Setting up a merchant service so that you can accept credit cards for your business can get expensive. There are a number of fees, and it can soon become overwhelming. Some of the fees that you might pay when you set up a merchant account to accept customer credit cards and debit cards include:
- Set up fees
- Administrative fees
- Application fees
- Transaction fees
- Monthly fees
And, of course, you have to buy the credit card machine. Few merchant account providers will give you a free credit card machine. This means that you have one more thing to worry about as you try to get your business off the ground. However, it is possible to find a merchant account provider willing to give you a free credit card machine when you sign up for merchant services. You can find offers for free credit card machines at many of the merchant providers found on this website. It is important to note, however, that there may be other fees associated with your credit card machine. And, normally, you have to sign an agreement to use the company for merchant services for a specific amount of time.
Virtual credit card terminals
In many cases, you do not even need a credit card machine to accept credit cards. Instead, it is possible to set up virtual credit card terminals. Companies like Merchant Express provide access to virtual credit card terminals, which can be used from any computer with Internet access. In this case, your credit card terminal is actually housed online. This means that you can accept credit cards from anywhere – even from your laptop. There are also credit card terminals that are accessible through your cell phone or smart phone, allowing you to carry your credit card processing ability around the world. Some virtual credit card terminals allow you to hook up a card reader, making it easy to swipe the card, and send the information to the virtual terminal.
These virtual terminals might cost money, however. But there are merchant account providers willing to provide you with free products and services when you sign up. Instead of getting a free point of sale terminal, you might receive software for your virtual terminal free of charge. Or, perhaps, you may receive a free payment gateway. No matter your credit card terminal needs or preferences, chances are that you can find a merchant account provider that will give you deal if you sign up for services.
Before you decide on a credit card terminal, make sure you understand your options. Shop around and talk to different merchant account providers. Find out where you will get the best deal. Also, make sure that you do not let your desire for a free credit card machine blind you to other problems. Higher than average fees, poor service or faulty equipment can destroy the value of your free terminal. If you do not like what is being offered as the free terminal, you can ask for a voucher to use toward a terminal that you really want. Most merchant account providers are willing to work with you if you show that you are serious, and that you insist on getting a good value.