The Wonders of Credit Card Processing

By Amy D. Perry

Owning a small business can be a risky thing to do. For some it may even seem like certain doom is lurking around every corner. With competitive markets, bank foreclosures, and the risk of going bankrupt a small business owner must do what he or she can to stay in business. One sure fire way to ensure your company will flourish is to take full advantage of credit card processing and obtaining a merchant account from your local bank.

To acquire a merchant account for your business you must speak with your local bank customer service representative and find out if they offer merchant accounts to small businesses. If they dont offer merchant accounts you can still receive credit card processing service from third party companies who offer it at a similar rate as the banks do.

After speaking with a bank representative and if they inform you that you are being considered for an account you must then present your work space. The bank will need to verify that you are conducting business, so they will send a bank staff member to observe your office space.

After the representative signs off on and approves your office you must then submit copies of various bank statements. The bank needs to see proof of your revenue and will need access to your bank account if you want a merchant account from them.

Most banks will charge 2-3% tax on all transactions. You are basically paying them to let you accept bank cards. While this may seem unorthodox remember they are providing you with a service as well. Also be careful with some companies. They may want to charge you a higher tax on your transactions. Dont be suckered in to paying a 5% tax. Keep your options open and always have more than one company to choose from.

With a merchant account you are able to charge a customer or consumer who wishes to pay for a service or item with a debit card. With the ease of such services as online banking, direct depositing paychecks, and ATM machines people are less likely to carry around cash. They are more inclined to charge things or pay for them with their bank card.

Not being able to accept debit cards can severely harm a business. With so many businesses accepting bank cards and the decline of carrying cash people are incline to walk out of a business after finding out they dont accept debit cards. As a business you are reliant on customers you want to welcome them and ensure their continued service, not drive them away.

There is no reason to not start a merchant account with your local bank. Your company will thrive with all the customers you are acquiring with the new technology. Guaranteeing youll stay in business for a long time.

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