The Debate Rages On
Business, Credit card No Comments »For the longest time at our coffee shop, we have offered the customers the option of paying cash or debit, but never credit card. The reasoning behind the decision (according to the boss) is that since most of our transactions are small, it would cut into our profits, making it not worthwhile to the business.
But, from time to time, one of our patrons would have a little “chat” with the boss, expressing their desire for us to have some sort of credit card processing available.
I think it really struck a blow to our business, when we lost some of our regulars to the competition when they started to offer credit card payments for their customers. At one point we were even worried that we might not survive the competition.
Thankfully, our customers did come back as we offered better quality food and friendlier service than the competition. But, our customers and our boss still argue over whether or not we should accept credit card payments.
How credit cards can lead to bankruptcy
Credit card No Comments »People who have worked in human resource department are not unfamiliar with the bankruptcy cases. The cause of these bankruptcy cases is predominantly due to credit card debts. The debt to be paid is initially a few thousand dollars, and owing to unfavorable luck it grows exponentially to a few hundred thousand dollars in a month’s time. This goes on and finally the card holder becomes bankrupt, and loses all his possessions and finally ends up on the street. Here’s the punch line, card users are unaware of the impending doom, i.e. bankruptcy until it hits them between their eyes.
Every working person has to have a stack of credit cards with them, no matter where they go. Fear of getting mugged on the streets, and other such incidents have led to the replacement of having hard cash with credit cards. These cards are convenient to carry, and transactions can be done immediately on a very short notice.
Apart from all this, the chances of backfiring or other such accidents are minimal. The elation one gets on signing their first purchase form can not be replaced; however this must not drive card users into a shopping frenzy. And if an individual who is involved with credit card companies he gets additional benefits. People who belong to the advertising and marketing sector who often interact with credit card dealers are often targeted and exposed to new schemes and offers.
Increased purchasing power is often offered, your credit limit is extended which drives you into a much awaited card using frenzy. While these benefits are merely theoretical and not practically viable, card users imagine themselves to gain additional importance with credit card companies. They overwork their imagination and think of themselves as a part of the upper class, a marked improvement in lifestyle and status. Using common credit card rates of 2% monthly interest rate a minimum payment of $50 or 3% has to be made monthly based on its usage. From a shallow outlook the amount that has to be paid appears to be minimal, even though it occurs on a monthly basis.
A few factors contributing to credit card bankruptcy is that, when a purchase is made through a card the individual pays the minimum amount that has to be paid monthly and not the exact amount. Bankruptcy is more common with people who use more than 1 credit card. People who use more than 1 card often indulge in wild shopping frenzies and overshoot their credit limits on each of the cards within a short time. People in debt can use the following tips to save themselves some more time; paying more than the minimum balance amount to be paid monthly, moving balances from cards with high interest rates to those with low interest rates. There are several ways by which a person can get out of credit card debt, but it’s always advisable to stay safe and not get into such a situation.
Merchant Account Services – How to go about it with Credit Cards
Credit card No Comments »The changing face of technology granted us with virtual money and today, when almost everyone is willing to travel light and quick, one cannot keep the eyes tight shut to credit cards. If you run a business and you want clients to pour in, you have to consider the plastic. That has become almost a maxim and you can be rendered to almost nothing if you don’t have a suitable credit card processing means.
To accept a payment through credit cards, a merchant account is the minimum requirement. It also guarantees that a transaction happens in a most safe and secure manner and keeps concealed the whereabouts of the owner of the credit card. That also grants a customer the peace of mind and surveys have proved people keep returning to a safe abode.
Now, it’s the procedure. If you are to open a credit card merchant account, fill out an application form and keep ready the amount for the fees that may apply. But the fees are variable; this is because there are a plethora of merchant account services offering different facilities and deals. This also compels one to read between the fine prints, so that you do not pay up for the facility that doesn’t apply.
But there are chances that you may come across a service that states an e-check merchant account or maybe a merchant account offering for accepting debit card payments. Relax, it’s all the same thing and cover even the online transactions what we call e-commerce.
But you were happy receiving payments in cash; why would you be paying the extra amounts to get a credit card merchant account service? For that, you need to go down the memory lane a bit.
How many times did you witness a customer walking out since all he has is a credit/debit card and not sufficient cash? It plain translates to that you lost a sale; however bad it may sound, but plastic money is always an impulse creator. The age-old saying of a fool and his money are soon part has now transformed into a fool and his money are soon partying, so why not take the full advantage of it?
All right, let’s shun the example aside - for how many times you noticed a customer buying less number of items since he is short of cash? While that means less profit for you on one hand, it also embarrasses the customer and fact remains that the person was buying his daily necessities. Opening a credit card merchant account can save both the worlds – while you make the profits, the customer gets what he/she was willing to buy. You also make an impression that you are always there in time of need and there are chances that the same person shall keep visiting your shop especially for making large purchases. And oh, if you are running a business in some tourist spot, it may bring you the overseas connections i.e. foreigners who don’t have to think twice about currency conversions and related calculations. As soon as the sale is completed, the amount is cleared off automatically, with fewer hassles for you like going over to the bank time and again and taking on your shoulders a whole lot of risks.
Merchant Accounts
Credit card No Comments » Merchant Accounts