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To truly see success in the business world nowadays, you absolutely must offer credit card processing. As few people carry cash and even less use personal checks in this day and age, providing credit card processing can be a huge boon to customer satisfaction. Not to mention, it can have a great number of other benefits for your business as well.

What is Credit Card Processing?

Credit card processing allows your customers to pay for their purchases using only a debit or credit card. In some cases, credit card processors will also allow for EBT, gift card, and loyalty program processing too.

All the customer has to do is swipe their card through your in-store card terminal, input their card number into an online payment gateway or give you their card number over the phone and, in just a matter of minutes, their transaction is complete. It makes buying easier and more convenient for your customers and enables your business to process more transactions in less time.

How Credit Card Processing Works

Credit card processing works in a number of ways. The primary way businesses opt to offer credit card processing is via a merchant services account. Through this, you can acquire card terminals and point-of-sale systems that will enable your customers to swipe their debit and credit cards at your brick-and-mortar locations.

You can also choose to offer online credit card processing. Using this, you can allow customers to purchase your products through your website, in an online store format. All they have to do is enter their information, credit card number, and a few other details, and they’re order can be processed digitally and securely in no time.

You may also consider mobile card processing, which allows you to accept credit cards using only a mobile phone. This enables you to process transactions anywhere in the world your business takes you.

How Credit Card Processing Can Benefit your Business

Offering credit card processing can benefit your business in a wide variety of ways. First and foremost, it increases customer satisfaction. No longer do they have to count cash at the front counter or write a long and tedious check. They can simply use their card and, with a flick of their wrist, their purchase is processed, and they’re on their way home.

Second, it affords you new opportunities for selling. When you offer credit card processing online or via your mobile phone, you’re increasing the ways you can complete a sale. You’re no longer limited to sales only in your brick-and-mortar stores. Now, you can process payments on the road, over the phone, or online any time of day, 24-7.

Third, it can improve efficiency. With credit card processing, in-store transactions are handled quicker and more seamlessly. This allows your employees to process more purchases in less time, for less effort. Online card processing also helps in this regard, as well, as it requires no employee at all; the customer can simply input their information and card details on their own time, and the purchase is processed with virtually no additional overhead costs at all.

How to Choose Credit Card Processing Companies

There are hundreds of credit card processing companies out there, so choosing the right one for your business can often be difficult. Rates can vary greatly from company to company, as can levels of customer service. Additionally, many credit card processing companies also offer helpful extras, such as search engine optimization, marketing services, fulfillment solutions, and more.

When selecting the right credit card processor for your business, you should consider:

• Rates – This includes not only the rates per transaction or card type, but also any added fees you may incur for authorization, chargebacks and more. Make sure you know what your total charges will be now and months down the road before you sign a contract.
• Customer Service – Customer service is extremely important when it comes to credit card processing. If you experience a problem and are unable to reach your processor to resolve it, it could result in lost sales and profits for your business. Always look for a provider that offers 24-7 customer service.
• Options – Even if you’re just signing up for in-store card processing now, that doesn’t mean you might not want to start selling online in the future. Try to choose a card processor that offers you other card processing options you may be able to take advantage of later on down the line.
• Additional Services – If your business could benefit from help in other areas, like marketing, shipping, fulfillment, web design, or anything else, look for credit card processing companies that offer it. Chances are, you’ll be able to find one that does.
• Equipment – It’s also important to inquire about equipment when considering credit card processing companies. Find out if they require you to lease or purchase equipment from them, what the rates are, and how long you’re locked in for. In the long run, it’s usually more cost effective to buy equipment outright than it is to lease it directly from a provider.

How Total Apps Can Help

Though choosing credit card processing companies can be difficult, you don’t have to go it alone. Total Apps is your ally in the card processing world. We can help you create the right card processing solution for your company’s needs, goals, and budget. We’ll make sure your processing is not only affordable, but that it also gives you a leg up on your competition.

Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or a large-scale corporation, Total Apps can help you find the card processing solution that’s right for you.

More Information

Need more information on credit card processing? Check out these helpful links:

• Step by Step Guide to Credit Card Processing
• Credit Card Processing Info for Small Businesses
• Credit Card Processing Reviews
• Credit Card Processing and Merchant Account Reviews
• Credit Card Processing for Ecommerce