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 [...]]]>

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.

It is obvious that the recession is effecting everyone from large retail business to the small home-based business. While businesses that sell goods that are perceived as “extras” have seen their profits drop, many businesses – especially those centered around marketing and promotion [...]]]>

Will the heat cause your business to grow or wither away?

It is obvious that the recession is effecting everyone from large retail business to the small home-based business. While businesses that sell goods that are perceived as “extras” have seen their profits drop, many businesses – especially those centered around marketing and promotion – have actually seen an increase in business since the first of the year.

At the Small Business Ideas Forum, the thread Your Business and the Recession reflects an optimism that hasn’t been around for awhile. Small business owners in marketing and web design services ARE seeing their profits grow again, even if it is taking awhile.

Some reasons for the uphill swing in marketing sales have been contributed to:

1. People who have been laid off or seen their income flow dwindle are now trying to go into business for themselves.

2. The hope instilled by the election of President Obama.

3. New Years adrenaline.

4. Clients determined to revitalize and rejuvenate their dwindling businesses by pouring into their websites and marketing again.

5. Personal effort on the part of marketers that are pursuing new opportunities as the down economy generates more need for their services.

6. Many companies that were operating in the red when the recession hit have since closed their doors. As new businesses spring up, the need for marketing increases as well.

It appears that no matter what type of business you are in, attitude means everything. Businesses that are sitting back waiting for things “to turn around” may end up out of business. Will things ever “be the same” again? Not likely. Not with years of debt on the backs of Americans and a new administration trying to get their feet under them. Not while millions of Americans are going through foreclosure and bankruptcy and will not have their credit restored for years to come.

However, businesses that look for creative ways to tap into the new market spurred by the poor economy, and business owners who are willing to invest in the marketing of their business, stand a much better chance at success. Businesses that invest in their companies now in spite of the hard times show their customers that their business is still alive and will be around when the dust settles. This may require branching out into new directions, including new services, or focusing on certain areas of a business that have not been developed to their full potential. Now is the time!

One thing is for sure. The American attitude as a whole is the one thing that can positively affect our economy and cause it to grow again. The individual business owner’s attitude is the one thing that will determine whether his business fails or succeeds. Are you giving into fear or looking for creative opportunities?