Is your Business Ready to Accept Online Payments?
Paragraph
As a business owner, you must be excited to start marketing and leading customers to your products. One of the last, but not least, is to find an Online payment solution that best suits your business on all levels.
Many shoppers leave websites without paying due to a shortage of payment options or an inability to follow the checkout process. Which makes having a great Gateway to follow through, priceless.
Doing Business In A World With No Money
We’re living in an increasingly cashless world. That’s great news for many businesses that benefit from impulse purchases, shorter processing…
Big Business Eating Your Lunch? Beat Them on Customer Care
Amazon delivers the same day – Walmart has the carts full from an online order – Big Lots discounts below…
Help for the Holiday Chargeback Hangover
As the last weeks of the holiday season pass and the receipts total up to a good, or even great…
Getting CBD Payment Processors Approved
With the easing regulatory atmosphere for cannabis related products, the business community has been somewhat slower to feel secure in…
6 Best Practices for Non -Profit Organizations in Setting Up Online Donations
Choose a payment processor who understands the unique needs and operations of non-profit organizations. Many payment processors work almost exclusively…
Boost Your Business By Accepting Online Payments via ECheck
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] There are three ways that checks do their job of taking money from your account…
NEW TECHNOLOGY CLOVER STATION PUTS YOU IN CONTROL OF YOUR BOTTOM LINE
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Bring your business into the 21st Century with the operations management Clover Station system. It…
Get Paid NOW! – Fast and Secure Mobile Payments
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Whether you’re an artist at a show, a handyman on the job, a wedding singer,…
Starting a Business – Capital and Expertise are Key Ingredients
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] The internet has made the process of starting a new business easier than ever. Gone…
Accepting Online Payments for New or High Risk Businesses
So you’ve started a new business either online or in the real world. You have a great product or a…
Choose Your Credit Card Processing Company With Great Care
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Choosing a solid credit card processing company is one of the most important challenges in…
6 Ways to Reduce Chargebacks
With your merchant account in place, the online payments flow in and business booms, but with this new way of…
How to Choose a High Risk Provider
It is all but impossible in today’s economy to operate a business without accepting payments other than cash. For most…
Benefits of Accepting ACH Payments
ACH payments are responsible for $43 trillion and 25 billion electronic financial transactions every year. Suitable for businesses of all industries and sizes, this effective payment method is becoming increasingly popular because it benefits both businesses and customers. If you’re not familiar with ACH processing and its benefits, we can explain everything:
How to Price Your Product: The Most Common Strategies
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] How do you set the price of a product? If you’re a business owner and…
Finding the Right Clover POS System for Your Business
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
What is POS Marketing?
Although it’s the last part of the customer experience and usually given the least amount of thought, the time waiting…
Four Tips for Safe Online Banking
It was first introduced in the early 1980s, so the idea of banking online is nothing new. In fact, it’s…
Tips to Protect Yourself from ATM Crime
Although many people install security systems in their homes or lock their doors at night, theft can still occur outside…
Four Strategies to Prevent Retail Theft
There are very few things that are as frustrating for a small business owner as theft. However. there are many…
How Business Owners Can Prevent Credit Card Fraud
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
How To Choose A Safe Pin Code
PIN is an acronym that stands for personal identification number. Put simply, this number is a security code for protecting…
Tips for Safer Online Banking
By and large, the internet has made the transfer of information much faster, and our lives much easier. Banking and transactions are no exception—over half of U.S. adults use online banking for their daily banking tasks. However, while online banking is much faster nowadays, it can be less secure than face-to-face banking if you don’t take the proper precautions.
5 Tips to Protect Your Finances While Traveling
When you’re traveling, it can be easy to get distracted with the sights and sounds around you. However, while you’re…
The VCR Program: Benefits For Merchants And Clients
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] On April 2018, VISA launched the long-anticipated VISA Claims Resolution (VCR) program. The new global…
Bitcoins: Opportunities and Risks Behind the World’s Favorite Cryptocurrency
Bitcoins are the first cryptocurrency ever created. We don’t want to overwhelm you with computer engineering terms, so to put it simply: Bitcoins are just digital money generated by high-performance computers.
Unlike dollars and euros, there is nothing for you to hold in your hands. It’s just computer code with monetary value. However, you can exchange bitcoins for cash. On May 1st, 2018, bitcoin started the day worth $9,244.32.
How Online Payment Works
Online payments are getting faster, safer, and more popular. Although you can’t see it, there’s a lot going on behind the screen. Do you know what happens in a few seconds while websites are processing payments? If you don’t, here’s how online payment works:
How To Secure Online Payments And Protect Customer Data
In the last few years, the National Security Agency (NSA), Facebook, and MyFitnessPal found themselves involved in data breach scandals. As a result, we’re living in times of increasing concern regarding privacy and misuse of personal information. While the debate is vital to avoid history repeating itself, it poses a challenge for companies that offer online payments.
Benefits of Mobile Payments For Businesses
According to BI Intelligence, the volume of mobile payment transactions is expected to double in the coming years and reach $500 billion US in 2020. If you manage a business, here’s what you need to know about this payment technology:
Top 3 Factors to Consider Before Setting A Price for Your Products
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] So, you’ve started down the path to entrepreneurship. You’ve got a great idea for a…
Why Your Small Business Needs Various Payment Options
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] With more ways than ever for your customers to pay, your small business can benefit…
Preventing Chargeback Fraud
What can businesses do to prevent chargeback fraud? Chargeback fraud is happening more and more often, and while there is…
The Risks of Chargeback Fraud
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Why Your Online Store Needs To Handle Return Policies Efficiently
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Travel-Related Business and Merchant Accounts
When it comes to all types of companies, their business merchant services help them process payments, obtain merchant cash advances, and protect their financial interests. However, some business types often do not get the same rates and advantages as others, based strictly on their industry. Specifically, travel-related businesses, such as travel agents, cruise ships, time shares, and tour agents often struggle to get a merchant bank account, and even if they do, the rates and terms are rather severe.
Is Your Business Ready For Holiday Shopping Season
The holiday shopping season has begun, and every retail business is gearing up for a busy fourth quarter. However, looking back to the last holiday season, we learned quite a bit about the increasing challenges that businesses of all sizes face in the changing commerce climate. More people are turning to the convenience and selection of e-commerce, which is causing even major, historic brands to downsize and reevaluate their operations. Other brands are still reeling from numerous hacking and data breaches, which reduces consumer confidence and costs our economy dearly.
Singles Day and Holiday Readiness (updated)
Last year, as we turned the corner on Halloween, we noted the growing popularity of “Singles Day,” that online shopping extravaganza that has become a bellwether for economic trends heading into end-of-year holidays.
By way of background, CNBC recounts that “Singles’ Day was first celebrated in the 1990s by young, single Chinese as an anti-Valentine’s Day.” (Consider the array of “ones” on 11/11, by way of symbolism).
The Equifax Breach and Your Business
As one of the three major credit monitoring and reporting entities, this organization is tasked with tracking and rating the financial history of consumers. Their reports contribute to crucial financial decisions. For example, if you want to purchase a home or a car, your lender will pull your credit report from one of the three institutions, including Equifax.
Even the interest rate your bank gives you on your credit card is based off of their reporting.
Now That Future’s Passed: A Look Back at 2017 (updated)
“It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” we wrote as 2016 became 2017, citing a Guardian article that had proclaimed our previous year as “The Year of the Hack,” and what it meant for the year ahead, and the years after that — like, for instance, that former “future” we’re living in now.
Breach Days: Equifax and Beyond (updated)
When this post first appeared last summer, we called it “The Breach Days of August,” sounding various alarums from what had been the just concluded Black Hat conference in Las Vegas (a gathering of mostly “white hat” hackers). In what surely now must strike us a more innocent times, we mentioned
that CNN Money was reporting that EMV chip cards — the very things allegedly keeping us safer at point of purchase could perhaps be rewritten to “appear like a chipless card again. This allows them to keep counterfeiting — just like they did before the nationwide switch to chip cards.”
Things to Know About Protecting Your Merchant Account
As a business owner, you know that your merchant bank account is crucial for your payment processing and financial solvency. This powerful tool helps transactions proceed quickly and safely, and can also be an asset for funding and cash flow. However, chargebacks can threaten your account, and may even get your business blackballed by the major banks and business merchant services. This month, we are going to take a deeper look at chargebacks, how to prevent them, and why high-risk merchants such as debt collection agencies are particularly vulnerable to them.
September of Our Year: EMVs Delayed, Storms Felt (updated)
In last fall’s Labor Day survey, we wrote that the unspoken rule was to put white clothing away until Memorial Day rolled around again, but that would seem to apply mostly to cool-weather climates, of which there are fewer and fewer, at least in the American west, where AVPS is headquartered.
Data Breaches Hit “All Time High” — Can We Keep Them From Getting Worse? (Updated)
All Time High was a good name for a James Bond film theme. But it’s an unwelcome descriptor for a trend in data breaches and hacks. As we wrote earlier this year, Insurance Business Magazine reported, “there were 1,093 tracked data breaches in 2016, a new all-time high according to a report from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) and CyberScout…the previous record was 780, recorded in 2015, making a 40 per cent increase last year. However, the report asks whether it is the number of incidents that has risen or just the reporting of them by states.”
How Mobile Payment Processing Is Growing
Mobile processing is a permanent part of the business landscape, and it is one that continues to grow in importance. Whenever a company decides to reconsider its business strategy to keep up with current demands, the payment system it uses should be a large part of that discussion. Mobile payments are a major component of many companies’ monetary collection systems, making this form of processing all the more important for businesses that want to have a competitive edge in today’s market.
PCI Oh My: New Study Shows Compliance Can “Make or Break” Merchant Relationships (updated)
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Travel Tips & Tricks for Summer Card Carriers
Summer travel always brings with it a shifting list of do’s and don’ts, in terms of what to pack, where to go, what to expect if you’re queueing up for a TSA line, etc. It’s also been a good way to mark how people are feeling about the economy around them: Do they see themselves as having the extra income and time for a trip?
Importance Of Mobile Credit Card Processing
In the past few years, mobile processing has revolutionized the way in which many business models operate, as well as create an avenue for start-ups to get their proverbial feet wet. For example, we all know that most new businesses fail within the first two years. Rather than invest in a physical location, massive inventory, or huge upfront costs, budding entrepreneurs can experiment on a small scale to demonstrate proof of concept.
How To Prevent Financial Risks When Traveling Or Shopping
We are deep in the heart of the summer travel and shopping seasons, which means more of us are getting out, getting on the road, and exploring new places. Tourism and travel help boost our economy, and promote prosperity among many communities across the nation. However, this time of year also creates serious dangers when it comes to the safety and security of your financial information. The last thing you need is to go out of town, only to get stranded because some enterprising thief or hacker managed to steal your credit or banking information.
If It’s Wednesday, It Must Be SID4B Training Day! (WebEX Link Inside!)
We’re excited here at AVP Solutions, as Wednesday, April 19th rolls around!
Not because it’s the day after Tax Day (well, maybe a little because of that), but because it’s our long-talked about SID4B Training Day, at last!
Our mission at AVP Solutions has always been to equip our merchants with the most comprehensive services and the highest level of customer service available, and as you know, we’ve been rolling out SmartIDentity for Business (SID4B) to our core suite of services!
May the Force Not Be With You: Guard Against Fraudulent Force-Posted Transactions (Pt. 1)
Among the many types of hacks and frauds we warn about, or sadly have to post about (a report discussed by Reuters this week finds that “cyber security breaches erode companies’ share prices permanently”), one to be especially vigilant about is the “force sale” (sometimes called a “force capture” or “offline transaction.”)
How To Overcome First Challenging Year Of Your Business
That’s why you need a carefully constructed plan that addresses your infrastructure, funding, staffing, payment processing, and goals for growth. This plan will serve as your proverbial roadmap, and will help you better anticipate any challenges and prepare for them.
AVP Solutions Launches “SID” (SmartIDentity for Business) Training; Join us on April 19th
Our mission at AVP Solutions is to equip our merchants with the most comprehensive services and the highest level of customer service available. In that tradition, we are proud to announce the addition of SmartIDentity for Business (SID4B) to our core suite of services!
How Portable Preparing Empowers Imaginative Business
For years, places like farmers markets, food trucks, sports concessions and a slew of others all operated on a cash-only basis, which in turn, limited their customer base. Those days are fading fast. Now mobile phone credit card readers ensure that customers can pay any way and at any time.
Better Credit Card Deals Can Be Yours For the Asking
Who knew that a better deal on credit card rates and fees was simply yours for the asking? Well, evidently everyone who picked up a telephone and dialed up and asked for it! And by “telephone” and “dialing,” we actually mean tapping the number pad on that little computer in your pocket.
Significance Of An Expert Planned Online business Site
Why Hiring a Professional Website Designer is Good for Business Small businesses reach new audiences through e-commerce, which allows them…
Credit Card Processing Risk Management Solutions
With summer only a couple of months away, now is a good time for seasonal or tourism-oriented businesses to give additional thought to secure payment processing. This hectic season brings an opportunity for profit and brand-building, but it also entices word-be thieves to take advantage of the growing crowds.What makes seasonal businesses so attractive when it comes to card skimming, cloning, and the use of counterfeit credit and debit cards?
Record “Green” Predicted for St. Paddy’s; Eyeing Payments on Other Side of Rainbow
As the above-linked summary states, “spending for St. Patrick’s Day is expected to reach $5.3 billion, an all-time high in the survey’s 13-year history. The total is up dramatically from last year’s $4.4 billion and tops the previous record of $4.8 billion set in 2014.”
The Two Types of Credit Card Users: Churners and Chuggers
There are numerous pieces of philosophical shorthand floating around about there being “two types of people” in the world — those that like a certain type of entertainment or music, say, or those that don’t. Perhaps a kind of food, or a political philosophy.
Beyond the Antivirus Software, Pt. II
As we write this morning, the internet is recovering from a partial loss of “the cloud” as Amazon’s S3 server had gone out, resulting in the shuttering of numerous websites and services. Since we posted last week, a massive potential breach to numerous websites has made headlines, as the Cloudflare security service used by many sites– like Uber and OKCupid — was itself compromised for several months.
Are You Using The Best Card Processing Solutions?
At AVPS, we believe that continued discernment is what sets great entrepreneurs apart from the rest. As we approach tax time, now is the perfect time to take a second look at your options to see if you can get better rates, better service, or simply the peace of mind that you are getting the best provider for your financial needs.
You May Need More Help Than Your Antivirus Software Can Give
A recent article in Slate’s “Future Tense” section has some sobering news: “In 2005, Panda Software reported that a new strain of malware was discovered every 12 minutes. In 2016, the cybersecurity company McAfee says it found four every second.”
Benefits Of Mobile Processing For Small Business
In the past, the AVPS team has talked about how mobile credit card processing has revolutionized innovative small business models. From food trucks to seasonal businesses, mobile processing removes the typical restrictions that keep entrepreneurs chained to traditional brick and mortar storefronts.
A Brief History of the Unlikely Rise of the Credit Card
We don’t know if you’re in the habit of reading the venerable Christian Science Monitor, but they’re a reliable source of what remains real news, and many of their features and backgrounders are fascinating, as well.
Things To Know About Merchant Cash Advances
Likewise, when some businesses do face challenges, such as facility improvements, inventory shortages, or simple slow-downs, they don’t know where to turn. They could seek out traditional loans, but feel uncertain that they can meet the terms and the timelines required.
New Fintech Rules? The Yin and the Yang
Along with all the turmoil occupying our headlines these days, comes some under-the-radar discussion of potential new rules that could affect the financial sector — or at least the financial technology or “FinTech” sector.
of SID, the Fed, and EMVs
In payments news, we see that the Fed has issued a progress report on its previously announced “Strategies for Improving the US Payment System”, a plan that included “several strategies to enhance the US payment system to ‘meet the changing demands of American consumers and businesses,’” as synopsized by the Banking Technology website.
Fraud Prevention. Why This Issue Affects All of Us
The issue of secure payment processing is obviously a longstanding battle between banking institutions and thieves, but this is a problem that affects both business owners and customers as well. We often think of the effects of fraud on a singular level—how it affects us. However, with thieves and hackers always on the cutting edge of innovation, we all must band together to combat this pressing problem
Hacks Happening! But AVPS and SID Can Help!
We knew we’d have some “breachy” news to report this month — we always do — but little did we know how much! For starters, just up the boulevard from AVPS, L.A. Valley College decided to pay out $28,000 in BitCoin for a New Year’s Eve attack where ransomware captured their computers, or more specifically, the files on them.
How Mobile Credit Card Processing Can Boost Efficiency
If you’ve been reading the AVPS blog for the past few months, you know that we’re firm believers that mobile processing can boost efficiency. However, we also know how many small business owners feel about change or incurring a new cost. With the busy holiday season behind us, now is the perfect time to take stock and give your operational performance a check-up.
Breaches Predicted; Help is Coming
The CIO website is rife with predictions on coming cyber threats and data breaches for the coming year, laid out across several different articles. In one on Five Data Breach Predictions for 2017, they list, among the quintet of threats, a “focus on payment-based attacks despite the EMV shift taking place over a year ago.”
Happy New Year! And In A Time of Breaches, “SID” Is Coming!
Of course, just because the calendar changes, that doesn’t mean the issues, ideas, and economic trends of the previous year suddenly “go away” either. Foremost among those, and something we report on often in this space, are breaches, “hacks,” and the latest frontier of data security — an area that seems like it will only get more “parlous” for those trying to safeguard sensitive,personal data, whether their own, their customers’, or both.
Discover Wireless Payment Solutions
If you are planning a significant remodeling project for your business, you probably face a common dilemma: Should you close for the duration, or should you attempt to remain open during construction? While remaining open is ideal for keeping financial continuity, it also creates its own set of challenges. You need to maintain a safe, functional environment for your customers while also adjusting to an operation that will feel like it’s in constant upheaval.
The Christmas Economy’s Home Stretch — and One More Big Hack
Normally we like the holiday weeks to have more “genteel” posts, with a little holiday history, and some prognostications for the current economy and the new year.
Well, okay, sometimes those prognostications aren’t necessarily “genteel,” given that the future can be a murky place, but all in all, we like to infuse some sense of “seasonal lights” into our updates.
Feds Raise Rates — Will Consumers Move to Debit?
In the world of revolving credit and saying ‘charge it,” the big news this week is that the Federal Reserve…
Small Scale Start-Ups Mobile Credit Card Processing
For many people, this time of year brings out that inner-yearning they have for taking their entrepreneurial ideas to the next level. They want to start a business but are hesitant to jump into a significant investment when they have so little experience. However, at AVPS, we believe that the best businesses come from passionate people who scaled their operations smartly. In our incredibly unique economy, they have the ability to explore unusual business models that allow them to give their ideas a proverbial test drive without
overextending themselves financially.
Holiday Card Safety While EMV Gets Pushed 3 Xmases Ahead
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Credit Card Processing Risk Management Solutions
As we head into the throes of the holiday season, you are preparing your business for the current influx of customers. You’re focused on inventory, logistics, customer service and maybe even extending your business hours to accommodate the growing crowds. However, for thieves and hackers around the country, this season also represents one of the easiest times to take advantage of your distracted state. Where you see
profit potential, they see the perfect opportunity to take money away from you and your customers and put it in their own pockets.
Post-Monday Postmortem: More Now Shopping Online
And… we’re back! Still in mid-holiday season, and yet perched between Thanksgiving and that last round of Christmas/Hanukkah/New Year celebrating.
We hope your Thanksgiving was nourishing on many levels. As for what we cover here, it seems to have been productive for businesses, too. According to CBS, “early indications are that this should be a good shopping season, with nearly 154 million people on the prowl for holiday deals during the Thanksgiving weekend, up 2 percent from last year, a National Retail Federation survey indicated
Giving Thanks, Eating Pie, Logging On: Thanksgiving 2016
Historians, according to a round-up of Thanksgiving facts from the U.S. Census Bureau, recorded other “ceremonies of thanks” given by various groups of European settlers in North America — not just pilgrims. Indeed, most of these were probably Biblically-derived, and “included the British colonists in Virginia as early as 1619.”
Why Small Businesses Need A Web Presence
With so many small businesses struggling to remain viable in our economy, they often need to employ innovative strategies to reach both existing and new customers. Even the smallest of businesses needs a website as a way to connect, because that is how we research, learn, and ultimately decide where to spend our money. If your small business is feeling the struggle of competing with larger organizations, you should consider creating a new website, or revamping your existing site.
Post-Election, Will Shoppers Be Ready to Kick Off Holiday Buying?
We write this on our propitious Election Day 2016. And while this isn’t a political blog, as such, it’s no secret that happens in the worlds of government and politics has a direct effect on economies — and thus, on your customers and what they buy.
How To Find Best Merchant Account For A New Business
Starting a new business is always a stressful endeavor. As entrepreneurs try to transform their passions into success, they often realize that life as a business owner is not at all what they expected. They focus so much on bringing their products or services to the public that they fail to understand the finer logistics that are required to thrive. From setting up a merchant account for a new business to training employees, they deal with a wide variety of issues that are sometimes completely outside of their skill-sets.
Study: Debit Cards Keep Outpacing Their Credit Counterparts
“The amount of debit cards is growing at a faster rate than that of credit cards, according to RBR’s Global Payment Cards Data and Forecasts to 2021 study,” as Business Insider reports.
Protect Your Customers During the Busy Season By Focusing on Secure Transactions
During this high-traffic season, businesses across the country will be more vulnerable than ever to hackers seeking to steal their customers’ financial information. Because of this, businesses need to take special care to ensure that they are providing the most secure payment processing possible. At AVPS, we believe that businesses need to make this a top priority, not only for their customers’ safety but for the sake of their own reputation
The “October Country” is also “The EMV Country”
…or at least, it’s “EMV Anniversary” time. Last year, in October, it was the “liability” swtich that mandated merchants switch to EMV-capable POS devices, or be left to reimburse any card fraud expenses themselves.
Impress Your Customers With Innovative Payment Logistics
With the holiday season fast approaching, retailers across the nation are gearing up for their busiest season of the year. For newer businesses, the physical logistics of a sudden influx of customers often presents one of the greatest challenges in defining their brands. Come the first week of December, while you’ll
want to see customers coming through your doors, will you really want to see a long line of impatient people rapidly becoming unsatisfied with their shopping experience?
Holiday Economy So Far in “Treat” Mode; Plus: Credit Cards Like Candy Corn?
Our holiday posts give us map markers to see how the economy is faring, and if Halloween “spend trends” are to be believed, your customers seem to be in a pretty good overall mood right now.
“Americans take Halloween pretty seriously, and this year appears to promise some wicked spending,” according to the Ameritrade website. “More than 171 million people could celebrate the fall holiday, spending an average of $82.93, up from last year’s $74.34, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Total spending on Halloween could reach $8.4 billion, an all-time high and up 20% from a year ago, the NRF said.”
Feds Facing Forward, Fighting Fraud
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Online Payment Processing Solutions
Online sites like Etsy offer entrepreneurs the ability to create virtual storefronts with ease, but their services often come with a higher price tag than many expect. They make their money through fees, but those fees come at nearly every level of the process. For example, Etsy charges a fee to list an item, then once purchased, they charge both a transaction fee and a payment processing fee.
First Monday In October — Credit Fees Get Their Day in Court
The First Monday in October is, famously, the start of business for each Supreme Court session. This particular court, of course, remains in a 4-4 ideological tie until the Senate decides it might be time to go to work and confirm a judge for the current vacancy.
How Fraud Affects Your Customers and Why You Need EMV Processing
Chip cards, as consumers typically refer to them, are now the standard for secure payments. They help reduce fraud, and give your customers an added layer of protection. We know that upgrading your equipment to offer this increased level of credit card transaction security can be frustrating, but let’s take a look at what happens to a customer when he or she is the victim of card fraud.
Payment Cards Set to Surpass Cash For First Time Ever
“Is this the beginning of the end for cash?,” a recent article in Marketwatch asks. No, we’re not talking about governments yanking currency and forcing everyone into an electronic payment system. Rather, we’re talking about a shift in the use of payment cards that “has happened gradually over the last 20 years, ‘dramatically skewing in favor of card and electronic payments,’” according to the same article.
Small Businesses And Holiday Logistics Planning
With fall’s arrival, now is the perfect time to look ahead toward the upcoming holiday season and plan your sales strategies.
While larger corporations have extensive logistics procedures to handle increased holiday traffic, smaller businesses often struggle to adapt their operations effectively. As a small business owner, you know that one of the worst things you can do is create an environment that frustrates potential customers; long waits and lines for payment can cost you in both sales and reputation. While adding additional payment terminals seems like the logical solution, you also know that this is a lot of expense and equipment that you just don’t need for the rest of the year.
AVPS has the perfect solution through our mobile credit card processing options.
One of the reasons we love mobile processing technology is that it lets businesses adapt to their changing needs without having to completely rework everything. Imagine your current location, and the ability to check out customers quickly and easily beyond your existing register set-up. Your employees can accept payments instantly from around your location, which can help you better manage customer traffic, expedite transactions, and increase sales volume. When you are able to maintain a steady flow of transactions, you not only help boost your sales, but you also create customer goodwill which leads to positive reviews and repeat customers.
While it still may seem early to focus on holiday season sales strategies, remember that your small business does not have those professional efficiency experts like the big-box stores. It’s up to you to take an honest assessment of how you can improve your operations, especially when your customer volume increases dramatically.
AVPS wants to help, and with mobile phone credit card readers, we can transform this holiday season into your best one yet.
Save
Save
Two Things Growing: Smart Card Use, and Retailer Resistance
Fall is usually viewed as harvest season, where the crops grown over summer are brought in and stored for winter. Some things still grow in the fall, though: artichokes, for example. Cranberries and pumpkins. In the payment news cycle this week, comes word of some additional growth: Namely that of “smart cards.”
Pushmi-pullyu: Payments on the Coming “Internet of Things”
The “Pushmi-pullyu” is, of course, a llama-like character from the Dr. Doolittle books and films — one with heads on either end of its body. But the legendary beast may also be a symbol of how the idea of “payments” are still sorting themselves out on the coming “internet of things.” At least, according to MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga. In comments to the Diginomica website, he said there would be “a lot of “interesting pushing and pulling over time,” as the idea of “payments” — and commerce — sorted themselves out over this expanding new network of wired-up, well, “things.”
How AVPS Can Help You Take Your Business Concept To Success
Many entrepreneurs are thinking outside of the proverbial box when it comes to launching new businesses. They see just how the cards are stacked against them, and they don’t want to invest all of their capital without a definitive proof of concept. After the recent recession, entrepreneurs are even more hesitant to launch full-scale operations in such an uncertain economy. While this creates many challenges, it has also created an
environment of possibility From pop-up storefronts to mobile trucks, new businesses are redefining the concept of a start-up, and enriching our communities through their efforts.
Why Your Business Needs Online Shopping
We all want to support local businesses, but we also have become attached to the convenience of online shopping. This utility goes far beyond cost savings and ease—it’s allowing people to find unique products, too. Additionally, people who find it difficult to navigate in-store shopping, like the elderly, parents of small children, or those with limited mobility, find that online options offer the best way to get the things they need. While the growth of online shopping offers incredible opportunities, it’s also hurting many small businesses that provide valuable contributions to their local communities. They simply can’t compete with businesses capitalizing on our affection for the comfort and convenience of online shopping.
Study: Fraud Up Over 100% Since Last Labor Day
According to the latest AAA survey, “cheap gas prices are expected to boost Labor Day weekend travel as revelers pursue a last blast of summer fun before autumn weather begins. About 55 percent of Americans say they’re more likely to take a road trip this year due to lower gas prices.”
Affordable Card Processing Solutions
Is your small business struggling under the weight of operating costs? Even those owners with a history of business experience and acumen can find that the tools they need eat too much into their profit margins. Payment processing, for example, seems like a system of fees you grudgingly must pay in order to provide your customers the convenience of debit and credit payments. In the modern market, you can’t forgo digital payment processing, either, but you can ensure that your retail merchant account is providing you the best and most affordable card processing solutions. Our AVPS team will help you determine if you can reduce those operating costs by giving your current payment processing a serious check-up. By taking a second look, you may find out that you are eligible for better rates.
Millennials and Credit Cards: Yes or No? Or both?
A recent New York Times piece has made some financial news, declaring that “data from the Federal Reserve indicates that the percentage of Americans under 35 who hold credit card debt has fallen to its lowest level since 1989, when the Fed began collecting data in a standardized way.”
Increasingly Cashless in an Age of “Big Hacks”
We never want our posts to be about hacks or data breaches two or more weeks running. But as most of us find out, when checking the climate-shifted weather reports, or reading up on the elections, the news cycle doesn’t bow to our own particular needs or desires.
Stealing Payment Card Data “Dead Easy;” “Quickchip” Comes to NorCal
It’s a yin/yang, up-and-down week in payment and security news. Though to be sure, the downside hasn’t been “overly” down, in terms of major breaches or security hacks (though if you have a Yahoo account, you may want to consider changing the password — again).
Is Your ECommerce Business Underperforming? Common Missteps You May Be Making
If your ecommerce business just isn’t performing to the level that you want, it may be time to reassess your approach. As your trusted provider of retail merchant accounts, AVPS wants to see all of our ecommerce clients achieve their goals and continue to grow.
1 in 3 Hit By Hacks; U.S. Near Top Due to Slow EMV Adoption
A recent study by ACI Worldwide and the Aite Group has found that upwards of 30% of global consumers have been victims of some type card fraud in the past five years. Statistically then, this has happened to almost a third of the people reading this very article.
Merchant Cash Advances At A Glance
We are now halfway through the calendar year—and at the start of the fiscal year—which means many businesses are taking stock of their performance, and deciding how to best position themselves to come out of 2016 feeling successful and fiscally confident. For some, however, they are realizing they may need an injection of capital to stay on track. Perhaps they need immediate inventory, or now is the time for much-needed expansion or repairs
PCI Develops Payment Security Resources For Small Businesses
As their recent press announcement puts it: “small businesses around the world are increasingly at risk for payment data theft. Nearly half of cyber attacks worldwide in 2015 were against small businesses with less than 250 workers, according to cybersecurity firm Symantec.”
And now, to try and help these smaller companies shore up their defenses, the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), whose security protocols and recommendations we report on here, on a recurring basis, have now set up a Small Merchant Task force which has developed a set of payment protection resources for those same businesses.
Be Our Guests: POS Security Tips from the Hotel Biz
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] In a little bit of irony, a few days after the Hospitality Technology website ran…
Consumers Suing Lax Retailers, post-EMV. Plus: Baseball
In another sign of how the responsibility for data security — and the liability for same — is shifting, Payments Source reports that “merchants are facing consumer lawsuits stemming from the introduction of EMV-chip card security at the point of sale in the U.S., exposing the issues many stores must contend with now that they are held liable for fraud and chargebacks.”
Ongoing EMV Processing Transition. Is Your Business Letting Misinformation Cloud Your Decision-Making?
In a recent blog, we asked an AVPS colleague to report on how a variety of businesses in her area were adapting to the required transition toward EMV chip card processing. As we’ve reported extensively, EMV chip cards are now considered the accepted standard for secure payment processing. While her experiences highlighted the rocky transition that even national retailers face during this migration, it also highlighted how even the smallest local businesses have easily converted to EMV.
Brexit Signs: How the Vote Might Affect Payment Cards
True, Britain has always kept its Pound, as far as currency, so has no “Euro” to give up. But as a country that was part of the “E” of those “EMV” standards we keep writing about (“Europay Mastercard Visa”), what, if anything, happens now to international payment protocols with Britain’s seeming withdrawal?
6 Tips For Creating A Successful E-Commerce
E-commerce allows people to turn their passions into thriving businesses, giving them a way to connect with customers from around the world. E-commerce also allows entrepreneurs to scale their businesses as needed, because they don’t have to invest in a brick-and-mortar storefront and the logistics that come with it.
Preparing Seasonal Business Merchant Accounts Processing
Small, seasonal businesses enrich our communities and provide valuable contributions to local economies. However, this unique business model can be tricky to execute successfully, as budding entrepreneurs do not realize that they require the same planning and resources as traditional businesses. Whether you want to run a snack stand at a water park, or design Christmas light displays, you need to approach your new business with the same consideration and commitment as a brick-and-mortar operation
Scam Alert, Pt. II: How to Protect Against Skimmers
Last week, we mentioned a rash of phony invoices that are being sent by companies alleging to help with EMV upgrades, along with some preliminary advice on how to be aware of whether skimmers were being placed on the POS devices at your business.
Scam Alert Warning, Pt. I: Phony EMV “Invoices” and All-Too-Real Skimmers
Unfortunately, both this week and next, we have a couple of scams affecting merchants to warn you about, either trying to pry money out of merchants directly, through phony invoices, or to get that money from your customers by “skimming” their credit card information.
Let AVPS Help Your Payment Processing Grow With You
However, how do you know what equipment you need, or how it will integrate into your day-to-day operations? Whether you need on-site solutions, mobile processing utilities, or payment options for your website, Advanced Payment Solutions is here to help you make the most of your retail merchant account. Our team can help you select the services and equipment you need, and provide the training so that you feel confident in your payment processing.
Credit Card Security and Your Vacation
Summer is the busiest travel season, but it’s also a time when credit card transaction security risk is on the rise.
If you’re planning your seasonal vacation, you need to take some basic precautions to ensure that your experience isn’t marred by financial disasters. Here are some tips for keeping your credit cards safe:
PCI Sets New Security Standards – Gets Surprising Pushback
As the Finextra website reminds us, “merchants and other businesses globally use ‘PA-DSS Validated’ software to ensure they can safely accept payments, both in-store and online.” And now there are updated “procedures for secure installation of software patches and updates, and instructions for protecting cardholder data if using debugging logs for troubleshooting, as these can be exploited during a compromise.
EMV’s Slow Rollout — Viewed from the Hudson River Valley
Last spring, around this travel-y time of year, we had just gotten back from Europe, and reported from the land of EMV use (that’s where the “E” in those initials comes from!) about how customers were adapting to inserting their cards, and perhaps signing or using PINs more often.
Payment Solutions for Sole Proprietors—AVPS Can Help Grow Your Business
Sole proprietor businesses help drive our economy, and make up an incredibly diverse pool of talents across all industries. From personal trainers to writers, housekeepers to consultants, independent entrepreneurs bring a wealth of talent and skill to our lives. If you are a sole proprietor, you understand the difficulties you face while being the driving force behind your business. You are the sales, service, marketing, and accounting department wrapped up in one very busy package. At Advanced Payment Solutions, we understand, which is why we can set you up with a retail merchant account and the ability to accept credit cards. Our merchant account solutions help businesses of any size craft the most safe, secure payment processes, while also providing the support they need for success.
Economic Green Lights, as Summer Travel Plans a “Go!”
Memorial Day is here, and it’s once again time for our annual(ish) look on what the unofficial kickoff to summer means in terms of economic trends, etc. And if you’re about to head out the door, to either hit the road, the beach, or an unacceptably long TSA line, we’ll give you the short answer to scan on your phone:
Summer Security Check-Up—How to Avoid Common Pitfalls During Busy Seasons
With summer just around the corner, it’s time for all businesses to have a security check-up when it comes to…
Senator Sets Sights on Slow EMV Rollout
We’ve reported here not only on the coming of EMV standards to American debit and credit cards — those “extra” chips that create unique codes for each sale, and make financial information in “payer present” transactions — i.e., at stores like such previous hack targets as, well, Target, Home Depot, etc.
A Snapshot of EMV Compliance in Action—Cautionary Tales of Disparity and Misinformation
We all know that EMV chip cards are now the gold standard for secure payment processing, and Advanced Payment Solutions has long been educating our clients on why this transition is so important for their businesses. If you’re still confused about EMV cards, you’re not alone. Likewise, your employees may be even more misinformed about how these new rules for credit card transaction security affect your business. We believe many owners are struggling to get on board and comply with EMV.
Payment Processing Fees—How Do They Fit Into Your New Business Model?
As a new business owner, you know that the logistics of getting your business up and running raise many questions. Likewise, you’re learning about merchant card processors, and how the costs of accepting credit cards factors into your overall financial planning. Even the smallest, most mobile business benefits from the ability to accept credit and debit cards, but those new to the concept often balk at how those transaction fees cut into their bottom lines. Let’s take a look at two different models of addressing this issue and examine the pros and cons:
NerdWallet and NASDAQ on the Wise Use of Credit Cards
We often hear that too much use of credit cards — as opposed to debit card use — is a sign of household budgetary woes, and eventual drowning under unmanageable interest. And when credit cards are used simply to “borrow money,” during times of economic distress, this may well be right. But this week comes two different articles, one on the Nerdwallet website, the other on NASDAQ’s, espousing both the frequent and judicious use of credit cards. Not to pile up debt, but rather, to reap the rewards and actually manage household “money” better.
Email Breaches, the Connection to Same-Day ACH and a little “PCI”
Unfortunately, we have more “breaching” to report this week: As Reuters reports, “hundreds of millions of hacked user names and passwords for email accounts and other websites are being traded in Russia’s criminal underworld.”
Here Are EMV Quick Chips
There have been various impediments to the adoption of an EMV standard here in America — that extra chip on a credit or debit card that assigns every transaction a unique code, preventing the re-use of information, while at the same time requiring a signature or PIN number for validation.
Capturing the Magic—Unconventional Business Models Reinvent the Marketplace
As you’ve seen from recent blog posts, AVP Solutions understands that younger entrepreneurs are reinventing conventional business models, and we…
Understanding Merchant Account Cash Advances—Is One Right for Your Business?
Recently, we discussed some basic points that every potential new business owner needs to consider during their brainstorming and planning processes. One of those key tips was to learn how their merchant accounts factor into their operations. As you know, your merchant account is what gives your business the ability to accept and processes payments, like checks and credit cards.
Report: ATM “Skimming” Up over 500% (!)
In another sobering reminder that the conveniences of electronic banking and payments bring their own unique risks, a report is out from the FICO folks — yes, those same people who so imperfectly provide credit scores — saying there’s been “a sixfold increase in the number of ATM machines in the United States compromised by criminals in 2015, compared with 2014,” as the NY Times sums up.
Food for Thought—Common sense Tips For Those Dreaming of Starting a Business
We’ve all heard the statistics—most business start-ups will fail within the first year. Even the best ideas or products can…
The SF Fed on Fintech: Payments, Banking, to Keep Evolving
“While fintech can also improve not just the accessibility but the quality of service—something that consumers are demanding—we also need to look out for the resilience of the financial system as a whole.” The words are those of John C. Williams, President and CEO of the Financial Reserve Bank of
San Francisco. And not doubt the very contradictions of the quasi-public functions of the Federal Reserve can be summed by the fact that the head of each branch is both a President…and a CEO.
Pop-Up Businesses—A Unique Concept That Helps Both Entrepreneurs and Their Communities
In our post-recession economy, the pop-up business model is taking millennials by storm. Sometimes referred to as a “finite business,” pop-up businesses capitalize on buzz and transform entrepreneurial creativity into a unique experience for both the operator and the community. The rise of pop-ups began around 2008, when the recession created a virtual vacuum in the business world. With so many businesses going under, we experienced a rise in vacant properties with no long-term purchase and rental prospects in sight. However, the short-term pop-up business could bring interest back into a property, thus benefiting both a cash-strapped entrepreneur and a struggling property manager.
The Security vs. Freedom Debate: Payment Card Style!
“Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither,” Ben Franklin once famously remarked. The question is whether the famously frugal Mr. Franklin would be happy knowing that most customers today, when it comes to payments, are usually choosing “freedom” over “security.”
Small World, After All: The Effects of Card Use on Global Economies
“Greater worldwide card use raises a number of questions.” We would concur, and in fact say that wanting to answer those questions for you, and your business, is what has spurred this blog (and our weekly newsletter) these past few years.
Is Your Business’s Online Presence Lackluster? Why You Need to Rethink Your Online Activity
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
“Fintech” and Futures
Last week, we touched on a word that any reader of this blog should probably add to her vocabulary at this point: “Fintech.” As we noted, it’s a contraction of “Financial Technology,” and it’s popping up everywhere — particularly in studies of how fast consumer finance, and the finance industry itself, is changing.
Spring Brings New Marketing Opportunities—Get Out in Your Community with Mobile Processing Solutions
With spring just around the corner, now is the time to think about all those inventive ways to take your business to the next level. The arrival of warmer weather also ushers in outdoor and seasonal activities, like farmers’ markets, fairs, festivals, and other events that provide the perfect backdrop for reaching new customers. These events not only provide a platform for spreading the word about your business, but they also capture customer attention in a unique way.
Ides of March: Ransomware Updates, and Welcome to “Fintech”
There’s no question we live in a time of constant change: rising seas, fraying politics, wired-up networks changing economies and business models almost as fast as they can be reported on. That last category, at least, falls under our purview here, so let us update you on what has changed — and what’s stayed the same — since our last blog post, a mere week ago.
Still Behind the Curve on EMV Chip Processing? Why Your Business Can’t Afford to Procrastinate
Though gas stations received an extension for the EMV liability shift, AVP Solutions is still seeing far too many businesses dragging their feet on upgrading their equipment to comply with secure payment processing regulations. We’ve discussed this issue many times in past EMV Chip blog posts because we truly believe this is one area in which retailers with POS terminals are opening themselves up for serious problems.
Drowning, Ransoming — and Staying Safe (Pt. II)
Last week, we mentioned the new “Drown” security leak, a flaw in grandfathered internet protocols that is leaving, according to SC Magazine, over 600 frequently used cloud servers — the very nodes and providers businesses use to conduct business on — “vulnerable to attack.”
Setting Up a Merchant Account? A Quick Fix May End Up Hurting Your Business
As you set up a new business, we know that you have a many options when selecting your merchant bank account provider. With the advent of mobile technologies, it seems the market is flooded with start-ups promising effortless business merchant services that certainly appeal to already overwhelmed entrepreneurs. After all, who wants to slog through the fine print and waste time comparing and contrasting transaction fees, fraud protections, and the complex rules that govern secure credit card processing?
Don’t Get “Drown”ed — Or Ransomed! (Pt. I)
Unfortunately, the news of breaches, security breaks, and data leakages is reaching critical mass again, and it’s time for another quick roundup.
Breaking as we go to press this week is news that websites — up to one third of those relying on the once-thought-secure “HTTPS” protocol — “have been warned they could be exposed to eavesdroppers, after researchers discovered a new way to disable their encryption protections.”
Do You Use Mobile Phone Credit Card Processing? What You Need to Know Now
In fact, even pop-up roadside stands now have the ability to accept payments. As the world moves away from cash-based transactions, mobile processing allows unique business models to gain and retain their customers by accepting credit card payments. However, with the recent changes to credit card processing rules, many of these small businesses may be at risk and not even know it.
Report from Barcelona: Cars, Clothes, and “Cards” Everywhere
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Avoiding the EMV Chip Processor Upgrade? Why You’re Gambling With Your Business’s Future
With the movement toward secure payment processing via EMV chip cards, many small businesses are still resisting the required upgrade to chip-reading POS terminals. At AVPS, we totally understand that no business wants to incur extra expenses, especially when you already have functional equipment. However, our nation is at the point when credit card transaction security is a truly hot-button topic, and with so many highly publicized data breaches, both credit card issuers and consumers are fed up. You know that, without EMV chip processing; your business will be liable for any fraudulent charges.
Invisible Hands and Lax Security: The Ongoing Push for EMV Adoption
“‘My dry cleaner isn’t worried about someone using counterfeit cards at his cash register,’ he said, noting that many businesses meanwhile discount the chances that hackers will siphon customer cards by sneaking malicious software onto point-of-sale devices — a problem that has lead to one breach after another at brand name retailers, restaurants and hotels over the past several years.”
Falling Gas Prices Mean More Money in Consumers’ Pockets—How Your Business Can Benefit
With gas prices at their lowest in a decade, many consumers are finding themselves with a much-appreciated boost in expendable income. While this translates into bad news for the oil and gas industry, retailers and other businesses are enjoying a season in which their customers have more money to spend. Those extra dollars affect businesses of all types, including restaurants, retailers, and home improvement. As a leader in merchant account solutions, AVPS wants our clients to make the most of this trend, and capitalize on a customer base with a little bit more money in their pockets. Here are some ideas for making the most of those low gas prices:
Taking Your Fledgling Business to the Next Level Starts with Your Very Own Website
Your handcrafted business is gaining traction, and you’re wondering whether it’s time to create your own website and sell your products through that platform. While online sites like Etsy provide space for budding entrepreneurs, they also have a long list of fees that eat into profits. And while the initial setup of a site does incur start-up and maintenance costs, these may pale in comparison to the fees that you are paying now.
Hearts to Be Celebrated This Weekend But Watch for the “Heartbreak of Hackery!”
If you’re not counting the Super Bowl, the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend (which, by virtue of President’s Day making it a three day holiday!) is “the first major holiday of 2016, and retailers expect this Valentine’s Day will set a spending record,” according to one ABC report.
East Meets West in Rising Card Use, While Super Bowl Spending Rises, Too
We reported last week that Visa revenue was up in Europe, as more and more people in the EU use cards instead of cash, for their purchases. Which of those EU countries might you guess uses the most cards? Germany? Perhaps the UK, right across the channel from France?
Merchant Cash Advances Help Businesses Take the Leap Toward Growth and Expansion
The leap—that magical moment when a small business is ready to take operations to the next level. The logistics of expansion present many challenges. In fact, a popular TV show highlights small businesses gaining investments from corporate gurus, and the effects that come from sudden success. The outcomes often describe the dilemmas that come from major expansions, like crashing sites, lack of inventory, or poor planning. How do you know if you have enough inventory, capital, or adequate financial planning to support your expansion plans?
Save Space, Go Mobile & Get Paid—Are Phone Credit Card Readers Right for Your Organization?
In both our homes and our offices, lack of space often becomes an issue despite our best organizational efforts. At AVP Solutions, we know that our partners want the best in secure payment solutions, but sometimes, a conventional credit card reader just won’t work. They may not want the physical footprint of a traditional machine, or they find the technical set-up and cords to be too cumbersome for their space. We understand that not every merchant account holder is a brick-and-mortar store. In modern commerce, a variety of institutions now need the ability to accept credit cards, like medical offices, utility companies, churches, schools, and even on-the-go service providers.
VISA Revenue Up and So Is Chip Card Use — Along With Fraud Costs
An array of studies reveal interesting new “market metrics” for the economy, at least from the payment card side of the equation.
Visa revenue in Europe is up 25% — to an all time high, as Pymnts.com reports. Visa Europe is merging with its parent company — that’d be the Visa we use for payments here in the U.S. — and reports “that it had its most successful year ever in terms of revenue growth.”
Beyond the Headlines–The Real Faces of Credit Card Fraud
We’ve heard plenty of news regarding credit card data breaches at hotels and retailers across the nation. In fact, these occurrences come so frequently that they now seem to become “white noise” in the background of our social consciousness. However, as a business owner and manager, you are responsible for making credit card transaction security a top priority for your company. Rather than focus on those attention-grabbing headlines, let’s take a closer look at the real-world scenarios that affect customers like yours every day:
Starting a New Business? Smaller, Mobile Models May Help You Get Started With Less Financial Risk
You have a great idea for a new business, but you just aren’t ready to take the plunge into a full-scale operation. After all, a new business often represents an enormous gamble for a small business owner. How do you know you’re ready? Is there an easier way to test market interest and viability without getting over your head in start-up investments? Between the internet and social media, many innovative entrepreneurs have found great success by starting out with unconventional, mobile business models. They use mobile trucks, farmer’s markets, festivals, pop-up locations, kiosks and more in order to bring their products or services to the public.
Uber Account Security Needs a Lift — and Other Trends in Payments
No sooner do we finish arranging a morning Uber ride for our son, than we sit down to sift through the week’s financial news — always redacted and highlighted here for your edification — to find that “stolen Uber accounts (are) worth more than stolen credit cards,” according to a CNBC Report.
Did Your Business Miss Out During the Holidays? Lack of E-Commerce Presence May Be What’s Holding You Back
In the post-holiday season sales analysis, one truth became glaringly evident: consumers much preferred to stay home, avoid the crowds, and shop online for those sought-after deals. Black Friday sales declined, while Cyber Monday demonstrated that the online shopping trend continues to grow. With the perceived equality in cost savings between brick-and-mortar locations versus online vendors, customers channeled their dollars toward websites.
Avoid a First-Quarter Slow Down—Why the Post-Holiday Season is Still Rich with Sales Opportunities
With the rush of the holiday season behind us, many business owners settle into the New Year with expectations of a prolonged slow-down in sales. However, now is the perfect time to reevaluate your marketing and sales strategies. Rather than assume your customers or clients struggle financially after holiday spending, think about how to utilize this time of year to your advantage.
Of EMVs and Jackpots: Your Powerball Ticket Doesn’t Need a Chip — but Your Card Does
According to Forbes, “the hype around the Powerball far exceeds any market news this week,” and who are we to argue? Up through yesterday’s drawing, even number-crunching Fivethirtyeight.com agreed, saying “everyone is freaking out about the 1.5 billion Powerball.” And, they add, “the stats agree.”
Which stats? Well, there were nearly “a billion tickets (more than three times the population of the United States)” sold overall — “a ludicrous number!”
Post-Holiday Slow Downs Give Your Business Time for Strategic 2016 Growth Planning
Now that the holiday rush has passed, your business needs to focus on how to approach the New Year with an eye toward growth and profitability. Are you missing out on some easy strategies for more frequent customer transaction completion? We often believe that the biggest challenge simply lies in getting customers in the door or to our websites. However, savvy customers now have a world of possibilities in their smartphones. They easily compare prices, research competitive products or services, and make many shopping decisions based on digital offers or information. Take the time now to re-evaluate your goals for 2016, as well as how you can make your retail merchant account better work for your business.
A New Year Resolution for More Payment Security?
We’ve been watching the MarketWatch website since the new year kicked off, mostly to track the rather breathtaking gyrations of the stock market (as well as the news out of China, the steady ebb of oil prices, and more).
New Year, New Goals? What’s Next for Your Business?
Get A Business Line Of Credit For Merchant Accounts When the holiday rush has passed, and a new year approaches,…
Long Noodles, Whole Fish, New Hacks, and Other New Year’s Business
And so we come to our last post (and newsletter !) of 2015, with 2016 just a couple of days away (or perhaps a couple hours, depending when you read this). From our end of the world’s affairs, we can report the economy has mostly held, and business has been pretty good.
Are Your Customers About to Get Scrooged? Without the Most Secure Payment Processing, They May Be
Is your business feeling the holiday pressure yet? As much as we all look forward to this joyful time of year, we also face the stress that comes with it. You focus on inventory, operations, adequate staffing, and pricing, yet you may not realize that both you and your customers face an increasing threat. This is the time of year during which fraud, hacking, and identity theft increase dramatically. Potential thieves know that, with so many customers and transactions, they face the increased likelihood of successfully defrauding both you and your customers
East vs. West: Where Did Christmas in the U.S. Start? (And Where Is It Headed?)
As with sports and hip-hop rivalries, we enter the holiday week with a good-natured “throwdown” on which coast, and its culture, gets more of the credit for creating Christmas in the U.S. as we have come to know it.
The New York Times starts out by allowing that while “New York can’t quite take credit for Christmas.. apparently, several seemingly timeless holiday traditions were invented here.”
Holiday Snapshot: Shopping Goes Cyber, EMVs Go Slower, Customers Keep Going
As we hit the midpoint between the Black-and-Cyber shopping weekend, and the big event of Christmas itself, with Hanukkah now behind us and New Year’s (and the post-holiday sales!) still ahead, a few trends seem to be, well, distinctly trending, during this time of cold snaps and hot cocoa.
Is Your Business Ready for a Busy Holiday Season?—Why Mobile Processing Can Help You Serve Customers
The holiday shopping season is officially in full swing. Early bird shoppers have clamored to check gifts off their lists while others still bide their time, hoping for the best deal. The holiday season — and the “sale season” after — will bring an increase in customer traffic to your business. However, just getting them in the door isn’t enough. You need to understand what challenges stand between your business and actually concluding customer interactions with sales. Here are some important points to remember about potential customers this season:
If Even Buskers Take Cards — Shouldn’t You?
A sweet holiday-themed news item comes our way from overseas, and not only is it too good not to share, but it may be a harbinger of things to come: Cards, and contactless and e-payments will increasingly be taken in places where no one ever expected the words “chip-and-sig” or “swipe” to be uttered.
More pie, more metrics, a little EMV, and other tasty holiday insights
It’s not just “Thanksgiving” that comes at the end of November for most Americans now, but also “Black Friday.” The latter is almost as much an alternate organizing metaphor for the long weekend’s meaning as the original day of breaking bread, pie slices, and wishbones together.
How “Black Friday” Almost Came Early — and other Thanksgiving/”Franksgiving” Tales
Happy short week! It’s become something of a tradition here on the AVPS end of things to get our blog post and newsletter out early during Thanksgiving, which of course is a week rich in traditions (including traditionally rich foods!)
Black and Cyber All Over: Holiday Shopping Is Here
Total U.S. holiday spending is expected to increase under 4% from 2014’s results, according to the National Retail Federation, but per Forrester (research group) online spending is expected to jump 11% over last year… (exceeding) $95 billion this year.”
International Blog Post Edition: Singles Day & MasterCard’s Global Liability
There’s a “quickening” at year’s end, with all the preparations, travels, gatherings, and, of course, sales and transactions that mark the season, and much of the particular corner of it that we cover here. So we have lots of “strands” to weave into an early holiday narrative for you, about immediate trends for the holiday season, and what may lay beyond it for the new year.
This is Your Holiday Season — And This Is Your Holiday Season on EMV
Now that the Trick or Treat candy is all in the “half off” bins at the store, the home stretch of the year — and the holidays — begins in earnest.
As for how the season might shape up, from a sales and business perspective, Pymnts.com is reporting that “despite some of the gloomy stats” — referring to a slowdown in consumer spending coming out of the summer, and a general flatlining of wages — “commerce watchers are predicting moderately strong growth this season. The National Retail Federation is predicting retail sales to increase 3.7 percent to a total of $630.5 billion through November and December, well above the 10-year 2.5 percent average.”
Is Your Website Up to Par? AVPS Can Help Make It Better With Payment Processing Solutions
As you grow your business, a well-crafted, highly functional website will be necessary to take your operations to the next level. In our internet and data driven world, people expect access to information and products anytime from anywhere. A missing or outdated website tells potential customers that you are behind the times or too apathetic about your own business to ensure quality products or services.
The True Cost of Fraud — And the Future Beyond Cards
We are at a kind of “nexus” in the world of payments already — between the old and the new, the secure and the not-so-secure, the wired and the wireless.
Think Beyond the Storefront—How Mobile Processing Can Expand Your Customer Base
While your brick-and-mortar business has been moderately successful, you may need to re-think how you approach expanding your customer base. Special events like farmer’s markets, fairs, community festivals, or even sports events sometimes welcome vendors across any genre. By taking your products and services out into the community, you open up your business to easy exposure and the potential for reaching an entirely new audience. However, to help support business mobilization, you also need to incorporate mobile credit card processing to capture the most new customers. AVPS can help set you up with the right tools so that anywhere you are you can make every interaction a sale.
AVPS Offers Smart Merchant Account Solutions to Help E-Commerce Businesses
With the internet flooded with e-commerce businesses, you need to focus on marketing and growing your brand in order to stand out. But are you still stuck with those necessary operations, like how to accept credit cards, establishing an e-commerce merchant account, and creating a business plan for long-term financial stability? At AVP Solutions, we want to help set your small business up for success, and we can help you establish a merchant account that will work for you.
Has “The Future” of Payments Arrived?
For those of you watching your memes and social networks, this week marked Back to the Future Day, that October day in 2015, when Marty McFly travels from 1985 to try and right the future (and then the past) in Back to the Future II.
Credit Offices Going through Changes, Difficulties
Your FICO score: As an individual, it determines your “creditworthiness.” Your personal score can even sometimes affect getting business credit, in the early days of a start-up. And of course, it affects the degree to which your customers can open new accounts, or the degree to which they’re charged to keep using current ones.
Starting a New Business? You Need a Merchant Account
When starting a new business, you need to establish a merchant account that will allow you accept and process payments.…
Back to the Breach — or “Who Watches the Watchmen?”
Experian is one of the three main credit reporting agencies whose reporting affects your FICO score as an individual. They…
This is the week — EMV is here!
And so, after weeks, months — years? — of writing about the coming “EMV standard” in this space — that switch to the chipped “Europay Mastercard Visa” card already standard in Europe and other parts of the world — that day is here at last.
Mobile Payment Solutions For Mobile Businesses
Whether you operate an up-and-coming food truck, or are a dedicated fixture at craft fairs, you know that operating a mobile business has its challenges. You are constantly on the move, and as you deal with the hustle and bustle of your customers, you are always looking for a way to expand your horizons and turn your passion into profit. Wherever you do business, you need to consider adding mobile credit card processing as part of your operations. Without mobile processing, you may be limiting your customer base and losing business.
Season of Reasons — To Offer Credit, and to Use It
We’ve now officially entered autumn — L.A. weather notwithstanding — and soon enough, it will be time to start makin’ your lists, and checkin’ them twice (this might even refer to your seating plan for Thanksgiving, however!)
Expand Your Ecommerce Business
Your small business is growing, and the best way to reach new customers is through a well-designed website. A website can take a brick-and-mortar business and expand it to an international audience, or allow budding entrepreneurs to create a new business with very little capital.
Toronto Film Fest: Lights, Cameras… New Payment Tech!
The Toronto Film Festival unfolds — “unspools,” perhaps — in its namesake city every fall, and has become the unofficial kickoff to “Oscar season,” where buzz and critical acclaim can help launch a film on its march through awards season.
Exploring the Benefits of Accepting Checks Online
There are many different ways to refer to the concept of being able to accept checks online including electronic checking (or e-checks for short), bank-to-bank transfer, or ACH (automated clearing house). There are three main reasons why it is in the best interest of you and your business to make sure your online payment services include electronic checks:
Right Payment Processing Tools
Take Your ECommerce Business to Next Level With the Right Payment Processing ToolsYou are growing your small ecommerce business, enough…
Consumers Using Credit More — But Don’t Have EMV Cards Yet
Some interesting studies and surveys have popped up in the “payments press” over the last week or so, highlighting the ongoing use of credit and charge cards among consumers, yet also highlighting slow adaptation to changes that would seem otherwise rapid.
Turn Credit Card Processing Security into a Customer Confidence Booster
With so many data breaches in recent years, far too many of your customers have either dealt with identity theft, or the headaches as a result of banks issuing new debit or credit cards just to be safe. In the past, they only had to worry about their credit information in terms of stolen cards or bills, so they have little patience when their information is compromised via a merchant.
Labor Day and Birthdays: Drivers Head Out, Gas Heads Down, and Visa Checkout Serves Cake
Though the thermometer readings around the American West insist otherwise, the end of summer has come with Labor’s Day arrival, and the flipping of the calendar page from August to September.
Schools are in full bloom, and Walmart is already selling Christmas toys — starting its layaway program two weeks earlier than last year (“Walmart’s layaway program coincides with its Toy Week, which allows customers to get a glimpse of the top toys of the holidays chosen by children.”
Time: “How Your Credit Card is About to Change Forever”
To be sure, it’s a dramatic headline. And it’s on a subject about which you — as a regular AVPS reader — are already well informed: The one-month-away switch over from the “mag stripe” standard for American credit cards to the “chip-and-pin” EMV variety.
Payment Times Keep A-Changin’ – New Technologies, Shifting Consumer Trends
The payments news cycle is once again filled with predictable data breaches (both of the IRS and even less discreet varieties), and we hope being a regular reader of these updates has somewhat indemnified you against the worst of these hazards (since you use separate passwords for different accounts and devices and update all your security patches, right?)
Looking Ahead—Brush Up Now to Help Your Business Finish the Year Strong
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] As we keep moving through the seasons, you must inevitably look toward the end of…
Small Business is Optimistic — But Is It Ready For EMVs?
Shopkeep is a cloud-based technology company used by more than 18,000 different small businesses, to keep track of things like payroll, inventory, etc. They are also prone to surveying their customers and compiling the info in what they called their “ShopKeep Small Business Index,” or SSBI They just announced the release for their survey for the second quarter of 2015, and the good news is that “survey respondents reported their highest revenue and optimism to date.”
Away From The Brick and Mortar—Innovative Business Models Need Innovative Payment Solutions
If there is one business trend that’s on the rise, it’s a departure from the brick and mortar storefront. From…
Could The Way You Handle Credit Card Processing Cost You Customers?
At AVPS, we know that our clients have to incorporate the costs and fees associated with credit/debit card processing into their overall bottom lines. This means that, if they accept credit cards, they must include this as part of how they price their goods and services. While this has long been the norm, the rise of mobile credit card processing is creating some sticky customer service issues that we want to help our partners avoid. To demonstrate what we mean, here’s a story of a service provider, a customer, and the moment it all went wrong:
New Employee Training—Why You May Be Missing Something in Your Training Program
Here’s a question for our retail clients: When you train a new employee, what do you think are the most important things they need to know? Chances are that you first focus on conduct, company culture, and an overview of your policies and procedures. You walk them through their duties and maybe even have them shadow other employees for a while. When it comes to payment processing, however, are you giving them the right training and enough of it? If not, you could be setting your business up for long-term security issues.
Simplify and Secure Your Payments With (Free!) Visa Checkout!
Visa has rolled out its free “Checkout” service for customers and merchants, to help make the act of paying even easier, and more secure. Essentially, Visa Checkout is a digital payment service that lets customers use a single, secure sign-on across channels and devices using a their preferred payment method.
The Week in Breaches: Safety Quiz, Expert Advice, Company Liability
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
The Back to School Rush—Are Your Payment Processes Ready For the Challenge?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, for parents it is. While kids are bemoaning the inevitable return to homework and early bedtimes, parents are remembering what it’s like to not be 24/7 entertainment directors. For retailers, this period is also a huge sales boost across most industries. While school supplies, electronics, sports gear, and apparel top most school sales, we also have plenty of college-bound students who need household wares, cars, and gift cards.
Custom Service 101—How to Deal With Declined Cards Without Upsetting Your Customers
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
While Phone Credit Card Processing Apps May Hurt, Rather Than Help Your New Business
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] If you are thinking about opening a small business, you need to carefully plan your…
The CFPB Wants You! (To Have Faster Payments, And More Protection)
Earlier this month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (or CFPB) issued its 9 “Guiding Principles” for faster payments, and payment protection. As they bureau states, they “want to ensure any new payment systems are secure, transparent, accessible, and affordable to consumers. The systems should also have robust protections when it comes to fraud and error resolution.”
Christmas in Summer? Why Unconventionally Smart Planning and Marketing Can Help Your Business Grow
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Trendlines and Survey Markers: Consumers Prefer Charge Cards, But Still Learning About Them
A pair of mid-summer surveys come our way, showing that Americans really like using the plastic in their wallets, but are still learning all the ins-and-outs of what it means to have both credit, and a credit score.
A Midsummer Night’s Gift Card Giving
Well, strictly speaking, the “Midsummer Night” of Shakespearean fame comes just after the summer solstice in June. Here in America, summer seems to run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July 4th in-between, making July our own “midsummer.”
For the 4th: Fireworks and Fiscal Facts
Our annual holiday week 4th of July “snapshot” the nation’s economy commences with this week’s post.
In last summer’s Independence Day overview, we noted a AAA report saying that more Americans were planning to travel, due to the uptick in the economy, even though gas prices were then at their highest levels in years.
Due Diligence: Slow EMV adoption; Fed Calls For Coordinated Security
It is a constant tussle, struggle — pick your word — for merchants and consumers striving for digital safety in their daily rounds of charge card and debit use. And with the constant news of data breaches and new malware discoveries, it sometimes seems such relative “safety” is a grail that will always be just out of reach.
Solstice Roundup: EMV Transitions, Watch Your Samsung, and… Emojis!
Summer solstice will be here before we can even get next week’s blog post up! So even though temperatures here in AVPS’ neighborhood are already hitting triple digits, let’s officially welcome the season of beach-going, travel adventures, and more.
Smart Cards, Smarter Passwords
The nature of payments, and how they’re made, continues to change — whether credit, debit, or prepaid. Payments continue to move from one digital platform to the next, sometimes leaving customers wondering if making any of the changes are worth it, or if something even newer will come along first.
Plans Move Forward for “Same Day ACH”
You know about ACH — those Automated Clearing House payments that we also offer here at AVPS. Sometimes called “Electronic Check Processing,” it is, as our own website notes, “a form of electronic payment… often confused with a wire transfer because it works in a similar fashion. However, unlike a traditional wire transfer, it can be used to process higher amounts, or for small payments which may settle from 1 to 2 business days.”
Summertime — And Is the (Consumer) Spendin’ More Easy?
Memorial Day’s arrival — and recent departure — marks the unofficial kick off for summer, at least as far as travel plans, imminent graduations, giddy weddings, and other features of what is supposed to be more languorous calendar time.
Old Hacks, New Payments
It’s a long, fascinating moment of transition in the world of payments — and for payments around the world. That changing landscape includes virtual wallets, growing P2P payments, and ways to make existing platforms more secure — as with the EMV standards coming to American payment cards this fall.
Notes from the Land of “Euro” in “EMV”
As we’ve noted in this space before, “EMV” is coming — sooner rather than later — to America. It’s that standard — already adopted in Europe and Asia — of having an additional chip on your charge card, as well as an additional means of authenticating any charges made in person, like use of a PIN or a signature.
Take advantage of Your Cell Phone Credit Card Processing
In today’s increasingly mobile and technologically focused society it is not enough for your business to accept credit cards. In order to draw as big a customer base as possible while also providing the highest quality customer service you must constantly integrate new payment processing solutions. This makes your business more convenient and accessible for customers who are accustomed to a flexible and fluid shopping and service purchase model.
In Need of High Risk Merchant Account?
If you are like most people planning on starting a business, you have likely thought to yourself, “I need a merchant account”. Merchant accounts are essential for getting, accepting and making payments online as well as processing credit card payments in a brick-and-mortar store which means without one you are not going to be able to do business. Getting one of these accounts is generally one of the easiest things people do to get ready for their business, but if you are considered a high risk business, you might face additional challenges setting your merchant account up and keeping it active.
May Day, Pt. II: More Tips For Keeping Your POS Devices Safe In a Malware World
Last week, we talked about the RawPOS Malware that has been affecting Windows-based point-of-sale devices, and we passed along some tips for upgrading, and guarding, against such attacks on you, and your customers. This week, we finish up our “pointers” for helping you keep all your gear secure. Here are both “the basics,” and a little beyond the “basics,” to maximize transaction security:
How To Do Online Payment Processing Confidently
For many people, any transaction involving money requires a sense of confidence. There is an implied trust when money is going from one person to another, whether that money is meant to pay for a service or a specific product. The person handing the money over wants to know that it is being exchanged for the specific thing that they want, and the person receiving the money wants to know that she/ he is getting the right amount, in timely fashion.
“May Day!,” Pt. I: Malware Security Alert for POS Devices
Happy May Day! In the U.S., it conjures up images of May Poles and spring love. In Europe, it’s marked with parades and marches, and is still something of a “worker’s holiday,” as it was here in the 19th Century. It was the original “Labor Day,” until the one we have now was created, so that American workers could have a day separate from what was perceived as the somewhat incendiary history of May 1st.
There and Back Again! Plus: Is Your Password As Strong as the Dollar?
As we mentioned before, we’ve been getting some brush-ups — a lot of digital brush-ups – -done to the AVPS website. Much as you can’t drive your car around when it’s in the shop, we haven’t been able to blog on our same schedule while our web presence is made more secure and more visually friendly to mobile devices.
And… We’re Back! In Time for “FMI vs. EMV,” Plus: Travel News!
Hello faithful blog readers and connoisseurs of financial news and credit card insights. As you may have noticed, we had an “outage” on our web page’s blog for a few days — late last week and earlier this week.
Appeal to Younger Consumers with Versatile Payment Options
Your customer base is the heart of your business success. By appealing to as many demographics as possible, you expand your potential and make it possible to pursue your aspirations for success and growth. Depending on your products and services, your business may be specifically targeted to an older audience. If your niche is broader, however, it is important to recognize the buying power of younger consumers and do what you can to appeal to them so you can take advantage of their influence.
Fed Report: Mobile Payments, Commerce on the Upswing. But…
The Federal Reserve has issued the 2015 edition of its Consumers and Mobile Finances report. Among the findings, as reported by “Digital Transactions,” are that “the number of mobile-payments users in the United States is growing steadily, but most mobile-phone owners still find other payment methods more convenient.”
Retail Merchant Account FAQs
Designed for stores and retail businesses of all sizes, a retail merchant account is a system that allows you to accept credit or debit cards for sales of products and services. This type of account processes transactions when the card holder is present with the card being used.
Shocker: Nearly 80% of Businesses Fail Interim PCI Compliance
Recently, Verizon issued a report on Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards — PCI DSS for short. The results were pretty bracing. As Computer Weekly summarizes “nearly 80% of businesses fail their interim PCI compliance assessment, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks, according to Verizon’s 2015 PCI Compliance Report “
Embrace Technology with Mobile Payment Processing
If you are ready to build your business, grow your customer base, and reach new levels of success, it is essential to keep your eyes on innovation. The world is changing incredibly quickly and if you don’t do what you can to keep up, you are going to get left behind. Though you may maintain the core of your business, your product line and branding, your customer base shrink, if you fall behind with technology.
Breaches Old and New: Target Settles, More Blue Cross Leaks; New Security Measures
Data breaches, their discontents and fallout, have filled the news this week. You’ll remember, of course, when the Target customer data breach in 2013 finally catapulted questions about customer security in the digital age onto the front page. Now comes word that Target has, at last, reached a settlement in that case. As tech website Gizmodo reports, “following lengthy discussions with the lawyers of those affected by the hack, the retailer has agreed to pay up a $10 million settlement.”
Tips for Selecting the Ideal Merchant Account Company
Making the most of your website means you need to choose a website merchant account. This account allows you to accept payments for the goods and services your business offers, allowing you to expand your customer base and simplify the process of providing your offerings to a wider audience. As you prepare to either start your business or expand it to include internet sales and payment processing, it is important to compare several merchant account companies to find the one that is right for you.
What You Need to Know About Merchant Cash Advances
Owning a small business can be an incredible challenge, particularly when it comes to managing the financial aspects of your business and your aspirations for growth. Unfortunately, gaining financing for a new small business is often very difficult. If you haven’t owned your business for at least 2 years and don’t have collateral to put up, you are unlikely to convince a bank to extend a traditional business loan. A small business working capital advance offers you the opportunity to borrow additional operating funds against your future receipts without many of the strict requirements of traditional loan products.
The October Country: EMV Draws Near; Are You Ready?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Make Payments Easy with Secure Automated Transactions
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
A “Freak” Attack That May Not Be So Rare; MasterCard Touts Mobile
In the ever-evolving world of payments, it would seem to always be the best of times and, well, not the worst of times, certainly, but let us say the most aware of times, in terms of needing to stay alert to the security challenges in a rapidly changing electronic environment.
Broaden Your Operations with an Internet Merchant Account
These days it seems like everything happens online. Whether you want a specific product or a specialized service, all you need to do is type it into your favorite search engine and the entire world opens up for you. While this is fantastic if you are a consumer looking for something you may have difficulty finding going from store to store, it is even better if you are a business owner.
Grow Your Business with Mobile Payment Processing
Gone are the days when building a customer base and making transactions with them meant having to interact face to face and accepting only cash. Imagine being able to connect with customers across the globe, providing services on location, and avoiding paper billing. Mobile payment processing is a step not just toward bringing your business into modern times, but also growing that business, expanding your customer base, and reaching new levels of success.
On the Menu: More Security
Recently, the National Restaurant Association co-hosted a chat via its Twitterfeed, dealing with issues of payment security. This is of particular concern to NRA members, since many of the most headline-grabbing hacks have come at eateries, like PF Chang’s, Dairy Queen, and other food establishments.
Samsung Moves Into Payments; “Hackers Never Sleep”
The news and changes in payments keep moving along at a clip — well, at a clip almost as fast as the digits who are changing the ways those payments are made. On the very day of this post, Samsung has announced the purchase of LoopPay, a start-up in the world of mobile and NFC — near field communications — payments. As the Wall Street Journal summarizes, “the deal to buy LoopPay Inc. of Burlington, Mass.
Choosing the Right Credit Card Swiper for Your Business
As a business owner, you know that many customers prefer to make card payments. If you don’t have a tool for credit card processing, then it is likely that you are making your customers frustrated since they are unable to use their preferred form of payment.
What Types of Payments Do You Accept On Your Website?
As a business owner, you need to be proactive to implement new technology that makes it easy for your customers to buy your products or services. In a world where many things are available with the click of a button, customers don’t often have the patience to sort through a confusing payment process in order to make a purchase online.
Follow Up: Data Leaks and New Government Agencies
As noted in our previous newsletter, no sooner had we posted on our blog last week about the ease with which ID theft can be perpetrated, than news broke of another massive data breach, this one affecting upwards of 80 million or so Anthem Blue Cross customers.
Accept Online Payments with a Website Merchant Account
Owning an online business is beneficial in many ways, especially because you can accept digital payments from anyone in the world. When a customer accesses your website, they can make an online purchase by entering their payment information and your website merchant account system will handle the transaction for you.
Mobile Phone Credit Card Processing is Easy and Efficient
Do you have your business setup to receive mobile credit card payments? If you aren’t staying up-to-date with current technology,…
The Science of Super Bowl Spending — and ID Theft
Economics has been called an imperfect science by some of its critics, and differing conclusions about the benefits of the recent Super Bowl to the local economy may show that the field does still lack the precision regularly used by, say, astrophysicists.
3 Steps to Using Merchant Cash Advance Resources
Whether you own an established business or you are working to get a start-up off the ground, merchant cash advance resources are a great method that can be used to inject your company with cash so that you can keep the doors open. Cash flow is a tricky aspect to running a business, and many owners can find themselves failing if they don’t manage cash in the right way.
“I Spy” More Changes in Payments, More Need For Security
As you know from being a savvy/frequent readers of these posts, the world of payments shares a critical motif with life itself: Change is the only constant. And by “change,” we don’t mean those coins in your pocket, left over from the last time you used cash. No, we’re talking about how the way payments are made is shifting, faster and faster — bringing along the need for constantly-changing security, as well.
How Do I Get a Business Cash Advance?
Are you asking the same question as many other business owners: how do I get a business cash advance? Managing cash flow is a necessary aspect to maintaining a business, and many business owners run into cash flow problems at one point or another.
Simple Steps to Manage Transaction Security in E-Commerce
If you accept credit card payments online or in your store, then it is important that you integrate secure payment processing to ensure the safety of the payment information for each of your customers.
Under the Frost: Security Tips, Hearings & Getting Ready for Spring
Traditionally, winter is a time to burrow inside, and to get ready for spring: stitching up, repairing and mending items for the outdoor season ahead. And under the frost, plants are doing the same thing, getting ready to sprout and bloom in a few weeks time.
Does Your Business Accept Checks Online?
Many people assume that check payments can only be made by providing a paper check to the person receiving the payment. But, the truth is that you can accept check payments online, making it possible for your customers to make payments in a variety of ways.
How to Use a Credit Card Reader
If you are a business owner, then it is essential that you accept card payments for the products and services that you have for sale. Many consumers prefer using credit cards for all of their purchases, and a credit card reader provides you a fast and easy way to accept payments.
2015: A Sheep Year — But A Safe One?
The New Year celebrating isn’t quite over yet — next month brings us the Chinese New Year. Those followers of Chinese Astrology know that each year is given an “animal” personality, so our upcoming “sheep year” is presumed to be — like its totem animal — somewhat gentle and easygoing.
Why Your Online Business Needs an E-Commerce Merchant Account
As the internet grows and expands, more businesses are seeing the importance of integrating an e-commerce merchant account into their website. Online sales make up a good portion of retail transactions, and many consumers have stated that they prefer online shopping over a visit to a retail store. So, if you don’t have an e-commerce store, you are likely missing out on potential sales from customers who are interested in buying your products.
How to Get Started With Business Merchant Services
Are you a small business owner who has avoided merchant account solutions because you are overwhelmed with the idea of integrating new or additional systems into your business? Some business owners assume that it is a complicated process to begin using a merchant account for new business, but the truth is the process is very simple if you use the right system.
Chip-and-Pin — or “Chip-and-Sig?”
The new year always brings change — not only the resolutions we manage to keep, but change in the form of new laws, products, calendar deadlines, etc. One such change, slated for 2015, is the arrival, at last, of “EMV” cards as the default standard for American credit card users, those micro-chipped credit and debit cards that are already the standard in most European countries.
Should Your Business Use Mobile Credit Card Processing?
If you own a business and you are constantly on the move for business appointments and meetings, then you should consider the ways you can improve payment systems by using mobile processing. There are several ways that you can easily integrate credit card processing on the go, and these systems make it easy for you to accept payments from any location.
New Year’s Traditions and Prognostications
Another year has come and gone so quickly, and we dare say, it will feel like only 7 or 8 months more have gone by before we’re wishing you a “Happy 2016!” But we get ahead of ourselves. 2015, in all its promise and mystery, still looms ahead. And as you plan your celebrations, have you considered smashing some dishes, or walking around with empty suitcases?
Some News and History About Presents. Plus: Merry Christmas!
The holidays are here, and we know you’ll have plenty of happy/merry distractions that will keep you from perusing all your blog news here at AVPS, as well as taking you from all your other “regular” rounds.
But before we lose you to holiday merriment, a quick spot of news after all: It turns out that “Super Saturday,” which just passed, actually exceeded “Black Friday” as the season’s busiest shopping day. “According to ShopperTrak,” as one CBS summary has it, “retailers will pull in as estimated $10-billion in sales on what is referred to as Super Saturday. This year Black Friday netted $9.1-billion in sales, according the ShopperTrak. Analysts say a strong job market and low gas prices have led to more last minute buying.”
A Credit Card Theory of Everything
Quantum physics is suddenly big in pop culture. Black holes and spacetime, for example, are central to both the plots of current films “Interstellar,” and “The Theory of Everything.” In the latter, cosmologist Stephen Hawking spends his life trying to find a single theory to “explain” all of life. Similarly, those mindful of payment card security in an age of proliferating hacks are looking for a single theory — an unassailable, breach-proof idea — to make payments secure and safe for the foreseeable future.
Payments Need Safe Holiday Travels, Too!
As you may have seen in last week’s newsletter, we mentioned that in addition to the holiday revelry, and holiday sales, your business is enjoying, you’ll also want to be careful of a potential uptick in fraud and hackery in your business’ databases and Point-of-Sale devices.
Holiday Highlights and Headlines: Season Off to a Solid Start
Hopefully there were some “takeaways” at your Thanksgiving — along the lines of turkey, pie, stuffing, and more, making for some nice leftovers for the long holiday weekend. But if those “takeaways” have been eaten up, we have a few more now that some of the returns are in on shopping and consumer trends with this season’s official Black Friday/Cyber Monday kickoff:
Economic Snapshot: A Bit More “Gravy” This Thanksgiving
While there are always certain bedrock things to be thankful for this time of year — one’s loved ones, good health, warm food on the table — a couple of holiday-themed articles this week underscore that there may be more to give thanks for, this fall, on the economic side, too. Certainly when compared to the more recent Thanksgivings since “The Great Recession.”
The Wallets, They Are A-Changin’
It’s the time of year where customers are encouraged to break out their wallets — in hopes that they are…
Holiday Shopping Kicks Off to Record Sales — In China!
Black Friday may not quite be here yet, but in Canada, Thanksgiving has already come and gone, and in China — well, there they’re setting records already for online holiday shopping. We refer to the just-concluded “Singles Day,” in China, which comes on 11/11 — the idea being that all those “ones” emphasize “single-ness.” As Bloomberg News describes it “Singles’ Day, a Chinese twist on Valentine’s Day, was invented by students in the 1990s… When written numerically, the date is reminiscent of bare branches, the Chinese expression for bachelors and spinsters.”
Mobile Processing Allows You to Process a Transaction from Anywhere
Before the invention of the smart phone and tablet, businesses were limited with the types of transactions that they were able to process. In the store, credit card transactions could be processed through an in-store card reader, but it was difficult to take credit card payments from any other location. For a long time, businesses only accepted cash or check payments when they were on the road or at trade shows, but it sometimes limited the number of customers that could make a purchase.
The Road Ahead for Payments: Yellow Bricks, or Leaking Digits?
As our readers already know, changes are coming to the world of credit cards. Chief among those, as a new article in Wired states, are EMV cards, which “have an embedded microchip that authenticates the card as a legitimate bank card to prevent hackers from embossing stolen card data onto blank cards to use it for fraudulent transactions. The chip contains the same data that traditionally is stored on a card’s magnetic stripe, but also has a certificate used to digitally sign each transaction.
Halloween Spending, Holiday Trends — and Goodbye, Cash?
The Boston Globe says it succinctly: “Consumers may still be holding tight to their wallets after the recession, but there’s at least one occasion that doesn’t appear to have them spooked: Halloween.”
Making your Merchant Account Work for Your Business
Most business owners assume that they are at the mercy of their merchant provider, because they simply need to pay the fees in order to maintain secure transactions for their customers. The truth is that there are many benefits to working with a merchant services provider, and you can begin making your merchant account work for your business.
President Signs “BuySecure” Initiative For Consumer Card Fraud Protection
With data breaches become weekly occurances (if not more — the latest chain to be hit since our last post is Staples), the White House has attempted to step into the “breach” itself, with the signing of a new executive order that is part of a larger “BuySecure” initiative.
How Do I Get a Business Cash Advance?
One common question that we receive is regarding cash flow in a business: how do I get a business cash advance? Cash flow is a critical aspect to keeping a company running, and without proper cash flow it is possible for the business to have problems with the day-to-day functions of paying the bills. One option to consider is a merchant cash advance.
Why Secure Payment Processing is Important for Your Small Business
As a small business owner, you are likely looking for ways to save money in any area that you can identify. Sometimes business owners make the mistake of saving money by not using payment processing for their customers, which could result in bigger problems later on. If you want to protect your business and your customers at the same time, then secure payment processing should be implemented as soon as possible.
MasterCard Tips, the Final Chapter (Pt. III)
“First there was Heartbleed, then Shellshock, and now Poodle, yet another serious security vulnerability in yet another widely used piece of software that went unnoticed for years.”
What is a Virtual Merchant?
Any type of website that sells products or services online is known as a virtual merchant, because the payment transactions occur digitally. Even if you ship physical products to the customers who made the purchase, you still fall within the definition of a virtual merchant since the purchase was initiated online and all of the payment was made in a digital manner.
MasterCard Tips on Protecting Yourself — Pt. II
Since we last posted, J.P. Morgan and other banks have joined the “honor roll” of institutions which have been hacked, and had information stolen. According to a recent overview of headline-making hacks in the Washington Post, “J.P. Morgan Chase& Co., America’s largest bank, reassured its customers by saying that there was no evidence that account information, such as passwords and Social Security numbers was compromised.” OK, good. What was compromised? “Names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of account holders were accessed.”
MasterCard’s Tips On Protecting Yourself During “Bug” Season — Pt. I
If you’re talking about the internet, online transactions, and electronic payments, unfortunately, you don’t have to wait for winter for it to be “bug” season – there are always plenty of “viruses” and contagions to command your interest!
What Are ACH Payments?
As a small business owner, it can be overwhelming to understand all of the things that you need to know about financial transactions. It is important to have a merchant account and a company who can make sure that you are receiving the electronic payments when your customers make a purchase. But, how do you know which company you should trust with this sensitive information?
Do You Need a Merchant Account for Website Transactions?
As an online business owner, it’s important to consider the various ways that your customers can make payments online. Your payment processing tools will sometimes be the difference between whether or not you make a sale, and choosing the right merchant account will allow you to make the process as easy as possible for your customers.
Payments Changing, Consumers Protecting Themselves in Wake of Home Depot Breach
This week, as we officially roll into Fall — and head toward October — we have follow-ups and previews. We’re following up on the massive Home Depot card data breach we reported on earlier, since the first reports are coming in on fraudulent charges being made to some of the scooped-up accounts. “Fraudulent transactions are showing up across the U.S. as criminals use stolen card information to buy prepaid cards, electronics and even groceries,” according to the Wall Street Journal.
How to Choose the Right Merchant Account Companies
As a business owner, you know that your merchant account is a critical element to keep your business running. Most consumers prefer to pay by credit card, and you will be losing out on a lot of business if you don’t make credit card payment options available. Most companies have a merchant account to process the credit card transactions, and if you are shopping for a new merchant account it can be overwhelming to make your decision about which company you should choose.
Card Use on the Rise — Redux!
Periodically we bring you indicators, overviews and prognostications about our economy is faring, particularly in the ongoing wake of the Great Recession, whose effects have yet to be fully shaken.
Card News Roundup: Home Depot and Other Breaches; Millennial Trends
Fall usually brings its own busy-ness after the general sweet slowness of summer, and our current September is no exception. There are changes afoot in the payments business, notably the coming of EMV Cards here in America, their arrival hastened by the constant headlines about all-too-noteworthy security breaches in the news.
Small Business Loans Still Hard to Come By — Have You Considered a Merchant Cash Advance?
“Small Business Lending is Slow to Recover,” read a recent Wall Street Journal article. The write-up was focused on how small businesses have fared in the long road out of “The Great Recession,” which some recent figures have suggested may have been worse than the “Great Depression” itself (at least according to recent comments by former Fed chief Ben Bernanke…)
A Labor Day Look — At History, and Some Good News for Fall
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
In the Wake of Breaches, EMV Speeds Up. Some Security Folks Think That’s Fine.
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
After the Black Hats: Customers Keep Flocking to Online, But Keep An Eye on USBs
As reported last week, the Black Hat conference in Vegas has come and gone, and left us with an array of news on security threats both tangible, and theoretical. You can find a good round up of this year’s “greatest hits” for the security conference, in this overview from PC World.
Credit Card Readers Are Great for Vendors
While a credit card reader can benefit any business, big or small, retail or doorstep, they are also great for vendors who sell products roadside, on-the-go, at Farmer’s Markets, and at various events. If you have been in the business long at all, with no way to accept credit cards, you have certainly lost customers who did not have enough cash on them and had to walk away, even though they did not want to. With technology on your side, there is no reason to lose sales ever again.
Black Hat Roundup: Goodwill, A Billion Passwords, and other “Hacker” News
Well, it’s time for the annual “Black Hat” conference in Las Vegas, which is actually a conference run by “white hats” to discuss security breaches in our wired world, and to share knowledge of any breaches or security lapses they’ve discovered before the real “black hats” do.
Are You Trying to Start Your Own Business?
Maybe you’re a young man or woman with big dreams, trying to get your first business off the ground. Maybe you’re a middle-aged man or woman determined to finally follow your own dreams of becoming your own boss. Or maybe you’re an existing 1-5 person business trying to grow. You might even be a larger business that simply wants to keep up with all that technology has to offer and utilize it for business growth, convenience, and flexibility.
Card Processing Solutions for Your Business
Every business needs the ability to accept credit cards. Whether you’re a new business or an existing business looking to change credit card processing providers, there are several things you should look for in a provider.
Are Cards More Cost Effective For Merchants Than Cash?
A new study from financial analysts at the Aite Group says that handling both Debit and Credit cards is more cost effective for merchants and retailers than handling cash.
According to details in the Credit Union Times, the report, “Tender Truths: The Real Cost of POS Transactions in the U.S., found debit cards the least expensive method of payment for merchants, costing significantly less per transaction than cash or cards.It broke down the costs of different payment types across three broad retail sectors: specialty retailers, quick service restaurants and convenience stores.”
The Benefits of Accepting Checks & Processing Checks Online
While the use of credit cards has exploded over the last years and many people carry plastic, many people still also use checks. If your business does not accept checks, both online and off, you could be losing money to your competitors who do. When shopping online, people will abandon their shopping cart if they reach the checkout and cannot use their preferred payment method. When shopping offline, people expect to be able to write a check so they can use the money in their bank account. If you cannot accommodate them, they may walk away.
A Handy AVPS Guide to Point-of-Sale Security, Pt. II: Mitigation & Protection
Last week, we mentioned card issuer alerts calling for more vigilance on the part of merchants to “shore up” their Point-of-Sale systems, in an age of increased hacking, breaches, and network intrusion. This lack of security has resulted in some unfortunately spectacular “virtual break-ins,” like the Target breach and the ones that followed, resulting in the information for millions of customers being pilfered, compromised, and sold not only to the “highest bidder,” but to whoever meets the price of those vending the data.
A Handy AVPS Guide to Point-of-Sale Security. Pt. I: Remote Access
In our current climate of “hackery” and security breaches, the number of alerts and advisories going to out to companies like ours is on the increase. Many of these have valuable information that we feel should be passed along to our customers, so they can use these ideas, deploy them, to keep their own transactions — and their customers — as safe as possible.
Summer is for “fishing” — not “phishing!” Some protection tips from AVPS!
“Phishing” is exactly what sounds like — a “fishing” expedition by the bad guys, usually via “legitimate” seeming emails, or other means, to try and “snag” or “catch” as much sensitive information about you, and your customers, as they can.
4th of July Snapshot: Gas Prices, Economic Indicators Heat Up Like Roman Candles
As we approach the July 4th 2014, the economy news at summer’s midpoint celebration is increasingly rose-colored like one of those ground bloom flower fireworks.
On the one hand, as Bloomberg reports, “jobs growth adds more sunshine” to the U.S. Economy. Specifically, job growth, in payroll specialist ADP’s report ahead of the official Federal figures, was much higher than expected. ““The labor market appears to be firing on all cylinders and is finally self-sustaining,” the Bloomberg said, citing two two PNC Financial Services economists.
Travel Season: Pack Bags, Swim Trunks, and EMV Chips
If you’re traveling abroad this summer, you might want to make sure you have at least one EMV-ready credit (or debit) card at your disposal. (The same might apply if you’re traveling a couple years into the future, after they become more widespread here in the U.S.!)
Visa Raising Standards on Prepaid Debit Cards
According to a recent NY Times article, Visa is responding to consumer concerns that prepaid cards are often trickier to use — or to give — than they should be, since fees and terms often differ, leaving users confused, or simply with less of a balance than they imagined they had.
Your Website Merchant Account Works While You Sleep
One of the great things about selling products or services via a website is that you can make money while you sleep. Customers can place orders anytime of the day or night, any day of the week, whether you are awake and working or not. Of course, there’s always work to be done when you rise but you don’t have to worry about missing a sale just because you aren’t right there at your computer every moment of the day.
One Solution for All of Your Business Merchant Service Needs
As a business, you need to be able to do a number of things when it comes to financial transactions. From accepting credit card payments to accepting and depositing checks, being able to accept payments on your website or by phone, and even being able to now accept credit cards using a mobile phone, you need every angle covered to ensure you don’t miss a beat, or a sale.
P.F. Chang’s Breach, and Krebs on “What Do Hackers Want?”
It’s good to keep an eye on the “Krebs on Security” website, where much of the recent all-too-spectacular news about data breaches gets broken, and later analyzed. This week, Brian Krebs is reporting on the latest retail breach, coming from the chain of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro restaurant (if you’ve eaten at one lately, doublecheck your plastic!)
Has Your Credit Card Processing Gone Mobile Yet?
If you haven’t added mobile phone credit card processing to your business arsenal, today should be the day! The invent…
Being Able to Accept Credit Cards is Just One Call Away
No matter the type of business you’re in or whether you are a retail location, mobile location, or provide services at various homes and businesses, the ability to accept credit cards is a must. In addition to having the ability to accept credit cards, you need to be able to accept them in different ways such as at your physical location, via your mobile phone on the go or at any location your customers are at (flea markets, farmer’s markets, their homes, conferences, their businesses, kiosks, etc.)
Updates: California Senate Lets EMV Law Lapse; The State of Security
We wanted to update you on an item we ran last week, wherein California’s State Senate was on the verge of issuing its own mandates for a switch over to EMV standards in card transactions, setting April 1, 2016 as the date.
However, according to a report in Computerworld, “the full Senate missed the voting deadline of May 30, ending its chances of passage until a new legislative session begins.”
How to Secure a Merchant Account for New Business
Securing a merchant account for a new business can be tedious, frustrating, and sometimes fruitless. Many financial institutions simply don’t want the risk. And they have tens of thousands of customers so they feel they can pick and choose who they would like to do business with and that means they may choose ‘not’ to do business with you. They may feel you are too high of a risk or they may feel that your business won’t be profitable enough to make many sales, making it unworthy of their time or resources. Yes, that’s the hard truth.
What Is a Website Merchant Account?
A website merchant account allows you to accept payments online. Just like in a store, people need to be able to pay for your products or services and instead of swiping their credit card or handing you a check; they can simply enter their information on your website and make payment that way. You need a merchant account for your website whether you sell products or services partially online or wholly online so that you can make hassle-free sales.
EMV Vote In California While MasterCard Announces “Zero Liability” for PINs
The push for those chip-carrying EMV cards, which would make it more difficult for fraudulent transactions to occur, continues apace. In California, the State Senate is advancing a bill that would make April 1, 2016 — no fooling! — the date by which both retailers and card issuers would need to support the chip-and-PIN standard.
Mobile Phone Credit Card Processing: The Wave Of The Future
Mobile phone credit card processing has been growing leaps and bounds over the last year or two. Brick and mortar stores, mobile stations like kiosks and outside stands, freelancers, and contractors have all been going mobile when it comes to accepting credit cards.
Is There a Way Accept Checks Online?
Every business needs to be able to accept checks as a form of payment, even if the business sells products or services partially or wholly online. This is still a very popular payment method and you do not want to lose sales because you can’t accept your customer’s preferred method of payment.
Memorial Day — and Summer Travel Season — Arrive
With Memorial Day, summer’s first “bookend” arrives, for a season that marks its midpoint with the 4th of July, and wraps up — practically speaking — with Labor Day.
More on Upbeat Consumers (and Banks): Fed Reports Card Use Up for Spring
Last week, we reported on findings that consumer confidence was on the rise, and this week, we have some tangible evidence of how that confidence is manifesting. After a winter slowdown, in part caused by the harsh weather, consumers started to say “charge it!” more often in March.
How to Choose a Merchant Account Company
To process and manage your business transactions, you need to secure business merchant services from a reputable merchant account company. But with all of the merchant account companies out there, how do you choose? Here are a few tips for selecting your provider.
Consumers Happier, While Symantec Resigned to Security Breaches
An interesting array of tea leaves to read and report on this week. The first “leaf batch” comes from the folks at Nielsen. Yes, “Nielsen” of TV rating fame, but they report on all kinds of consumer trends and “ratings.” Recently they issued a report stating that consumer confidence ‘round the world had climbed to pre-recession levels in the year’s first quarter. That confidence had “ended on a flat note in 2013,” their article said, “but signs of a brighter sentiment were right around the corner. With an index score of 96 in the first quarter—the highest level since first-quarter 2007, that optimism was validated.
After The Breachin’: Chip-and-Pin Comes to Target
As was pointed out about the recent Heartbleed security hole that was so pervasive, it presented a chance — bad as it was — for a lot of companies to reinvent and update their security protocols, for consumers to opt in for “double login” options on various accounts (a password and a PIN, say), and for the general level of security, web-wide, to be enhanced.
Top 3 Reasons to Use a Mobile Phone Credit Card Reader
You’ve heard all the hype about accepting credit cards using your smartphone but you may be wondering what the benefits are. Let’s talk about 3 of the top benefits you reap with mobile phone credit card processing.
Go Mobile with a Credit Card Reader
No matter what business you’re in, a mobile phone credit card reader can put your business on the go. Imagine the possibilities when you are no longer limited to checks and cash transactions. Imagine being able to set up shop anywhere you’d like and accept payment in any form, including plastic. You can also eliminate the problem of losing up sell opportunities because your customer only has a limited amount of cash. Options start opening up and your bottom line starts increasing.
POS Attacks May Be Declining (But…); Consumers Turning to Prepaid?
Certainly good news would be welcome on the internet and data security fronts these days. Technology website CRN may have some, in a story whose headline proclaims that “despite Prominent Retail Breaches, POS System Attacks Decline.”
“Heartbleed” Follow-ups: Web slowdown coming? Plus: Your Hand as a Credit Card
It’s no secret that news on the internet commerce / security / hack & bug front is “breaking” more fast and furiously than we’d like it to. But we’re determined to keep you updated so the surprises you have to plan for can be… a wee bit less surprising.
How To Accept Credit Cards On Your Website
If you have a website, you will need to be able to accept credit cards through your website (unless you want to wait for checks to be mailed and cleared, and we’re sure you don’t!). But don’t fret, AVP Solutions makes it easy to start accepting credit cards online.
The OpenSSL / “Heartbleed” Bug: Biggest “Hack” Yet?
Well, readers, this is the kind of news we wish we didn’t have to report. On the heels of the weeks and months reporting the details of the too-large Target and Neiman-Marcus data hacks, comes news of what may be the internet’s biggest security glitch… ever.
What are the Benefits of Mobile Phone Credit Card Processing?
Mobile phone credit card processing puts the ease of credit card transactions in your back pocket (or your purse). Whether you are an established retail store or you’re a contractor on the go, mobile credit card processing delivers the convenience and flexibility of accepting credit cards right to your cell phone.
Details Emerge on Neiman-Marcus Hack, as Mag Stripes and EMVs Make News
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Windows XP is Everywhere, and It’s Ending: Are Your Point-of-Sales Devices Safe?
As your roving correspondents, we have to, of course, rove. As in hit the road, roam far afield, attend a conference, track down a story. When we do travel, we go — as do you — with an array (too many?) of screens. A small one in our pocket. A mid-size one for reading. And then there’s the laptop. Our travel laptop, which has been with us awhile, is still running the comforts of Windows XP as its operating system.
Beyond the Stripe Swipe: “Contactless” Cards Are Booming
We write a lot about the coming changes to “charge cards” as we’ve known them, for a couple generations. Changes driven both by technology, and the vulnerabilities of that technology. For example, as a regular reader of these posts, you know that EMV cards are coming, with adaptation being pushed even faster by news of massive breaches at Target, Neiman-Marcus, and other retailers.
Business Merchant Services
Merchant account solutions cover a broad spectrum of services. When you’re considering merchant account companies, you need to examine several things.
Restaurant Owners Readying for EMV But Want More Card Protection
Plastic and digits are used in lieu of cash everywhere, but the food biz continues to find itself one of the most heavily “charged” industries, since everyone — whether it’s a fast food fish filet, sit-down bone-in ribeye, a morning tofu scramble, or anything else — has to eat.
Credit Card Processing Solutions
Every business needs the ability to accept credit cards but do you know which card processing solutions are best for your business? There are a variety of options so we will talk about a few here and if you would like to find out more or have additional questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Taking Checks Still a Good Idea & Other Fallout from Recent Breaches
A thoughtful analysis on Pymnts. com talks about some of the unexpected “fallout” from the recent high-profile credit card breaches. One might expect that such an event would accelerate the calls for adapting more secure “EMV” card standards here, or even spark discussions on whether customers should have ever-shifting “account numbers,” etc., as a way of minimizing security risks. And those discussions have happened.
Do You Need a Virtual Merchant Account?
If you sell products or services via a website, you are considered a virtual merchant and a virtual merchant account will allow you to process payments online. This type of account allows you to process transactions online anywhere that you have an internet connection.
The Cost of a Breach: Target Reports Profits Nearly Cut in Half
As an astute reader of this space, you have, of course, been following all the news and fallout emanating from the Target data breach, affecting upwards of 110 million customers (and of course numerous banks and credit unions who suddenly had to reissue cards, cover fraudulent charges, etc.)
Should You Still Accept Checks?
Absolutely. While credit card use has increased, many people still use checks and you could be missing out on sales opportunities if you don’t accept checks. One of the things that consumers do when shopping online is check to see if a merchant accepts the form of payment they wish to use. If they don’t, it’s very common for them to simply move on to find another merchant who does. They’ll even leave a full shopping cart online if they get to the checkout and learn that you don’t accept the form of payment that they intend to use. That means you’re putting money into your competitors pocket. Never leave any stone unturned when it comes to increasing your bottom line.
“Bank Loans Down — Merchants Turning To Cash Advances”
As your roaming correspondent(s) on matters both pecuniary and payment-based, we often find ourselves in the field to get a look, first-hand, at how the “economy” — which is to say, that system of human activity and trade involving goods, services (and various intentions) is faring.
What are the Benefits of Business Merchant Services?
Business merchant services allow you to easily accept credit card payments and checks whether at a retail location, on your website, or even via your mobile phone. If you sell services or products, you’ll need merchant account solutions to help you run your business.
2014: The Year of the Breach?
We certainly hope not. But the FBI isn’t so sure. A recent Washington Post article states that “nearly two dozen companies have been hacked in cases similar to the Target breach and more almost certainly will fall victim in the months ahead, the FBI recently warned retailers,” this “according to an official who was not authorized to speak publicly.”
Make Your Business Mobile with a Phone Credit Card Reader
A credit card reader for your mobile phone can quickly and easily make your business mobile. With a swipe, you can accept credit card payments from anywhere that you are able to connect to the internet. Many businesses that had to rely on cash transactions are now using a phone credit card reader to take their business to the next level and start accepting credit cards.
Fed Update: They’re Listening. Probably.
They wanted to hear from merchants, processors, bankers, and other, about what could be do to further bring the payment system here in the U.S. (and the way that payment system interacts with systems outside the U.S.) even further into the 21st century, in terms of speed, convenience, security, etc.
More Businesses Continue to Turn to Mobile Phone Credit Card Processing
With cell phone credit card readers, your business can enjoy increased profits and flexibility. Mobile use continues to increase across the board; from internet surfing to shopping and selling. Yes, selling. With mobile phone credit card processing, you can complete business transactions on the go, from anywhere. You can carry the power of a retail location right in your pocket. You can even use them at your retail location, as many businesses now are.
Is Card Security Coming to U.S. Credit… “At Last?”
The wake of the biggest data breach in U.S. history continues with its fallout, including the news from targeted Target that the hackers originally were able to pilfer their way into the discount chain’s system by “using electronic credentials stolen from a vendor,” according to an article in the Wall Street Journal.
Benefits of a Merchant Account for Website
If you have a website that you sell goods or services from, a merchant account for website lets you securely accept credit cards 24 hours a day, 7 day a week. This allows your customers to easily make a transaction anytime. Once set up, it’s completely hands-free for you so customers can make purchases even if you are sleeping or away on vacation. You will both receive an email notification of the transaction immediately.
The Yin and Yang of It: Retailers Push for Secure Cards, Target Already Tried Them
The news of course, in the wake of the most infamous consumer data breach yet, just gets newsier. Some reports indicate that information going back as far as ten years, on Target customers, could have been pilfered in the breach. One couple near the U.S. / Mexican border was arrested after having a cache of false credit cards in their possession, made from what appears to be a fraction of the stolen data.
Accept Checks and Credit Cards with a Merchant Account
A merchant account will enable you to accept checks and credit cards, ensuring you have a safe, effective way to process payments. Most businesses know they need to accept credit cards these days but many customers still use checks so it’s still important to be able to accept checks online (as well as offline). Not offering your customer’s preferred payment method could mean a lost sale.
Claws and Roars: Target, Neiman-Marcus, and Beyond
Yes, there’s more to report on the Target Breach and its fallout. We know, as Pymnts.com columinist Karen Webster wrote, that “The Target data breach is old news to most people by now, but the ’terrible roars’ unleashed by those responsible for this breach will be heard throughout the payments industry for years to come. And, the marks left by the ‘terrible claws’ on the future of retail payments and consumer payment habits may in fact become indelible.”
How to Choose the Best Business Merchant Services
Business merchant services are an integral part of your business so choosing the right provider is important to ensure the best service at the best rates. When looking for merchant account solutions some of the questions you should ask or investigate are:
More Fallout From the Target Breach — and Changes in the Pipeline
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
How To Accept Payments Through Your Website
If you sell products or services through your website, you’re probably looking for the best way to accept payments online. An internet merchant account will enable you to accept payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s very easy to setup, all you have to do is insert a bit of HTML code to your site and you’re ready to go.
When New Year’s Was New — Plus: New Cards Coming for the Hacked!
In the spirit of the holidays, we’ve stayed away from some of our “hard news” offerings in this space, to report on more thematically consistent topics, like the history of Christmas gift-giving, or this week — a history of New Year’s itself.
How Does a Phone Credit Card Reader Benefit Your Business?
The better question would be how does a phone credit card reader NOT benefit your business? Accepting credit card payments via your mobile phone means you can accept payments anywhere your customers are. You’re no longer restricted to retail locations, hoping your customer has cash or a check, or calling in a credit card payment. Now it’s as simple as swipe and go!
What Is a Virtual Merchant Account?
A virtual merchant account allows you to enter sales online from wherever you have an internet connection. Whether you are a virtual merchant or a brick and mortar business, this type of account can benefit you. While a virtual merchant usually processes many or all of their orders via their website, therefore requiring a way to process payments, a brick and mortar business who may not offer the option to place orders online benefits from a virtual merchant account in ways that include:
Before the Holiday Spending Reports: A Brief History of Christmas
First of all, let us wish you happy holidays, and a Merry Christmas. We assume this will pertain throughout the 12 Days of Christmas, whenever you catch up with this post.
And as we all slip into more congenial, hopefully somewhat more relaxed “holiday time,” we also leave behind our reports of spending and card use trends, card security breaches (but oh boy — more about that in the new year!) and such, for a little bit, to contemplate how it was we got “here.”
How Can You Accept Payments Online?
If you have a website, you will need online payment services to be able to accept and process credit cards. There are a few ways that you can do this but the safest, most efficient and effective way is with a merchant account. Your customers will be able to place their order at anytime, without the assistance of a live person (unless they need personal service for some specific reason).
Holiday Spending Up, Card Use Being Encouraged
We realize we’re not even into the actual “Twelve Days of Christmas” yet, but already holiday spending trends are being compiled and assessed. A recent survey from Citi indicates that holiday spending may land on the “up” side this year, after all. According to the survey, “twenty-nine percent of Americans estimate they will be spending more than $1,000 this holiday season, up from 22 percent in 2011. Amongst those planning on shopping for the holidays, Americans will spend an average of $968, up $60 from 2011.”
Why Use an Internet Merchant Account Instead of PayPal?
If you’re just starting an online business or website, or have an existing one, you may be asking yourself what the difference between using an internet merchant account to process your payments and PayPal is and why you should consider one over the other. After all both options allow you to accept payments right? Yes. So then it doesn’t matter which one you go with right? Yes, it does. Here are just a handful of differences between the two:
What Should You Look for in Business Merchant Services?
If you’re in business, you need a way to accept payments from your customers, right? From accepting credit cards to accepting checks, business merchant services allow you to process the transactions that are vital to your business.
The Science of Credit Card Fraud
We take a brief break from the general cheeriness of our holiday reportage. If you haven’t seen it, PBS’ “Nova” — the science reporting show — had an article on their website from one of their contributors about how his identity was hacked, and used in an attempt to run up credit card charges.
Are You Making This Mistake? Does Your Business Accept Checks?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that checks are completely outdated and you don’t need to worry about providing that as a payment options these days. Not having the ability to accept checks could cost you money and the goal of any business is to make money, not lose it.
What Are the Benefits of a Merchant Account?
If you are starting a business, or currently own one, you need business merchant services so that you can accept debit and credit card payments from your customers.
Just a few of the ways that a merchant account helps your business are:
Black Friday Down, Yet Cyber Monday Sets Record
There are a lot of interesting tea leaves — perhaps that’s peppermint tea, in the spirit of the season — to be read as the data comes in from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, that stretch of time formerly known as “Thanksgiving Weekend.
What are the Benefits of a Cell Phone Credit Card Reader?
A mobile phone credit card reader can boost your bottom line, save time, integrate portability into your business, increase security, and add convenience and flexibility for both you and your customers. Your bottom line is boosted because you now have the ability to accept any form of payment at any location. You’ll never miss a sale again because you couldn’t accept a credit card and your business horizon expands to wherever you want to go.
How Does Mobile Phone Credit Card Processing Increase Sales?
Mobile phone credit card processing is on the rise. This convenient, flexible payment method allows you to accept credit card payments anywhere, anytime. Long gone are the days that you have to hope your customers have cash, hope their check clears the bank, or miss the opportunity to make the sale because they only want to pay with plastic. Now you can accept payments anywhere your customers are.
The 12 Ways of Christmas
It’s a short holiday week, and we wanted to get the blogging in before it was time to address the stuffing!
If you’re on the merchant side of the equation, it’s also a “short” holiday season, due to Thanksgiving coming later in November than usual. So there’s even more expectation — frenzy? — around the official “Black Friday kickoff” sales. Not only for customers, but for merchants as well.
First Data’s Data Points to Stronger Holiday Season
An analysis from the First Data Corporation shows a discernible uptick in consumer spending in the period heading right into the holiday season — namely, the month of October. For that four-week period, their “SpendTrend” analysis tracked “same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations.”
Ways to Not Leave $100 Billion on the Table — POS Devices for Tablets & Smartphones
We were struck by a CNBC article appearing this week, with the provocative headline, “Cash-only Business Owners Risk $100 Billion Mistake.” The article notes that “As American consumers begin to embrace tap-and-pay smartphone apps, relegating plastic to a deep recess in the pocketbook or wallet, more than half of U.S. small business owners continue to live in the past—forget mobile apps, they don’t take American Express, or anything other than cash.”
Getting Clear on Automated Clearing House — What ACH Can Do For You
ACH, or “Automated Clearing House,” has been in the financial news of late, particularly in a couple of MarketWatch articles about ongoing changes to the system of payments, particularly in this era of instantaneous digits.
Cards in Hand: What Your Customers Like Using Charge and Debit For
Georgia-based Total Systems Services Inc., or TSYS, is out with their 2013 Consumer Payment Choice Study. And while the main purpose of the study was to find out how anxious, or ready, customers were to turn their mobile devices into wallets, though the secondary information in the survey — what types of plastic consumers prefer for which kinds of transactions — was perhaps just as illuminating.
Holiday Cash For Your Business, With a Merchant Cash Advance
Being the faithful AVPS Blog reader that you are, you’ve seen where there will be a large surge of holiday shoppers online; you know that your customers will be “showrooming” with their mobile devices; you want to advertise more as the economy slowly regains ground; you need to order more merchandise for the upcoming spike in sales.
After the Shutdown: Holiday Budgets Trimmed, Consumers Still Willing to Shop
Like the Boy Scouts, we believe in being prepared. Especially now that the U.S. is once again funding its government and paying its debts, and people are free, relatively, to go about their business. Part of that preparation may include anticipating how much business you can now expect from customers this holiday season.
“Mobile” Ambivalence: Consumers Want Ease of Use, Payment Options
Some interesting stats and trend-lines are emerging from a recently discussed Forrester Research study on Smartphone-based sales in the coming years. The data notes that Smartphone-based retail numbers will hit $12 billion in 2013, all the way up to $31 billion in 2017. Those are exciting numbers, but it’s worth noting that the 2013 figure actually represents just 5% of current e-commerce sales, and the 2017 number clocks in at 9%.
“The Other Big Trend I’d Really Highlight Is The Move From Cash to Debit”
That may be the most germane quote — the “takeaway” if you will — from an interview that Nitin Sumangali did regarding MasterCard Global Insights’ recent white paper on consumer spending habits and whether they’re still in a “recession mindset.”
Accepting Online Payments Has Never Been Easier
It is no secret that the millions of people that have taken advantage of doing business on the internet over the past 10 years have done a good job at making money. Internet business is growing more and more every day with no sign of slowing down any time soon.
The Fed Wants You to Help Make Payments Better
The Fed — that quasi-accountable Federal banking system that sets our interest rates, and determines how much cash liquidity we should all be awash in — now wants your help. Or at least, they want your comments.
Make Your Business Stronger Than Ever with AVP Solutions
In order to keep your business growing, you need business merchant services that provide easy solutions to all of your e-commerce needs. It is a fact that most people carry little or no cash because it is more convenient to use credit cards. Another fact is that more and more people are shopping online where cash is really not an option.
May You Live in Pinterest-ing Times: Social media and Holiday Shopping
Yes, we’re barely past Labor Day, and it’s already time to think of your customers’ shopping habits as the holiday season approaches. Indeed, you may have been thinking about such things before the last 4th of July sparkler was lit.
Mobile Credit Card Processing for Business On The Go
A lot of businesses in today’s world are going mobile and getting more and more creative when it comes to gaining customers. Regardless of what your business is, if you are not equipped to handle different forms of payment, you may be missing out.
Card Use Slows in Summer, Yet New Ways to Spend on Horizon
We always like when two seemingly unrelated bits of news emerge to make a pattern, or perhaps two points on a related map. On the one hand, we have another report from the Fed that, as Reuters puts it, “growth in U.S. consumer credit slowed for the second straight month in July, held back by a decline in a measure of credit card usage that hinted at a mood of caution among consumers.”
Make Paper Checks a Thing of the Past
In today’s world, many things are done electronically such as buying and selling items and video chatting with your friends and family thousands of miles away. Whether you have been in business for 15 years or 5 months, you probably have, or need to, integrated some form of current technology into your business to stay current and ensure you don’t lose business due to lack of payment options.
Online, or In-Store, Your Customers Shop With Devices In Hand
Online marketing and consulting firm Maxymiser, which specializes in “cross-channel optimization” (which means: get the most out of each platform…
Smart Phones Make it Easy to Accept Credit Card Payments Anywhere
It is amazing how far we have come in the technological age in such a short time. The first cellular phones came to the market in the 80’s. At that time, analog was the only frequency available and portable phones were only a vision. Digital phones came about in the 90’s and have grown increasingly popular ever since.
Changes in Attitude, and in Credit Score Latitude
Two news items this week show that your customers relationship to the credit cards they use to buy from you are changing. And also, more of them might be deemed worthy of that credit that previously thought.
‘On the Spot’ Processing with a Cell Phone Credit Card Reader
AVP Solutions provides business merchant account services to all types of businesses around the world. Our experience of 25 years has situated us as an industry leader in providing merchants with the easiest methods to receive payment for their products and services. We evolve with technology so that you always have access to the latest payment options at the most competitive prices.
Accept Payments on the Go with Mobile Phone Credit Card Processing
Receiving payment instantly for your service is not only business efficient but it can mean cost savings from not having to ‘chase’ your customer for payment. Whether you’re an electrician, a plumber, a trade show exhibitor, or a home sales representative, you can receive payment immediately, wherever you are.
Checks, Charges, and Changes
We always like it, here at the AVPS blog, when pieces of “separate” financial news combine to make a single, bigger story, or to provide a trendline.
That’s happened again this summer, when a story about checks — and then another — caught our eye. The first was an article written in anticipation of an upcoming report from the Federal Reserve, which charts consumer payment habits.
Get the Best Merchant Services with AVP Solutions
Today, there are many different ways that customers pay and if you can’t accommodate a preferred method for a customer, money is lost. As a merchant, you need to be able to accept all forms of payment so that you don’t miss a sale.
Retail, E-commerce or Mobile – You Need a Merchant Account Partner
In today’s economy, every business has to adopt a cutting edge strategy in order not only to survive, but prosper. Whether your business is a store front, online or takes you on the road, you need to be able to accept payment in all forms. Cash has taken a backseat to credit cards, debit cards, checks, online payments and mobile payment processing.
Late Card Payments Decline — New Customer Use Patterns Emerging?
In increasing signs of a perking — or at least, stabilizing — economy, comes the news that late payments on credit cards are at a 20-year low. According to an AP article, the credit reporting bureau TransUnion is reporting “ the second-lowest recorded since the second quarter of 1994, when the rate was 0.56 percent, and it’s running ahead of the historical average of 1.03 percent. The firm’s records go back to 1992.”
Make the Most of your Sales with a Website Merchant Account
For parts of the last two decades, hundreds of millions of dollars have been transacted through the Internet and millions of people have gotten wealthy by positioning themselves in a relatively new way of doing business. The trend continues today and there has never been more need for a business merchant provider to help your business with online payment services and overall guidance in transacting business electronically.
How do I get a Merchant Account for my New Business?
Sometimes it seems that the system doesn’t work for the new guy on the block. Obstacles seem to be everywhere to prevent you from starting your new business. Financing, government regulations, business plans and upfront costs all contain their own hurdles that must be overcome in order to get your business off the ground.
Credit Card Tips for When “Back to School” Means “Off to College”
We’re probably as surprised as you that it’s already “back to school” time in so many places, for so many students. Aren’t we still a few weeks away from our Labor Day barbecues!?
On the Move with Your Work? Take advantage of a Wireless Credit Card Service
There are many types of businesses that accept credit cards including on line E-commerce companies on the Internet and store front retailers as well as service companies. But what if your work takes you on the road? Contractors, repair companies and even those companies who exhibit in trade shows have a need to offer credit card processing solutions.
Understanding ACH (Automated Clearing House)
When you are starting your business there are a myriad of things to think about. One of the most important issues is how you will generate enough revenue to make a profit and for the first few years, even survive. Assuming you have a solid marketing plan in place to bring buyers to your online store or store front premises, how do you get the customer to purchase your products or services once they are there?
Will Convergence, and New Tech, Help Reduce Fraud?
The first appeared on the Small Business Trends website, and is a very useful, practical listing of “12 Tips for Merchants to Fight Credit Card Fraud at the Point of Sale.” Among the helpful pointers are the suggestion to actually compare signatures on the slip (or screen) versus the card — a practice which has fallen out of favor — and watching out for large sales, or seemingly distracted customers, rushing a purchase right at closing time.
Credit Card Processing with a Virtual Terminal
How many times have you had a customer that wanted to purchase your product or service but you were unable to process the transaction. These situations usually occur when the credit card holder is not present and you potentially lose the sale. That doesn’t have to happen any longer.
Accept Checks Online with Automated Clearing House
Decades ago, they said that we would become a paperless society. And while there are trillions of gigabytes that hold a tremendous amount of data, there are so many paper documents that haven’t made the leap. Thankfully, checks have now gone through the transition from a paper environment to an electronic process that you as a merchant, can take advantage of to improve your bottom line and lessen the turnaround time from a conventional deposit.
Card Companies Show Profits, as Credit Use Climbs
There are tea leaves in nearly every flavor, for someone attempting to read what direction the economy’s headed in. But for at least two of the biggest credit card companies, the news seems to be that things are picking up, or at least their customers — the ones using credit cards — are convinced it’s okay to start saying “Charge it,” again.
Easy Payment Options Equals Better Bottom Line with an Internet Merchant Account
Your business plan is complete, your product ready to ship and your website ready to go live. Your marketing is set and the whole world knows that you are open for business. One of the most important aspects at this stage is cash flow. Lots of it, hopefully. There are many options with which to receive payment but how do you get it fast and easy?
Plastic Sleeves and Radio Chips: Simple Protections for RFID Cards
As the news keeps making clear, changes are coming to what exactly it means when a customer says “charge it!” There are smart wallets, phones-as-credit cards, and more.
AOL Business Article: Accepting Plastic “Outweighs the Cons”
We were struck by a long and thoughtful article recently posted on AOL Business, with the headline “Can You Afford to Run a Cash-Only Business?” The first section dealt with some of the admitted advantages from a “cash on the barrelhead” approach — every penny that comes in stays with the business, and you are also absolved from any worries about security breaches, hacks, banks raising fees, etc.
It Was Originally Going to Be the Second of July!
As we head toward our big midsummer celebration, remember that if John Adams had been right, you’d be celebrating two days earlier!
On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress legally separated itself from Great Britain. President-to-be John Adams wrote to his wife that the “second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.
Are Small Businesses Evolving Fast Enough for Customers’ Mobile Needs?
In the same week where the smallness and flexibility of small businesses is being touted in an article explaining how small specialized bookstores may outlast the giant Barnes & Noble chain, comes a report from payments firm ControlScan and TransFirst, suggesting that small businesses (those processing fewer than 20,000 e-commerce or 1 million physical card transactions annually), may be missing the boat in responding to one growing critical need: the ability to respond to a customer base increasingly seeking both information, and payment options, on mobile platforms.
Happy Small Business Week!
Here at AVPS solutions, we salute all our customers celebrating National Small Business Week! Started in 1963 by President Kennedy, “one thing that hasn’t changed,” according to the latest White House statement, “is America’s entrepreneurial spirit and the important role that small business owners play in our economy and our communities.”
Customer Feedback
We wanted to take a minute to share just a few of the wonderful reviews we’ve received from customers recently:
EMVs and Travel
As noted in this space before, new EMV (Europay/MasterCard/Visa) security standards are slowly coming to credit cards in America. Basically, the card relies on a chip, rather than a magnetic stripe, for its pertinent information, and its information is harder to clone, or hack.
Another “Phantom Menace:” Contactless Charges
This is a follow up on a couple of recent items we’ve had here lately, about security not only in an age of mobile technology, but security in an age where information between devices can be transferred with a literal “touch,” or “bump.”
Of Security and Summer Destinations
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Dueling Reports, and Women: They’re Better Credit Risks Than Men. Or Not.
Once again, this week’s news cycle in the world of credit and finance gives us a fascinating glimpse into how varied the metrics are of credit card reporting, to the degree that two different studies can came out at the same time, each claiming different conclusions about how women use credit cards.
On the Road: Best Cards For the Season Ahead
Memorial Day beckons as the official kick-off to the summer travel season, but your AVPS blog correspondents already have one child flying back from college for the break, and we’ve booked an interestingly complicated itinerary for a summer flight of our own. So travel season, it appears, is here.
In the News: Card Use Encouraged; Card Use Cut Back
It’s that time of year where we start to monitor the trends over consumer card use — particularly with summer travel season looming. But two other initial trends this spring caught our eye first, and may shed some light on where your customers are at.
Your Credit Card Could Start Literally “Leaking” Data in the Smartphone Era
By way of a heads-up comes this news from Canada, and reported in the northerly edition of Huffington Post (and later picked up in Forbes’ credit card “round up” column). We’ve mentioned those embedded chips that are due to replace magnetic strips on most credit cards (and have to a large extent in Europe — where the upgraded plastic is the “EMV” standard we’ve written about here before).
Follow-up: Senate Getting Ready to Hit “Send” on Online Sales Tax
Part of reporting financial, economic and practical news that helps your business, and illuminates the climate your business operates in, is to make sure we follow up on the “developing” trends and stories posted here. We wrote recently of the proposed online sales tax in Congress, where it seems after years of refusing to allow states to carry out such taxation in the “early days” of online commerce, it appears that the confluence of online retail being robust, mostly thriving, and clearly here-to-stay, along with the chronic budget woes of states, have combined to make a green light for such taxes likelier than ever before.
More Credit Fraud — But More Potential Security, too
The news in credit cards this week is kind of yin/yang, straddling both sides of the security fence. On the one hand, there’s news of another breach, this one affecting the St. Louis- based Schnucks Market chain, which confirmed an April 15 “hack” affecting 2.4 million credit and debit cards, used at nearly 80% of its 100 stores. Track 2 card numbers and expiration data were were breached in specific stores, and depending where your customers are based, they may not be affected at all.
Madera, m’dear? Not If You’re Not Careful About Card Fraud!
While credit card fraud thankfully remains the rule, rather than the exception, we like to post occasional news items here about card fraud schemes, for their instructive value. In other words, what they can they teach our merchants about making their own transactions safer?
….And Yet, M-Commerce — and M-Everything — Is Still On the Rise!
The headline is a direct follow up to last week’s blog post, which concerned one merchant’s unfortunate overreaction to “showrooming,” that mobile-device enabled method of seeing a product “live” in a store, then turning to a handy screen to see if you can get it for a better price.
What Not To Do In Response to “M-Commerce”
Sometimes this happens with the newfangled habit of “showrooming.” We’ve written about it here before, and as a merchant with customers, you should keep the phrase on your radar. “Showrooming” refers to the practice of customers entering a store, looking at items “live,” as it were (which is to say, displayed on your shelves — if you’re one of those with an offline location that has shelves), then checking their phones quickly to see if they can get it for a better price — once your own showroom display has actually helped make the sale.
More on the Young, and their Credit
A few weeks back, we mentioned some conflicting reports on young adults and their use of credit. On the one hand, they were getting deeper in debt — due to sluggish job prospects and increased school costs, among other things. On the other, they were generally preferring to use debit cards, instead of credit cards, to pay for things where plastic was required, to avoid piling up even more debt.
First Data Shows Upticks in Card Use — of all kinds
One the one hand, we like to tout February as a “second season” to attract shoppers, after the holidays — what with Super Bowl weekend followed by Valentine’s Day. And then there’s Presidents’ Day weekend, with its traveling and “get away” plans. Add it all up, and tends to mean active customers for a wide array of businesses.
AVPS In Your Corner For Charge Disputes
Suddenly, there are news stories about credit card disputes everywhere. Fox Business had one about consumer complaints, but those aren’t the same thing. Or rather, we might consider charge disputes a subset of overall “complaints,” which could include everything from bad service, to not crediting a payment, to not honoring a stated interest rate, and more.
A Guide to the Strawhecker Group’s Swipe Fee Graphic
The Strawhecker Group is an advisory/consulting group for us in the Payments Industry. And they’ve recently come up with a compelling infographic explaining swipe fees — what they are, and where they go.
Attention Online Retailers: New Sales Tax Collections Headed Your Way?
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep you updated on how saying the phrase “just charge it!” is changing for your very customers, we wanted to alert you to the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013. It specifies that states need to simplify their own tax systems, so they can collect sales tax from out-of-state merchants, who are selling to their citizens online.
Valentine’s Spending on the Rise
A new survey by the National Retail Federation says that American’s will spend more than $18 billion on Valentine’s Day, making it one of our “spendiest” holidays, close on the heels of Christmas and Halloween. According to the NRF, the average outlay will be around $130 a person — a $5 uptick from last year, though the “average” for men actually clocks in at around $176, while for women it hovers around $90.
Credit Card Fee Update — States Striking Back?
We’ve been striving to update you on the fallout from last autumn’s credit card fee settlement from the lawsuit where numerous merchants challenged Visa, Master Charge, et all, about the fees they were charging for credit card transactions.
Massive Consumer Spending Event Headed Your Way!
The National Retail Federation is out with their annual survey to estimate the breadth and depth of consumer spending for the unofficial American holiday known as “Super Bowl Sunday.” As an article in the San Diego Source noted, this Sunday’s “big football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens is more than a sporting event — it is a massive consumer event.
Lessons from eBay, NASDAQ, and the James Bond Theme
In the movies and on TV, certain characters love it when a plan comes together. Sometimes, just blogging for your…
Are Younger Consumers Shunning Credit?
Conflicting studies show a conflicting view of credit card use from younger consumers, reminding businesses that they’ll need to stay…
How Will Credit Card Fee Changes Affect Consumer Credit Card Use?
Or will they? As a follow-up to last week’s post about the late-in-the-year settlement on card fees, and how those might affect both merchants and consumers, comes this additional item in the Washington Post.
New Year’s Changes: Merchant surcharges
Happy 2013 to our readers, and while this first January week may still find many of us in lingering “holiday mode,” it actually brings some “hard news” in the credit card processing business.
The History — and Future– of Credit Cards
The New Year’s cusp is always a good time for looking both forwards – -and backwards. Especially when one considers how fast the whole passing parade… passes by! For some colorful holiday reading about the history of credit cards, we refer you this article by Bloomberg, on a Christmas-season “fiasco” occasioned by Chicago banks, getting into the then-new credit card biz.
Credit Cards in Use This Holiday Season
A new study by credit rating bureau TransUnion shows a steady rise in credit card use this holiday season. Some…
Shedding Some Light on “Gelt”
It’s that December mix of holiday time — wrapping up business for the year, and mixing in some seasonal pleasure, celebration, gift-giving, and travel, with it all. We’ll have a similar mix here on the blog heading into the new year, looking at the “fiscal aspects” of some of our seasonal traditions, as well as charting early business indicators for the year ahead.
More Prepaid, More Credit: A Peek Into the New Year
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Span Increasingly “Mobile” Weekend
The trendlines — not to be confused with the weekend’s expanding waistlines! — are in, and changing shopping patterns, and evidence of a slowly recovering economy, were both apparent over the long holiday weekend.
Pilgrim Economy: No cash, just carry!
Here at AVPS, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving — all good things, blessings and much to be grateful for…
If You Want Your Business to Grow, Online Is the Only Way to Go
These days, many successful businesses have an online component. Even traditionally brick and mortar establishments are jumping into the online world to increase their sales potential and their customer base. With so much of life happening in an online world these days, it’s a good idea for even the smallest business to have an online presence so that customers can find them. One way to grow your online business is to offer your customers a wide variety of payment options. This includes not only credit card transactions, but also the ability to accept checks online. Many customers today want to pay by check, and giving them the option can give you a much needed edge over the competition.
Proposed Changes to CARD Act Could Mean More Credit Customers For You
Under the CARD act of 2009, it actually became harder for at-home spouses to get their own credit card, as Federal Reserve Regulations required a credit card issuer to verify the individual applicant has income or assets available to make payments — regardless of the total household income. Current proposals to change the CARD Act would allow a non-working spouse or partner over the age of 21 to report shared household income from the working spouse or partner in order to apply for a credit card in his or her own name.
Is Your Company Considered High Risk? Don’t Let That Stop You from Processing Checks Online
If you have a startup business with no credit or limited credit, you may be considered a high risk merchant. This often means that banks and other lenders shy away from offering you the services that you need to be successful. With AVP Solutions, however, you can get a high risk merchant account that allows your business to process credit card and check payments from your customers. Bad credit or no credit doesn’t have to stand in your way, accepting checks online can help you expand your customer base as you watch your business grow. It’s all possible when you get a merchant account from AVPS.
Credit Card Trends Point to More Mobility
Aside from the all the big election news this week, a couple of smaller items popping up in the newsfeeds on the credit card front point toward a rapidly changing landscape there too, one where mobile payments are even more common.
ACH and How It Can Help Your Business
What is ACH? ACH payments are electronic check payments that many businesses can use to expand their customer base. The Automated Clearing House, which is what ACH stands for, works similarly to a wire transfer but without actually being a wired payment. If you are looking for a secure way to process check payments from your customers, ACH is the way to go. These payments are resolved in just a couple of business days, which means that you will get your money faster than you might with traditional check payments. There are many benefits for business who accept ACH payments.
Card Use Expected to Be Up This Holiday Season: Is Your Business Ready?
Projections for credit card use this holiday season continue to be good. The Greensheet, a credit card industry newsletter, recently featured a round-up of projetions, with many saying that this year’s holiday retail sales could top 2011 by upwards of 4 percent. Deloitte LLP estimated that U.S. retailers will rack up over $900 billion dollars of sales between November (which starts today!) and January of 2013. And of that, approximately $36 billion is expected to be “mobile-influenced,” with
shoppers using phones and tablets to help locate items, and comparison-shop between them.
Top 4 Things Wireless Credit Card Service Can Do for Your Business
When your business depends solely on how many products you are able to sell, any advantage that you can gain over your competitors is huge. Moving your business online is a great step, but it is only one piece of the puzzle for many business owners. Here, we will look at four top benefits to upgrading to a wireless credit card service.
Lessons of a Bookish Breach
As you may have been reading in the news this week, there’s been another breach in a merchant credit card system, this time hitting 63 Barnes & Noble outlets across the country. While the breach — and resultant damage — seem to have already been contained (since the original hack occurred in September, but wasn’t announced until now, per the wishes of FBI investigators). Customer swipe machines at various B&N’s were compromised, and sent account info to the hackers themselves, who seem to have briefly used the information for purchases throughout the fall, though those curtailed.
Tips for Dealing with Checks Online
When you own a business, making sure that you accept the most popular forms of payment is a big part of remaining profitable. While plastic is easy to accept both online and off, there are still many consumers who prefer to pay with checks and ACH withdrawals from their checking accounts. Dealing with checks doesn’t have to be risky to your business, and today we will look at some tips that can make it much easier to accept checks online.
Could EMV Risk Be Headed Your Way?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
How to Start Merchandizing Online
In today’s world, the online market is by far the biggest sales market available. While a brick and mortar store…
Of Pizzas and PCI
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
What to Look for in a Business Merchant Services Company
As a business owner, your entire business is centered on making money. Whether you own a brick and mortar store or operate your business online, business merchant services are a big part of this. Your merchant account is what enables you to accept payments in the form of checks, credit and debit cards, gift cards, and more. Unfortunately, not all merchant account providers are created equal. Here, we will take a look at what qualities you should be looking for.
A Farewell to Cash: How Payments Will change
A recent seminar reported in the credit industry newsletter The Green Sheet had some illuminating things to say about the…
Handling Checks Online Is Easy with the Right Business Services Company
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Ease and Expectation: The Future of Customer Card Use
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] A couple of seemingly disparate articles caught our attention this week, since both talk about…
How to Start an Internet Merchant Account
If you are looking to start an online business, hoping to take your existing business online, or looking to convert an informational website into one that can make sales, the first thing that you will need to do is to select an Internet merchant account. A merchant account enables you to accept various forms of payment and to have it deposited into your bank account. Of course, making the right choice is critical and it comes down to knowing where to get started.
More People “Shun the Bank” — But You Can Get, and Offer, Those Services Through AVPS
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] As originally reported in the Wall Street Journal, then picked up in Forbes’ round-up of…
Accept Checks from Anywhere without Fear
While a vast number of today’s consumers hold credit and debit cards, it is important to realize that not everyone is comfortable using them. This especially holds true online, where fear of hackers and identity theft makes many people stand steadfast in their refusal to enter their digits online. Whether you own an online store or a brick and mortar business, making sure that you accept the forms of payment that your customers want to use is critical, which is why it is still vital to accept checks in a credit heavy market.
“The Street” Advises: Don’t Use Your Credit Cards For Start-ups. AVPS Offers Alternatives
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Establish Your New Business the Right Way
It is often said that you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, and in an online…
The “Reference” Desk: Earn Money for AVPS Referrals!
Did you know you can make a little extra pocket change for referring merchants to AVP Solutions? Every time you send an eligible merchant our way, for whom AVPS can provide bankcard and other cashless services, you get to be cash-full!
Bad Credit Doesn’t Need to Stop You From Accepting Credit Cards
Does your business have a poor credit rating? Perhaps you own a new business that has yet to establish credit and have a low personal credit score. Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand that you still have options. Bad credit does not have to keep you from being able to get the funding you need to expand or improve your business. A high risk merchant account from a reputable company like AVP Solutions can offer you access to the funding that you need as well as a convenient, affordable way to repay your funding.
Customers Satisfied with Credit Cards — Are They Satisfied With You?
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] In a somewhat surprise finding, J.D. Power and Associates released a study last week showing…
Dealing with the Credit Card Companies Can be Simple
Does your current form of payment acceptance make it difficult for you to accept credit card payments? Perhaps your merchant solution is charging you more per transaction than the sales are worth, or perhaps you simply don’t have a reliable retail merchant account at all. Customers who pay by credit card often spend significantly more than those who pay by cash, and with this in mind, it is easy to understand why a convenient and affordable credit card merchant solution is critical.
Are You Encrypted?
A recent article aimed at convenience store owners talks about PCI (Payment Card Industry) security compliance, in light of increasingly…
How Online Payment Services Can Help Your Business
Did you know that a vast majority of today’s consumers make frequent online purchases? Did you know that most consumers today would rather buy an item online than have to drive to the store, wait in line, and then bring it home? Online shopping offers a great deal of convenience in a time where convenience is increasingly hard to come by. The economy is forcing shoppers to look for lower prices, while the need to work more hours while still tending to families and other obligations reduces the amount of time that people have to go shopping. By offering online payment services, you make it easy for customers to purchase from you online while also offering your existing customers an easier way to pay their bills and manage their accounts.
Be Sure to Offer Customers Payment Options That Suit Them
We recently reported on a Federal Reserve study showing that Americans had seemingly been cutting back on credit card use,…
What a Merchant Account Will Do for Your Web Based Business
Do you have a business that is based in the online world? Whether you provide online services or simply use the web as a place to sell your real-world goods and services, you likely know that offering your customers convenience is as important as offering them high quality products and excellent customer service. If you are currently relying on big name companies like PayPal, you are paying far more than you should be and severely limiting what your customers are able to do in terms of paying you.
Of Food Trucks and the Fed: Your Customers’ Card Habits
The Federal Reserve, according to a recent AP article, has been studying some things. Namely, your spending habits. And those…
Take Your Business Worldwide by Establishing a Web Presence
Are you looking to increase the profit potential of your business? While flashy advertising can be a good way to…
“Smart cards” headed this way — eventually
According to the Nilson Report, one of the payment industry’s leading newsletters, the United States generated about 27 percent of payment-card purchases though accounts for nearly half of global payment-card fraud.
Virtual Merchandizing: The 21st Century’s Great Equalizer
In today’s Internet oriented world, brick and mortar businesses are being forced to deal with the fact that they are…
Darwin’s Theory of PCI Compliance
We are big on PCI Compliance here at AVPS. And why wouldn’t we be? After all, those letters stand for Payment Card Industry compliance, and they detail ways that you — and we — can keep payments safe and secure. CBS news recently ran an article on how, increasingly, it’s small or medium-sized businesses that are being targeted by hackers (remember that the recent Global Payments breach started with a smallish NY- based transit company).
Tips for Setting Up Your Retail Merchant Account
As a new retailer or as a business owner taking on new services through AVPS, the idea of setting up your new account can certainly be stressful. If you are not computer savvy or if you have dealt with companies that exhibit poor customer support, there can be a lot of worry over how difficult it will be to set everything up and whether or not your system will be fully functional and safe against hackers and fraud when you have it online and ready to go.
Client Spotlight: WebTechMedia
To paraphrase the comic strip “Pogo” — we have met our client, and he is us! Which is to say,…
Why Your New Business Needs an Online Merchant Account
Did you know that a vast majority of today’s consumers prefer to make purchases online whenever possible? Not only does buying online give them a chance to comparison shop in order to get good prices and great customer service, but it is simply more convenient. Today’s consumers are working more hours than ever, and the convenience of being able to purchase products online takes away the stress of having to navigate to the store, wait in line, and carry everything home in the middle of an already busy day.
Dispatch from Comic-Con: Lessons of the Dealers’ Room
Your AVPS correspondents get around, and this week, we’re at Comic-Con, that mega mecca for all things pop culture, which eventually unfurl on screens and pages of every stripe, but are launched here, in previews and panels. And a walk around the dealers’ room provides a good archaeology in the strata of on-the-spot processing, like the kind currently offered by AVPS.
Accept Credit Cards from Anywhere with a Virtual Terminal
While many businesses operate in a brick and mortar store or on the web, an increasing number of today’s businesses are much more mobile. Not only are today’s business owners taking more time to network and even sell products at trade shows, but with the modern economy making things hard for more traditional workers, many of today’s typical consumers have become small business owners, selling handmade goods or their own services at craft fairs, flea markets, and other venues.
On the 4th of July and Pieces of 8: A brief history of American money
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] With the 4th of July arriving midweek this year, the whole first week of July…
Why Even Traditional Businesses Should Have a Virtual Merchant Account
As a business owner, making sure that you are maximizing your ability to be profitable is crucial. Whether your business…
Coming trends: E-commerce becomes M-commerce
If you’ve picked up on “underlying themes”in recent AVPS blog posts, you’ve noticed that –aside from the seasonal entries on…
Dream of Working from Home? Become a Virtual Merchant
Are you looking for a job that offers the scheduling flexibility you need to spend more time with your loved…
Protecting your cards in the season of cabanas, beach naps, and roller coasters
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] The summer solstice has just passed, and the warm season is upon us. And while…
Online Payment Services and How They Can Help You Build Your Business
If you are looking to boost your business revenue, you need to perform a number of steps. Boosting your Internet presence through SEO marketing can be a great step, but what are you doing to make it easier for customers to make purchases once they are on your website? If you aren’t using the right online payment services, your revenues can really suffer. Not only can high fees take a big bite out of your profits, but you will find that the wrong merchant card processors can actually make it harder for your customers to make purchases from you.
“Prepaid” on Customers’ Minds
As noted, here at the AVPS blog we endeavor to bring you the latest trends in how tech is intersecting…
Why Go to the Bank When You Can Bring the Bank to You
When looking to move a business online, you will find that you have many options in terms of how you accept payments for bills or for your goods and services. While many traditional banks offer merchant account solutions, these services are typically very costly and the rates and fees will depend on your credit as well as other criteria. This can certainly be an option if you prefer it, but for many businesses, a merchant bank account is something that could better obtained from an ISO.
Got a phone? You’ve got check verification!
When looking to move a business online, you will find that you have many options in terms of how you accept payments for bills or for your goods and services. While many traditional banks offer merchant account solutions, these services are typically very costly and the rates and fees will depend on your credit as well as other criteria. This can certainly be an option if you prefer it, but for many businesses, a merchant bank account is something that could better obtained from an ISO.
Making Your Website Work for You
Moving a business online or creating a web-based business can be a great way to increase profits and to target a global market. When you have a well-designed website that is properly marketed and that is being offered to people seeking your goods or services, the revenue potential is virtually limitless. One thing that you will have to have in order to see financial success, however, is a quality Internet merchant account. Your website merchant account needs to be able to do many things for you, and when you make the right choice, your website can really do everything that you need and more.
Checks — They’re Not Just for Paper Anymore
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
The Best Business Merchant Services Online
When it comes to operating an online business, there are many components that will determine your overall success. Excellent products or services, prices that are competitive, and marketing that brings people to your website are all very important, but it is also the online business merchant services that you choose and implement that will have a large impact. If you aren’t able to accept credit cards in a secure manner or if you do not accept multiple forms of payment, you could be losing out on major business.
On-the-Spot Processing Takes Your Business “Into the Field!”
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] “(These readers) are changing the landscape a bit,” according to Ben Woolsey, director of marketing…
Accepting Checks Doesn’t Have to Be a Hassle
When you think of dealing with checks in a brick and mortar store, it can be frustrating. Running checks through…
Two Billion Cardholders Coming to the U.S.?
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] In challenging economic times, where might two billion new cardholders come from? Two billion “sudden”…
Don’t Let Credit Problems Keep You from Doing Business Online
Are you looking to start an Internet business or to take your business into the virtual world, only to find that a poor or nonexistent credit rating is holding you back? While most banks have very strict laws and regulations regarding to whom and how they can distribute funding, they are not your only option. A high risk merchant account can give you many options that you might not have even known were available to you, including the ability to access a merchant cash advance that will let you borrow against future credit card payments and repay the loan automatically and affordably as purchases are made.
More on MCAs
No sooner does a blog post run here at AVPS on using Merchant Cash Advances to augment cash flow for your business in tight times, than the subject starts appearing in financial news headlines. Business News Daily ran a piece on the same subject, stating “In this era of tight money, many small businesses feel that they’ve been hung out to dry by traditional lenders, a new survey shows. As a result, a growing number of companies are turning to alternative sources of funding, such as merchant cash advances (MCA).”
If You Haven’t Started Doing Business Online Yet, You’re Missing the Boat
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] The Internet is by far the biggest marketplace available to consumers both here and abroad,…
Fallout Continues from Recent Global Payments Breach
The recent security breach reported by Global Payments — as previously discussed here — continues to leave the payments industry searching for clues as to what went wrong this time, and what can be done to prevent a “next time.”
Getting Your Business Started Right
If you are looking to start a new business or to move an existing business online, there are many steps that you will need to take. One thing you will definitely need to do before taking many other steps is to create a business plan. You need to have a fact and research driven estimate of what you plan to make, but you also need to have an idea of the market for your products or services, as well as an idea of what level of competition you can expect in your demographic. All of this will be required to get funding for your business, as well as to keep you on the right track.
Summer travel: The beach, the open road — the use of plastic
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Fear Itself: What’s Next in the Global Payments breach?
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] The biggest news in the credit processing world this early spring is the unwelcome kind:…
Take Payments Online: Increase the Geographical Scope of Your Business
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Services Online: What Do You Get With an Internet Processing Solution?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Online Payment Processing: Preparing Your Website for Credit Acceptance
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Accepting Credit Card Payments: Progress Your Ecommerce Business to the Next Level
As your ecommerce site begins to expand, it is important to begin accepting more convenient forms of payment in an…
Online Payments Processing: Expand Your Business Profit Potential
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Online Payment Systems: The Value of EBPP
Electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP) is the presentment and payment of bills over an electronic system. In the past…
Mobile Card Processing: Who Uses It?
The ability to be mobile with payment processors is a need that different merchants experience in different contexts. Unlike accepting…
Card Processing Companies: Choosing the Right MSP
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Card Processing Services: Frequently Asked Questions
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Credit Card Processing Machines that Help Boost Your Revenue
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Internet Merchant Accounts: Not the Only Item for Online Processing
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Business Merchants Must Perform a Few Tasks to Begin Credit Processing
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
ACH Transactions Have Multiple Business Applications
Electronic transfers are run through the Automated Clearing House or ACH network. Transactions can be transferred between company accounts, to…
Business Payment Services Advance Your Profit Potential
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Internet Merchant Bank Account Fees: An Overview
To say the Internet is the new marketplace is an understatement. More accurately, it is the new global marketplace—a place that any merchant can be a part of with the help of an independent selling organization (ISO). The accounts provided by ISOs are bank accounts that allow merchants to accept and process debit, credit, and check payments, whether in store, on the go, or online. For many businesses, an online account is the most lucrative, as it reaches customers globally. Nevertheless, like all merchant accounts, an online account involves fees; seven of those fees are profiled below.
Tips for Choosing a Merchant Service Provider
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Card Merchant Service: Four Signs You Should Consult With One
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Which Merchant Card Processing Terminal is Right for Your Business?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Account Terminology: Understanding Key Words and Concepts
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Small Business Credit Card Processing: What are the Benefits?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Phone Merchant Account: What is a MOTO Account and how does it Work?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Online Credit Card Processing: Frequently Asked Questions
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Services: Four Account Solutions for B2C Merchants
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Ecommerce Credit Card Processing: Top Market Sectors for Ecommerce
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Credit Card Processing: Putting Credit Payment in Context
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Online Merchant Account: Six Signs Your Business Needs One
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Internet Merchant Account: How can it Benefit Small Businesses?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
How Does an Ecommerce Merchant Account Compare to PayPal?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Credit Card Merchant Account Service: Frequently Asked Questions
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Credit Card Merchant Service Provider: What Services Does it Offer?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Service Provider: Six Signs a Business Needs One
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Card Payment Services: Providing More Innovative Compensation Choices
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Debit Card Processing: Closing the Gap between Your Customer Payment Choices
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Electronic Payment Cards: What Are the Important Decision Factors?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
MOTO Business Phones: Increasing Customer Purchasing Convenience
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
MOTO Business Card Reader: Summarizing Available Device Technologies
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Small Business Credit Card Processing: How Could it Help Your Business?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
ACH Processing: Frequently Asked Questions
An Automated Cleaning House (ACH) account allows businesses to accept debit payments in store, over the telephone and online. If…
Ecommerce Credit Card Processing: Everything You Need to Know
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Business Financing: Improving Transaction Management through Payment Processing
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Accept Online Payment: Providing Additional Convenience to Consumers
Businesses become successful by offering quality products or services. Consumers must be able to acquire these items conveniently for a…
Merchant Point of Sale Processing: Understanding Contactless Payment
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Account Processors: Frequently Asked Questions
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Internet Merchant Services: Does Your Business Need Them?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Card Processors: Evaluating Card Processors
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Card Processing Companies: Choosing the Right MSP
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Card Processing Machines: What Processing Equipment does Your Business Need?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Card Processing Services: What Merchant Accounts are Right for Your Business?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Account Services: Evaluating Touchtone Credit Card Processing
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Card Services: What is a Mail Order / Telephone Order Account?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Debit Card Payment Services: What Do You Need to Get Started?
A debit card serves as an alternative method for consumers without credit to pay for items in store and online.…
Debit Card Transactions: A Rewarding Customer Option
Debit card payments are an easy way for consumers to pay for items wherever they go. The funds are directly…
Electronic Payment Processing: Choosing a Service that Works for You
An electronic payment is one of the most convenient options you can offer your customers. They do not have to…
Electronic Payments vs. Acceptance of Credit
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Online Merchant Accounts: What Choices are Available to Your Business?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Accounts for Small Business: Know Your Processing Requirements
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Account Services: Which Processing Category Matches Your Business?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
AVP Solutions Products and Services Video
AVP Solutions offers a wide variety of products and services to fit all of your merchant needs! Watch this video to learn more about our AVP Solutions products and services and how it can help your business.
AVP Solutions Merchant Training Services Video
AVP Solutions offers solutions to all of your payment processing needs and provides training and support every step of the way! Watch this video to learn more about merchant training services and how your business can benefit.
Merchant Account Providers: Increasing Business Profit and Safety
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Accept Phone Payments: Flexibility Heightens Your Business Profits
Merchant services offer many alternatives to the more traditional types of payment processing. As opposed to paper checks or cash,…
Check by Phone Service: An Affordable Electronic Solution for Your Business
Although paying by paper check is not as common, it is still beneficial to your business profits to have an…
Welcome to AVP Solutions Video
AVP Solutions is a leader in innovative payment processing solutions! Watch this video to learn more about AVP Solutions.
Why Use a Merchant Account for Your Business?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Why is ISO Online Credit Card Processing Important to Businesses?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Which Online Merchant Account Services Are Best for Your Business?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
What Is E-Check Processing?
Electronic checks are a payment method used to process direct payments from a consumer or business bank account. An e-check…
What Are The Standard ISO Bank Card Processing Steps?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Using Ecommerce Merchant Service Providers for Customer Payment Processing
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
The Switch from Merchant Services Account Provider Banks to ISO’s and Electronic Devices
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Top Concerns When Beginning to Accept Online Payments
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Small Business Credit Card Processing: An Overview to Help You Get Started
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Reviewing and Comparing Merchant Services: Costs Associated With Credit Transaction Handling
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Moving Your Company Forward with Ecommerce Credit Card Processing
The number of businesses performing ecommerce transactions increases every day. Customers want convenience through easy payment and ordering capabilities. Today…
Merchant Services Comparison: An Advertised Percentage May Not Be the Bottom Line
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Service Provider or ISO Selection: Obtain Sufficient Details from Each Candidate
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Merchant Services for ISO: Understanding Credit Chargebacks
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Learning the Ins and Outs of a Credit Card Merchant Account
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
The Merchant Account Provider: Information Required for Account Creation
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Learning About Business Merchant Service Provider Accounts
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
ISO Merchant Services: Safeguarding Your Business from Credit Fraud
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Safety Oriented Check Processing Services Are Valuable to Your Business
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Accept Phone Checks: Simplifying Your Payment Collection Process
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Accept E-Checks to Offer a Simple Option to All Customers
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
ACH Processing: A Reliable Way to Process Your Customers Payments
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Electronic Funds Transfer: Providing a Convenient Alternative to Traditional Processing Methods
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Automated Clearing House: What Portion of Check Processing Do They Perform?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
ACH Transfer: Embracing Technology Driven Payment Processing
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Accepting E-Checks: Making the Switch to Electronic Transaction Management
Technology has changed the methods for accepting various forms of customer payments both in person and online. E-checks are a…
Small Business Merchant Payments: Merchant Accounts for Small Businesses
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
The Benefits of an ACH Account: Two Perspectives
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
What is an ACH Payment?
What should businesses do when customers wish to pay by check online? Should they say no checks allowed, or is…
ACH Transaction vs. Credit Transaction: Which is Better?
For many consumers, giving up their credit cards would be like giving up their clothes: they couldn’t go anywhere, or…
Check Payment Services: Are they Necessary in the Credit Age?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Business Merchants Accounts: Frequently Asked Questions
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Should your Business let Customers Pay by Credit Card Online?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
What Type of Business Payment Services do you need to Support Revenue Growth?
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Credit Card Companies: Frequently Asked Questions
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Payment Services Companies: An Overview
There are several things that drive a business’ sales, such as advertising, competitive pricing, and branding, to name a few.…
Five Ways to Conduct a Merchant Services Review
[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off”…
Using a Merchant Services Account Provider: Frequently Asked Questions
For businesses that need their first merchant service, questions arise about the costs, security, and business value of merchant accounts. Below, we answer some of these questions to give an idea of the types of services accounts entail. Before applying for applying for an account, a business should have its questions answered in full. Otherwise, a provider may charge fees and other requirements that remain undisclosed.
Merchant Services Processing Equipment: An Overview
For a merchant to run a profitable business, it must honor its customers’ buying preferences. That’s why most merchants implement account services that facilitate multiple means of payment. However, processing payments could require more than account setups. It could also require equipment used for credit, debit, and checking transactions. Below, we look at merchant service processing equipment that lets merchants accept credit, debit, and check payments in the blink of an eye.
Small Business Credit Card Processing: What does it Offer Small Businesses?
For many businesses, the dividing line between staying small and growing bigger is opening a merchant service account. When a business is small, it often accepts cash and checks as a way to avoid merchant fees. But, as time goes on, credit fees pale in comparison to the money a business loses by not accepting credit.
Merchant Services Review: Discovering the Most Suitable Provider
Credit card transactions now total over a trillion business dollars a year. Any merchant not getting involved with this total may be missing out on potential profits. Even the smallest company should accept credit transactions to match or rise above their competition. Your company must gain the help of a merchant credit processor to get in on the action.
Merchant Service provider ISO: Frequently Asked Questions
When a business opens a merchant account, it often has questions about the role of the account issuer. Despite its ongoing service to a business, the role of an account provider can seem obscured by its “middle man” status, a status that most businesses wish to have clarified before they open an account. Also known as an ISO (independent service organization), a service provider plays a crucial role in the merchant service industry. Below, we answer frequently asked questions regarding ISOs to clarify their role.
Tips for Choosing the Best Payment Merchant Service Providers
To maximize their selling power, many businesses contract with a merchant service. But how much a business benefits from a merchant service involves more than payment options. It also involves how merchant services operate: with professionalism and foresight, or with ineptness. An inept service can jeopardize its clients’ revenue in several ways; particularly concerning charge back fees and customer defection. Below are six tips for avoiding these types of providers.
Seven Reasons to Contract with Ecommerce Merchant Service Providers
Ecommerce refers to payment transactions that occur over an electronic system. Today, however, the term is predominately associated with online transactions between an Internet merchant and consumers. Compared to transactions by mail and telephone, online transactions involve less service expense due to reduced overhead. If your business isn’t reaping the benefits of online payment, below are seven reasons to explore the offerings of online account providers today.
The Benefits of Online Merchant Account Services
Despite the Internet’s popularity as a payment venue, some businesses aren’t reaping the benefits of doing business online. To assess the value of becoming an Internet ecommerce merchant, businesses should assess Internet ecommerce from two perspectives: a business perspective, and a customer perspective. This will it allow it to choose the account that meets its needs. Below, we examine the benefits of Internet ecommerce services from each perspective.
Fees to Consider as you Compare Merchant Services Fees
When businesses compare their revenue to the revenue of businesses that offer more payment options, implementing those additional options often becomes a priority. For most businesses, increasing payment options requires contracting with a merchant service, an organization that is backed by a bank and offers a variety of payment processing options.
Internet Merchant Accounts: Making Online Payments Possible for Your Business Website
Online payments add convenience to consumers. Customers do not have to pay for postage, envelopes, write checks, or physically drive to a location. This change in business transactions is now a business standard expected by consumers. They want to be able to sign into an online account for bill pay. Businesses which sell products online have higher sales. They reach more customers. Consumers like the luxury of website purchasing.
How to Avoid Merchant Services Fraud When Beginning to Accept Consumer Credit Payments
Scams are abundant in business today no matter what type of service is being acquired. At a minimum, fraud may include concealed fees or altered information regarding a merchant services account. The modified information can be things such as fees, prices, or account features. Hidden fees are one of the most common scams associated with any type of business or individual service
Finding the Best Payment Merchant Service Providers
When choosing between payment merchant service providers, make the decision on more than just the quoted price. Obtaining a competitive rate is important to your business profitability but should not be the only decision factor. Selecting a merchant service on cost alone can lead to unbearable future expenses. It can be difficult to gain a complete understanding of this detailed process. This in turn reduces the chances of striking a good deal with providers.
Existing Merchant Services Processing Equipment Choices
Numerous types of equipment for processing credit transactions have flooded the market through recent years. Each promises fast payment handling among other benefits. How do you know which merchant services processing equipment is right for your business? Merchant services are becoming a vital component of businesses because consumers require an easy transaction alternative. Having this preferred option available increases the status of your business among local and internet customers. Processing equipment offers benefits such as additional consumer convenience, a safer payment option, and profit increases.
Examining Merchant Services for Small Businesses
Payment processing is just as essential for small businesses as it is with national companies. Every company can benefit from card processing when the right provider is utilized. You can gain more from this customer convenience by acquiring merchant services which provide profit maximization. What criteria should you use when evaluating merchant services for small businesses? There are many things which will impact your final provider decision.
Ecommerce Merchant Account: More Convenience for Both Your Business and Customers
Is your business considering offering the convenience of online credit purchasing to customers? Many businesses are these days. It provides a way to retain currently satisfied buyers. Additional consumers are far more reachable online than anywhere else. Ecommerce is the most lucrative way for a company to enhance their profits. This transition is becoming more common; however, it is only effective if done correctly from the start.
Defining ACH Processing for Businesses
Written checks are not the most efficient for businesses to accept payment or consumers to purchase items these days. Checks are not as convenient for payroll and business supply purchases. ACH processing has taken the place of written checks. Businesses now use this transaction method to provide payroll to employees, pay bills, and accept customer payments. Customers pay with their routing and account numbers. Single or multiple payments may be created online or checks can be electronically filed at the time of purchase.
Credit Card Services Are Vital for Providing the Convenience Customers Desire
As a business owner and a consumer, you probably fully understand the frustration that arises when you need to pay for something and cannot with your preferred payment method. If cash is required and not enough is in your pocket, you must drive to the bank or nearest ATM to obtain the correct amount. Writing a check is another possibility if you happen to actually have the checkbook with you. Most customers do not like this inconvenience.
Credit Card Processing: Benefits Offered to Small Businesses
Credit and Debit cards have transformed how businesses receive and handle consumer payments. Funds are gained at quicker rates. Customer transactions are safer and more dependable. Individuals do not have to carry cash. Businesses can better manage their profits and expenses through easy to read reports. No more stacks of invoices or long paper trails. Almost every transaction is completed electronically these days.
Credit Card Merchant Service: Ensuring Your Processing Needs Are Met
If you are considering adding credit card transactions to the accepted payment methods for your business, there are a few things that will be needed to get the ball rolling. Whether you strictly operate out of a physical location or perform online business, a credit card merchant service is a necessity. These services assist with the authorization and settlement of customer credit purchases. Many processing companies are available for the picking.
Compare Merchant Services Fees: Facets Affecting Overall Charges
If your business operates online, the ability to process credit cards is a necessity. Consumers want the additional convenience of being able to make a payment for services or products online. They also prefer to use a credit card because of the extra security it provides for each transaction. Adding this payment method is a great way to match the competition, increase profits, and grow as a business. However, it can also be very costly if you do not compare fees appropriately. Stepping into this new business realm blindly is never recommended.
Cash Advanced Services Limit Financing Repayment to a Percentage of Each Settled Transaction
Business owners are seeking substitute ways to obtain financing in this difficult economy. Banks are rejecting loan applications for even the soundest businesses. There are many alternatives when it comes to a business getting the upfront cash needed to grow or manage their operations. Cash advanced services through a transaction processing provider is one way for a small or medium sized business to get the financing needed.
Card Merchant Services: How Can In Store Payments Be Processed?
You have decided to accept credit transactions as a way to provide more convenience to customers. Technology has made it possible to accept credit payments just about anywhere. Consumers can purchase merchandise or pay for services online, by phone, through mail, and at particular locations. Getting started is the most difficult task associated with this business step because there are so many options and unknown factors involved with card merchant services. Various methods are available for accepting customer charges.
Can Your Company Benefit from ACH Transaction Processing?
Knowing what an ACH payment is will help you determine if this type of transaction is beneficial to your business. Electronic check transactions are a payment that is processed directly by the Automated Clearing House Network. In its simplest form, an electronic check transaction is the transfer of funds between accounts. They are most commonly used for payments to service providers, employee earnings, fund transfers, and supplier payments. Payments do not require paper and other resources that increase spending.
Affordable ISO Payment Services: What Are Your Options?
Independent Sales Organizations (ISO’s) offer payment processing services to any business wanting to provide additional convenience to consumers. Transaction handling can be done in many ways and there are multiple affordable ISO payment services available. First, let’s take a look at how your card transactions are actually processed through an ISO. A customer wants to make a purchase with their card. You must have a method to run the card as well as a dependable merchant service to handle authorization and collection.
The Card Processing Terminal: Easing the Workload behind Credit Payment Transactions
Credit terminals are used to perform business transactions such as the purchase of goods and payment for services. Consumers regularly use bank debit cards or credit cards to pay for these items. These payment methods are fast, secure, and reliable. Businesses provide this payment ability to their customers as a way to offer superior service and purchasing convenience. Terminals may be set up at physical locations for card processing and have been proven to increase business sales.
Card Merchant Service: Picking a Service That Works for Your Business
The merchant service provider a business chooses determines the profitability of both current and future customer transactions. Unreliable processors or ones that charge excessive fees can be detrimental to the profits of smaller companies. Other factors such as current transaction handling processes and location setup also play a part in the service provider chosen. Offered services should match the specific needs of the business.
Businesses That Accept Credit Card Payments Have Increased Customer Sales
The days of paying with cash everywhere you go are long gone. A newer technology age has replaced the traditional payment methods and made debit and credit payments the new business standard. All businesses benefit from having the ability to accept credit card payments. People do not carry cash anymore. Keeping track of spending is far more difficult when everything is paid for with cash. Banks statements and tools have made it easy for consumers to purchase all items with a card and manage their spending. Consumers spend more when they pay with plastic.
Can Credit Card Processing Services Increase Business Profits?
Businesses do not immediately see the benefits of allowing customers to pay by credit card. Owners know that processors charge transaction fees and fee percentages when this serviced is used. It is difficult to see how exactly credit card processing services improve profits. A business will begin to accept these payments and see the fees coming out of their earnings. Processing of credit card transactions can provide immediate benefits if the service is employed correctly.
AVPS made it fast and easy
We always wanted to take credit cards but thought it was going to be to hard to get set up. AVPS made it fast and easy…
Responsive to our needs and simply a phone call away
Their technician spent the time to train us on the use of the terminal for swiped transactions as well as our internet gateway. AVPS has always been responsive to our needs and simply a phone call away…
