Merchant Account Credit Card Processing

Traditional merchant account credit card processing with a physical terminal is gradually being replaced by virtual processing via the Internet. In a cashless society where credit is king, retail merchants are turning to methods of processing payments online without a physical card. Instead of using a stationary terminal and going through the procedure of verifying credit card transactions over a land line phone, savvy retailers are opting to establish accounts through an Internet merchant account provider. The advantages to the customer and retailers are obvious: charged purchases can be transacted from any PC with Internet access; customers need not present a physical card; payment can be accepted online, over the telephone or via mail order; and merchants don't have to buy or lease expensive terminals, which increase overhead and cut into profits.

As Internet marketing has increased, shopping in cyberspace is quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception. Conscientious consumers are choosing to point and click their way through virtual malls instead of spending gas and time scouring department stores and retail outlets. In the time it takes to gas up the car and drive to a local shopping center, Internet shoppers can leisurely browse and buy almost any product from the comfort of a home or office PC. Senior or physically impaired adults don't have to worry about maneuvering through the crowds, and women can shop safely without fear of fending off purse snatchers or vagrants in isolated parking lots. And really, it is not God's will that anyone should have to live in fear, especially those who have worked a lifetime to enjoy the fruit of their labors. "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25) Online merchant account credit card processing, mail order, telephone transactions, and electronic checks all make paying for purchases safe, fast, and worry-free.

Merchant account credit card processing can be handled from any PC with Internet access from anywhere in the world. That frees business owners, flea market vendors, door-to-door salespersons, and mobile IT techs to process payments in the field via a laptop or Internet-access cell phones. Imagine taking phone, mail or catalog orders from a remote location and processing payments without lugging around a handheld terminal or waiting to return to the office in order to complete transactions! E-commerce operators can save thousands annually by eliminating a physical office. Home-based businesses will gain greater credibility and boost sales by accepting credit card payments online. Internet entrepreneurs, heating and air technicians, carpet cleaners, contractors, insurance salespersons, artists, and janitorial personnel can all collect payment in the field, at the customer's home or office, or in the car and it's simple. Charges are verified through a touch-tone phone and charged against an existing bank card. The Internet merchant account provider processes payments; manages business owners' accounts; issues monthly statements and net payments; and computes discount rates and fees.

Online store owners, independent contractors, and small home-based companies can compete with the big boys for consumer dollars and benefit tremendously from services provided by an Internet merchant account provider. All that is required is proof of a registered business name and a corporate checking account. Entrepreneurs can apply for an online account which will allow processing of most major credit cards and electronic checks. Approval can take two to three business days; however once approved, entrepreneurs can begin accepting electronic payments online, over the phone, or through mail order. Thanks to the miracle of e-commerce and virtual banking, business owners have a choice of three operating options: from a remote location, physical storefront, or online. Merchant account providers can also help cyberspace companies set up a website catalog with shopping cart access to make purchasing and paying for products secure, lightning fast and profitable!

Similar to traditional terminal transactions, merchant account credit card processing charges business owner's a percentage of each transaction and deposits monies into the owner's business checking account. To protect the cardholder and the store owner, online payments are safeguarded through encryption technology and address verification. Merchant account providers issue a monthly statement to business owners, including detailed transactions, discount rates, chargebacks and retrievals for cancelled purchases. Providers deduct maintenance fees and other charges, giving owners an accurate accounting of monthly transactions.

When it comes to service after the sale, a reputable Internet merchant account provider won't leave business owners to fend for themselves, but will offer point of sale and technical support on a 24-hour basis. As in traditional processing, there are bound to be questions which arise regarding customer balances and verification of information. But trustworthy providers actually partner with online entrepreneurs and store owners to help ensure that payments are properly authorized, processed and managed at little risk to the owner or customer. The security of virtual card processing via the Internet is paramount to the success of any online business; and everyone wins when providers implement safeguards to prevent credit card fraud.

For an independent contractor or E-commerce entrepreneur, merchant account credit card processing via the Internet is the wave of the future. Gone are the days when retailers had to rely on traditional processing to accommodate consumers. Virtual merchandising has freed both consumer and merchant to explore new avenues via e-commerce. But before investing in expensive onsite card processing terminals, business owners should explore options offered through an online merchant account provider. Affordable rates, 24-hour customer support, protection against fraud, and the ability to compete with larger businesses for consumers who prefer cashless credit purchases are all attractive options for entrepreneurs who want to take their online business to the next level of excellence.



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