These days, over 90% of purchases are made electronically. Customers are buying shoes online with a credit card number, paying for peanuts at the ballpark via a wireless terminal, or using a Smartphone card processing app to buy movie tickets on the way to the theater. Customers increasingly are using the ease and convenience of laptops and mobile networks in their purchases.
That means that today’s business owners need to be able to accept all types of credit card payments in order to stay competitive in this ever-changing market. Whether you’re selling organic vegetables at the local farmers market with a wireless processing terminal or you’re setting up a payment gateway online for your new software launch, being able to accept credit card authorizations can mean the difference in someone buying your product or moving on to someone that does.
That’s why many companies are turning to low-cost merchant service providers to set up these ecommerce processing systems. But not all providers are created equal: you’ll want to know what to look for when searching for a card processing company. What at first seemed like a step forward for your business can end up being a step back for your mental health.
There are a few considerations you should take into account other than price when selecting a merchant service company. Because, while seeking out the lowest rates might seem like the best way to improve your bottom line, those low prices may not include installation and training, 24-hour technical support, or fraud protection plans. These items are essential in a quality card processing company and can end up saving you hours of headaches and a ton of added expenses down the road.
First and foremost, you want to ensure that a potential service provider is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. If too many other merchants have had issues with that particular company, you’ll want to move on.
Also, be sure to ask if they offer training on their credit card software and hardware systems. A good company will take the time to ensure that both you and your fellow workers are brought up to speed and know the ins and outs of the processing structure you’ll be using. In that same vein, make sure the provider has 24-hour technical support in case a terminal or webpage goes down. What use is a credit card processing terminal or portal if you can’t process a payment?
Lastly, you’ll want to seek out a merchant service company that offers some form of fraud protection. While there is no guarantee against someone using a stolen credit card number to make a purchase from your business, knowing that your provider can offer assistance when this happens assures you of a prompt and less stressful solution than going it alone.