Thinking of accepting credit cards at your business? The steps you need to take are simple, thanks to today’s new generation of merchant accounts. In the past decade, many new account providers have started offering services, meaning competition among account providers has become much more intense. As a result, fees have been lowered and the approval process has become even more streamlined and simpler to complete.
Most merchant account providers offer an online application and approval system that allows you to simply enter information that can have you approved in as little as two days. Even more complicated applications can be approved within two weeks. If you’re considering accepting credit cards for your business, you’re taking a step in the right direction. The following tips will help ensure you select the best merchant account provider for your business.
Pick a Merchant Account Provider with a Proven Track Record
Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if any complaints have been lodged. Visit online forums and websites devoted to business owners that use merchant accounts to see what others are saying about the account providers you may be considering. And call and email account providers to see how well they respond to your requests for information.
These simple steps help to ensure that the account provider you choose offers customer service you can depend on. This is especially important when you are first beginning to use the account and accept credit cards.
Pick a Merchant Account Provider that Offers Widely Available Tech Support
Your credit card sales rely on a merchant account system that is available and always able to handle transactions. If the system experiences an error or an interruption in service, sales cannot be processed and profits – and even customers – can be lost. Your reputation can also suffer.
Be sure technical support is available for extended hours, and look for an account provider that offers a toll-free number for technical support. Some account providers also offer an online chat option to reach a technical support representative.
Gather Your Financial Documents before You Begin Your Application Process
By making sure you have all of your materials together before you begin applying, you can ensure the process is simple and straightforward, and save time, too.
Compare Fees Carefully
Many merchant account providers refer to the same fees by different names, so be sure you understand all of the fees of the accounts you’re considering. Also be sure to ask for a complete list of any and all fees – even penalty fees – you might encounter over the life of the account.
And don’t be taken in by companies offering suspiciously low fees; these companies may be less than honest in dealing with their clients.
Pick a merchant account provider that allows you to accept a variety of cards – especially the top four cards that are used most often: American Express, Discover, Mastercard and VISA. Accepting more cards means you can acquire a greater number of customers.
Pick a Merchant Account Provider that’s Versed in Small Business Needs
Be sure to select a merchant account provider that has experience dealing with small businesses, and one that is positioned to help your company grow. Because the needs of small businesses differ distinctly from those of larger and more established businesses, selecting an account provider that has experience dealing with small business and the issues they can face means you’ll have access to a larger variety of services and more applicable options than if you choose a company that specializes in big corporations.
Pick a Merchant Account Provider that’s Familiar with Your Business Sector
For the same reasons listed above, choosing a merchant account services provider that has experience with similar types of businesses can help ensure you get the help and attention you need to keep your business operating smoothly, and to help it grow in the future.
Merchant Account Providers and POS Terminals
Choose a merchant account provider that will allow you to purchase your point of sale (POS) terminals rather than rent or lease them. While low monthly lease payments may seem attractive initially, over time – and quickly – those monthly costs will exceed the costs of buying the equipment outright.
Pick a Versatile Merchant Account Provider
Pick an account provider that offers different types of accounts – retail, Internet, mail-order/telephone order (MOTO), and mobile – to make sure you have access to all of these services as your business grows.
Sound good? Signing up for a merchant account takes only a few moments of your time, but the effects can last for the life of your business. Take some time today to begin reviewing account providers, and focus your efforts on finding the best merchant account services provider for your own business needs.
Author Resource:
Giselle Buford is a freelance writer who writes about a range of topics including businesses that offer merchant accounts.
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