Credit Card Terminal

2007-08-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Chargebacks: A Merchant's Most Difficult Challenge
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=William_Hamilton]William Hamilton

Joe Q. Merchant, a successful e-commerce business owner, opens a letter from the Chargeback Department of his credit card processing company. “What’s this?” he wonders, intuitively knowing that this can’t be good news. His suspicions are proven correct when he reads this retrieval request form where he must provide information about a particular transaction. While no specific reason is offered as to why this request has been initiated, Joe knows that he must comply to avoid a chargeback – where funds can be taken out of a merchant’s account due to a variety of reasons and placed back into a given customer’s account.

Joe ponders what went wrong with this particular transaction. Is it possible that a member of his staff accepted an invalid credit card (e.g., expired date)? Has there been a processing error (e.g., an input error has been committed where the wrong account has been charged)? These scenarios are very unlikely, Joe decides. In all probability, a customer has either disputed a) the validity of the transaction (i.e., whether the customer has authorized the transaction) or b) the quality of the service and/or product (i.e., the customer has voiced dissatisfaction and wants a refund).

According to guidelines set by Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, Joe Q. Merchant must reply with written correspondence, providing all the requested information – in an expedient fashion – in an attempt to rebut any possible chargeback. (A review committee will eventually render a decision as to the legitimacy of a chargeback.) But the retrieval request has indicated the date that this information must be received. If the merchant offers evidence of a transaction after this date, a chargeback will ensue and the merchant will automatically lose those hard-earned dollars that he/she may have already spent.

Online merchants, such as Joe, have more difficult obstacles to overcome than retail merchants in the resolution of chargebacks. After all, those who generally swipe credit cards have a transaction slip or receipt. If a card does not swipe through a credit card terminal, retail merchants must run the card through a manual imprinter to prove that the transaction was authorized. In contrast, those who run businesses online will not have such a physical receipt proving that the customer authorized the sale. This is why online transactions are categorized as “card not present” or “customer not present.”

Every year, a myriad of chargebacks result when customers claim that they never received the merchandise. In such instances, it is imperative that the merchant has a proof of delivery notice, indicating the date with the customer’s signature. If the signature on this notice belongs to another individual (e.g, neighbor) or even if the customer claims that he/she never signed for the item (signature is not clear), the merchant can lose the chargeback. It is always best that an online merchant use the Address Verification system (AVS) to ensure that the address listed on the customer’s credit card matches the billing address. Moreover, it is advisable to check for Visa’s CVV2 code or Mastercard’s CVC2 code – the three digits printed on credit cards near the signature panel in the back of the card – to help determine the validity of a sale. This aides the merchant in helping to identify a cardholder in a non-face-to-face transaction.

Of course, the merchant may then insist that the billing address and ship to address be the same to reduce the possibility of a chargeback. (As an added measure of protection – as a proactive maneuver – a merchant may fax a customer an order or invoice form and ask that the form be faxed back so that the customer’s signature may be on file. In another scenario, if the customer has initiated a chargeback for non-delivery of goods, before 30 days has elapsed from the time that the transaction occurred, the merchant can respond that ample time for shipment was not provided – especially if he/she can submit the terms of agreement, indicating the delivery date. If the merchant knows that delivery will be delayed, it is imperative to contact the customer should the customer derive the conclusion that the shipment was never made. Moreover, at least with phone orders, the merchant may even decide to postpone charging the card until the delivery is near completion or completed.

The retrieval request/chargeback battle becomes even more complex if the customer claims that the product or service does not live up to the customer’s expectations. If this has occurred, Joe Q. Merchant needs to submit his refund policy and proof that the customer was made aware of such a policy.

If a product was purchased, the customer must return it before a chargeback can be initiated – at least if the customer used a Visa or Mastercard. It is then up to the merchant how to proceed (i.e., to either grant or deny a refund). Disputes regarding a service fall in a very gray area. While it is mandatory that the customer attempt to work out an agreement with the merchant before attempting to charge back payment, such a conference may result in a stalemate. The almighty refund policy may help the merchant but if there are loopholes, the customer may very well be deemed victorious. And it should be clear that any “tie” goes to the customer; if the merchant cannot provide conclusive evidence that services rendered were thorough and appropriate or if there exists reasonable doubt, Joe Q. Merchant will not only have lost time with the customer but his money. And if the customer asserts that services were not rendered at all, Joe needs to show evidence of his work to the processing bank or a contract that spells out that he intended to provide service on a future specified date. Again, any inconclusivity that Joe fulfilled his obligation or planned to will result in a thinner wallet for Joe.

Although Joe Q. Merchant was quick to dismiss the notion that a point-of-sale processing error transpired, he needs to realize that there exists the possibility for human error on any given transaction. What happens, for example, if a customer has inadvertently been billed twice for a product or service? What happens if a customer cancelled a recurring billing charge but was still assessed a charge? In business, attention to detail is a must. But if Joe or a member of his staff erred, a credit to the customer must be issued posthaste.

Of course, the best way to prevent chargebacks starts with Joe’s actions and not necessarily the customer’s actions. Are safeguards in place to prevent processing errors? For instance, on phone orders, do the merchants’ representatives ensure that every given digit, including the expiration date, is absolutely correct? Are orders confirmed by fax?; Are phone numbers checked with directory enquiries?; Are customers contacted back by phone to confirm the telephone number?

Internet orders need to be evaluated, too. Are fraud-preventative devices, such as the AVS and CVV2/CVC2 code employed? Was the customer’s address verified by calling the card issuing bank’s Voice Authorization Center? (Alternatively, the merchant can automatically decline any transaction where there is an AVS mismatch.) Is the refund policy easily accessible and observable on the website? Does a recognizable Doing Business As (DBA) name with a concomitant phone number appear on the customers’ statements? Are signed delivery receipts obtained?

Logic and intuition are powerful tools in preventing chargebacks, too. If Joe Q. Merchant has an uneasy feeling about a transaction (e.g., the customer is willing to pay additional fees for faster delivery for a high-ticket item, the customer has a domestic billing address but a foreign shipping address, etc), he needs to proceed with caution. High-ticket items are profitable but risky and Joe Q. Merchant must especially perform his due diligence with such transactions.

A yellow light should also appear for any foreign order, particularly those that originate from certain problem countries like Singapore or Indonesia. Indeed, Joe needs to weigh the benefits vs. the potential cost of doing business outside the States.

Although chargebacks can raise their ugly head for any merchant, Joe Q. Merchant realizes that by taking a thorough, hands-on and cautious approach, he can substantially reduce or eliminate their occurrence. As an added measure of protection, Joe will conduct business ethically and responsibly and reach out towards his customers to ensure their satisfaction. He will, for example, describe products and/or services with accurate descriptions, provide a clear and fair return policy and establish dialogue, whenever possible, with the customer – either before, during or after a given transaction.

Advancing technology, to better identify customers (e.g., Verified by Visa or SecureCode provided by Mastercard), will serve to reduce fraud and/or limit chargebacks. But until technology catches up with the oft-unpredictable world of e-commerce chargebacks, Joe Q. Merchant can look towards one reliable stop-gap measure: himself.

Copyright 2006 William Hamilton

William Hamilton owns a payment processing company, IntelliCollect (a subsidiary of United Bank Card), a firm offering cost-effective payment processing solutions. Services are listed at: http://www.intelli-collect.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Hamilton http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Chargebacks:-A-Merchants-Most-Difficult-Challenge&id=187377

Credit Card Terminals

2007-07-31T23:34:00.000-07:00

Want To Accept Credit Card Services?
By Shane Penrod

When your business has expanded to the point that you’re ready
to accept credit card services, it is time for an upgrade of
payment options so that your clients can pay by credit as well
as by cash or check. This is not a difficult process, but you
will need to get started promptly if you want to stay even with
or get ahead of the competition.

To become eligible to accept credit card services, you need to
apply for a merchant services account. This is a special bank
or financial account that an underwriter provides to back
credit payments from clients to you. Do an Internet search to
find financial institutions who offer this service; many do,
and they would love to have your business. All you need do is
check out the prices and terms and go with the best deal you
can get. Be careful to read the fine print, however, as there
can be hidden fees like print statement costs, gateway fees,
and Website maintenance if you go the Internet route. You also
may be asked to pay annual membership fees or application fees,
so do your homework before selecting a company where you will
seek a merchant account. You can quickly apply via the Internet
or by telephone, and you can generally expect a fairly prompt
reply. In a matter of a few days, you could be ready to start
accepting credit card payments from current and new customers.

Your clients will appreciate your willingness to accept credit
card services, since many dislike the hassle of paying by cash
or check. If you plan to offer credit card payment options at
the physical location of your company or organization, you will
need to purchase or lease a credit card processor that can be
plugged in, perhaps one with a combination terminal and
printer. If an employee or you plan to deliver goods and
services, however, you may prefer to invest in a wireless
credit card processor that you can take with you in the van
wherever you go. A pager might be another useful acquisition,
as well as an e-check or debit processor. Don’t overextend
yourself, however. Only purchase what you can afford to pay for
each month. You can always buy more equipment or upgrade to more
features when they are truly needed.

To accept credit card services at a company Website, find a
good Web designer who will put up a quality site for your
business. Your merchant account will let you accept credit
payments onsite, which allows you to reduce staffing loads and
yet bring in more income. Your Website can be viewed from
customers all around the world at any time of the day or night,
and you can likewise receive credit payments from any location.
Many merchants claim their profit rises dramatically after they
start accepting credit on a Website.

Don’t let prosperity pass you by. Find out how you can open a
merchant account and learn to accept credit card services on
the Internet.

About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants
the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national
merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account
rates and fees, please go to
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-07-27T04:45:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Offers
By Beth Pardue

The vast majority of credit card offers you receive are fair
and ethical. But there are two things to look out for that some
credit card companies have been known to pull on unwary
customers. These tactics are perfectly legal, so your only
recourse to preventing them is to be alert.

The old bait and switch. You apply for a great credit card that
gives you tons of frequent-flier miles, hoping to put all of
your shopping on it, and then head to the Bahamas in February.
When and if you get that card, study the terms carefully. If
you don't qualify for the great card, the credit card company
can send you a completely different card with different
terms--without telling you. Visit www.amex-visa-mastercard.com
for a list of reputable credit card offers.

Cash advance fees and rates. Read the fine print on your
statement and you'll see it's a very bad idea to take cash out
on your credit card. Your card might have a really low rate for
purchases, but the rate for cash advances is much higher. And
there is no grace period--you start paying interest right away.

Aside from paying a high rate on the cash you take out, you're
going to pay a fee, usually 2 percent to 4 percent of the
amount advanced. And your payments will be applied to the
lower-interest balance before they are applied to your cash
advance. Don't get yourself into trouble with either of these
two mistakes ... read the terms of your credit card offers
carefully before you activate them.

About the Author: This article was written by Beth Pardue who
has over 10 years of experience in the financial industry
assisting clients with assorted financial needs. To learn more
about credit cards or to apply for a credit card online please
visit: Visit http://www.amex-visa-mastercard.com today!

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminals

2007-07-26T04:05:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Basics
By Mansi Aggarwal

“Which bank’s credit card do you have?”, “what is its credit
limit”, “what type of card is it”…such questions are on
everybody’s lips today. The world seems to have been squeezed
and wrapped into a credit card. Nowadays everybody speaks and
grasps the language of credit cards. The credit card syndrome
seems to have gripped all of us.

But are credit cards only beneficial? Let us analyze the pros
and cons of this pocket plastic and see what outweighs the
other.

The Benefits of a Credit Card:

• Keep heavy cash in abeyance—money is the most coveted thing
in this world. Carrying lot of cash wherever you go is always a
bone of contention. A credit card facilitates you to travel
without heavy cash and have a carefree and happy trip or
shopping.

• Imagine yourself out for shopping in a wonderful mall. While
you shop, you remember to take boots for your son, spectacles
for mother, necklace for your beloved wife…but falling short of
money! The credit card is your best friend in such a situation.

• Even if you lose your credit card, you need not be
apprehensive and scared the way you get when you lose your
cash. This is because you can get the card freezed or blocked
from the bank and relax.

• Credit card works anywhere and everywhere nowadays. You just
need to bag your card and make a move to any destination
without bothering for money.

• Loan facility can also be availed via credit cards.

The Negative Aspect of Surge in Credit Card usage

• Generally everybody does not meet the eligibility criterion
to hold a credit card. yet in order to enhance their sales and
as part of marketing strategies, companies, private banks etc.
do away with giving these cards to who so ever caters even to
the minimum terms and conditions.

• The loan factor-the cards provide you with huge credit
limits. The consumer ignorant of the forthcoming trouble, keeps
on drawing money from his card and most often when he realizes
his mistake, it is too late. He not only comes in the debt of
the money he withdrew but also the massive interest that is
charged by these companies and banks.

• Many credit card companies provide lucrative offers almost
every month in the form of incentives. These incentives are
basically meant to boost the sale of their product. Incentives
like travel programs, gas purchases etc. are a very common
phenomenon these days. But one should not get lured by these
for it is well said that everything that glitters is not gold.
Initially the cards might be promising for some cheerful
moments but once you become habitual of them they can land you
in soup.

• The addictiveness- it is most often the addictiveness of
these cards that is a source of trouble. People, who keep on
drawing from the bank’s or company’s credit, suffer largely.

• Debit cards are believed to be different from the credit
cards. But actually the difference is minute. A debit card can
also be used as a credit card at times and there are some
eminent banks that charge fee with the debit cards too. So more
or less the situation remains to be the same.

When you make up your mind to go for a debit card, consult some
advisor. Know the details of the interest rate, the tenure to
repay the amount and other such things. Do not be carried away
by brand names. Just make a survey first and then decide which
one to go for.

About the Author: Mansi aggarwal writes about credit card.
Learn more at http://www.wisecreditcarduse.com .

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-07-25T04:04:00.000-07:00

Apply Online For A Free Credit Card
By Terje Ellingsen

It is easy to apply online for a free credit card. Filling out
a credit card application is just like filling out a job
application-everyone needs some tips to use so that they get
approved. If your credit is bad, then it may be a little more
difficult to get a credit card than if you have good credit. Do
not give up, because there are hundreds of companies out there
that offer credit cards for people with bad credit and if you
shop around, you will find the credit card that is just right
for you.

If you consider getting a credit card, the first place that you
can get information is the Internet. The Internet has a lot of
information about many different credit cards, including their
rates, fees, and incentives, so that you can find the best
credit card for you. There are some credit card companies that
say that they will give you a credit card with no credit check.
However, keep in mind that having a credit card almost always
means that you are going to go into debt. Be cautious when
choosing the credit card for you. Read the fine print of their
terms and agreements to make sure that there are not going to be
any surprises.

You should analyze your financial situation to make sure that
you can handle a credit card and its payments. Even the most
cautious of us go on a little shopping excursion every now and
then and you do not want to be thrown into a financial tailspin
when your bill comes in. Cautiousness is very important in using
your credit card. If you are not sure that you can handle a
credit card, then rethink applying. You need to be sure that
when the bill comes in that you can make the payments. If you
are not completely sure, then don't get a credit card until you
are ready.

About the Author: Terje Brooks Ellingsen is an internet
publisher and runs http://www.1st-in-loan.net He helps people
with issues like how to to apply online for credit cards, see
http://www.1st-in-loan.net/credit_card_offer.htm and more.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-07-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

Choosing The Right Credit Card
By Mike Collins

They come day after day after day. Sometimes two, three, or
four at a time. Credit card offers. The credit card industry is
highly competitive and banks and other financial institutions
are constantly sending out mass mailings in an attempt to lure
potential customers to switch credit card providers.

And while it is generally not advisable to regularly open new
credit accounts, there are times when doing so can be
advantageous. But how do you compare all of the credit card
offers to know that you are choosing the right credit card?
There are a few things that you should compare and consider
before making your choice.

The interest rate. Obviously the higher the interest rate, the
more you will pay in interest charges. So the lower the rate
the better. Many cards now offer zero-percent introductory
rates for periods of up to a year. Transferring a balance to a
card like this can be an effective way to pay down your debt
quickly. But you have to read the fine print.

Credit card companies usually apply your payment to the debt
with the highest interest rate first. So if your interest rate
on purchases is 12 percent, your payment will be applied to
that balance until it is paid off and then you will begin
paying off the zero-percent portion. Because of this policy,
many people realize little savings in transferring their
balance to a zero-percent card. In order to take full advantage
of the policy, you should not make any purchases on the
zero-percent card. This will ensure that the balance will be
reduced as much as possible before the introductory offer ends.

Reward programs are great ways to gain prizes or cash back by
making purchases. Some cards will actually give you a small
percentage (about one or two percent) of your purchases back as
cash. Others let you earn points that can be redeemed for all
sorts of merchandise, airline tickets, or gift certificates.
Reward programs are a great bonus, as long as you are not
paying extra for it. A higher interest rate will quickly
eliminate any savings you receive through the reward program.

Annual Fees or Service Charges. I have never used a credit card
that charges any kind of annual fee. It just makes no sense to
me. There are so many credit card companies out there competing
for my business, why should I have to pay for the privilege of
using a particular card. Even if the card offers frequent-flyer
miles or cash back, the annual fee will reduce or even eliminate
the benefit gained. Shop around and you can find a card just as
good with no annual fee.

Keep these 3 things in mind when you are comparing the credit
offer and you can be confident that you are choosing the right
credit card.

About the Author: Mike Collins is the owner of
http://www.saving-money-and-living-debt-free.com, a friendly
guide to saving money, making extra money, and getting out of
debt.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-07-23T03:39:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Charges Set To Fall
By John Edmond

In the UK the 8 largest credit card providers have been ordered
to reduce their charges, for default and late payment, by
between 40 and 50%. The current late payment charge by most
major issuers is between £20 - £25 ($30 - $40 US) and the have
been instructed to slash that down to £12 -£15 UK ($18 - $20
US).

The UK Office of Fair trading, who have been investigating
credit card charges for the last few months, stated "The OFT
considers that, in a consumer contract, a default charge is
likely to be disproportionately high if it is more than a
genuine pre-estimate of the damages that the card issuer would
win in court if it sued the cardholder for breach of contract,"
adding "The OFT's provisional view is that the levels of the
default charges imposed by the credit card companies need to be
reduced in order to be fair."

In the opinion of the OFT the current charges of between £20
and £25 excessive and possibly illegal and has given the card
issuers 3 months to respond.

Whilst the current ruling is provisional it is expected that
the final ruling will apply to all credit card issuers in the UK
and, if necessary, the OFT will take a test case to the UK
courts for a ruling forcing the banks to comply.

Once applied to credit cards the decision will also apply to
overdrafts, store cards and mortgages.

Estimates on what this will cost the banks vary from 400
million to 1 billion UKP - up to 50% of the profits earned on
credit cards. In recent results the big 5 banks in the UK
declared record overall profits of £33 billion, so they can
easily reduce these charges.

Matt Barrett, the former chief executive of Barclays, famously
once told MPs that he didn't use credit cards because they were
"too expensive". Whilst the ruling is intended to reduce costs
to customers it's likely that the banks will other find ways to
keep the costs high.

It is already clear that lenders are not great fans of interest
free balance transfers as most have applied a 2 - 3%
administrative charge. Expect this trend to continue and
possibly for the interest free transfers to disappear
altogether.

Expect an increase in the number of cards carrying an annual
fee and for the annual fee on current cards to increase. Further
adjustments could include the disappearance of cashback and a
reduction in free services, travel insurance, flights, holidays
and other promotions.

Though this ruling applies to the UK only, once it is enforced
card issuers around the World will be under pressure to follow
and countries with strong consumer protection legislation may
follow the OFT's lead.

This is therefore an ideal time to review your current credit
cards and take advantage of offers while they last.

If you have a credit card debt, which is rolled over each
month, take advantage now of the interest free offers currently
available. Read the small print, some carry a 2-3% charge, avoid
these as there are still a few interest free transfer offers
which do not have the administration charge.

If you repay your cards in full each month take a look at the
cards offering cashback and get a discount on your purchases
while it still exists.

If you have a balance which will take years rather than months
to repay look at the permanent low interest cards or even better
look at debt consolidation and move the debt to a low interest
loan or mortgage.

Credit cards are an expensive form of long term borrowing. This
ruling, whilst welcome, may herald the start of a restructuring
of credit cards and where they will end is very uncertain.

About the Author: John worked for many years in insurance and
finance and now writes on credit cards and debt management. For
advice on credit cards and debt management go to
http://www.card-debt.net or
http://www.consolidation-loan-advice.info

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-07-20T03:31:00.000-07:00

The "Credit Card Debt Termination" Scam
By Charles Phelan

"Legally terminate credit card debt! You can be debt-free in
4-6 months!" Advertisements like this are for a new type of
program that has spread via the Internet over the past few
years. It's called "Credit Card Debt Termination," and victims
are paying up to $3,500 for this bogus service. In this
article, I'll review the principles behind this program and
explain exactly why it's a scam to be avoided.

First, let's get our definitions straight. The scheme I'm
describing here should not be confused with Debt Consolidation
or Debt Settlement (also known as Debt Negotiation), both of
which are legitimate and ethical methods for debt resolution.
The easiest way to distinguish the Credit Card Debt Termination
scam from other valid programs is based on the central claim
that you really don't owe any money!

With Debt Consolidation, you pay back all of your debt
balances. With Debt Settlement, you pay back a lower amount
(usually around 50%) while the creditor agrees to forgive the
remaining balance. However, with the bogus Credit Card Debt
Termination program, promoters claim that you won't need to pay
anything at all (except their outrageous fees, naturally). They
make the surprising claim that you can legally wipe away your
debts simply by using their super-duper magic documents. Based
on some legal mumbo-jumbo, the claim is made that you really
didn't borrow any money from your creditors!

In order to understand this scam, a little background is
necessary. Remember the tax protest movement back in the 1970s?
People were claiming that the IRS tax collection system was
unconstitutional, and based on their misinterpretation of the
tax code, they refused to pay taxes. The IRS came down hard on
the tax protest movement, and through the court system, they
blew holes in all the legal arguments put forth by the
protesters. The Credit Card Debt Termination scam is a lot like
the tax protest movement. In fact, among collection
professionals, it's called the "monetary protest movement."

Just like the tax protest movement, there is a common theme
that runs through all of the promotional materials issued by
the monetary protestors. The basic idea is that our Federal
Reserve monetary system and generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) do not permit banks to loan out their own
money. Therefore, according to their interpretation, the credit
card banks are the ones running the scam on the American public.

Stay with me here, because the logic is pretty strange. If a
bank cannot lend its own money, how does a credit card bank
extend credit? The claim here is that your credit card
agreement itself becomes a form of money (known as a promissory
note) the moment you sign it. The idea is that the bank
"deposits" your agreement as an asset on their books, and then
any credit you use is offset as a liability against that asset.
In other words, the core concept here is that you literally
borrowed your own money from the credit card bank.

So let's say your balance with ABC Credit Card Bank is $10,000,
which you borrowed against the card to make everyday purchases.
The scam promoters say all you need to do is notify the bank
that you want your original "deposit" back. However, you will
permit the bank to offset the amount you borrowed against the
amount you have on "deposit." Presto! You don't owe the balance
anymore!

Now, as you can imagine, the banks don't take kindly to such
tactics. Many of the consumers using this technique are getting
sued by their creditors. But the scammers have more tricks
available, as if the "smoke and mirrors" financial nonsense
wasn't enough. One of their techniques is the use of bogus
"arbitration" forums. Arbitration is of course a legitimate
system that allows businesses and individuals to resolve
disputes without going to court. What do the scammers do? They
coach people on how to set up a fake arbitration forum, for the
express purpose of making a dispute against their creditors!
Naturally, the creditors will not send representatives to some
non-existent arbitration forum, so the consumer gets to
rubber-stamp their own arbitration award. If they get sued in a
regular court, they present their bogus award to the judge in
the hopes that the creditor's lawsuit will be dismissed.

There are other techniques used by promoters of this scheme,
but the key point to remember is the central claim that your
credit card debt does not really exist. Of course, it's all
nonsense based on a misinterpretation of our monetary system,
and if you step back and think about for a minute, the truth
seems pretty obvious. What these scammers are saying is that
the entire $700 billion credit card industry is operating on an
illegal basis! Even if the legal theory used by the promoters
were true (which it isn't), do you think for a moment the
government would allow this giant industry to go under? That's
exactly what would happen if the promoter's claims were proven
true and used on a widespread basis.

The Federal Trade Commission, which has jurisdiction here,
hasn't stomped on these con artists yet, but it's only a matter
of time. Unfortunately, in the meanwhile, consumers are being
bilked out of millions of dollars for a worthless program that
will only get them into deep trouble with their creditors. If
you are approached by someone offering to wipe away your debts
using this system, I strongly recommend you run in the other
direction while you hold on tightly to your wallet or purse.

Remember, you can eliminate your debts if you take a
disciplined approach to your finances, make a budget and stick
to it, and don't use your credit cards unless you can pay off
new balances in full each month.

Good luck in your financial future!

About the Author: Charles J. Phelan has been helping people
become debt-free without bankruptcy since 1997. A former
executive in the debt settlement industry, he teaches the
do-it-yourself method of debt negotiation. Audio-CD material
plus expert personal coaching helps consumers achieve
professional results at a fraction of the cost.
http://www.zipdebt.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-07-18T00:48:00.000-07:00

Getting The Best Business Credit Card For Your Company
By Beth Derkowitz

If you own your own company and need to get started, a business
credit card can be just the way to manage your finances and get
the things that your office needs. But with all of the
companies out there, how do you ever choose?

What do you need?

When you’re first starting a business, your needs are much
different than if you’re already established. New businesses
need to purchase supplies and equipment, while established
businesses just need to maintain their current daily needs.
With these thoughts in mind, you can start looking for a
business credit card that will help you with whatever point
you’re at in your business.

How much do you need?

If you have a business that needs to make constant purchases,
you need to have a business credit card that has a higher limit
or no limit at all. The trick with a higher limit is that these
cards tend to expect to have the balance paid in full each
month so if your business is already established and able to do
that, then that’s a viable option. If not, you may want to look
for a business credit card that works with the growth of your
business’ needs.

What perks do you want?

Just like any other business credit card, you want to see if
there’s anything that you gain from using the card. Many
businesses like to choose a business credit card that allows
them to accumulate airline miles that can then be redeemed for
business or personal flights. You might also want to find a
business credit card that gives discounts with certain
retailers or offers a cash back incentive throughout the year.

How convenient is it?

And your business credit card needs to have a lot of
flexibility for your business needs. You might want to find out
if there are ways to use your credit card through credit card
checks or by cash advances. Some business like a credit card
that is accepted at most retailers (Mastercard and Visa are
widely accepted).

If you accidentally go over your limit, you need to know what
will happen to your account. If your credit card is stolen, you
need to be able to replace it immediately and not be responsible
for any charges that are incurred.

The point is that if your have a business credit card, you need
to be able to use it whenever and for whatever purpose your
business warrants.

About the Author: Beth Derkowitz recommends Find Credit Cards
for finding the best business credit card for your company. See
http://www.findcreditcards.org/type/business.php for more
information.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-07-13T02:51:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Processing Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva]Thomas Morva

Today, about 80% of customers choose credit cards to pay for online products and services. If an online firm doesn?t possess credit card payment facilities, certainly it loses consumers and sales. Credit card payments are safe and secure, and they guarantee the best customer service. Besides, these payments give a more professional look to any business.

Several different types of credit card processing terminals are available in today's market. These terminals are also referred to as point of sale (POS) terminals. Their type and style depend on the kind of business and style of credit card processing. Prices also vary according to their functions and the technology they use.

Card readers with a small keypad and display are the most basic form of the POS. These are the most economical type of terminals. A credit card processing terminal first checks the customer?s card information. After that, it withdraws money for the purchase from his account and places it directly into the merchant account.

Most merchants prefer a terminal without an attached printer, while retail merchants usually go for a terminal with an integrated printer. There are also wireless machines that are more costly, but the processing volume supports their cost. Wireless credit card processing terminals are mainly used for businesses that continually change their location. Door-to-door salesmen, taxi cab drivers, and seasonal shop owners are the main other consumers of wireless terminals.

Manual credit card processing is a difficult task and it is more time consuming too. The finest choice is to automate your manual credit card processing machine, if possible. Credit card processing machines use different software packages that provide for instant processing, and encrypted SSL (secure socket layer) for safe deals. Of course, any leaks or losses of personal information immediately break the credibility of a business.

Some latest credit card processing terminals can handle multiple merchant accounts. Examples include Nurit 2085, Omni 3750, Nurit 3020, Omni 3740, and Verifone Tranz 380x2. All these terminals provide retailers a fast, low-cost way to approve and process credit card sales. [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Wireless Credit Card Terminals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Terminals&id=353153

Credit Card Termainal

2007-07-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Fraud - Part I
By Michael Russell

In this series we are going to cover one of the biggest problems all over the world. Credit card fraud.

For those who may not exactly know what credit card fraud is, a simple definition. Credit card fraud is the act of making a purchase using someone else's credit card information. Sounds like something that should be difficult to do. Unfortunately, it's not.

There are many types of credit card fraud, the most common we'll cover in this article.

First there is what is called "mail non-receipt fraud" which is when a new or replacement card is sent by the bank and never received by the person it was supposed to go to. This has been mostly combated by the banks sending out inactive credit cards where the person has to make a phone call in order to activate the card. Otherwise it can't be used. Unfortunately there are some banks that do not do this and still send out cards that are already activated.

Then there is what is called "chargeback fraud" where a legitimate cardholder uses the card to purchase goods or services. Then when the statement comes they call the credit card company and claim they never received the item or service or that they never authorized the transaction.

Another type of credit card fraud is called "skimming" where an employee or merchant makes a second copy of the person's credit card details before processing the payment. This copy is then sold on the black market to professionals who clone illegal copies of these cards. Fortunately, skimming has become less of a problem since the introduction of CVV and CVS codes. These are not encoded on the card strip but are physically written on the back of the card. This is a required three digit code to finalize all transactions. Without this code even a cloned credit card will not work.

Skimming at ATMs has also been a problem. What the illegally set up ATM machine does is place a skimmer device somewhere in the machine that reads the magnetic strip attached to the card. This is used together with various devices that monitor the keypad of the ATM by attaching a fake fascia over the original keypad. Fortunately, this is not as common today as it was years ago when ATM machines were relatively new.

Then of course there is "online credit card fraud" which is the most common type of credit card fraud today with all the transactions that people do each day. This type of fraud gets a little complicated but simply stated, when a person uses their credit card online, hackers monitor the person's entry into the merchant's system and essentially steal the credit card information without the person having any idea this is happening. Another way to get a person's credit card info online is to send an official looking email telling the person that they have to update their credit card info. They are sent a bogus link to go to where the info is collected and used for whatever purpose the scammer wants, whether to sell the info or use it to make purchases himself.

In the next article in this series we'll go into credit card fraud into more depth.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Credit Cards

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Fraud---Part-I&id=123783

Credit Card Termainal

2007-07-09T03:07:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Terminal

2007-07-06T04:49:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Processing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva]Thomas Morva

Nowadays, almost all establishments accept credit card payments. This is because many consumers make their purchases using their credit cards, and establishments who do not accept credit card payments risks losing potential sales. Given this, it is then essential for any company that intends to sell products in the market to make sure that their stores can accept credit payments. There’s good news, though! Today, accepting credit cards is usually a fairly easy process because companies can gain access to the tools that they need to be able to process credit card payments from a number of sources.

Setting up a merchant account

The first step in accepting credit cards is setting up a merchant account. This will involve locating the right merchant account provider or credit card processor. Many businesses do this through the banks where they do their business banking. However, not all banks provide credit card processing services.

A good source of information is any trade associations that a business belongs to, which may have negotiated rates with a certain credit card processor that the business could contact. Another good source of leads is from other businesses that already accept credit card payments. On the other hand, given that most processors aggressively pursue clients especially start up companies, it is most likely that these processors will contact new business owners and offer them their services.

In deciding on which credit card processor to use, it is a good idea to employ canvassing strategies, which includes interviewing each credit processor and asking them questions that can help business owners pick the right processor. Some of these questions include asking them about their fees, their rates, and other services that they provide their clients. After which, business owners then should analyze which processor can give them the best deal for the credit card processing services that they are offering.

Nowadays, no business establishment should be without credit card processing capabilities. This is because given that most people make many of their purchases using their credit cards, establishments that do not accept credit card payments risk losing a significant number of sales. The good news is that today, the tools that businesses need to be able to accept credit card payments, which includes merchant accounts, are easily accessible, as there are a large number of companies that provide credit card processing services. [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Wireless Credit Card Terminals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing&id=255743

Credit Card Terminal

2007-05-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

Why You Should Refinance Your Credit Card
By Max Hunter

Getting the Right Rate Can Save YOU Thousands

A credit card debt can be like the worst sort of trap. Like a
wound that won’t heal, a monthly minimum payment – with
ceaseless regularity and endless strain on your budget – leaves
your account. It’s to pay for the Christmas shopping, or the
last July 4th party, or your holiday two years ago. You don’t
know; frankly you care less – you just want to see it gone. But
when your next statement arrives, the hole your minimum payment
should have burned in your debt is no smaller – the sore
remains unclosed.

Is this situation familiar? Is it you?

If it is, you’ve not heard the worst of it yet. The way that
credit card companies exist and thrive is by exploiting your
debt burden. They’ll lend and lend and lend, until you get to
the point that the most you can pay back each month is the
minimum payment – usually around 2.5 per cent of the balance.
The problem with this is that they hit you with a load of
interest, sometimes amounting to 2 per cent of the balance. If
only one half of a per cent is being paid back it doesn’t take
much math to figure out the amount of time it could take you to
pay back your debts.

In fact, if you’re paying repayment insurance, in some
instances you can pay back less than the amount of debt
accumulating.

It’s a horrible, self-perpetuating cycle of hemorrhaging money,
but the good news is twofold.

First off, you’re not alone. Thousands upon thousands of
decent, hard-working Americans are in this position through no
fault of their own but necessity and the demands of modern
living.

Secondly, if you’re stuck in this horrible cycle of bleeding
money, the chances are that it can be at least partially
redressed. Many Americans have – and still do – unwittingly
signed up to credit card deals that are uncompetitive,
over-priced and unnecessarily expensive. What many don’t
realize, is that simply because you have pledged allegiance to
a particular credit card company doesn’t mean to say that you
are stuck with them for life. There’s a way out that can save
you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year and help you
pay off your debt burden more quickly.

Transferring the balance of your credit card to another one is
a way of paying off your existing debt with a new credit card
that you take on at a cheaper rate. In many cases this can be
set at 0 per cent for a period of a number of months, before
reverting to a higher rate. By switching to such a card – and
then another at the end of the interest free term, and maybe
even another after that, it gives you a clear run at reducing
your debt, without it spiraling ever further upwards. Even if
you’re still only paying 2.5 per cent off the balance a month,
far better to do that than knocking off one half of a per cent,
or less.

By bundling up the old expensive credit card debt, getting rid
of it, then paying back the new credit card at a lower rate,
you can save countless dollars each month. You can save even
more money by paying a bit more each month, thus clearing the
debt in a shorter time. By doing this you’ll free up more
dollars further down the line enabling you to spend them on
something really nice.

Unfortunately, 0% deals are not always available to all
customers. If you’ve got a credit rating that’s in some way
below scratch, it is probably unlikely that a 0% credit card
will be made available to you. It’s a sad fact of finance that
the best deals seem to always be available for those who need
them the least.

That said, there are a number of other excellent credit cards
on the market through which you can save many dollars. Even if
a balance transfer rate is as high as 10 or 12 per cent, if
you’re paying upwards of 20 per cent on your existing deal then
you’re clearly going to save a stack of money – even if it’s not
as much as you might have liked.

If you’re concerned about how much you’re paying each month on
your credit card repayment it certainly pays to check out your
existing interest rates and compare them to some of the balance
transfer rates available at competitors: it’s almost a certainty
that you’ll save yourself more than a few dollars.

Even if you’re not worried about your existing credit card
deal, it’s worth checking out the market to see if you can get
a better deal. Complacency doesn’t pay, but a bit of awareness
can save you a lot.

About the Author: Max Hunter is the author of many credit
related articles. If you are looking for help with Home Loans
or any other type of credit issue please visit us at
http://www.creditcardunlimited.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-05-12T02:21:00.001-07:00

Credit Card Debt Problems
By Ethan Hunter

What to Do If You Hit the Debt Mire

When debt goes bad, it becomes more than just a financial
problem. It can take over your life. If you have a debt problem
the earlier it is handled and dealt with, the less likely it’ll
turn into a crisis, and the more money you’ll save in the
fullness of time.

The very nature of borrowing means that interest increases over
time and if it isn’t dealt with promptly, it can spiral out of
control and land you into trouble. Particularly with credit
cards, when interest payments are large, and a minimum payment
offers a seemingly manageable solution; what is actually
happening is this: the balance is being eroded like the sea
bites away at the shore. It’ll disappear into the ocean
eventually, but might take many years to do so. What you need
is a more radical approach, where chunks of debt are eaten away
each month.

Being in debt can be a stressful time. Many people are scared
to tell husbands, wives, friends – anyone. There’s a kind of
stigma attached to the problem, but there is always a way out.

Traditional debt advice proscribes borrowing your way out of a
problem. Yet this ignores the reality of most debts. A more
advisable and realistic approach would be to never borrow more
to get out of debt trouble. If it is possible to borrow more
cheaply elsewhere to replace existing borrowing and consolidate
your debt, then this is an eminently sensible approach.

The first step should always be to work out your monthly
outgoings and try and trim down your spending on luxuries and
things you can do without. This doesn’t mean you have to live
the life of a monk and forgo all worldly pleasures! But by
adopting sensible spending patterns you can redirect some of
your monthly income into paying off your outstanding balances.
Always keep at the front of your mind the fact that the longer
the debt smolders away, the more you spend in interest
payments.

Those with big debts may save thousands a year in interest by
reconsidering their borrowing commitments. Do this in three
ways:

i) Lower the interest if possible by moving your debts to
reduce the interest cost.
ii) Pay the worst first: prioritize paying off the highest
interest rate debts first
iii) Utilize any free debt advice there is. A non-commercial
agency will give you good advice, focus you on your priorities,
and place any problems in context. Things may not be as bad as
they first seem.

Of course, there’s other basic, practicable things you can do
on your own. It's incredibly important to get on top of credit
card debts as soon as possible. Don't default or miss payments.
Let the credit card company know if you are going to be unable
to pay – it’s always better to talk to them than putting your
head in the sand.

If things aren’t that bad, there’s a variety of easy strategies
you can implement that will help ease things for you. Consider a
credit card balance transfer to a lender offering a lower rate
of APR. This will mean you spend less on interest payments each
month and start to attack the overall balance with real venom.

You could take out an unsecured loan as a way of consolidating
your debt. Personal loans can give you a consistent cheap debt,
and as you must make the repayments each month, it helps provide
structure to your repayments. Those with poorer credit scores
might not always get decent rates, but it’s still often a
cheaper option than paying back credit card debt each month,
and overall a faster method of repayment.

If you have them, use savings: The interest paid on savings is
usually far less than interest charged on borrowing, so paying
off debts with savings makes eminent sense. Even if you think
of your savings as an ‘emergency cash fund’ or money for the
future, better to fall back on it in the short term and pay it
back later, than paying interest to a credit card company so
that money for some far flung eventuality is at your disposal.

It’s worth mentioning that for many people, credit cards
provide sensible short term, flexible lending, that’s both
cheap and convenient. You should always try and proceed
cautiously, but credit card debt woes are not an inevitable
consequence of taking them out. Tens of millions of Americans
use credit cards cheaply and conveniently every year.

For those who feel they are in trouble, don’t feel stigmatized
by your debt woes and don’t pretend they’re not there. Help is
at hand should you seek it, and a solution is never far away.

About the Author: Ethan Hunter is the author of many credit
related articles. If you are looking for help with Home Loans
or any type of credit issue please visit us at
http://www.creditcardunlimited.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-05-11T03:13:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Terminal

2007-05-10T04:27:00.001-07:00

Merchant Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton

Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.

A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.

At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.

There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.

Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards.

Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177

Credit Card Terminal

2007-05-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

Proper Personal Finance Management by A Bohart

Rising consumerism and easy access to credit has given rise to overspending, even by an average income earner. The result has been an increasing number of people caught in a growing debt burden. The problem is worsened simply because most people care very little about managing their finances, or about proper personal finance management. The fact is, you'd get more benefits if you take your personal financial management seriously. Here are some ideas which could help you

Wisely Use Credit Cards

Credit cards are the most popular method of getting credit. They are easier to secure, and easier to make use of - just select an item, carry it to the cashier and swipe your card. Not needing to carry cash around encourages many people to simply swipe their cards on the ever-present credit card terminals, not realizing or not caring that everything ultimately goes on their tab. Please remember that the more you swipe your card, the more debt you are building up.

Proper financial management means taking precautions so one can minimize credit card debts. For one, use your credit card only when there is no other alternative. Two, spend on your credit card only the amount of money you have to spend. Bear in mind, the credit card company will start charging penalties if you are not able to settle your dues on time - which will only add to your debts and will worsen your problem.

When applying for a credit card, shop around first. Look for the company that charges the most favorable interest rate. Keep in mind that paying a low interest rate means saving some money for other expenses.

Consider Debit Cards

Another approach is to avail of debit - not credit - cards. The advantage here is that your spending is limited by the amount you have in your account. As such, debit cards have inbuilt protection against overspending and the ensuing loss of financial control.

Go with Secured Personal Loans

Personal loans are another source of finance. Personal loans will make you financially stronger and more secure - if you use the loan constructively, that is. If you are taking out a personal loan just so you can spend some more money you don't have, taking out a personal loan is just going to speed up your financial decline.

If you decide on this approach, your priority should be minimizing loan costs as much as possible. As such, you should avail of personal loans that charge the most favorable rates of interest so you can save up on interest charges that will only add to your indebtedness.

When taking out a personal loan, opt for the secured personal loan - that which puts up any of your properties as collateral. With a secured or collateralized loan, lenders will be more willing to lower their interest rates and offer you a more favorable payment schedule.

Save First

To have more financial control, you need to exchange your habit of expenditure for a habit of saving. If you save enough money, you won't need to take out a loan or a credit card for sudden and unexpected expenses. You can just use your own savings and as such, you're not going to have to pay interest.

Wise financial management encompasses spending only on what's necessary and what's within budget. Never borrow money so you can spend more. This will never work and you will be just digging your financial grave when you do this.
About the Author

Allen is a life-long writer and reader who writes on a number of subjects including personal finances and Internet marketing.

Credit Card Terminal

2007-05-03T04:54:00.001-07:00

8 Personal Banking Don'ts
By Kenneth Kelly

Presumably the object of having a bank account is to save you money, or at least to help you more easily and properly manage it. But there are also several ways in which your use (or misuse, as the case may be) of your personal banking account could lose you money. Below you'll find out how to avoid the eight most common blunders when it comes to personal banking.

1. DON'T pay more than you have to: If you're like most people, you haven't really made the effort to comparison shop for the best personal banking terms you can find. Most bank accounts have some sort of fees or another associated with certain aspects of utilizing and/or maintaining your account, from annual fees to check-writing fees to fees for falling below a minimum balance to so-called "overdraft protection fees" to counter fees (to name just a few). These fees can slowly eat away at your savings. Banks change their policies all the time, so it's never a waste of time to look around and make sure that you really are getting the best deal for your money.

2. DON'T ignore your bank statements: When your bank statement arrives in the mail, do you simply toss it without even reading it? Many people do. But bank statements often contain errors, and the only way you'll know when one occurs is if you read through each statement carefully and compare it against what you know to be true (hopefully by way of a regularly balanced checkbook). Without reviewing your statements, you could wind up stuck with a fee for a payment you didn't make. You could find that someone has copied your ATM/debit card and made purchases against your account. The only way to catch this is to take it upon yourself to read your statements and check them for accuracy.

3. DON'T be careless with ATMs: Be conscious of other people around you when using an ATM. Do not write your PIN number anywhere near your ATM card and be sure to shield it as you type it in. If you make a mistake writing out a slip, don't just throw it away or leave it lying there - pocket it and dispose of it properly later. If you request a receipt make sure you take it. And many machines automatically spit out a receipt after a transaction is completed whether you request it or not. Be alert to this happening and make sure to grab that receipt before you walk away.

4. DON'T leave paper lying around: After you're finished reviewing your bank statements, don't just carelessly leave them lying out where anyone can see - or steal - them. Even simply throwing your statements away can lead to identity theft. Digging through trash is one of the primary ways identity thieves get the goods on their victims. Don't make yourself an open target. Lock away any bank statements or other related documents that you wish to hold on to. Invest in an expensive shredder - the confetti type are best - for the ones you don't. And then remember to use your locked file cabinet and shredder diligently whenever you are through with your bank statements. It's for your protection.

5. DON'T bank online in a public place: Forget about people looking over your shoulder for a moment. An even bigger threat in banking online at a library or a cyber-café or other WIFI hotspot is another computer user on the same internet connection being able to snoop on what you're doing. Wireless networks are not totally secure. People can use that opportunity to capture your personal information and sabotage whatever transaction you're making. No online banking emergency is so urgent that you need to make yourself that vulnerable.

6. DON'T be a loyalist: In other words, don't become so enamored with your bank, or so lazily accustomed to it, that you continue to bank there without consciousness of how comparatively good or bad a deal you are getting. If you've consistently borrowed money from the same bank, maybe it's time to start exploring your other options. Even if you shopped around long and hard to find this bank, time passes, deals change. It's worth reevaluating every now and again your decision on where to bank. And it's particularly easy to do this type of research online.

7. DON'T be a stranger: Establish a relationship with your bank and the people who work there. The best way to get the best possible deals from a bank is to let them get to know you. Set up a meeting with the manager of your local branch, just to introduce yourself and key them in to your financial goals. You may never actually need their assistance beyond the norm, but if you do - if a problem arises, an error or a financial emergency - you'll benefit greatly from having already established a rapport with the folks whom you're asking for help.

8. DON'T be afraid to ask: Banks are in the business of keeping their clients. This sometimes means they will go above and beyond their normal service offerings to keep your business. Whether you are looking for a more favorable rate on one of your accounts, free financial software, or even a toaster, don't be afraid to ask about specials. In the process don't forget to remind them how loyal a customer you have been. You'd be surprised how many promotion items that are available to you, but are not given to you. It's just taking up space in your bank's storage room.

In summary, taking care with your banking habits, being protective of your banking information, and remaining aware of how the deal you're getting compares with other deals available to you will help prevent you from making many of the most common and detrimental mistakes in personal banking.

Kenneth C. Kelly is the President of Strativia, a financial management software development and services company specializing in applications for personal and business use. Strativia is the developer of Budget Forecaster, a sophisticated home budget and personal finance management software package.

Website: http://www.strativia.com

Contact: info@strativia.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Kelly
http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Personal-Banking-Donts&id=539235

Credit Card Terminal

2007-05-02T04:48:00.000-07:00

The Cost of Leasing a Credit Card Machine
By Jamie Estep

Leasing credit card machines and equipment is a common practice for many new business owners. When a business starts out, they are often met with a barrage of telemarketers and companies offering to help them to accept credit cards. Because of the new business owner's extremely busy schedule and lack of knowledge regarding the credit card processing industry, owners are often convinced that leasing a credit card terminal is the best solution for their business.

In reality, leasing a credit card machine is far from the best interest. For most businesses, a simple swipe and print credit card machine is a perfectly acceptable method of accepting credit cards. What many new business owners fail to do, is investigate the actual price of a new credit card machine. What they would find is that the outright purchase of a credit card terminal is often a completely reasonably priced purchase, and usually is many times less costly than a lease. What would cost them two to three hundred dollars to own, can cost them thousands of dollars to lease. Money is very tight, especially during the startup phase of a business, and the extra money spent on leasing a credit card machine is most definitely better suited elsewhere.

Leasing credit card equipment became a standard in the eighties and early nineties, when the lack of consumer knowledge and a growing processing industry led to the portrayal of high priced processing equipment. During this time fifty dollar per month leases were not uncommon. Since the creation of the internet, consumers have access to a vast amount of information. Processing companies can no longer easily inflate the costs of processing equipment. Now, new business owners are virtually the only group susceptible to getting scammed into a lease. This is due mainly to time constraints and a lack of research on their part.

Leases do still play a role in obtaining credit card equipment, but should only be considered when the required equipment is very high priced. Wireless terminals, while becoming more affordable, can still be a considerable investment. Wireless terminals can still cost over a thousand dollars to purchase which is definitely a significant amount of money. Leasing a wireless terminal can alleviate some of this cost, but business owners should still be aware that they will pay more than the cost of the terminal in the end.

Leases also often come with strings attached, or more appropriately a web of strings attached. Lease commonly last for thirty six to forty eight months, but can be in any increment from twelve months up to forty eight. The shorter the lease, the higher the monthly payment. Leases are also normally non cancel-able for the duration of the lease. There may be considerable penalties for canceling a lease before its term is up. Leases are not always for ownership of the equipment, and hefty buyout fees can occur at the end of the lease. Some leases start over at the end of their term, and the business only has a short window to opt out of the lease. Businesses should be aware of the terms governing the lease before they even contemplate signing it. Signing a lease without fully understanding what is involved in it and fully calculating the cost of the lease can be an extremely expensive mistake.

Enter your lease information into the lease cost calculator to find out how much extra leasing will cost you compared to purchasing.

Copyright 2006 Jamie Estep, The Merchant Account Blog.

Jamie Estep runs the website: (The Merchant Account Blog) and offers information and advice on topics relating to credit card processing. The Merchant Account Blog also has a lease cost calculator where businesses can compare the costs of an equipment lease to purchasing a terminal outright. (Credit Card Terminal Lease Calculator)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Estep
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Cost-of-Leasing-a-Credit-Card-Machine&id=190057

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-30T02:19:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-28T05:08:00.001-07:00

Online Credit Card Account Access
By Adam Goldman

Credit cards, the Internet and online services all pave the
path towards a new era of technological advancements and
commercialised lifestyles. Nowadays, you won’t have to fly
halfway around the world or drive across town to purchase
authentic gifts for a loved one. Instead, you can just order it
online at home. Your gift will be wrapped and delivered right to
your door step. All you need is a secure connection, a working
credit card account and a little understanding of how to manage
an online account.

In fact, if you find it hard to keep your bills in order or
can’t find the time to drop in at the bank, then having an
online credit card account is the best way to solve your
problems. With this, you can actually manage all your finances
without you ever leaving your office, or even your desk. You
can make instant payments on the spot, check past transactions
easily and immediately print statements that would regularly
take weeks to get to your mailbox.

With all this convenience, anyone is bound to worry about the
security of having an online credit card account. If you are
able to access your account with your name, ID or a simple
password, it is possible for a thief who has the right
combination of these elements to access to your account. Thus,
it is important that you do not give out your personal
information to strangers or even callers over the phone.

Also, before you enter any sensitive information on your
browser, ensure that your browser is a secured browser that
utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) that encrypts data before
transmitting it to the server. Most banking websites utilize
secured web pages indicated by a locked padlock sign at the
bottom of the browser. Naturally, credit card users are advised
to not make financial transactions over public computers. Online
access can be a godsend to most of us who lead a busy lifestyle
but if we are not careful, we may lose our finances and
property to thieving scoundrels at the click of a mouse.

About the Author: Adam Goldman recommends Find Credit Cards for
finding a Visa card application. See
http://www.findcreditcards.org/issuer/visa.php for more
information

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminals

2007-04-27T04:49:00.001-07:00

Increase Your Sales - Accept Credit Cards
By Sue And Chuck DeFiore

Many people today simply prefer the convenience of paying by credit card. If you want their business, you must be able to accept their credit-card payments.

In part one of this series we will discuss why you should accept credit cards, and the basics of getting merchant status. Part two will deal with objections you might get, which credit cards to accept, and the check paying option.

Obtaining merchant status, which allows you to accept credit-card payments, might seem like an unnecessary hassle, especially for those in business where the majority of their customers pay by cash or check. But by not accepting credit-card payments, you lose sales. This is especially true if yours is a mail order business, or consulting business. Just look at the majority of business today, all of them accept credit cards, and becoming more and more popular all the time are debit cards.

As many businesses have found, up to 70 percent of people never mail the check, so accepting credit cards is crucial. When the customer places an order, he’s excited and eager to buy. Faced with the prospect of sending a check, waiting for it to clear and then awaiting shipment, his interest is likely to wane. In the meantime, you lose sales.

The Basics of Merchant Status

In order to accept credit cards, you need to work with a bank that will transfer the money into your account within a day or two of the sale, and then collect the money from the customer. In return, you pay the bank a commission of 1.5 percent to 5 percent for each credit-card transaction; a set, per-transaction fee; and a setup fee. You will also have to pay monthly support or equipment-rental fees for a point-of-sale terminal—the machine used to swipe the card—depending on the contract.

The fee is based on two things, the average amount per transaction and the total volume for the year.

When you apply for merchant status, the banks evaluate your business based on its sales track record, the type of business it is, your credit record, the business’s credit record and your overall financial picture.

Apply for merchant status when you get your start-up financing. This accomplishes several things. First, it shows that you’ve thought ahead. And you will probably have customers that you wouldn’t have otherwise. In fact, some people don’t pay with anything but credit cards.

Second, you show you’re taking steps to minimize the time and expense involved in recovering bad debts. If someone writes a bad check, for instance, it will cost you time and money to recover the loss. If you swipe a customer’s credit card through a point-of-sale terminal, you can be sure you’ll get paid. The machine contacts the issuing bank to authorize the transaction and runs the account numbers through a variety of fraud-protection procedures.

In part two of this series we will deal with objections you might get, which credit cards to accept, and the check paying option.

Copyright 2004 DeFiore Enterprises

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 19 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our "how to" Home Business Solutions Digest, it's like having your own personal coach: mailto:subscribeHBS@homebusinesssolutions.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_And_Chuck_DeFiore
http://EzineArticles.com/?Increase-Your-Sales---Accept-Credit-Cards&id=3249

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-25T02:28:00.001-07:00

The Three Categories Of Credit Card Terminals
By Jim Saka

While costing you a relatively small amount, credit card terminals can have an enormous impact on your business. Credit cards are the most common method of payment by customers today in all types of stores, particularly retail and restaurant. Because of this, it is vital that your business is up to date with a quality credit card terminal. There are several basic forms of terminals, but they all fall under three different categories.

The first kind of credit card terminal is the traditional terminal. The most basic traditional terminal includes a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. Each terminal has its own display style, which allows you to pick and choose to meet your needs. The larger the display, the easier it will be for you to see the display. Another feature that is common amongst most new traditional terminals is a backlit display, which allows you to see the display in low light settings.

There are two different kinds of printers you can choose from for your traditional terminal, a built-in printer or a separate unit. It is often easier to handle one machine altogether, making the built-in printer more popular. However, the main thing to consider with the printer is its price, speed and reliability.

The next kind of credit card terminal is the wireless terminal. Wireless terminals are very convenient for businesses with temporary locations, taxi drivers and large lot businesses because of its ability to be moved. However, you should really think about whether it is a necessity to have a wireless terminal, because they are more expensive.

Other things that should be considered when selecting a wireless terminal include battery life, the range of the terminal, weight, and its shock resistance. The shock resistance is vital because you have to assume that any terminal you purchase will be dropped from time to time.

The last kind of credit card terminal is virtual terminals. If you are looking for a terminal to use for over the phone or an internet business, this is the kind for you. This allows you to have a terminal without actually having a physical terminal in your presence. Your merchant account that is required should be able to provide you with the necessary software to handle the transactions. All you have to do is type in the credit card number and the software will handle the authorization for you.

While there are several different models and forms of credit card terminals to choose from, they all fall under the three categories mentioned above. The most pricey terminals are going to be the wireless terminal and virtual terminal, but the traditional terminal has its benefits as well. Make sure to do the necessary research to find the best credit card terminal for your business.

For more information about Jim Saka or to find out how your business can can benefit from accepting credit cards online or at a place of business visit United Bank Card's merchant account services websites.

Copyright (c) 2007 Jim Saka

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Saka
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Three-Categories-Of-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=412639

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-17T04:02:00.001-07:00

Boosting Your Credit Score To Get The Best Credit Card Deal
By Ethan Hunter

Making Your Credit Rating Work For You

One of the basics of getting the most competitive credit card
deal in the market is to ensure you have the best credit record
possible. Few of us are lucky enough to be earning a six-figure
salary, and many people are likely to have other financial
undertakings that a potential lender will want to take into
account. None of this, however, should preclude you from
getting a top bracket credit rating. Getting a credit score of
700+ may be beyond some consumers, but lifting your credit
rating to a point at which lenders will furnish you with some
of their best deals is not an insurmountable task.

It can be a stressful time applying for a new line of credit.
Many consumers get upset when applying for a new credit card
when they find out their credit score is low, and they have
poor credit.

A lower credit score can impact the amount of money that
financial institutions will lend you. It can also impact on the
rate of interest at which you borrow. In some cases, the
difference between having an excellent credit rating and a poor
one could be getting a 0% deal on your credit card, and paying
an APR that touches 30%. Sometimes financial institutions won’t
even lend you a dime, based on a low credit score.

A variety of factors can impact on your credit score. Generally
speaking, lenders love stability more than anything else. Paying
amounts owed on time is but one of many variables. It could be
that you’ve lived in more than one address over the preceding
three years; or having borrowings with a variety of
institutions. It could even be down to the fact that you’ve got
too much credit already at your disposal.

But just what goes into your credit score? A report by the
analytics experts Fair Issac recently broke credit scoring down
into five categories and assessed their importance on the final
rating.

Most important was how you had paid you bills in the past with
the most emphasis on recent activity. Naturally, paying all
your bills on time is good; paying them consistently late is
bad. Having accounts that were sent to collection agencies is
even worse, though nowhere near as bad as declaring bankruptcy.
Paying your bills in a timely and consistent manner contributed
to 35 percent of the score.

Next most important was the amount of money you owe and the
amount of available credit at your disposal. The assessment of
outstanding debt fell into several categories, and included
credit cards, car loans, mortgages, home equity lines, and so
on. Also given consideration was the total amount of credit
available. If a customer has 10 credit cards that each have
$10,000 credit limits, that totals $100,000 of available
credit. Generally speaking, people who have a lot of credit
available tend to use it. This makes them a less attractive
credit risk. This amounts to 30 per cent of the total credit
score.

Also impacting on credit scores is the length of credit history
(15 percent). The longer a customer has had credit –
particularly if it's with the same financial institution – the
more points they get.

The mix of credit contributes 10 percent to the credit score.
Customers with the best scores have a mix of both revolving
credit, such as credit cards, and installment credit, such as
mortgages and car loans. Statistically, consumers with a richer
variety of experiences are better credit risks. As far as banks
and credit card companies are concerned, they know how to
handle money.

The last important factor taken into consideration is new
credit applications (10 percent). If you’ve applied for several
lines of credit in the past few months this will negatively
impact your credit score.

The antidotes to this are simple. Pay your bills in a timely
manner, particularly in the months leading up to an
application. Close unused retail store cards, credit cards and
old bank accounts with overdraft facilities. Maintain
long-standing and healthy arrangements with banks and other
lenders. Don’t apply for a stack of credit cards, loans and so
on, unless you’re absolutely sure it’s the right product for
you. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t apply for a
credit line unless you use it.

There’s a sixth factor that can contribute enormously to a
negative credit rating. In 2001 it became possible for
customers to get their own credit score in exchange for a small
fee. In the past, prospective lenders were able to keep this
score hidden, and many unscrupulous institutions used this
knowledge to charge a higher APR on credit. By being aware of
your credit score lenders can't lie and say your score was low
and charge higher APR on your credit card.

More importantly, it’s vital that you get rid of black marks on
your credit rating. Errors unfortunately happen all the time,
and erroneous reports of missed payments, referrals to debt
collectors and even bankruptcies can scupper your chances of
getting a low rate of interest and even a credit card
altogether. Query everything and haggle with credit reference
agencies so that only the information that is listed on your
credit history that should be there, is there.

You can find out your credit history by applying to one of
several companies. Many offer an online service and can furnish
you with the information both quickly and cheaply. Equifax,
Truecredit and Consumerinfo are some of the best such
providers.

Patience is the key to getting a great credit score – and the
best credit deals. You’re never going to make the jump from
having a credit score of 500 to one of 700 overnight, but by
implementing easy to follow and practical strategies, you can
quite easily leverage your credit score to a rating that is
respected by all concerned.

About the Author: Ethan Hunter is the author of many credit
related articles. If you are looking for help with Home Loans
or any type of credit issue please visit us at
http://www.creditcardunlimited.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-16T04:23:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Skimming
By Michael Russell

Credit card skimming is an international problem accounting for losses of over one-billion dollars a year. This type of credit card scam is common in Europe, Asia and Latin America and is starting to show up more in the United States.

This scam is easy to run - it can happen when you give your credit card to a store employee to make a purchase. That employee may not only swipe your card for payment, but also swipe the card with a small machine they hold in their hand known as a skimmer. This small device will store the information from your card into its system. The skimmer is equipped to hold information on hundreds of credit cards and from this information, the crooks are able to produce counterfeit cards.

There are skimming rings working all over the world and once your information is put into the skimmer, it is then downloaded into a computer, ready to be emailed to anyone worldwide.

A decade ago, this fraud was not as easy to accomplish as it is today, due to the fact skimmers were very large and had to be hidden under counters. However, with the advance of technology in the past ten years, they have been able to streamline the skimmer, making it small enough to be hand-held and out of sight of the unwary customer making a purchase. These skimmers are easy to buy; in fact, they can be purchased over the internet at around $300. The machine needed to make counterfeit credit cards is a much larger investment - costing $5,000 to $10,000.

Another form of this scam is done by actually pulling information directly from the credit card terminals. A skimmer bug is placed into the terminal and later retrieved with credit card information on it. Only the older terminals can be violated in this way and with the onset of new credit card terminals, this has alleviated much of this bugging.

As soon as the crooks have their needed information on you, they will start their shopping sprees using your credit card number. They purchase all types of merchandise and charge it to your credit card. Over half of credit card fraud is done over the internet with online purchases. With shopping on the internet becoming more and more popular, card fraud on the internet has also increased.

The crooks will also use the internet to verify the card information is valid. They will purchase many low-ticket items through various websites, checking to see if the card is active. Internet processing of card purchases is done by real-time processing and not handled by a person; thus, no chance of them being caught trying to use a stolen card number.

The cardholder is a victim of this crime and is responsible for up to $50 of the total amount charged on his card, while the real victim in all of this is the merchant whose employee did the skimming. The merchant is held 100% responsible and risks losing the merchandise, and is responsible for paying the fees of the investigation. Investigation fees paid by consumers and businesses in 2003 amounted to an estimated half-billion dollars in annual revenue for credit card companies. This money is used by the card companies to offset costs to investigate charge back claims by their customers.

The crook who perpetrates this card fraud, for the most part, goes unpunished. There is a limit of $2,000 before a criminal investigation can be started; the crooks know this and will not exceed $2,000 on their purchases from any one business. Thus, they are pretty much free to continue to victimize consumers and businesses.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Credit Cards

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Skimming&id=363585

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-14T00:30:00.001-07:00

Credit Card Processing
By Thomas Morva

Nowadays, almost all establishments accept credit card payments. This is because many consumers make their purchases using their credit cards, and establishments who do not accept credit card payments risks losing potential sales. Given this, it is then essential for any company that intends to sell products in the market to make sure that their stores can accept credit payments. There’s good news, though! Today, accepting credit cards is usually a fairly easy process because companies can gain access to the tools that they need to be able to process credit card payments from a number of sources.

Setting up a merchant account

The first step in accepting credit cards is setting up a merchant account. This will involve locating the right merchant account provider or credit card processor. Many businesses do this through the banks where they do their business banking. However, not all banks provide credit card processing services.

A good source of information is any trade associations that a business belongs to, which may have negotiated rates with a certain credit card processor that the business could contact. Another good source of leads is from other businesses that already accept credit card payments. On the other hand, given that most processors aggressively pursue clients especially start up companies, it is most likely that these processors will contact new business owners and offer them their services.

In deciding on which credit card processor to use, it is a good idea to employ canvassing strategies, which includes interviewing each credit processor and asking them questions that can help business owners pick the right processor. Some of these questions include asking them about their fees, their rates, and other services that they provide their clients. After which, business owners then should analyze which processor can give them the best deal for the credit card processing services that they are offering.

Nowadays, no business establishment should be without credit card processing capabilities. This is because given that most people make many of their purchases using their credit cards, establishments that do not accept credit card payments risk losing a significant number of sales. The good news is that today, the tools that businesses need to be able to accept credit card payments, which includes merchant accounts, are easily accessible, as there are a large number of companies that provide credit card processing services.

Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing&id=255743

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

The Benefits Of A Credit Card Terminal
By Mike Singh

Having a credit card terminal in your business can greatly benefit it if used properly. So many people now use credit cards for buying and selling that a credit card terminal is almost necessary. Without a terminal you can stand to lose profits if you are not careful.

Technology that is now available in regards to cards and having a credit card terminal is part of what can bring success to businesses. If you do order a terminal you will find that there are willing people to help you to install it just by dialing the telephone. They will walk you through every single step and even help you figure out how exactly to use it. Just remember any hassle that seems to come from having a terminal can be balanced out by more sales be created by its instillation.

There is the option of either buying a terminal straight out or leasing it from a licensed dealer and this can offer more options and convenience. Even if you are a brand new business just starting you can find a dealer who would be more than willing to rent you a terminal, it just takes a little legwork to find it. In the end it can only make your business stronger and more successful.

Of course your customers should be aware that there might be some small fees when it comes to terminals. There are different companies that provide terminals and some will have a certain percentage charged for each transaction that is completed on the terminal. A fee may also be charged to the business owner, but is so minimal that it doesn't even affect the benefits you will receive from having a wider customer base because of it.

You can find businesses online that sell terminals as well as those that lease them. You may have to search for a while to find a good price but they are out there. There is usually a satisfaction guarantee presented with most of these companies. You should be very careful when giving out any information if the site is not secured, but with some work you can find a great company with a terminal for you and your business.

Something that is very beneficial about having a credit card terminal is that it makes it more convenient for your customers and therefore will help increase your customer base. It is also a safer way to go then more traditional payment methods such as cash, which can be stolen, or checks that may bounce and cause you financial stress later on. Having a terminal will help guarantee that you will get paid.

As you can see there are many advantages to having a credit card terminal installed in your business. It is also a very simple and easy thing to get started with and there are different options in acquiring one that can just about make it easy for anyone to get one. So go ahead get a terminal and start making more money today.

Check out http://www.my-credit-center.com/ for more articles on accepting credit card online and business credit card with reward.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Singh
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Benefits-Of-A-Credit-Card-Terminal&id=284480

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-12T01:54:00.000-07:00

Setting Up E-commerce on Your Website
By Sherry Holub

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce the estimated total of e-commerce sales for 2005 was $86.3 billion, which is an increase of 24.6 percent over 2004. Overall business successes can sometimes hinge on that business' ability to accept transactions over the internet. In addition, the internet can help turn a local company into an international company and open up new avenues of business.

However, creating an e-commerce website does not automatically mean website sales. In a future article I will focus more on the aspects of actually operating an e-commerce website, but for now, I will cover the basics that will answer most questions for businesses who are considering the move to selling online.

First Steps

Let's assume that your business already has a professionally designed website. We usually ask new clients with existing websites who would like to start selling on the internet a series of questions to help determine the best solution for selling online:

Who is your target audience?

It is important to know who your customers are when taking into consideration the design of your e-commerce website.

What type of web hosting do you currently have?

The type of hosting can determine what type of programming is used on your website. Also, if you do not have sufficient resources to have an e-commerce website, then it is important to know this in advance so that we may suggest a suitable host for a client's needs.

How many products are you going to be selling?

Sometimes a client may only have a handful of products, in which case, a shopping cart (either pre-developed or custom) is not necessarily the best solution.

What type of special features would you like your shopping cart to have (example: coupons, affiliate program, downloadable goods, etc.)?

This is quite possibly the most important question because the answers to our special e-commerce website pre-development survey are usually the basis for understanding the specifics of a client's needs and for determining the price and time necessary to complete the project.

Explaining E-commerce

The next step in the process usually involves explaining to the client exactly how e-commerce works on the web. Below is a brief explanation of the technology behind the process and what is necessary to sell items on the internet.

The Process

Once a customer visits an e-commerce websites, adds product to their cart, and then clicks to check out, it official begins the transaction of the sale. Programming in the shopping cart enables the credit card information to be sent to what is called a payment gateway. The payment gateway's sole purpose is to offer a secure way to pass this information through the merchant account and on to the credit card processing bank. The processing bank sends the information to the customer's credit card issuer and the transaction is either approved or declined. From there, the results of the transaction are relayed back to the payment gateway where they are stored and sent to both the customer and merchant for verification. At this stage, the shopping cart usually issues a receipt to the customer and a notification of the order to the business.

A Merchant Account

The first thing a business needs in order to accept credit cards online is a merchant account. The merchant account is usually a business back account that is either set up through a Merchant Service Provider (for example, http://www.cardservice.com) or through your regular bank. When a transaction is approved on your website, the merchant account provider will deposit the funds in an account such as your business checking account.

A Payment Gateway

A payment gateway is the online terminal for encrypting and sending transaction information back and forth between your website, the merchant account and to the processing bank. One of the most popular gateways is http://www.authorize.net Most merchant account providers can also sell you a payment gateway.

A Secure Certificate (SSL)

A secure certificate is a necessity when running online transactions as it provides your customers with a secure webpage in order to enter their personal and credit card information before it is sent through the gateway. How can you tell you are on a secure order page? Simply look for a small lock symbol at the top of your browser next to the website address and https:// before the web address.

Shopping Cart Systems

Through discussing all of the details of a proposed e-commerce business website, we can help our clients determine what the best shopping cart solution is; whether it is a pre-developed cart, or a new custom programmed cart. We go through an extensive interview process to make sure each e-commerce solutions is custom tailored to the client's needs.

In Conclusion

I hope this information will be helpful to businesses that are just starting out with e-commerce, but remember, these are only the first initial steps to setting up your website to sell online. In a future article I will cover what happens after your internet store is "live", how you will be able to perform updates to your store on your own, and some tips on how to market your site and products more effectively.

Sherry Holub received her degree in design from UCLA in 1995. She is now the Lead Designer and Creative Director at Southern California firm, JV Media Design. Sherry is also a member of the AIGA, the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), and Manchester Who's Who.

http://www.jvmediadesign.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_Holub
http://EzineArticles.com/?Setting-Up-E-commerce-on-Your-Website&id=244336

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-11T02:06:00.001-07:00

Why You Might Need an Offshore Merchant Account
By Sara K

Whether you are in need of setting up your business elsewhere, moving your assets offshore, require secure credit card processing online or are seeking ways to improve your new business – Offshore Merchant Account is the answer to all your queries!

With the credit card business on the boom, for retail business owners, owning a merchant account that provides credit card processing online along with secure payment processing is, although important but difficult to get. But having a merchant account that offers secure payment processing options is a huge advantage as, with the interest rates dropped, both customers and merchants alike can benefit from it.

Benefits an Offshore Merchant Account offers

Most banks, credit card processors and third party account processors refuse to accept small business/retail merchants if the business has not been operating for at least 2 years. Not only that but some companies even tend to hold security deposits and payments at times for additional security purposes and in order to avoid faulty transactions with their merchant accounts. That is why a credit card processor or a merchant account provider who understands your business needs is essential for success.

Merchant accounts with offshore credit card processing is also a lot more beneficial and the service tends to be a lot better than the one provided by your local bank as you are placed in a comparatively favorable jurisdiction and there are almost no tax problems and currency fluctuations. It helps customers in not only making online purchases easily but merchants are also able to accept payments in multiple currencies.

With offshore merchant accounts, merchants can process credit/debit card transactions, get automated billing advantage, use a secure payment gateway and virtual terminal and also gain fast approval for applications.

The trend for a high processing fee that some processors and banks used to charge for opening an offshore merchant account is now declining fast due to severe competition. With an offshore merchant account you get a legal way of not only getting the real advantages of reduced taxes and additional payment processing options but you also get a genuine way to move your business proceeds offshore. This way the business owners are able to make most of their earnings and profits and enjoy the favorable conditions.

At http://www.instabill.com we understand the importance of your business and that is why we offer our Offshore Merchant Account customers with the best possible benefits and a 24/7 customer support service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_K
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Might-Need-an-Offshore-Merchant-Account&id=390846

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-10T05:06:00.001-07:00

E-Commerce Merchant Accounts
By Marcus Peterson

Every ecommerce merchant account uses a virtual terminal and a secure processing gateway that permits the credit card owner to enter his card information for use by the bank. Ecommerce merchant accounts reduce paper works, phone calls, mailing expenses labor charge and slowness of auditing. All the transactions are automatically done on your bank account.

You can either establish your own ecommerce merchant account or can avail the service of a third party who processes payments for you. Generally, third party accounts are useful for new merchants, and self owned accounts are useful for well established merchants. There are lots of banks and private merchant account providers (Map?s) offering ecommerce merchant accounts. You can also apply online. The minimum requirement is that you should have a well maintained website and a bank account.

Ecommerce merchant accounts vary widely. Some account providers charge a monthly fee, some charge weekly fee, and others charge a one time fee. You have to select an account according to the revenues generated and the current status of your business. Always look for a provider with high approval rate (more than 90%). When applying, make sure that the account can process all popular credit card payments such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. If you are going for market products or services globally, it is important to apply for a multicurrency ecommerce merchant account. Always deal with a provider who offers ample protection against frauds.

Setting up an ecommerce account is very easy. The set up fee for a third party account costs around $50 and your own account can cost around $600. However, setting up of ecommerce merchant accounts through banks is not so easy, as there will be some credit checks. Usually, banks do not provide accounts for new merchants. The transaction rate can be either around 2-3% of the transacted amount or $.30 per transaction. The discount rates are usually $10 to $15 a month, and the rolling reserve can be around $20 a month.

Merchant Accounts provides detailed information on Merchant Accounts, Credit Card Merchant Accounts, Internet Merchant Accounts, About High Risk Merchant Accounts and more. Merchant Accounts is affiliated with Internet Merchant Services.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?E-Commerce-Merchant-Accounts&id=410027

Credit Card Terminal

2007-04-09T00:51:00.001-07:00

Credit Card Terminal

2007-03-16T23:21:00.001-07:00