Your Home Based Business Merchant Account

Merchant account services

If you operate a business from your home, you may find it difficult to accept payments only in the form of personal checks, an electronic payment service like PayPal, or cash. In fact, studies show that a majority of customers in Westernized countries prefer to pay for their purchases with a credit card. But if you lack the equipment to process credit card payments, you may lose those customers’ purchases when they go elsewhere to businesses that do accept credit card payments.

Whether you sell products like handmade dolls, or services like typing or editing, accepting credit card payments sends the message to customers that you’re a professional who cares about making payment easier for them. Many know that you will be paying a small amount each month to offer this service, and they will appreciate your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Easy payment options through merchant accounts

Instead of forcing customers to send checks in the mail, which may require a waiting period at your bank for clearing, especially if they are from out of state, you can simply accept credit card payments that will be available for immediate processing. Your merchant account line of credit offers protection against fraudulent or withdrawn payments. But with a bad check, you could end up paying several penalties that can cost a considerable amount.

A merchant account for a home-based business need not cost an arm and a leg. You can set up a plan to pay less than twenty-five cents per transaction or a low monthly fee, whichever best suits your business budget. A more expansive plan could include wireless service that allows customers to telephone in an order, using the keypad to communicate with your business. As your home-based operation continues to expand, you may want to set up a website that will make your service or goods available 24/7. Imagine how many customers you might be able to attract to a store that operates everywhere in the world and never closes!

Just because your business is small doesn’t mean you have to run it in a small-minded way. Get information about various merchant account plans for a home-based business to expand your customers’ payment options and enhance your overall operations.