A merchant account is the authorization to credit card processing granted by a financial institution. Such financial institution has to be a member and certified by the Visa and MasterCard Associations to provide with the merchant account and all of the services related to merchant account.

MORE SALES

Studies have shown that having a merchant account may increase sales by as much as 50% or more. Many direct marketing businesses produce 90 to 100% of their sales by credit card

BIGGER SALES

The average credit card user spends 2.5 times as much as cash buyers.

CASH FLOW

When clients pays with credit cards or ATM cards, money is received faster than if you had to wait for them to send a check or money order.

IMPULSE BUYERS

With credit cards, buyers feel more freedom to make unplanned purchases. Keep your doors locked and the car in drive, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Thieves almost always appear from the rear on the drivers? side. If you notice anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed thief, just offer up your cash without argument.

ENHANCED CREDIBILITY

The ability to accept credit card payments gives you valuable credibility in the eyes of prospective and current clients.

HIGHER PROFIT MARGINS

Credit card customers are typically less conscious of price differences than buyers that pay by check or cash. A merchant account is the authorization to credit card processing granted by a financial institution. Such financial institution has to be a member and certified by the Visa and MasterCard Associations to provide with the merchant account and all of the services related to merchant account.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Credit card and ATM card users tend to seek out businesses that accept credit card and ATM card payments over those that do not.

INTERNET STRATEGY

It is clear that credit cards are the predominant and safest method of moving currency over the Internet. Accept them or loose customers.

Be Alert

If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous comes up stop your transaction and leave immediately. Tell the suspicious person in a loud, confident voice to "back-off" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to flee. It is much easier to apologize later or suffer a little embarrassment for your fear than to become a robbery statistic. When you receive cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and get away.

If you use your car at a bank drive-thru ATM machine the same tips apply. Be sure there are no obvious hiding places or suspicious people watching nearby. If there are, listen to your gut instinct and drive away. Keep your doors locked and the car in drive, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Thieves almost always appear from the rear on the drivers? side. If you notice anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed thief, just offer up your cash without argument.