Do you have a business merchant account? If not, isn’t it time you got one? The companies you compete against for customer business may already have this special account that allows them to process customers’ credit payments. If you are not yet doing so, why not apply for a merchant account to help your business grow?
A business merchant account is the best way to expand your company’s operations and conduct e-commerce without risking too much of an investment. Simply apply for a merchant account the way an individual would apply for a personal credit card. As with individual applicants, a company needs to show a positive credit history and the ability to make payments on a merchant account at present. In addition, it cannot be involved in shady dealings with which the underwriters might not agree. Many lenders will let you apply online, although some charge a fee for this. Often you will get a decision on your application within a day or two. If approved, you can begin making arrangements to accept credit payments in a variety of ways. Pay attention to fees and payment terms. For example, you may be asked to pay 15 to 25 cents per transaction. Or you could have the choice of paying a low overall percentage rate. Some lenders impose minimums, though, meaning you will have to pay a “bottom line” fee no matter how many transactions you make.
Your business merchant account will let you purchase or lease a credit card processor that can be plugged into your store. Or you can take a wireless version with you when collecting payments from other locations. Many business owners prefer to use a telephone ordering and payment system. This can be automated, reducing the need for staffing except for questions or glitches. Customers can speak or touch-dial their credit card numbers into the phone to process orders at their convenience. You will need to make sure your system is fully operational at all times and that it is customer-friendly to keep from annoying or even driving away current or new clients.
When you utilize a business merchant account, you can receive a printed monthly statement, discounts for other services, and occasional other benefits as well. Being able to accept credit card payments suggests that customers will look at you a little differently, knowing that you have earned an underwriter’s trust for this important role. Posting signs for accepting credit card payments places your company in the ranks of the elite, since many smaller or newer companies do not yet enjoy this privilege. When you begin accepting credit card processing, you can move away from cash-only payments or checks that can bounce. The time saved from managing cash flow can be channeled into more meaningful tasks.
Getting a merchant account means that you’re ready to upgrade your business and that you are taking extra steps to accommodate your customers. Be proud to receive a merchant account, knowing that not everyone is approved. Handle it responsibly, since you have much to be thankful for with your new business merchant account.
Related Articles
Failing at Your Network Marketing Business?
By: Shailesh Kumar Singh | 06/03/2008 | Internet Marketing
Readers read this! Do you know that Network Marketing whether online or offline has been a good source of income for young business establishers nowadays? Well, Network Marketing is not a simple business topic. This form of business does not just demand a debiting and a crediting knowledge background. Leave the task of computing among accountants.
How to Delegate: One Key Step Towards Leadership
By: Shailesh Kumar Singh | 10/03/2008 | Internet Marketing
You've made an unusual discovery - there's not enough time left at the end of the day. The corollary, of course, is your list of important things to do never get smaller. In any company, the CEO's to-do list has the potential to grow infinitely.
Want to Earn More Profits
By: Sonia Sood | 11/03/2008 | Networking
It's a simple yet common question, "How can I make my business more successful?"
Success can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people but when it comes down to it, the success of your business should only be measured by one thing - profit.
Preparing yourself Mentally for Business
By: gurpreet singh | 13/03/2008 | Business
People say that starting your own business is difficult. Guess what? They’re not kidding. Starting a business, in many ways, is a lot like having a child
Give the Gift of Gas!
By: Shailesh Kumar Singh | 14/03/2008 | Internet Marketing
Gasoline prices are at an all-time high, and this fact has created an outstanding opportunity for motivating employees and thanking customers, by presenting them with official Gas Rebate Coupons.
Home Cleaning Business Plan
By: Raj Kumar | 15/03/2008 | Business
Until about 10 years ago, business advice guru’s used to say that the best business to be in was the one you knew most about!
Writing a Business Plan What Makes a Good One
By: harjeetkaur | 15/03/2008 | Business
Writing a business plan can be a lot of hard work or it can be great fun. An effective plan can help your company to greatness. A poor one can lead you out of business. No plan is like asking to fail before you even start. Not every business needs a 200 page bound business plan. However every business needs to have some idea of where they want to go and how they are going to get there. This article covers some key insights into writing a business plan.
Why Cutting Your Prices is Like Cutting Your Own Throat
By: surjeet kumar | 17/03/2008 | Interior Design
And it's not only when they tell you they won't buy. Many people in sales mentally calculate the discount into their profit calculations, and start discounting even before they try to close the deal. In almost every sales job that I've worked in, people faced with an end-of-quarter crunch to "make the numbers" start playing the discount game. In many industries, it's become common practice to give away all the profits, and many customers are trained to expect it.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Could you tell me if Executive Imaging Systems is ...
By: Alice | 19-07-2008
Could you tell me if Executive Imaging Systems is still in business? It was headquartered in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Big bank cheaters
By: Betty Beckham | 19-07-2008
how can a co. as big as bank of america--take closed credit cards and put money on the card and expect senior citzens that are disabled pay this money back to them--even if they don't owe it?????? i had a credit card in 2007-the bank was always sending access checks-after calling bank of america-i used 1 access check for $2,000.00-after a couple of weeks my bank notified me that this check bounced-i had a credit limit of $7,500.00-i called and closed and canceled this card (which was clear)--on april 24,2008 bank of america pulled this closed and canceled credit card and put this $2,000.00 back on my closed account--then harrassing statements started-i would call bank of america and explain (i do not owe this) then harrassing letters and late night phone calls-i told them (i do not owe this)--then -late credit reports- finally july 3, 2008 they called and said i was right-i did not owe this--after ruining my life and my credit now they are sorry and want to forget it=i can not drop this-and let other senior citzens be taken by bank of america-check out miller VS bank of america-i want a letter of apoligy and a small settlement --clean my credit report-- one of the bank member told me this was fraud--of course they can't find this one truthful man--probably fired!!!!!-
admrlsqtrs@aol.com
How to get a small business license for an animal rescue
By: icybaby05 | 19-07-2008
how to get a small business license for an animal rescue
Dark Red Business Jacket in natural fibers, needed by 7/24/08
By: Denise | 18-07-2008
My dress code is a dark red slenderizing long sleeve jacket and a black pencil skirt. My problem is that I am on a budget and need natural fibers. I am allergic to Polyester, Nylon, and have to be very careful with Rayon. I am doing great with Silk, Cotton, Wool, and Linen.
Please let me know who can help me out, size 10 - 12, petite, and for an affordable price for me. I need it by Thursday, July 24, as I am leaving for Seminar on Saturday morning, July 26.
Thank you very much for helping me find something in Long Beach or close by, so I can go try it on.
Sincerely,
Denise
How to get a concession stand at a major ball Park?
By: Concession | 18-07-2008
How would I go about getting a concession stand at a major ball park?
Bad credit due to divorce. Any companies that believe in secind chances?
By: Glinda | 18-07-2008
BAd credit due to Divorce. New Business need credit card.Any companies out there that belive in secind chances? I am opening an afoordable creative arts studio to help build children,s self esteem.
Tracy
Q&A Powered by:
More from Kavita
Why Moms Have the Upper Hand in Debt Collection
By: Kavita | 29/03/2008 | Small Business
If you are a mom, you can be a successful bill collector. In my opinion, if you are a mom, you are superwoman and can do anything you set your mind to.
Writing for Sex Markets
By: Kavita | 27/03/2008 | Non-Fiction
Many professional freelancers will go their entire career without ever once writing a story about sex. Oh, they may craft a racy scene or two in the course of writing the next Great American Novel.
Writing Help for College Students
By: Kavita | 27/03/2008 | College and University
Your literature professor has asked you to write a 7-page essay comparing Medieval and Renaissance poetry; your mathematics professor has forgotten this is a mathematics class, and wants 5 pages on the quadratic formula. And you have been staring at the computer screen for over an hour wondering how on earth you are going to do all of this in the next four days.
The Truth About Affiliate Programs
By: Kavita | 26/03/2008 | Affiliate Programs
Affiliate programs are a brilliant idea. For the owner of the product, they're a way of recruiting a veritable army of salespeople to promote your product without having to pay them a dime unless and until they generate a sale. For the affiliate, they're a great way of earning extra cash from an existing, high-traffic website with virtually zero additional effort.
The Truth About Affiliate Programs and How to Make Money on the Net!
By: Kavita | 26/03/2008 | Affiliate Programs
Have you ever wondered how to make money sitting at home or even keeping your job while you build a residual income on the internet? You may be struggling to make a living and wanting to find a way of building a residual income for yourself on the internet.
How to Use Spyware Elimination Software
By: Kavita | 26/03/2008 | Software
Spyware elimination software is designed to detect and eliminate spyware. A large number of spyware elimination software products are available. Some of them are available as freeware and some as shareware. Shareware can be used for a specified period, usually 30 days.
Identity Theft - Don't Blame the Internet
By: Kavita | 26/03/2008 | Security
Identity theft – also known as ID theft, identity fraud and ID fraud – describes a type of fraud where a criminal adopts someone else’s identity in order to profit illegally. It is one of the fastest growing forms of fraud in many developed countries.
Web Surfers Revolt Against "pushy" Advertising
By: Kavita | 24/03/2008 | Online Promotion
As the Internet continues to populate with websites trying to turn a buck, two drastically different schools of thought have developed on how to advertise online - "Push" and "Pull."
Business 
