Archive for December, 2011

The Basics

When a trader establishes a business, especially an online commerce, he is required to set up a merchant account  to enable him to accept electronic payments which are comprised of credit cards, debit cards and aggregator such as PayPal.  To maximize the full benefits of such a payment mode, a trader usually choose a merchant account provider that gives him the most advantages but does not limit his transactions. But what is a high volume merchant account ? In order to know what it is, you must understand the requisites and attributes of a good online business.

In order for an online business to flourish, there is a need for the merchant to put up a merchant account to facilitate payments for the services or products that he is selling online. Since internet business have an extensive coverage, physical presence of a buyer’s credit card or cash payment is not feasible thus the need to acquire a merchant account provider who will facilitate easy payment transactions for domestic and international buyers.

The downside of flourishing online business

Nevertheless, most domestic payment service providers have their own unusual viewpoint when it comes to providing services to highly precarious online businesses. This viewpoint takes the form of rules and regulations that makes them ward off any involvement with this online business which they labeled as high-risk. It is perhaps incongruous to note that online establishments with high-level sales volume are deemed “high-risk” by these payment providers. We usually associate high sales volume with a flourishing business. Thus it is ironical to note that with regards to online business undertakings, thriving businesses are usually judged as high-risk by merchant account providers. This is because the nature of internet business is such that blooming online enterprises are usually prone to the possibilities of fraud and charge-back troubles. That is why domestic providers are hesitant to offer their services for such. Thus, online traders opt to obtain a high volume merchant account to facilitate the payment transactions of his business.

When to opt for a high volume merchant account

Though most high volume merchant account charges a much higher fee in its transactions, they are a good alternative for high-risk business that cannot rely on domestic payment service providers. Their charges and rates are quite reasonable and within the limits as well as being able to provide plethora of services. What’s good about these high volume merchant account providers is that they will take into consideration the minute detail of the good as well as the bad points of your particular business before actually issuing you an account. Thus, it provides your business the chance to have a go at their services at all, unlike most domestic payment service providers who will reject your application outright on the merit that your business is considered “high-risk”.  These international providers do not have qualms in offering the applicants these high volume accounts except if your business is blatantly illegal or shrouded with some doubtful features.

You can browse online to find the best high volume merchant account provider amongst the multitude of providers existing in the market today. You can read the terms and conditions of these providers to ascertain which suits your type of business most. You need to look into the rate, setup time, billing system, fraud prevention systems, payment processing modes and other important features of a high volume merchant account before proceeding to initiate an agreement with such provider.

A credit card merchant account is the first step toward establishing an international business presence. After the account has been approved and opened, often within a few days, you can arrange to install a credit card processing unit that will allow clients to make Internet payments at your Website. You can save thousands of dollars in human resource staffing when you rely on electronic equipment to manage some of these functions
for you, including customer service inquiries, orders, payments, and other related functions.

Opening a high volume merchant account is easy. In many cases, all you need do is fill out a form online at a suitable financial institution like a bank or credit union that manages this type of accounts. In a day or two your account could be approved, especially if you have a good credit history and a specific plan for operating your business so as to avoid overextending your company assets. After being approved, you could be operating under your new merchant account status within three days or so. As your company Website begins to accept credit card payments, the word will get around and you soon could be seeing unexpected high-income levels due to your merchant status as well as a growing reputation for sophisticated business practices.

There are many reasons why a credit card merchant account may be right for your business. If your customer base is growing steadily or if you are having problems finding time to collect delinquent accounts, a credit card merchant account may be the answer to your difficulties.

A credit card merchant account allows you to partner with an acquiring bank to process credit card payments made on your company’s Internet Website. You also may wish to consider adopting wireless services as well as other electronic equipment that can help you facilitate online transactions.

Your job may become easier than ever while profits soar to new heights. Customers will appreciate the ease and convenience of browsing your company’s products or services online at any time of the day or night without the pressure of a sales associate looking over their shoulders.

Failing to open a merchant account will thus deprive your customers of the benefits of online shopping and avoiding cash transactions. If you are unwilling to provide e-commerce options, they are likely to find other customers who already have posted credit card processors for easy shopping payments and checkout. Your credit card merchant account can put you ahead of the competition, as others will see you as an innovative leader in your field and bring their business to you instead of other entrepreneurs who do not yet have credit card merchant accounts.