Finding a Merchant Account Provider
The fees your merchant account provider charges, as a percentage
of sales, will add up to tens of thousands, even hundreds of
thousands of dollars, over the course of a few years - so don't choose without researching!
Bad or mediocre customer service can cost you many hours of
nail-biting anxiety as you struggle to straighten out problems
that may not even be your fault.
If, for any reason, your credit card processing falters, your business will feel the pain. That is why it's very important that your merchant account
provider pass some qualifications including these:
Qualifier #1. Integrity of the Merchsnt Account Provider.
Unfortunately the merchant account industry is full of deceptive claims and ruthless businesses that feast on the lack of knowledge that merchants have about the industry. Therefore, be on the lookout for these potentially “problematic” indicators:
(a) When you call during business hours, do you get an answering
machine instead of a live representative or a professional answering service?
(b) When you ask about your processing costs, do you get straight-forward answers or just confusing blabber?
(c) Do they post teaser rates all across their website with “free” terminal giveaways and ridiculously low rates?
(d) Does their website have a valid domain name or are they just representing another merchant account provider?
(e) Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBBOnline)?
(f) Do you see any security seals like Authorize.net, VeriSign or Komodo displayed on their website? This lets you know that their website is secured.
Qualifier #2: Price Structure of Merchant Services Provider
The merchant account rates and fees that you will be charged are critical!
Ask a merchant account provider to present a list of all of the COSTS associated with processing credit cards including things like monthly minimums, annual fees, supplies, early cancellation fees, minimum contract term, access fees, PCI compliance fees and rewards card surcharges. These are often the hidden costs that catch you after a contract is signed and dated.
Here are some questions to ask a potential merchant
account provider.
> Are your rates fixed or introductory?
Make sure rates are fixed. Do not accept any introductory
rates. Some merchant account providers will try to attract
you with super low rates up front ... and then as the months
go by raise your rates and fees to shocking high levels.
> Will you put ALL your rates and fees in writing?
If a provider will not agree to put 100% of all rates and fees
in writing, eliminate them from consideration.
> What are your hidden fees?
Ask the representative about hidden fees! Go over your written
agreement's fine print, searching for the slightest hint of a
hidden fee.
> Do you charge a cancellation fee if I decide to move to
another provider?
This question will help you determine if the provider is
interested in helping your business grow ... or maximizing their
own profit.
Qualifier #3. Customer Service of the Account Provider
Exceptional customer service should be expected. Here are some main points that must be included:
> 24/7 availability.
> On-hold times under 1 minute at all times.
> Friendly, courteous, responsive and knowledgeable representatives.
> A toll-free 1-800 phone number.
Before you sign up with any company, call up their customer
service number. Ask some questions (to gauge knowledge) and get a sense for their attitude. Do the groundwork now versus when you have a problem and really need to speak with customer service.
Eagle Merchant Services toll-free number is 1-800-255-0898. Call it and put us to the test!
Contact us today to receive a free quote for your merchant processing needs.
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