Monday, November 28, 2016

Factors To Keep In Mind When Selecting Credit Card Processing Terminals

By Christine Reynolds


Often, small business owners tend to feel that credit cards get in the way of efficient operation of their enterprises. That said, today's customers expect a lot from the establishments they frequent. Without the ability to accept electronic payments, you stand to lose sales from prospective clients who don't carry cash. To help you fulfill business needs while keeping costs low, you need to consider a few points when selecting credit card processing equipment.

While it may sound obvious, it helps to compare prices when checking the prices of different terminals. And contrary to what most think, the equipment is quite affordable. As such, it's not really necessary to lease the devices if one can afford to pay for one upfront. You should obtain multiple quotes and make a feature vs. Price comparison. If you're lucky, one or even several providers could lower their prices to match what others are charging. However, keep in mind that the cheapest option may not necessarily be the best deal.

You might want to consider whether you want a terminal that also allows you to accept debit cards. The advantage of this feature is that it allows you to save on processing fees while still providing a good range of payment methods. But before going all in, conduct an exhaustive analysis of what would best suit your firm before purchasing the equipment.

If you've already invested in a point-of-sale system for your business, ensure that the equipment is compatible with the former. The last thing you want is to sign a contract only to find out that the device you've just acquired won't work with existing equipment. If you're not able to find a terminal that can work with what you already have, prepare to make the changes necessary to integrate both the terminal and your POS system.

Although most of your card processing costs will be based on transaction volume, it's important to examine other fees as well. This way, you will avoid having to foot unexpected monthly charges or termination costs in future. Do not fall for word-of-mouth promises of future waivers on any fees, and prepare to walk away from the deal if proper explanations aren't provided.

It's absolutely crucial to read all the terms of the contract you're offered before signing anything. Scrutinize all details contained within the fine print and ensure you understand what all the conditions imply. If your business is relatively new, it would help to look for a short, simple contract so that you can try out various options to see what works best for you.

As you search for the best credit card processor, remember to look for providers who can offer round-the-clock customer support. Although this may not seem important, a faulty terminal could be costly for your business. Ultimately, it may be worth paying a little bit more in charges to get a reliable processor that facilitates fast, seamless transactions.

When evaluating your options, remember that what really matters is to get solutions that are well-suited for your business. Weigh your own needs (and those of your customers) against the cost and features of different terminals. If you do this properly, you'll find that perfect solution for your enterprise.




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