How To Save Money On Credit Card Processing
Use These Tips To Save Time and Money on Credit Card Processing and to Avoid Merchant Services Scams
Small business owners across the US are constantly being solicited by credit card processing companies via telephone, postcard and sales visits with offers of “The Best Rates“, “The Lowest Rates“, “Free Credit Card Terminals“. Many of them are promised there is “No Contract” or that they can “Cancel at any Time“.
These same business owners find themselves paying significantly more after review of their first few monthly processing statements. Sadly, many do not even realize it for months or even years. They have simply chosen to trust the salesperson’s that their businesses best interests are being protected.
Most of these business owners end up locked into 3-5 year processing contracts with early termination fees of $250 – $750 or more. Many of them are even locked into expensive leasing contracts for 48-60 months on hardware they could purchase for a fraction of the total cost of leasing.
Small business owners are and should be busy focused on what they do best. This leaves them little time to devote to the subject of credit card processing, merchant accounts and rates for accepting credit cards. They want to spend their time and energy developing their business.
These tips will help business owners save time, money and stress no matter who they choose for credit card processing
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Learn the Language of the Merchant Services Industry – With such a large and ever expanding glossary of terms and definitions it may seem a daunting task to understand it all – Here is a great resource from the Electronic Transactions Association – http://www.electran.org/glossary/
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Look for a Short Term or Month to Month Contract – If a company is really going to deliver on their promises and provide low rates, great service and access to the programs and technologies business owners need, they won’t need a contract to keep a business owner satisfied and loyal. All business owners should ask for and review the merchant applications and program guides with complete rates, fees, terms and conditions before signing.
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Customer Service Is Key – In the rush to get the lowest rates and fees many business owners lose sight of other important issues like customer service and support. Be sure to inquire about 24/7 toll free technical support, local agent support, sales and customer service contacts numbers and email addresses.
Remember “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur”. – Red Adair
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References, References, References – If the credit card processor a business owner is considering can really live up to all the expectations they are setting, there must be at least a few examples of current customers receiving the quality service, low rates and other benefits they are offering. Look for testimonials and contact a few references
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Ongoing Review – The most important thing is to ensure that business owners continually review, monitor and audit their processing activity, statements and costs. Many merchants fall victim to this and simply do not notice when their rates and fees are increased and /or additional fees are added. Just because they have negotiated a good deal now does not mean it will always remain that way. All credit card processing providers should be willing to provide a rate review every 6-12 months and business owners should also get a competitive bid or two to compare.
Valued Merchant Services is BBB A+ Rated and Accredited
http://www.bbb.org/boise/business-reviews/credit-card-processing-service/valued-merchant-services-in-ammon-id-1000007735/Valued Merchant Services – Inc Magazine 500/5000 Fastest Growing Businesses List Honoree 2 of the last 3 Years – http://www.inc.com/profile/valued-merchant-services
Connect with Chris Del Grande, Co-Founder of Valued Merchant Services
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valuedmerchants
https://www.linkedin.com/company/valued-merchant-services
https://www.linkedin.com/company/creditcardprocessing
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