| Over the last decade the Internet has become a | | | | promotion tactic to prove it a winner or loser. |
| powerhouse of information and knowledge. People | | | | The third component of a successful business is |
| who never dared to turn on a computer are now | | | | payment processing. This is important for any |
| customers of high speed cable Internet and DSL. | | | | business; online or offline, however it is extremely |
| Web users have discovered that almost every | | | | crucial for an online business. Not being able to |
| imaginable question can be answered within | | | | accept credit or debit cards will hurt your business |
| seconds by doing a quick web search or browsing | | | | no matter how much promotion or how well built |
| an online encyclopedia. | | | | your website is. When choosing between credit |
| Many businesses are trying to harness the power | | | | card processors it is important to choose a |
| of the internet by driving potential customers to | | | | trusted provider. Below, are some of the |
| their web site with hopes of a sale. The most | | | | merchant providers available, this is not a |
| important facets of running a successful online | | | | complete list. However, the companies that are |
| business include; your websites ease of use, | | | | shown here were chosen because they |
| promotion and payment processing. | | | | consistently received positive customer reviews. |
| If a customer is unable to navigate your site or | | | | Additionally, all of the providers listed below have |
| has to wait more than a few seconds for the | | | | extremely competitive rates and fees. |
| page to load they will leave and never come back. | | | | Credit Card Processing - You can apply online and |
| There are too many websites on the internet | | | | there is a free terminal placement program. |
| selling the same products for potential customers | | | | High Risk Merchant Accounts - This solution is for |
| to wait for a video to begin on the intro page or | | | | higher risk businesses. |
| fight their way through a maze of pop ups. | | | | Credit Card Merchant Account - If you signup for |
| Customers will pay more for this and if you don't | | | | their service you can receive a free 20 page |
| believe me, just look at how many convenience | | | | website. |
| stores you pass by on your next ride around | | | | A merchant account will require a bank account to |
| town. People pay for convenience. Make sure | | | | deposit funds into. Some businesses will have a |
| your web design is completed by a reputable | | | | separate bank account for only credit card |
| company that can provide a portfolio for you to | | | | processing deposits. This is a choice only the |
| view. | | | | owner can make. Today, almost all checking |
| Why promotion is important is very | | | | accounts are free and managers can transfer |
| straightforward. If no one knew about the Grand | | | | money between accounts free of charge. |
| Canyon they would never go! Doesn't mater how | | | | When applying for a merchant account the |
| extraordinary or magnificent it was no one would | | | | company will need to provide; a driver's license, |
| be booking reservations at your four star hotel | | | | voided check, brochure or website and possibly a |
| overlooking the canyon. Website Promotion will | | | | business license. Make sure your host will be able |
| most likely become your biggest expenditure for | | | | to support your shopping cart software if you |
| your online business. Online marketing involves a | | | | plan on running an online business. The merchant |
| number of different instruments that can be used | | | | account provider will also require estimates on |
| in order to bring high quality traffic to your site | | | | your average ticket amount and monthly volume. |
| that will purchase your product! Which marketing | | | | Any business processing over $500 monthly |
| instrument will work for you? Experimenting is the | | | | should have a merchant account. It shows |
| only way to find out. Make sure not to cut your | | | | professionalism and also will make sure you are |
| experimenting time to short. It is a good rule of | | | | paying the lowest fees while avoiding the chance |
| thumb to allow at least three months for your | | | | of having your funds frozen. |