With the recession digging deep into the pockets of families throughout the United States, many individuals have begun researching the possibility of starting a home based business. The idea is made even more attractive because individuals can continue to work their normal job during the day, [...]]]>

Accept credit cards using your home or cell phone

With the recession digging deep into the pockets of families throughout the United States, many individuals have begun researching the possibility of starting a home based business. The idea is made even more attractive because individuals can continue to work their normal job during the day, while investing time in their home business in the evening hours.

With any home based business, the ability to accept credit card payments is very important. I am providing information regarding some of the most popular credit card processing options to help you decide which system is best for you and your budget.

Wireless credit card machines (sometimes referred to as a handheld credit card machine)

If you are involved in a business that moves from location to location, i.e., a landscaper, limousine driver, flea market vendor, crafter, carpet cleaner, or promoting your product at tradeshows, a wireless credit card machine may be the solution for you.

Similar to a cell phone, a wireless credit card machine provides you with the ability to accept credit cards even when no phone line or Internet connection is available.

Two of the most popular wireless terminals made by Nurit™ (the fourth largest POS terminal manufacturer in the world) are the Nurit 8000 and Nurit 3010. Both models are small enough to hold in your hand, yet known for their flexibility, reliability and secure transactions. Merchant Services offer a free Nurit 8000 wireless terminal to new retail customers!

Dialpay

Dialpay is a service that allows merchants to process credit cards using any telephone or cell phone. This is a unique mobile credit card processing solution that allows merchants to obtain credit card approvals and authorization numbers by dialing a toll free number. This solution is very economical and good for small businesses with a low volume of sales. It also works well for mobile businesses that need to obtain credit card approvals on the spot.

Online Merchant Accounts (sometimes referred to as internet merchant accounts)

When setting up an online business, it is necessary to obtain a merchant account as well as a gateway to process online payments. A gateway is used to transfer payment information securely between your eCommerce website and your processing bank. Merchant Services uses the most prominent and reliable gateway service in the industry, Authorize.net.

No matter which system works best for you, it is clear that the ability to accept credit cards is no longer an option for any business, large or small. Accepting credit cards allows your customers the flexibility they are accustom to in today’s culture and without that option, you will find your sales to be limited.