I practice what I preach so to speak.

Jessie ferguson has many years experience with offshore merchant account and high risk merchant account

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Tips Regarding Setting Up Of Merchant Account

2008-11-30T03:30:00.000-08:00

By Devin Gilliland

Merchant account is a kind a service offered by banks or merchant account providing companies to business owners or traders. Merchant account enables a business man or a trader in providing credit card processing services to its customers or buyers. Also, it supports a trader with easy transaction of money by swiping a credit card.

In-spite of merchant account being such a big business tool there are many business owners or traders who end up making mistakes in implementing this tool. Merchant accounts are more or less like a deal that can prove a blunder if not dealt well.

It is a fact that credit card processing service adds to the growth and enhancement of business. Customers lurk for opportunity where they don't have to face hassle like carrying cash or getting short of it while shopping. Thus, with a merchant account you tend to attract such wealthy buyers. But if you open a merchant account with a bank or a company that does not provides you with the offers cherished by your rival trader, then you surely to lose your benefits of credit card processing and competition in the market.

There are some small businessmen or traders who either end up giving up on the service due to the heavy charges or fee demanded by the banks or else they end up choosing the wrong bank for their merchant account. No doubt that merchant account is often opened by bigger business companies, thus banks tend to charge big. But there are also banks providing low monthly charges and sometimes no rental fee. You can always search and find the bank or merchant account providing company that offers just a percent or two per transaction. Here the key point is research, never go for a merchant account without looking for two or than two banks or companies offering merchant account services.

The main thing to be kept in mind while selecting the right merchant account is the type of business you do i.e. the merchant account you open should be flexible enough to benefit the kind of business you do. Also, if you are an online business trader then you should always check for the terms and conditions offered by the merchant account providing company you wish to tie up with.

Apart from basic suitability and fee charges, the main thing that matters while selecting for the right bank or company is the safety factor. Do not forget to ask yourself how safe and reliable is the deal with the company you chose for opening your merchant account? Is there any hidden charges or loop holes that might create or ad to your burden at later stage?

For those who do their business on internet and have to choose an online merchant account providing company, such precautions play a big part and act as a savior from any fraud or troublesome deal.

Thus, never deal without thinking and thinking hard. Always be sure of what kind of benefits you want from your merchant account and be clear of your objectives of setting up a merchant account.

Credit-Wisdom.com Provides Expert opinions and reviews to help you Compare and apply for credit cards and sign up for ecommerce credit card processing with Credit-Wisdom.com - Unraveling the best in Credit Cards.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Internet Merchant Accounts For Innocents Abroad

2008-11-30T03:28:00.000-08:00

By T. O' Donnell

If you want to sell on the internet, you 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. Look for 'merchant services' at your local bank. 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 a 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!

T. O' Donnell is an author offering advice about credit cards, merchant accounts and insurance, in London UK.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

How to Find the Best Merchant Account Credit Card Processing Rates

2008-11-30T03:26:00.000-08:00

By Chris Rempel

Which would you prefer to do? Spend a bunch of money accepting credit cards through a great merchant account - or spend significantly less for a fantastic merchant account that boasts identical features and services?

Well, unless you have recently had a serious blow to the head, I am sure you would rather pay less for the identical features. Any sane person would agree.

Unfortunately, in the merchant industry, it is not always as easy as comparing "A" to "B". There are a plethora of diverse billing structures, charges, and fees that make it very difficult to understand just how one service stands up to another.

So why don't we see how to find, compare and choose the ideal merchant account for your unique small business...

To start with, you have to locate a minimum of 3 separate financial institutions - these could include a bank or credit union who can sign you up for their merchant account. Also, you should locate different merchant providers by utilizing Internet search tools that provide particular benefits. There is a standard approval procedure that both the banks and the merchant services use. The following information will be required in order to process your application:

1. A business plan that is feasible,

2. A credit history free of significant blemishes, and

3. Proof that you are able to pay (and have to ability to continue to pay) the charges related to a merchant account.

It of great benefit to you to research the ins and outs of the fee structure charged by each of your potential merchant services companies and/or banks that supply merchant accounts. There are many providers who fail to fully disclose their terms and conditions until you actually sign up for the account - so you might need to ask them for a copy of their "T&C". This way you are able to understand just how much it will truly set you back to use that account. In any case, make certain that you totally comprehend the terms and conditions before going with that company.

Things to look out for are:

1. Charges to cancel (how much, details, contract duration)

2. "Variable" or Introductory Discount Rates - the discount rate is the largest component in deciding just how much the true charge will be to accept credit cards. Make certain that the rate is single, locked-in, and non-changing. If it's on a sliding scale, or can be altered without notice - run, don't walk...

3. Free Equipment Offers - their return policies on the equipment are the most important to find out in this respect - for example, if the equipment is "damaged" at all, many times you are liable to substitute it at full market value - this can be extremely costly....

Now that you have that rudimentary information, to get the best possible credit card processing rates shop many different companies. The options are plentiful, and pricing plans and incentives are available for setting up a merchant account - each one highlights a specific facility. Finding out which one suits you the best is to your advantage. Some companies waive the installation fee, but others have a one-time overall fee and throw in other facilities at no charge. Each provider charges a discount rate, ranging from 1% - 5% and up, based on the type of account. A transaction fee, ranging from $0.05 to $0.25, is generally included.

If you want to get the best deal on credit card processing rates, you will have to do your homework well. Thoroughly search for the best priced terms and conditions - but make certain the company has a good reputation. You certainly don't want to get stuck with a company that is lacking in the customer service department, particularly when your money is on the line!

Things to consider when looking for a good merchant services company include your average number of transactions per month, your profit margin, your average order size, and number of times you will be taking credit cards from your customers. Obviously, retailers with a lot of volume will focus on lowering their discount rates and per-transaction fees as much as possible more so than their monthly fees. Conversely, small and micro-businesses with a bigger order size, but smaller transaction volume are able to be a bit more flexible with the discount rate and transaction fees. They turn their focus primarily on lowering monthly/minimum fees.

In any case, discuss the subject with your peers in your industry and contrast their opinions with the research into your prospective merchant providers that you have done on your own. Taking credit cards should be a good money making choice if you decide to use the right service.

Just be sure you double-check all those terms and conditions!

Chris Rempel, marketing director of Accept by Phone, just launched a "Lens" on Squidoo.com that lists the most affordable merchant account services available for small businesses...

Check it out: The Best Small Business Credit Card Processing Services

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

Is It Actually Possible to Get a Merchant Account For Free?

2008-11-30T03:22:00.000-08:00

By Chris Rempel

No beating around the bush, here. There's no such thing as a free lunch, and that applies to the merchant industry as well...

Everything has a price, whether it's in cash, time, and/or effort. Common sense tells you that no one in business to make a profit truly gives a product or service away for free. So it is important to find out exactly how the so-called "free merchant account" companies get your money...

This article is meant to educate you about the fees that the "free merchant accounts" actually charge. I hope that this will help you make an informed decision that's right for your business.

The Basics:

All credit card transactions are governed by what are called the Interchange rates. These are the fees that companies like Visa, Master Card and others impose on payments processed by a merchant. There are a number of tiers or levels in the interchange rate and each credit card will be charged according to the tier or level it qualifies for.

For example:

1. Qualified rate - This is the rate charged when the card is present physically at the point of sale.

2. Mid-qualified rate - This is the rate charged when the card is not present at the point of sale; rather, the merchant takes an imprint of the card.

3. Non-qualified rate - This is the rate charged for "MOTO" transactions (mail, Internet or telephone order).

Furthermore, there are a number of fees that are attached to the merchant accounts upfront or as back-end fees.

The following are the most common fees you might encounter:

1. Transaction Fees - this is charged each time a transaction is completed. This is a flat rate, usually ranging from $0.10 to $0.25

2. Discount Rate - this is a flat-rate percentage that is taken out of each sale processed through the merchant account. Discount rates range from 0.95% to 7% or more, depending on the merchant service and its intended use.

3. Authorization Fees - this fee is charged as soon as the transaction is processed. Even if the transaction is denied, the fee is charged.

4. Statement Fees - this is a fee that is charged routinely for the generation of a monthly transaction record.

5. Monthly Minimum Fees - there is always a minimum fee charged when the total fees of that month for a given merchant account do not equal the minimum required business transaction level. For example, if the minimum fee is $15 and the fees incurred from using the service are only $10, then an additional $5 will be charged for that month.

6. Termination Fees - this is a penalty that can range from $150 - $275 if the merchant (potentially one like you) terminates their account before the term expires, which is usually around 2 or 3 years.

7. Free Equipment - the terminals, machines and other equipment that you're "given" practically always need to be returned to the merchant account provider at the end of the term in perfect condition. It costs approximately $295 - $475 to replace (or pay for) a damaged "free" terminal.

8. Batch Fees - when a merchant settles their terminal a fee is charged. This is usually a flat-rate charge each time the terminal is settled.

As you can see, there are a number of expenses that will be incurred for any standard merchant account. There is absolutely no way anyone can provide you with a free merchant account, because the fees set in place by the issuing card companies have to be paid by someone, and someone else will certainly not be willing to pay for you to use their service at their own cost.

The truth is, these fees would be extracted in another manner, most of which would be indirect and "hidden". And in that light, it's always better to choose a company that clearly discloses its fee structure up-front, instead of being "lured in" under the premise of getting something for "free" - only to find yourself the victim of an endless barrage of hidden charges...

Though they're hard to find, there are a few merchant services that provide a great pricing plan with a low-cost fee structure. You'll be far better off looking into those types of offers, instead of chasing after the "free offers".

Bottom Line: Free merchant accounts don't exist.

It will cost you money to process credit card payments, one way or another. Always read the fine print (the terms and conditions), and realize that most merchant service providers that advertise something as being "free" will make their money by locking you into a steep contract of some kind - most of which are enforced with a steep cancellation charge.

So do your due diligence, and look for reasonable, realistic merchant account fees that make sense for your business needs.

Because an unusually "cheap" merchant account will almost certainly end up being an incredibly expensive mistake...

Chris Rempel highly recommends www.AcceptByPhone.com, which enables anyone to accept credit cards using any touch-tone phone (or cellular) for a FRACTION of the regular cost.

Additionally, click the link to discover how to find the best credit card processing rates for your business.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

What You Need to Know About Merchant Accounts, E-commerce, and Payment Gateways

2008-11-30T03:20:00.000-08:00

By Chris Rempel

Whenever you read about an internet venture, you see phrases like "e-commerce payment processing" and "payment gateway". If you are just getting into the field, you should know a bit about the differences between a merchant account and a payment gateway - sometimes called an "e-commerce" payment processor.

If you are looking to peddle your wares on the net, then go ahead and read this article so you can understand more concerning the way payment processing works, what it costs, and the options that are there for you...

Here's the basic definitions:

What is a merchant account? A merchant account is a specific kind of bank account provided by a financial institution on a set contract. This will allow you to take credit card payments when conducting transactions. This is an approval-based product, that has separate fees and terms and conditions.

A merchant account allows you to take credit card payments from your clients. Depending on the merchant service, it is possible that you could also be able to accept debit cards and e-check payments.

For an online business, you will be required to get a payment gateway after you set up a merchant account. This will provide you with a shopping cart system with which your customers are able to buy and pay for whatever product they select.

The asset that a merchant account provides is that it has the capacity to automate your business - people will be able to put money into your account on the Internet, around the clock.

What is a payment gateway? - A payment gateway, exactly as the name says is the direct link between the shopping cart and the bank that processes the payment. This is generally completed online, in real time and involves authorization, processing and management of all online transactions. Immediately after the payment is authorized the organization would need to access their gateway graphical user interface in order to finish the transaction.

As you can see, the main difference between the merchant account and the payment gateway is that one is the license that allows you to take payment by credit cards, and the other is the medium through which the receiving of online payments takes place, including credit cards.

You should know that having access to payment gateway does not entitle you to take credit cards. The merchant account is an entirely different service that must be applied for and gotten before you are able to accept credit card payments. Keeping that in mind, many merchant providers also provide payment gateway services. A well liked payment gateway is Authorize.net.

Many times when you establish your business you will be given the option of opening some payment gateways or other services with which you would be able to receive credit card payments. When you accept this offer , many times you will not have to pay for set up charges that you would be required to pay when you apply for a merchant account. Sometimes, these may be beneficial when compared to a regular merchant account if you have low sales volume.

(Generally, if you are looking to do any sort of volume with your company - and I'm speculating that you are - it's better to simply obtain a merchant account of your own. It's more dependable, more affordable over the long haul, and you retain more control over the payments that are processed - also access to card/customer data)

Remember, a payment gateway will rarely include the approval of receiving credit cards, while numerous merchant accounts in reality offer the set up of payment gateways as part of the extra features affiliated with the contract with you.

Both the payment gateway and the merchant accounts are vital steps in establishing your online business on the way to complete automation. In fact, you may not understand how many sales you're forfeiting until you take the plunge and set up your own merchant account with a gateway...

Chris Rempel highly recommends 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 best way to accept credit card payments.

Article Source: http://www.artipot.com

How to Sell Products With Merchant Accounts

2008-04-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

Generally, merchant account can be used to sell any stuffs on the internet, buy any products that available online, send or transfer money to other people and receive money from buyers.

In this topic I will explain how to use merchant account to sell products on the internet in the simplest way. In order to use it successfully to sell your products online you need to consider these.

Apply for any merchant accounts or third party credit cards processor.
Product(s) - the products must be ready to sell
Sales page - you need to integrate your merchant accounts with your website or blog to sell your products.
You need a valid email address.
Autoresponder (optional).
Thank you page or download page - the page that merchant account provider will send the customer to after they make a payment. The customer will only reach this page if their credit card is verified or valid.

On the thank you page you should have:

Product name that the customer bought from you + product images
Thank the customer for buying your products.
Your email address so that the customer can contact you if they have any questions about your products they just bought.
Download link – If you are selling the ebook or any downloadable products, you should have the download link on your thank you page or any link to your download page.
If the products need to ship to your customer’s address you need to tell them as a remainder about the products weight, shipping cost, what type of shipping service will be used and how many days the products will be arrived.
Autoresponder is an optional but recommended - you are recommended to integrate your thank you page or download page with autoresponder so that you can offer your buyers with your future products or you can use your autoresponder to send the download link to your buyers... just in case if anything happening.

Test Drive the Autoresponder

2008-04-08T10:51:00.001-07:00

Autoresponder is one of the most important stuff when talk about selling products online. Get code from autoresponder and insert into website. You need to integrate your website or blog with your autoresponder form and offer your visitors to fill up the autoresponder form with their name and primary email address if they like to receive about your products details information or anything you might offer to them. If your visitors are intrested with your offer, they will fill up the autoresponder form on your web site.

Autoresponder automatically sends emails to everyone who requests further information about your products. An Autoresponder lets you respond immediately when the visitors need it. The autoresponder is working 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Each autoresponder can contain an ordering information or your products information along with complete ordering instructions. You can deliver your free ebooks, newsletters, blogs, press kit, articles, or just about any other text information very quickly. Follow up email responders can be sent automatically to your visitors base on the time interval that you choose whether daily, weekly monthly, yearly and etc.

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How the Web Merchant Account Works

2008-04-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Basically, merchant accounts or creadit cards processor will work dependent on what type of products you are going to buy on the internet but mostly are almost the same way. If the buyers buy the digital products such as ebooks, digital photos, mp3 music and software using their credit card. The products will be delivered instantly to the buyer's primary email address after the merchant account received the payment confirmation from the buyer. Then, the buyer can download the digital products. Normally to sell any digital products online, you should have your own website/blog, web merchant account, email, autoresponder, web hosting or free/paid space to keep your digital products.

Space to keep your digital products is important to ensure you can upload your stuff into it and manage them and easy also for your buyers to download that products after they make payment. You need to integrate your website or blog with your merchant account, then the buyer or visitors can buy your products from your site. Anyway I will explain about these in details on the next post.

Lets me explain how the web merchant account works in the very simple way, the diagram below shows that how the web merchant or credit card processor works when a buyer buy a digital product.

How about a buyer buying a physical products such as pet products, clothes, baby shoes, skin care products, jewelry and bath products. To do this you should have a website or blog, valid email account, merchant account and any physical products. Autoresponder is an option for selling physical products but recommended. Generally, when a buyer buy any physical products from your site, they have to make a payment through your web merchant account and the merchant account provider will send you an email about the confirmation order including the buyer's details information and at the same time the buyer will also receive the product details information from your merchant account provider or from your autoresponder if you use them.

The next task you have to do is to pack the products and send them to your buyer's address. You can hire any reputable shipping companies such as Usps, Fedex, Mailboxes or Ups to deliver the products to your buyer. The diagram below shows that how the web merchant or credit card processor works when a buyer buy a physical product.

Web Merchant Accounts - Accept Credit Cards Online

2007-06-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

How to sell on the internet? How do I accept credit cards payments on the Internet when someone buy my product? Whether you sell physical products online, downloadable products or service on your web site, definitely you need web merchant accounts. Once you registered with them, you can place a simple web merchant account link on your web site, then you can start your online internet business and sell your products online immediately. Web merchant accounts are one of the ecommerce services that allows you to conduct business and accept credit card payments online from local and international buyers, then to get the web merchant accounts service you might need to pay them on a monthly basis or yearly basis. The third party web merchant accounts such as PayPal offers you free credit cards processor on your web site to accept credit cards payment online. These days, in order to build a successful online internet business you need to be able to accept credit card payments on your web site and preferably be able to process transactions in real-time. Web merchant accounts will provide you with realtime authorization for the transaction or gateway, virtual terminal to process batches and transaction, shopping cart and a secure order form.

Online web merchant accounts accept all major credit cards instantly. Check the Web Merchant Accounts Quick Review to get some quick info. For those just starting your online internet business and sell your products online, you are recommended to choose PayPal and PayDotCom to accept credit card payments on your web site. PayDotCom is free for selling one product online. PayPal or PayDotCom will take the orders for you and then send your money directly to your bank account. The application is fast, free and easy. You simply can't compete if you don't accept credit cards on your web site. Credit Card Processing Solutions - The Merchant Account Company can help you accept credit cards online and offers store front credit card processing solutions regardless of volume.

How do the web merchant accounts work when visitor buy the downloadable products such as ebook or photos and physical products such as car parts, baby products and etc on my web site? Check the web merchant account works sequence here!