Tag: Merchant Accounts

Need To Sell? Beware Of The Pitfalls Of Selling Merchant Accounts

by admin on Jul.19, 2010, under Press Release

As business needs grow and change, selling off some merchant accounts may seem like an attractive option. Do your research, and be sure to keep in mind some important points that will help you avoid expensive mistakes when putting merchant accounts up for sale.

Specify the Right to Sell in the Contract:
Its best to include these types of details in the merchant sales agreement, using very specific wording that indicates the right to sell your portfolio’s residual stream, merchants or both to a third party. Most often the processor has first right of refusal, and/or the payment processor must provide consent. Never attempt to sell unless this is clear, as it violates confidentiality agreements.

Sign an NDA Agreement with Interested Parties:
Never divulge too many details to a potential purchaser, and make sure they sign a non-disclosure agreement. It prevents parties from using information they may collect for a specific time period. It also may dictate that a potential buyer shred information if the sale falls through. It’s also smart to hold off on revealing sensitive information until you confirm a serious buyer, or before a serious offer with a specific dollar amount.

Do your Due Diligence, Shop Around:
Definitely speak to more than one buyer. Each opportunity comes with different terms that are all impacted by a buyer’s access to capital, level of risk tolerance and ability to support the portfolio. If you choose to use a buyer to shop it, find out their costs upfront. Look into selling a Canadian Ecommerce Merchant Account.

 

What is the Migration Plan?:
Depending on if you are only selling residual rights, or moving merchants to another bank or both, a transition plan is key. Once you have agreement on the transition plan from all parties, then it’s OK to move ahead. Avoid sales where the purchaser of residual rights leaves the seller with support obligations. It just makes things confusing and awkward.

Also count on the fact those income streams are no longer viable, as it’s unfair to solicit merchants within that portfolio for many years. It creates a breach of the buyout agreement.

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Giving Comfort And Convenience To Your Clients - Merchant Accounts

by admin on Jun.21, 2010, under Uncategorized

“For your business to be able to accept credit cards you will bee needing a merchant account. This is sometimes known as an agreement between the retailer, merchant provider and the payment processor who then facilitates the payment transactions.. For internet processing to be done through merchant accounts, necessary programs should be installed..

These merchant accounts are very important for modern businesses these days since it can provide both the business and the customers convenience.. Getting involved on an online business is very suitable for most people, since this kind of business accepts credit cards; and using credit cards as payments is preferred by the majority of the consumers. That’s why using credit cards is the easiest way to do this. There are some companies that conduct transactions and payments through the phone. Many find this type of payment transaction easier. Things become simpler and all you need to find out is the best company that can give you what you need.. Having a tight budget is understandable especially during these times, but you don’t have to worry since many companies are ready to help you.. In fact, today, many merchant providers offer free services to customers. But the thing is, though free merchant accounts can be tempting, those that are paid have more features and capabilities.

When you start your online business, there are a few things that you should consider. First on the list is determining the proper online company that would be with you all the way. Therefore, you must choose a company that you can depend on and can provide you with all your needs.. Visitng their website and browsing through their terms and conditions is the next thing that you should consider.. Thirdly, you must confirm your account to get activated. This can be done by logging in to your account and following the series of commands that can be found on your screen.. After completing all the steps, your account is now activated and you are now ready to accept online payments through your site..

Internet businesses that make use of merchant accounts, of course, enjoy more advantages than those that don’t.. Remember that all who buy from the Internet expect to pay online. Therefore, losing potential sales is inevitable if you don’t have the capacity to do so. Not only are you disappointing people who would have bought from your site You are also creating a reputation that not many Internet buyers will be happy about. When this happens, the future of your business is in grave danger. “

If you are interested to learn about merchant accounts , consult a professional online through their websites. This may be a big step on your part but once you are able to find a company to help you process and accept credit cards, consumers will like it and you can only expect mostly positive results.

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Merchant Account Convenience For You And Your Customers

by admin on Jun.14, 2010, under Press Release

Merchant accounts are needed for your business to be able to accept payments online through credit cards or debit cards.. It is also an agreement between the retailer, a merchant or account provider and a payment processor who facilitates the payment transactions. For internet processing to be done through merchant accounts, necessary programs should be installed..

Internet merchant accounts are vital for online businesses as it offers convenience both the shoppers and retailers. Today where almost all transactions are done through credit cards, online businesses are very convenient since these businesses accept credit cards and all transactions are done online. Due to this, using credit cards for paying online transactions is easier and safer.. Nowadays, there are a few companies that accept payments through telephones.. Numerous people prefer this mode of payment because they find it easier.. Things are easy to do as all you need to know is the right company that offers you what you need. But if you are on a budget, there are still other service providers that are ready to help you out. In fact, today, many merchant providers offer free services to customers. Though having a free merchant account can sound practical, having the paid one, of course, can give you more benefits because it has more features..

There are certain things that you should remember when beginning an online business. Initially, you should determine which online company can be reliable. This means that the company you will choose should be with you all through out. The company must be consistent and dependable and they should offer the services that you need. Visitng their website and browsing through their terms and conditions is the next thing that you should consider.. The next thing you should do is to confirm your account to have it activated. For you to do this, log in to your account. After that, you can see a series of commands on your screen. You just simply follow those commands.. The moment you finish each of the step, your account is now activated and you already have the capability of accepting credit card payments through your website.

An online business that makes use of a merchant account has a lot of advantages over one that does not. Remember that all who buy from the Internet expect to pay online. Therefore, losing potential sales is inevitable if you don’t have the capacity to do so. Those who visit your site who are considered potential buyers will be disappointed, of course This of course, gives your competitors an edge over you.. This could be seriously detrimental to your future success.

If you are interested to learn about merchant accounts , consult a professional online through their websites. This may be a big step on your part but once you are able to find a company to help you process and accept credit cards, consumers will like it and you can only expect mostly positive results.

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Importance Of Accepting Credit Cards To Your Prospects

by admin on May.22, 2010, under Press Release

“You believe in the possibility behind e-commerce when you bring your business online. Part of realizing that potential as an online businessman is, of course, accepting credit cards. When accepting credit cards, you will certainly make more sales than if you had to rely on bank transfers, check or even personal payments. The major advantage of online commerce is convenience in the end. If customers cannot enjoy that convenience in full, you could be losing out on those valuable sales.

Remember that when people shop on the Internet, it’s because they expect two things to happen in one sitting. First, they want to be able to buy what they want without being physically present at a store. Second, they want to be able to seal the transaction instantly with a payment. These are the twin benefits online shoppers expect from an online store. They’re not going to take it with a smile if you had to make them rise from their seats to do the second one. And probably, you won’t be taking that sale, either.

A chance to catch people’s desire to buy is not something you could afford to miss it you’re selling something on the Internet. That’s if you really want to get that website to work. Of course, you can only do this by accepting credit card payments through a merchant account. The moment your customers find out that you don’t accept credit cards, that impulse would surely be gone faster than it would take to convince them that you’re worth mailing a check to or even seeing to make a personal payment. Either scenario obviously doesn’t go well with the essence of ecommerce so you probably cannot even expect your website to create a difference on your sales this way, short-term or long-term.

There are many reasons people hesitate to get a merchant account and start accepting credit cards, the most common being fees. But fees are natural since accepting credit cards will entail the services of a merchant bank or account provider and a payment processor. From the merchant to the credit card company to the payment processing company to the merchant’s bank and back again, that’s how the whole system works with teams. In other words, people need to be paid to get this cycle working. Hence, fees will have to be settled. The fees are nothing compared to the avenues they open as all successful merchant account holders say. And for businessmen, these avenues can only mean profit.

As well as payment processors, merchant accounts are considered essential to all e-businessmen. The best way is to study on the different service providers before deciding which one to go with if you are considering accepting credit card.”

Merchant accounts are considered basic to all e-businessmen as well as payment processors. If you are considering accepting credit cards, the best way is to research on the different merchant account  providers before determining which one to go with.

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Shopping Cart Abandonment Blues: What A Merchant Account Owner Should Know

by admin on May.20, 2010, under Press Release

Year round merchant account owners deal with a mix of lookie-loos (people who just browse a lot without purchasing anything), and serious shoppers. To make the right tweaks to an e-commerce site and see “who is who”, requires a
merchant account owner to understand browser behavior vs. buyer behavior.

New Research Reveals 87 percent of Online Shoppers Abandon Their Basket

The research team focused on the psychology of online shoppers and provides insights into why customers abandon their cart, despite improvements in site usability and targeted marketing. According to research conducted by
Marketing and Technology Company Amaze, 9 out of 10 shoppers abandon their cart, while 75 percent claim they would return to make  purchases, but use the shopping cart as a “wish list”.

The report identified three key online shopping personalities – vague, cost conscious and window shoppers.

•    Vague shoppers were measured at 42 percent. They generally browse to  get more information from others before making a purchase, and take time to think about their purchase.
•    Cost conscious shoppers were also at 42 percent. They cited high postage costs, or found the same item elsewhere for a cheaper price.
•    The remaining 16 percent were labeled window shoppers, who have no intention to purchase.

How This Research Helps Merchants

At the end of the day, the window shopper is a lost cause because they just enjoy the act of shopping, and that means a merchant account owner can focus efforts on the Vague and Cost-Conscious shopper.

The research also revealed that cart abandonment was highest for books, movies and music, but less likely for more expensive items such as clothing, jewelry or electrical or computing products.

In short, merchants need to look into the psychology of shopping that pertains to their specific target market, and tailor the shopping experience accordingly, rather than rely on behavior target marketing. Suggestions to help target customers include promoting comments and ratings, providing tools to help take the “guesswork” out of purchasing, and showing the price of an item as soon as possible.

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Disabled Users And The Web: Making Sure Online Merchant Accounts Are Accessible

by admin on May.11, 2010, under Uncategorized

Many merchants overlook disabled consumers when marketing online merchant accounts, when in fact, disabled users are on the Web regularly for a variety of reasons.

It’s important to think about how this consumer set may access your website, and create ways for them to access online merchant accounts easily.

What Disabilities Impact Web Usability?

According to a 2005 Report from the United States Census Bureau, the most common disabilities that impact website accessibility are sight and hearing impairments, and affect 6.8 percent of the population aged 15 and older. Once you consider the Baby Boomer generation at ages over 65, that number climbs up to 21.3 percent. In addition, 82 percent of older folks also have difficulty grasping the mouse, which impacts overall site navigation.

Disabled Users and Your E-Commerce Business

Merchants need to make web accessibility a priority for all types of users, and not necessarily just new ones. It may be someone who was a customer last month, but due to deteriorating eyesight, may go somewhere else to purchase because that website is more easily accessible. Here are some ways disabled folks use e-commerce sites. It provides an inside perspective on how to make things more user-friendly.

Blind Users:

Utilize a screen reader that reads web content (the HTML code on the page) aloud. The machine sifts through the code and deciphers what needs to be read, and what should be ignored. Download the JAWS screen reader (30-day free trial), to see how easy it is to navigate your website from the blind user’s perspective. Color Blindness: If you are trying to make a statement through color, it will be missed by folks who are color blind. To see how Internet users with different strains of color blindness view your site, check out Vischeck.

Deaf Users:

If audio is a large component of your site, be sure to provide subtitles or a written transcript so they can understand the audio content. Others thoughts to consider include keyboard only users, some epileptic users, or users that do use English as their first language.

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Things that a Business Must Do to Satisfy PCI Requirements

by admin on Apr.21, 2010, under Press Release

All businesses, both the merchants and the processors must follow certain course of actions to meet the minimum requirements set by the council.

Payment Card Industry is serious in implementing the standards so that quality of service will be incomparable. Those companies who are guilty of taking the regulations for granted will be punished. Thus, several providers take extra effort in customizing their services to satisfy the council’s requirements. In fact, since tough competition exists in the industry, others offer a no PCI fee to make the package more appealing. Above all that, both the merchants and the processors must see to it that conformity to guidelines is always observed by following these simple procedures:

Identifying validation Type

Since there are 5 validation types under Self Assessment Questionnaire, first thing to do is to identify which of the types your company belongs. Each type has different instructions and guidelines to follow, which is not applicable to any other type. Whatever is stipulated in the guidelines must be met to be attested as compliant. Below are the different validation types with their respective requirements:

Type 1 – Card not present

This type handles mail to telephone orders only. The company is not allowed to store or process data of any kind instead, must hire the services of a third party provider. Only manual record keeping and reporting is permitted and not electronic tracking.

Type 2 – Imprint machines

Under this type, a company may either be a card-present or a card-not-present merchant; however, its function is confined to the use of imprint machines only. Same as type 1, electronic data storage is prohibited.

Type 3 – Stand-alone, Dial out Terminals only

Basically the same guidelines as of type 2, but the only difference is the use of dial-out terminal connected via phone line to the card processor. Connection through Internet is a violation.

Type 4 – Merchants with POS system

The requirement under this validation types is payment application system connected through the Internet connection. Although the company can’t electronically store cardholder’s data, the purpose of Internet is to transmit sensitive info to the application vendor. Still, only paper reports and receipts are allowed.

Type 5 – All other Merchants and SAQ Eligible Service Providers

This is specially developed for those businesses that do not meet the criteria set for Types 1 – 4. Since some guidelines may not be applicable, non-applicability or exclusion of certain requirements are provided.

Completing the Self Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

Once you have identified your business type, completion of the SAQ must follow. This is sort of a checklist containing the security standards of the PCI. This serves as an evaluation to ensure that the business strictly conforms to the set standards.

Obtaining evidence of passing vulnerability scan

If your business is categorized as either type 4 or 5, you are required to provide evidence that you have passed the vulnerability scan from an approved scanning vendor. This is to ensure that transmission and storage of cardholder’s data through Internet is guaranteed safe.

Completing Attestation of Compliance

This is a declaration that your company is fully-compliant to the PCI council requirements. Included under the form are the following: Qualified Security Assessor Company information, Merchant Organization information, PCI validation, and action for non-compliant status.

Submitting all compliance tools to acquirer

Upon completion of SAQ, evidence of passing scan, and Attestation of Compliance; you are required to submit them to your acquirer. Sometimes, other relevant documents may be requested together with the SAQ tools.

The compliance procedures may be extensive and obligatory; however, its purpose is to provide assurance for a safe transaction of clients.

However, if you want to avail of the services of a “no PCI fee” merchant account provider, kindly go to this site: Take Cards Today for more information.

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How You Can Use a Merchant Account for Internet Processing

by admin on Apr.13, 2010, under Press Release

You can use a merchant account for Internet processing when you have already have set up the transaction processing and have it installed.

There’s nothing better than doing business online with ease for both customers and merchants. One of the most attractive features in an online shop is the mode of payment, most especially through credit cards. Many shoppers prefet credit card payments as they are the most convenient and the safest. Here are the steps to follow in processing credit card transactions online.

An Internet merchant account is a bank account that accepts payments throught debit or credit cards for your business. It is essential for online businesses to have one as it is convenient for both retailers and shoppers. In this steps, you would be able to have your credit cards transactions moved into your checking account. It also involves getting a bank credit application and having funds transferred into your account. Have all the requirements ready for the merchant before proceeding into the next step.

Set up the Internet transaction processing

After getting the merchant account, you would need a tool to perform transactions. Conventionally, you are used to swipe the card physically in a shop, insert card in a zon device or using a software ike ICYverify formail order processing. Internet paymne processing deals with transactions done over an internet connection which means that payments can be done online. Internet transaction services usually allow an API, an HMTL input terminal for manual entry and full online reports of transaction. It’s good to note that transaction processing services are separate from acquiring banks, though some providers provide a single service.

Install the transaction processing online

Once you acquire the merchant account at the same time the Internet transaction processing and you are now ready to accept credits and process it online, just simply install the software into your application. Most companies use an API that allows code access to processing. These APIs are in C and require writing a wrapper DLL. The API can come from a clinet server pieces or a pure server piece. It is more challenging to install a client server piece because he client side needs to be configued with secure keys and the server has to match. The pure server pieces usually require no installation and is more flexible in the sense that you can utilize and HTTP mechanisms you desire.

You must also be familiar with the different fees involved in these processes. Always check for customer-provider agreements if there are provisions that doesn’t suit you.

To get basic information about an ecommerce merchant account, credit cards and other related information, please check Take Cards Today.

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4 Efficient Solutions in Processing Credit Card Transactions Suited for Any Type of Business

by admin on Apr.13, 2010, under Press Release

Credit card processing solutions include virtual terminals, payment gateways, swipe terminals, and wireless swipe terminals.

Credit card processing options will play a significant factor in the development of your business. The type of business is also the main factor to consider in choosing for a credit card processing solution. Read further to know the recommended credit card processing solutions that fit your business needs:

Virtual terminals

The virtual terminal is another credit card processing solution which can be applied on the Internet. This enables a manual credit card processing. With a simple input and submission of credit card information your online business can already process the transaction. Since virtual terminals do not require installation, all your business information and reports are based online. With a virtual terminal you don’t need to worry losing your business reports cause by any computer crash down. This option is ideal for mail telephone order merchants.

Payment gateways

The Internet provides various options that cater to real-time processing of credit card transactions. Secured payment gateways are the service providers that allow your business to process credit card payments automatically. Setting up a payment gateway for your online business is easy and ideal. It is important that your payment gateway provide the necessary features that will make the transaction experience of your clients fast and easy. Always prefer for a trusted payment gateway server. There are also various software solutions that provide efficient reporting features that will provide you more time in managing other aspects of your business.

Swipe terminals

Swipe terminals are usually used in a retail merchant business as this will need a direct contact with the credit card itself. It is an ideal option for retail orders conducted personally. Processing fees applied from using a swipe terminal is generally lower than the processing fees required by transactions done on the internet and mail or telephone orders. Consider buying swipe terminals with built-in printers to save space. A good swipe terminal includes a built-in PIN pad and fast thermal printing. It will save you from further supply cost and accept wider payment methods such as debit cards, smart cards, loyalty cards, checks and etc.

Wireless swipe terminals

For larger scale of credit card processing transactions, a wireless swipe terminal is recommended. Processing method in verifying a credit card transaction is similar to that of a regular counter swipe terminal except for the wireless equipment feature. A good wireless swipe terminal must also have a built-in PIN pad and the built-in thermal printing capacity. Although it is more expensive compared with the regular one, the processing fees is still deliberately lower that that with the Internet and mail or telephone orders.

Choose well the best credit card processing option that is ideal for your business set-up to have a higher profit.

Visit Free Auth Net for more information regarding credit card processing solutions.

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5 FAQs on Using an iPhone Merchant Account for Transactions

by admin on Apr.04, 2010, under Press Release

What is an iPhone merchant account? How does it work? Is it secure? What is an end-to-end encryption? And What are it’s benefits? are the frequantly asked questions that pertains to the use of an iPhone Merchant Accounts

Merchant accounts are essential for online businesses whether it may be small-scale or big time. However, if you need to conduct business almnost anywhere, you would have to go mobile. You can have the option of having a merchant account on your iPhone. Here are some FAQs about the iPhone merchant account.

What is an iPhone merchant account?

An iphone merchant account is defined as an agreement between the merchant, the bank and the payment processor for the processing of credit card and debit transactions through your iPhone. The basic requirements are iPhone 3G or 3Gs and your merchant account. IPhone merchant accounts such as PAYware mobile caters to credit card and “check” card transactions.

How does a iPhone merchant account work?

The Iphone merchant account such as PAYware Mobile software application conducts communication between the secure payment gateway and your iPhone unit. You would need to have an iPhone credit card encryption sleeve installed. It can be downloaded easily at any iPhone application stores. The PAYware mobile encryption sleeve is available in some VeriFone distributors.

Is an iPhone merchant account secure?

IPhone merchant accounts undergo through third-party testing and authentication. It is regulated under the PCI Security Standards Council criteria, as they reinforce the norms that every payment processing system providers must follow upon the development of any software. In relation to security, the customer’s account info is truncated.

What is an end-to-end encryption?

The end-to-end encryption is utilized to help maintain the security of the customer’s credit card details the moment the card is being swiped. All the card information is encrypted towards your credit card processing service. This feature can evade any events that confidential card information would penetrate your iPhone.

What are some benefits you could get?

By availing an iPhone merchant account, you can confidently accept credit card payments, anywhere, anytime, through your iPhone. You can conducts businesses at every place and avoid the chance of losing any deals because of the inability to process credit cards. You can also add a tip with your sale by entering a certain amount or allowing the application itself to calculate the tip from the percentage of the sales made. Also, they have the feature of specifying the tax percent entailed in each sale which can be charged on the go.

Having a merchant account, you can now monitor and maintain your online business with ease. But by having a mobile merchant account, you can conduct business at any place and at any time at your convenience.

For more details on the iPhone merchant account, please visit Process Away.

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