Latest Small Business Articles

Why Work From Home?

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:22:43 -0400

More and more people these days are choosing to work from home. This is partly because of the economic climate where working from home allows people to take initiative and for businesses to drastically cut overheads where money is sparse and jobs are hard to come by. At the same time it's increasing because of the amount of technology now available to facilitate people who want to do so. Computers, the internet and even telepresence systems that allow for internet conferencing where it looks like you're actually looking each other in the eye. More than any of these things though, more people choose to work from home because it's desirable and there are many benefits to it that affect you on a personal level.

Firstly it means you're your own boss – or at least in terms of how you go about doing the work you're set. This means you can get up at 7am to start work, or it means that you can have a lie in until 12pm or later if that suits you. This also means that when someone calls up to invite you to the beach – you can go – and finish your work later. When you work from home you get something most office workers simply don't – freedom.

This is even more the case thanks to the fact that you aren't confined to your home office when you work this way. You can take your laptop into the living room or sit up working in bed. More to the point you can even leave the house and sit in the garden getting a tan, in a coffee shop watching people go by, or even on a deckchair at the beach. In fact you can even go on holiday and work out there to pay for your way around while abroad to create a true jet-setter lifestyle. When you get the train somewhere you can work on it so that you earn more than the train fare while you ride it!

Working from home also means you can make up other rules of your own. For example every day can be dress down Friday and you can work while in pyjamas or in your birthday suit if that's what you want. At the same time you can listen to any music you like and you can eat cake while sat at your desk or even have the television on to catch up with the news. You can take breaks when you like and when you do you'll already be in your home environment to take a relaxing bath or play on the Xbox – all this while you know that your friends and relatives will be at work for the day.

When you work from home, depending on the job you can also do as much or as little work as you like and often you can make overnight cash. This then means that if you're running a bit low on cash you work harder to make more overnight cash and be good the next day. Fancy treating yourself to an extravagance? Then just work harder that night to afford it. There really is no end to the benefits!

Where to Sell Your Information Products Online

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:09:50 -0400

You've discovered a niche just waiting for a prime solution to their problems. Then you set out to create a mouth-watering solution no savvy consumer could turn his or her back on. So where do you list this information product for sale so that it can be found by the people who need it most?

You have several options in setting up your system. The most well-known information product bank on the 'net is ClickBank. ClickBank allows you to pay a small registration fee and place your information product in their massive marketplace.

You get to set the price of the product and also have ClickBank handle your affiliate program needs. With an affiliate army, you don't have to do as much promoting, since they'll be driving highly targeted traffic to the sales page for your information product.

Some marketers start off using PayPal as their payment processor, but many don't like relying on PayPal as their shopping cart. Using a processor devoted primarily to information products, such as ClickBank, allows the marketer to feel more secure with their sales structure.

ClickBank isn't the only payment processor you can choose to house your information product. Some people like to use Pay Dot Com to launch their products on the 'net. Each site has its own unique set up.

If you'd prefer to choose who can and cannot promote your information products as your affiliate, then you might want to go with a site like Commission Junction. This way, you get to approve affiliates before they're allowed to start profiting from your hard work and great ideas.

Some marketers like to sell their products directly from their website using a payment processor that's handled through their bank. Sometimes this can be a pricey choice, so make sure you talk to your bank's branch manager and uncover any hidden fees before you choose to accept payments directly through your financial institution.

The place you house your information product on the 'net isn't as important as the amount of traffic you drive to it. As long as the system is stable and reliable and doesn't cause the customer to encounter any issues during the purchase process, you'll be okay. Plus, if you find that you prefer one system over another, it's very easy to switch and set up shop with another carrier of information products.

The Rich Craft is a specially designed ebook that acts as a manual, course,

guide, and much more, filled with tools that help take the novice Internet User to having a product ready to be launched on the Net.

Plus, Included with The Rich Craft is Lifetime Access To The Members Area where any future updates/bonuses will be at Your Reach!!

Take Care. Best of success to your ventures from http://www.therichcraft.com

How to Compile an Information Product for Sale on the 'Net'

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:56:16 -0400

When you're selling information products on the Internet,

customers usually expect an instant download of the product unless they're

otherwise notified up front. Of course some courses in the information

product realm consist of a box of DVDs or audio files that are manually

shipped to the customer.

If your information product isn't tangible, then you'll need to

know how to compile it for your customers so that they can instantly access

the files and use them at their leisure.

The one thing you have to be careful about when creating and

compile information products for online sales is that people are wary of

downloading files from others they don't know. They trust that you're not

going to send them a virus, so make sure you have software installed to

protect your computer so that you don't infect other people unknowingly.

If you don't know how to compile an information product for sale on the 'net,

don't worry - it's easy, especially in The Rich Craft where it guides you

step by step. You can take one of several paths to your success. There are

many eBook compilation tools you can invest in, or you can do it for free by

creating a PDF file out of your Word document.

If you go to a site like https://createpdf.adobe.com/, you can

instantly get a trial for five free conversions of your information product

where the service takes your file and converts it to a PDF document within

minutes.

Some Internet marketers like to compile their information

products in .EXE format, but you have to understand that most consumers are

scared to open an executable file on their computer because of the warnings

about viruses infecting their computer.

Another thing you want to consider when compiling an information

product for sale online is security. You have the ability to prevent the

product from being printed, shared on multiple computers, or accessed without

a password.

Regardless of how you compile the information product itself, you

need to make the download as simple as possible for your consumers. Many

aren't going to be tech-savvy, so they'll need a little hand holding as you

spell out each step, such as "Right click here and choose Save As..."

Always make sure that the buyers of your information products can

easily contact you if they have trouble downloading or opening their new

purchase. Having quick customer service diminishes the amount of refund

requests that you'll get and helps build the lifetime loyalty of your

customers.

The Rich Craft is a specially designed ebook that acts as a manual, course,

guide, and much more, filled with tools that help take the novice Internet

User to having a product ready to be launched on the Net.

Included with The Rich Craft is Lifetime Access To The Members Area

where any future updates/bonuses will be at Your Reach!!

Best of success to your ventures!

http://www.TheRichCraft.com

The superintendent should have seven big moral characters

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:17:17 -0400

The father said: On friendly, if water. Shui Shanli myriad things, but does not struggle; Place people wicked, therefore several in said. Occupies friendly, the heart friendly deep pool, with the friendly kernel, the word friendly letter, governs friendly, matter friendly energy, moves is friendly time. The husband only does not struggle, therefore does not have especially.

The father said: Between the world friendly may the water used describe to Gao Zhiji. The water has moistens the myriad things the invariable natural disposition, but not in the least terribly conflicts with the myriad things; The water has the broad mind, Gansu occupies the people wickedly mean, the filthy muddy place. Therefore the water approached friendly in “says”, the dwelling place adapted, no matter what why place, the mind did have like the abyss quietly, bestowed favor Yu Wuyi the kernel, but the line, spoke keeps words inevitably, worked can Fang Nengyuan, moved selects the opportunity friendly. Is precisely as a result of not with the person struggle, therefore forever will not have any error.

The father most praises the water in the nature myriad things, in the history has many celebrity to add water the praise to have the good. Kong Zi “sub-said in Sichuan, deceased in this way husband, not shed day and nights. Savant Leshan, wise happy water”. Zhu Xi “asked that ditch which clear, to have the source running water to come.”Shui You a characteristic is modest under does not struggle, oneself did many have also been able the time to remind itself not to claim credit, did not go for oneself to struggle too many things, with the modern words said that only strove for the offer not to strive for the repayment. When once Kong Zi watches the river water which flows to the east, the sub-tribute asked that Kong Zi said: “the gentleman sees the vast running water certainly to want to watch it, why is this?”Kong Zi said: “that running water is vast, bestows generally for each living thing accomplishes nothing, probably Germany; It flows turns toward the low place, follows curving certainly that down-flow the rule, probably righteousness; It enormous and powerful has not exhausted, probably said; If some people dig out the stemming to cause it to pass through, it gallops immediately forwards, probably the echo should be the same with the original sound, it rushes toward on the rope made of twisted bamboo strips deep mountain valley not to fear, probably is brave; It pours into when the gauge is certainly very even, probably law; After it overbrims the gauge, does not need to use the scraper to shave, probably is fair; It all slight places can arrive soft, probably intelligent apprehension; Each kind of thing in the water the bad either way elutriate, then tends to be tasty pure, probably is good at enlightening; But its thousand tune Wan Zhe goes certainly to the east class, probably will. Therefore the gentleman sees the vast running water certainly to want to watch it.”We may see the understanding which from above Kong Zi adds water also with the father to have wonder the equally good results from different methods.

The father also elaborated in this through the water the human should have seven moral characters, I think make sense, although character not many, but is actually the character character true words.

The first moral character is occupies friendly. Is can adapt any scene, the human must have the very strong adaptiveness, knew that which Shan Changna in the first song, could find own position frequently, a company their position looked for the human who did not say, was very difficult to be potential achievement. The Book of Changes introduction said: Ming Xiangwei, sets up Germany industry, only then found own position, adapted own position to be able to set up Germany to start a career.

The second moral character is the heart friendly deep pool. Is the mind has like the abyss quietly, is a person discusses a request with present's explanation must high, the heart probably be big, must be able to control own mood to cause itself maintains the ordinary heart, does not want, because a minor matter regrets, should also not let success go to the head because of an achievement.

The third moral character is and the friendly kernel. Bestows favor with the thing by the kernel, but the line, wants the justice and humanity to the human, associates with the human wants genially kind. We associates with the human, must frequently pay attention to us the facial features, your face features expressing pain are exchange very difficultly with the human.

The fourth moral character is the word friendly letter. Spoke must keep words, said the words must keep a promise, could not renege on a promise. Either did not say that either said that must do.

The fifth moral character is governs friendly. By is seeking the peace and tranquility, achieves the great accomplishment to walk the main road, walks the track only to be able to make the minor matter, walks the evil way only to be able to do the evil matter.

The sixth moral character is the matter friendly energy. Must be able Fang Nengyuan, to be adaptable to the situation, works can do successfully.

The seventh moral character is moves is friendly time. In motion time must choose the best opportunity, in conditions are ripe time by quickest speed motion. When condition not mature time must size up the situation, works should move, then moves, should stop, then stops, will not act rashly casts the blunder, also will not be dumb as a wooden chicken the error good opportunity.

Honda: The Chinese spare part supplier does not need to recall differently

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:41:11 -0400

Honda indicated the other day that as a result of the automobile spare part existence breakdown, will recall 428,000 automobiles in the US and Canada, this time will recall does not involve the Chinese market.

Runs quickly the announcement, recalls in the US surpasses 5000 G level vehicles. At the same time, Volve also announced that recalls 3984 freight vehicles in US.

The newspaper news (by Liu Jun) Japanese second big automobile producer Honda indicated the other day that as a result of the automobile spare part existence breakdown, will recall 428,000 automobiles in the US and Canada. The newspaper learned that this time recalls does not involve the Chinese market.

It is reported that Honda this time will recall 384220 automobiles in the US, involves 2003 sections and 2004 section of elegant Chinese style pavilions, thinks of territory and the Element vehicle type. Honda will recall 44,000 automobiles in Canada, the majority of vehicle types are the elegant Chinese style pavilion and think of the territory, as well as some eulogies and Element vehicle type.

Honda indicated that the question automobile in the assembly process, the connection automatic transmission trades the boring bar the back guy in not to trade in the boring bar support correct fixed, its result is, the pilot possibly moves shifts gears the pole, but the transmission gearbox has not selected correctly keeps off the position. This will cause the ignition key card in the ignition lock, the transmission gearbox is unable to trade into or trades (P) keeps off the position in the vehicle, or is unable to trade into the reverse gear, has increased the collision accident risk.

Yesterday, this Tian Zaihua contact person told the newspaper in the telephone, after understood initially, this market recalled the object vehicles for the vehicles which and sold in North America marketed production, has not imported China.

Runs quickly recalls the automobile with Volve

Also the news (by Liu Jun) German automobile producer plum side Si runs quickly the announcement, because changes the lamp and the head lamp does not conform to the United States standard, must recall in the locality surpasses 5000 G level vehicles. At the same time, because the Volve Freight vehicle Company the glass flaw recalls 3984 freight vehicles in the US.

What involves recalls is runs quickly the G level 2002~2009 model of passenger vehicles. Because the head lamp does not conform to the American federation motor vehicle standard of security. Volve indicated that because connection glass opening and the shutting down organization's base track possibly loosens, must recall the partial freight vehicles in the US.

The Key to Keeping Your Wireless Business on Top in this Competitive Market

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:49:35 -0400

It’s a cutthroat business world out there.

You’ve got to keep up with changing consumer trends. You have to squeeze your business into a precise niche in the marketplace. You have to promote your product or service tirelessly. And you have to watch out for rivals who are trying to pilfer market share away from you as soon as you let your guard down.

So how do you keep your wireless business on top?

Three words: speed, flexibility, and adaptability.

(Let’s first define the term “wireless.” We’re not talking about a company that conducts 100% of its business over a computer. The term refers to any company that utilizes wireless technology to process credit card payments.)

Your wireless company must be able to accept your customers’ payments fast. It must have the flexibility to increase the convenience factor for anyone who tries to do business with you. And it must be able to adapt to changing locations and circumstances without a lapse in productivity.

Here are several ways that speed, flexibility, and adaptability can help your business succeed in today’s dog-eat-dog climate.

Be adaptable enough to accept all major credit cards. If your customers can’t pay the way that they want to, they will likely go elsewhere. So be sure to maintain a wireless system that accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and even Discover or Diner’s Club if your customers prefer those cards.

Be flexible in the ways that you authenticate credit card data. The quickest and most efficient way to enter credit card information into your system is through a swipe terminal. With these devices, authorization is completed with a single swipe of the card. But if you are accepting payments over the phone (or if the customer’s card is defective), you should still have the capability to punch in the data on a keypad the old-fashioned way. The last thing you want to do is force the customer to change his or her choice of payment method.

Be speedy with your authorizations. Check to see if your merchant services processing equipment utilizes the GPRS wireless network. It’s the fastest and most reliable wireless network in the country. The shorter your authorization times, the more customers you can potentially serve and the higher your revenue will be.

Be flexible enough to allow for tipping or other post-transaction fees. If customers want to leave a gratuity, why make it hard for them? Make sure your wireless system allows for added charges to be included after the initial transaction has been processed. This also is helpful if the customer wants to add a product or service at the last minute; you can accommodate him or her without voiding and redoing the transaction.

Be flexible enough to more your checkout processes throughout your place of business. Having a wireless processing system is advantageous if it prevents you from remaining tied to specific spots in your place of business. As your company expands or your business model changes, you may need to place additional processing terminals throughout your storefront or move some around if you reconfigure your space. It’s also nice to have the ability to process transactions in the back offices if necessary.

Be adaptable enough to take your processing system on the road. Whether it’s a remote location, a business expansion, or a special promotion, having the ability to process credit card payments away from your storefront can give you a huge leg up on your competition. A good system can authenticate transactions almost anywhere in the country without the need for a phone line or even electrical power. For the few places where it can’t, make sure your software has “store and forward” capability, which allows each mobile terminal to save the credit card data and process it at a later time.

Be quick enough to have your wireless system up and running in less than 48 hours. If you want to move your business forward, you don’t want to be in limbo for days or weeks while you wait for your wireless system to be installed or reconfigured. In some instances, that’s long enough for a lucrative business opportunity to pass you by.

Be adaptable enough to preserve the security of your networks. Make sure that you choose a wireless network that is PCI compliant. That will ensure that it is using the most up-to-date technology to ward off potential hackers. If your system requires updating, take the time to implement the upgrade.

Obviously, you want to achieve speed, flexibility, and adaptability at the lowest possible rate. But you shouldn’t sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks – or it might cost you dearly in the future.

Maintaining a fast, flexible, and adaptable wireless business will eliminate the need to spend large blocks of time on your credit card processing system – and free you up to focus on how to stave off your competition, bring in new customers, and bolster your bottom line.

Restaurant Business Owners: Don't Miss These Profit Boosting Tips

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:46:58 -0400

It might seem simple enough, serving food to people for a profit, but it is hard to make a living in the restaurant business. As we have all heard countless times before, ninety percent of new restaurants fail within the first year. Well, actually, that is inaccurate. The real number is closer to twenty-five percent. But it balloons to sixty percent in the third year. So, in spite of popular hyperbole, it is difficult to run a profitable eatery. In this article we will introduce a few simple and affordable steps that any new restaurant owner can take to improve the profitability of his establishment. Chief among them: accepting credit cards.

Why do people eat where they eat? With the exception of a few exotic cuisines, the average patron has hundreds, possibly even thousands of similar choices when it comes to eating out. Really, you can get a steak or a hamburger anywhere. Obviously, people return to a restaurant because they like the food, the prices and the atmosphere. But why do they go there in the first place? What draws them in? This is the question that every new restaurant owner must answer if he wants to keep his door opens.

Give up? The answer is convenience. Restaurant customers want options. Both in terms of the menu and in terms of paying for their meal. That’s why a cash only restaurant is more likely to struggle than their credit card accepting counterparts. Credit card processing allows your customers to open a tab, order deliveries online, conveniently tip your wait staff and earn rewards points from their provider – all sizeable incentives. In today’s fast paced world, no one wants to worry about stopping by the ATM before heading to a restaurant.

So how can your restaurant start swiping customers’ cards? By opening a merchant account. Today, there are lots of options that cater specifically to the unique needs of the restaurant industry. So whether you’re a small corner coffee shop, or a national chain, you can find the hardware and software you need to process payments quickly and easily.

In addition to accepting your customers’ credit cards, it’s also a smart idea to issue coupons and special promotions. Coupons and special promotions can help you get the word out about your menu and will attract new customers. If you’re a brand new eatery, let the surrounding community know you’re there with discounts, specials and other money-saving offers.

Another reliable way to increase restaurant traffic is to offer half portions. Half portions are reduced servings of popular menu items offered at a slight discount to the full dinner. This simple promotional trick works on two levels. Not only does it attract people who are watching their weight, but it also encourages patrons to buy the full dinners because they are only a few dollars more and are a perceived value. Yes, it is a bit duplicitous. But as we said, the restaurant business is tough and new owners must fight tooth and nail for each customer.

There are three simple reasons why you should market your restaurant on the internet—it’s cheap, it reaches a lot of people, and it’s cheap. Okay, we said that already. But online marketing is easily the most affordable form of marketing and it is growing much faster than traditional advertising media. Where to start? Even if you serve a relatively small community, it is always a good idea to create a website. A website gives you access to tourists and vacationers from all over the country, even the world. Promote the site on free social media websites by offering special deals to online guests.

In addition to coupons and daily specials, post your full menu on your website. This will give tourists the ability to plan ahead and schedule a stop at your eatery. Also, if your restaurant has received any positive reviews, especially in the paper, feature them prominently on the site. If it has not, you can always post testimonials from loyal patrons. Encourage these same patrons to post reviews on popular review sites. These free sites are a popular resource for tourists and travelers. And when a restaurant is the highest rated eatery in its area, it frequently experiences an increase in business.

By expanding your payment options, issuing coupons and spreading the word on the web, you can take the important steps needed to strengthen your restaurant business today.

Now Your Retail Business Can Process Payments Quickly and Conveniently

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:43:57 -0400

Businesses that special in retail all have one thing in common. From the smallest mom and pop corner store to the largest mega outlet, each of these businesses are in a constant struggle to stay above water. This is true in good times and in bad. Even when you think you are on top of the world, the competition can sneak in and kick the legs out from under you.

That is why businesses of every size have to take advantage of any opportunity they can get. You can’t just rest on your laurels and do things the way they have always been done. Times change and that means your business strategies have to evolve as well.

The next evolutionary step for every retail outlet is in their ability to process credit cards through a merchant services account. Most have already made that step and businesses who are lagging behind may get left in the dust if they don’t act now.

The good news is that signing up for your merchant services account is quicker and easy now than it ever has been before. Once you have your account set up you will be able to process credit and debit card payments quickly, easily, and securely.

After you have decided that a merchant account is right for your business, the first step is going to be getting some information together. When you open this account your provider is going to need some information from you about your business. Mostly this is just to certify that you are a legitimate enterprise.

Your merchant account provider will first need the information regarding your business’s bank account. This is so that after they have processed your customer’s credit or debit card, the money can be deposited in your account. They will also need some documents that confirm the existence and credibility of your business.

This can mean a lot of things. Different providers require different documents that can include past tax returns, a business license, photographs of your storefront, and sometimes references from people who work in your field. The best game plan is to get what you already have together, and if your account provider wants anything else you can worry about that later. There’s no reason to get one of your warehouse guys to write you a letter of recommendation if you don’t have to.

Once you are all set up with your account it is just a matter of getting the right equipment that will allow you to start processing credit card payments. The most common machine for a retail store is the swipe terminal that you see on the counters of pretty much any convenience store. Most merchant account providers will actually provide you with a complimentary card swipe terminal.

There are different types of swipe terminals that you can get depending on your needs. Most have build-in keypads so that your customers can type in their PIN number to use their debit cards. Others have a screen on which they can sign their name instead of signing a receipt. If you prefer a signature on paper you can also get swipe terminals with built-in printers. There are even wireless terminals that allow you to swipe cards from virtually anywhere.

As was mentioned above, many account providers will set you up with free swipe terminals. However, make sure you double check to see if there are any hidden penalties if you cancel your account. If you aren’t sure about a provider and think there is a chance you might want to switch, it can sometimes be worth it to just buy the swipe terminal outright. You can use them with virtually any account provider.

After you have your account set up and your equipment in hand that is pretty much the end of your worries. And all this can really be accomplished in a few short days if you have all of your information together. Once your customers start swiping their cards your merchant account will handle the rest. It usually takes about two or three business days for your provider to process the transaction and then have the money deposited into your business bank account.

One of the nice things about processing cards using a real physical terminal is that they have some of the lowest fee rates as well. The account providers recognize that there is far less fraud when people interact face-to-face so there is no reason to kill you on the fees.

Your merchant account provider will also keep you updated on what is going on with your business. They will produce comprehensive reporting packages that are tailored specifically to your business’s place in the retail community.

There is still time to get on board with a merchant services account. Although more businesses are taking advantage of this major opportunity every day, you can still sign up now before it is too late. You and your customers will be glad that you did.

Merchant Services: Now You Can Pick the Right Provider with Confidence

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:39:33 -0400

No matter what the size or scale your business is, odds are that you can potentially benefit from many of the services that a merchant account can offer. Merchant accounts can help you start up a new online business, they can assist you in handling credit card transactions, and they can even handle escrow services for expensive transactions.

When it comes time to deciding what merchant services provider is right for you, it is first important to decide what exactly it is that you want. However, many merchant account providers, also known as independent service organizations, offer things that can help your business that you may never even have considered. The best way to proceed is to take a look at how merchant services work and what they offer before deciding how you can use them to grow your business.

Credit Card Processing

One of the biggest advantages to opening a merchant services account will be your ability to process credit cards. In today’s world people expect to be able to pay with their cards wherever they go, and if your business can’t do it your potential customer will find somewhere that will. Credit card use is only going to increase in the future so the time to get on board is now.

There are a few ways your business can decide to process credit cards. The most common would be through a retail swipe terminal. This is the type that you see on the counter at any convenience store. Processing fees on these are usually low because there is less risk of fraud when people pay in person.

You can also set it up so that your business can process credit cards securely through your website. If your customers want to buy something online they can just punch their credit card information in and it will be sent over to the merchant account provider for processing.

Another option is to set up a virtual terminal. A virtual terminal is essentially a website that you can log into from any computer connected to the Internet. Once you have logged on you can simply punch your customer’s credit card information in. This is especially handy if you receive a lot of orders via phone or fax. Also, since you can access the terminal from any computer that is online, you can take orders from just about anywhere.

Once your account provider has your customer’s credit card information it goes through a series of complex steps. Luckily, you don’t have to be involved in any of them. About two to three business days after the card information has been accepted the payment will be deposited in your business’s bank account. No muss, no fuss.

Debit/ATM Card Processing and e-Checks

When your account provider processes an ATM or debit card it works essentially the same as a credit card. At least it does on your end. The only difference is that the money is taken right out of the customer’s checking account.

Processing e-Checks is another service that your merchant account provider can set you up with. It essentially works like a real check, just on the Internet. All you need is the bank’s name, the check’s routing number, and the account number for the checking account. No signature is required.

There are a couple different ways that you can accept these e-Checks. The first is to buy a software application for your computer that is designed specifically to print online checks. After you have printed the check out you just deposit it in the bank like any normal paper check. The only problem with this method is the same problem with a normal check. It takes a few days for it to clear.

You can also accept online checks through a transaction service. It verifies that each check is complete, and it will also guarantee it for an additional fee. That means that if it bounces, you won’t be left hanging.

Escrow Services

Some merchant account providers even offer escrow services for special cases. These are usually only practical for big ticket items like real estate or auction websites that deal in expensive goods.

An escrow service puts your transaction through a four step process that makes sure everything goes smoothly. First your client pays the escrow service for the product. Then the service contacts you and lets you know that things have been paid for. After that you send out the product to the client. When they have received it and are satisfied they inform the escrow service, who then release the funds to you. If they are not happy with the product for whatever reason they just return the product and their money will be refunded.

Finding a merchant account provider that is right for you all depends on what you are looking for. Take some time to look around, see what the different providers are offering, and then decide which one has the services that will work best to help grow your business. You won’t regret it.

Merchant Accounts: The Secret Gaining to Happy, Loyal Customers

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:37:08 -0400

Most businesses accept credit and debit card payments these days. In fact, online sellers rarely accept any other method. The reason for this is simple: checks and money orders take too long to receive and process. But a credit or debit card payment can be completed in two to three days. Every company that accepts plastic, either online or at an actual register must have a merchant service account.
What are they? A merchant service account can be obtained at a bank or a reputable financial institution. Once approved, the provider (the bank) will review each and every credit card payment that you receive to make certain that it is legitimate. The process begins when the provider verifies the information and approves the transaction. A bill for the charge is then sent to the customer’s credit card company. The company will the remit the necessary funds to the provider, which will then be sent to the merchant, minus a commission or transaction fee.
As you might expect, what we just explained is a simplified version of the process. In reality, merchant accounts are much more complicated than most merchants know. Like any financial agreement, there are certain fees that a merchant should be aware of before he accepts the terms of the contract.

What to Know?

First, learn everything you can about merchant service accounts. This will give you the information you need to select a provider that offers the lowest fees without having to worry about surprises. It’s a good idea to speak to an account representative about your unique business to get a sense of the fees and charges you can expect. An ethical merchant account provider will explain everything clearly and answer all of your questions in an upfront manner.

The Basics

Because businesses process credit and debit card payments in different ways, there are different types of merchant accounts. At present, the two most popular ways to accept a payment is in person (retail account) or on the internet (online account). The reason that it is important to select the correct account is because they all offer different services and charge different rates.
A retail account is for businesses that actually swipe the customers’ credit cards and keep a physical copy of the sale, a receipt with a signature, for their records. But with an online account, the merchant will not have a receipt with a signature. This brings us to the chargeback.
A chargeback occurs when a customer calls his credit card company and demands a refund on a product. The company will then contact the merchant service provider and request a refund. If the refund is granted, the merchant will have to reimburse the provider for the cost for the refund and he may have to pay a series of fines.
Because chargebacks are far more common on the internet and retail users have signed proof of sale, online accounts always charges much higher transaction fees. Rates of up to eight percent per transaction are not at all uncommon. There is also the ever-present threat of internet thieves to consider.

What to do?

Every business needs a merchant service account to stay afloat in today’s economy. There is simply no way around it. What an owner can do, however, is make certain that he selects the right account for his business and his customers.
For retail establishments, the process is much simpler. Compare the rates of each provider, the services they provide, and make certain that you keep each and every receipt. That way, if a customer disputes a charge, you can produce the receipt and avoid a chargeback.
Security
The number one fear of online shoppers is that virtual criminals will intercept their credit or debit card information and use it to charge items on their account. The problem is so pervasive that the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was introduced in 2006. Basically, it is a set of standards that all companies that sell goods on the internet must abide by. PCI compliance is the first and most important step you can take to ensure that your customers will be protected from internet thieves. Not to mention that fact that businesses are permitted to advertise the fact that they are abiding by PCI DSS, which often increases traffic and sales.
Accepting credit cards is one of the most effective ways to attract loyal customers. By offering this convenient, secure payment option, you can bolster your business’ bottom line and reap the benefits of a fruitful future.