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Quick Books and A Simple Life

We all know (and love) Quickbooks.  Most business owners depend on it in order to keep their business running smoothly like a well-oiled machine.  There is a program now that can make your life a little easier; it’s called Charge Anywhere and it’s helping business owners all over the country keep their life simple.

Charge Anywhere is an innovative electronic payment solutions provider.  It is a program which hooks right up to your POS system and links with your Quickbooks so that each transaction is recorded at the time of sale.  There are so many benefits to using Charge Anywhere such as receiving a free virtual terminal, utilizing the lowest cost wireless POS terminal, accessible real-time data availability, and industry specific software for taxis, limos, quick restaurants, delivery services.  Even with all of these great features, I still believe that the best thing that you get with the Charge Anywhere system is time.   Instead of making up invoices or spending time importing transactions from a terminal or website, you just sit back and let Charge Anywhere do the work for you.

So who would benefit most from this software?  Well, merchants using a POS system or the internet to process transactions are the ideal candidate.  However, any business owner looking for a better way to manage their business would also love this system.

Now, if you use Quickbooks, or if you’re going to start, you can process credit cards through First Data.  Call or email me for more information on this great product, or to sign up for an easier, less stressed life.

lisa@fdis-chicagometro.com

847-348-8648 x-103

                When one sets up a store online, one must ask themselves the age-old question: Which is better, PayPal or a merchant account with First Data.  I get asked this question a lot in my profession and I am here today to explain to all of you which is the better payment solution.  Everyone with an online store must determine at one point or another which payment gateway to use.  Whether that decision is quick, going with whatever he or she is familiar and comfortable with, or the decision is harder, weighing options of all payment processors- everyone must decide.  There are many pros and cons of each; today we will discuss the most important of those so that you, as a merchant, has a better grasp on which option is right for you.

                PayPal is a quick solution to payment processing.  Virtually anyone can sign up to accept credit cards over the internet.  There is no credit check so any John Doe can set up an account with no problem.  Although this is may be a good thing for those just starting their business, or those with small stores & boutiques online, that may be the thing that will deter you from using PayPal.  When I say anyone can set up a PayPal account… I mean it.  More often than not, a lack of trust comes out of this because you never know who is on the other end of that transaction.  Unfortunately, many people that I’ve spoken to have lost business because some customers do not have full confidence in a PayPal account.  Furthermore, for those merchants using PayPal for a smaller business, the fees are higher.  Your transaction rate is based solely on how much you process per month.   The more transactions you process, the lower your rate.  Unfortunately, most merchants with PayPal accounts cannot reach the limit for qualifying for a lower transaction rate.

                A merchant account with First Data is a lot different than PayPal.  Customers feel more secure with their purchases because they know that the merchant has gone through a verification of not only the services or products that they sell, but a verification of themselves.  Stores with a bona fide merchant account carry more weight than those just using PayPal.  And while setting up a merchant account may be more expensive with the monthly fees, it is a necessary evil.  With a merchant account, you will have access to a knowledgeable customer service department 24/7/365.  We speak over 150 languages and can help with any issue that may arise no matter what.  You have access to our chargeback department where we will work with you to resolve any chargebacks.  Also, at FDIS Chicago Metro, we strive to keep your fees low by cutting costs where necessary.  For example, there is a statement fee.  But as our last post mentioned, there is a way to bypass that fee.  This type of information is given to our merchants because in our eyes, we are all on the same team… Your team.

                I cannot tell you how many horror stories I have heard of customers getting duped by a false PayPal account, or a merchant whose identity was stolen and set up with a PayPal account.  Please do your homework before choosing either option.  It is always best to speak with someone knowledgeable regarding questions on setting up a merchant account.  Please give me a call or send an e-mail for advice.  Knowledge is power!

lisa@fdis-chicagometro.com

847-348-8648 x-103

The demand for gift cards has exploded and First Data is working to keep up with the demand.  What is a gift card?  A gift card is an electronic version of the traditional paper gift certificate programs in which the card balance is stored on a database and decreased as the card is used.  We all know that; and we have all been given a gift card for a birthday or Christmas.  The question is… why use gift cards as a merchant?

Well first and foremost, it builds brand awareness.  Everyone knows that the best customer is a loyal customer.  If someone feels comfortable enough to come back five to seven times, chances are that they will tell their friends and family about that place.  And this is great for business.  Secondly, it increases cash flow and average ticket size.  Studies have shown that 55% of gift card recipients spent more than the initial value of their card.  Nationally, gift cards were preferred over money by a margin of 2-to1 and the average dollar value entered onto gift cards has risen from $44 to $59.  And finally, the gift card program minimizes losses due to fraud and theft, usually associated with a paper certificates program.  The amount entered onto the card cannot be changed by the wave of an eraser anymore.

For information on pricing, or to place an order for personalized gift cards, please visit our website and give us a call.

So you want to save money but don’t know where else to cut corners?  Take a look at your processing statements.  First Data has a great website, www.MyMerchantOffice.com, in which you can do that and much more.  My Merchant Office is a site dedicated to merchants of First Data, allowing business owners to access their merchant account information online 24/7 as well as online customer service all day every day.  Unfortunately, most merchants set up card processing, then forget it.  With MyMerchantOffice.com, you can finally take control of your account with the many features this site has to offer.

If you want to run reports on months that you were processing, you can do it right on MyMerchantOffice.com.  Plus, you can generate and save the transaction reports so that you never lose track of sales again.  You can reconcile deposits, retrieve your deposit information, view detailed reports on chargebacks, and receive prompt answers to questions you submit via e-mail.

Another great advantage of utilizing My Merchant Office is that you can turn off the option for paper statements.  This will reduce your monthly fees and you can feel good every month because you will save a tree.

So if you’re not already using it, log on to MyMerchantOffice.com and take control of your merchant account.

For questions about this or about setting up a merchant account, please give me a call or email me:

847.348.8648 x-103

lisa@fids-chicagometro.com

Electronic Commerce.  By definition, the term “e-commerce” consists of buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks.  The growth of this industry has climbed tremendously over the last few years.  Most shopping is done online now – people are even buying groceries online instead of going to the store.  With the demand for fast, secure, online processing growing, First Data made it important to be the leader in ecommerce, bringing merchant the best processing options out there.  With that being said, it is important to know your options for processing via the World Wide Web.

The First Data Global Gateway is a great way to process cards.  This virtual terminal does everything that a physical terminal does.  It is Internet based and requires no software to install – once you log in, you are ready to accept payments.  And administrative users are able to grant access to any number of users, who can then immediately begin taking orders and accepting credit and debit cards in addition to electronic checks.  This solution also has an easy interface so training is minimal, and our online support is always on call.  Some of the features of this great product are fraud protection tools, real-time reports, customizable receipts, automatic sales tax calculator and much more making this a great option for those doing business online, or for those merchants who just want to cut back costs by bypassing a physical terminal.

So you have your own website and are ready to graduate to a better way to accept cards.  The First Data Global Gateway API is a great alternative to Pay Pal or Google Checkout.  Our Global Gateway API allows you to seamlessly integrate payment functionality into virtually any website or custom built application.  This solution is not only flexible, but it can be tailored to the needs of the merchant using the amazing features.  With features such as recurring payments for subscriptions and installments, easy integration with almost any commerce system, extensive, real-time reports, and fraud protection tools and prevention measures, the First Data Global Gateway API makes processing cards online easy.

Our representatives are extensively trained on all methods of processing.  Please give us a call to see which option is best for your company.  Always remember- knowledge is power; always know your options.  And when you’re stuck and you simply don’t know, just ask me!

For all you remote-location processing businesses out there, we have a solution for you!  Wireless processing is a great option for accepting cards remotely.  Wireless terminals are the most common option, the FD 400 and Way terminals provide easy and reliable processing, but the future is calling for something more.  ROAMpay is the newest in processing technology which uses your cell phone as a terminal.  Today we will explore both options so that you, as a merchant, can have the inside scoop of wireless processing.  So whether your business is home repairs or deliveries, trade shows or conventions, you’ll never lose a sale again.

First Data has a great wireless terminal – the FD 400.  This machine is lightweight and easy to read with a 2.5” touch-screen.  It has an integrated pin pad and the printer is built in to make traveling with this device easy.  The FD 400 runs on either the GPRS or 3G networks, so you know that you’ll barely ever have an issue finding a signal again.

Another terminal option is a WAY systems terminal.  They have many great terminals that are reliable, and up to date with the latest technologies.  All with separate printers, these terminals have everything that you need at an affordable price.  They all work on the GPRS network so wherever there is cell phone coverage, you can process transactions.

In an earlier post, I mentioned our new ROAMpay system.  This is a state-of-the-art way of accepting cards and is just beginning to gain notoriety as a reliable, easy, and safe way to process.  With ROAMpay, you can process transactions through just your cell phone, which is a great way to save money.  Along with a printer, you can also purchase a card reader that attaches right into the AUX jack on your phone.  It works with iPhones, Blackberries, Androids, BREW phones and many more.

For those of you with a business on the go, be sure to choose the right option for you.  You have many choices when it comes to wireless processing; it’s always best to explore all options before purchasing.  For questions on which machine is right for you, or for more information on any and all terminals, give us a call.

Next week – eCommerce!

This next set of posts is more of a guide to the credit card processing world’s most important aspect – the credit card terminal.  How do you choose the right one for your business?  How can you cut back on the amount of machines you have?  Which is the best machine, and of course, what does the future of terminals look like?  The type of credit card terminal selected is mainly dependent on you how receive payment for services rendered.  For example, the best terminal option for a plumber or a representative from Mary Kay would be a wireless terminal with which they remotely access their account.  This week though, we will focus on physical, in-store terminals.

The FD 100 is an all in one terminal solution that combines performance, security, reliability and ease of use into a low-cost, feature-rich device.  As one of the fastest, most secure point-of-sale terminals available, the FD 100 easily adapts to changing circumstances and environments.  It also possesses internet capability where no phone line is necessary.

Another great and multi-purpose terminal is the FD 200.  Not only does it have the regular credit card operating system but this terminal has a check system built right into it.  The FD 200 can also be set up to go through a phone line or internet line so whichever form of technology your company uses will work just fine with this terminal.  It is great for doctor’s offices, and other services who receive many checks that need to be authorized at the time of payment.

Finally, the simultaneous, single-terminal support for multiple merchants and payment types makes the FD 300 a wise option for locations with multiple “businesses” or “merchants.”  The FD 300 verifies and processes credit transactions and supports up to 99 individual merchants – each with a unique identifier, from a single terminal.  So this terminal would be perfect for beauty salons, doctor’s offices, or stores that work on commission.  The FD 300 is a great terminal with easy to read, touch-screen and a reasonable price.

Stay tuned, next week’s lesson will be on wireless processing terminals!

Everyone wants more money in their pocket.  To reach in there and feel a little more change than the month before would brighten anyone’s day.

Well, that’s exactly what you get with a referral partnership with FDIS.  It’s easy money!  As a trusted leader in electronic commerce, FDIS has the tools and experience needed to create a profitable referral relationship for you.  Our diverse portfolio consists of referral relationships of all sizes and business types.  This includes associations, financial institutions, and internet companies.  We have over 400 referral relationships of all sizes – it doesn’t matter if you’re Wal-Mart or the corner mart, chances are that we have the right plan for you.

So why refer business to us- besides the whole free money thing?  Well, you also receive complete support when working with FDIS.  You will receive detailed monthly reports on your merchant referrals so you know what to expect each month.  FDIS also has one of the most comprehensive product offerings available to cater to the needs of most everyone.

But we not only want your business, we’ll work hard to keep it.  With 24/7 technical assistance, and superior customer service, you can rest assured that your colleagues will be pleased that you referred them to FDIS.  And best of all, referral partners assume no risk for potential merchant processing losses.  You just provide the leads, and we do the rest!  It couldn’t get any easier than that.

Give us a call or e-mail to inquire about becoming a referral partner.  Don’t let money slip through your fingers!

What is VoIP?  It’s a term that’s being used more and more frequently, but do you know exactly what it is and how to use it to optimize your business?  It’s simple – VoIP is short for Voice Over IP, which means exactly that – your voice over your IP address.  It’s a new technology that converts the sounds you speak into digital information that can be carried over the internet.  This technology is used directly through the internet that you already use on a day-to-day basis.  That means no phone lines.  And that means that streamlining your business and saving money is that much easier.

It’s as easy as plug and play.  After setting up service and receiving a special phone designed for internet use, all that you have to do as a consumer is plug in the phone.  This system supports all features of a normal phone system including voice mail, caller id, call-waiting, and anything else that you can think to do on a land line.  The best part is that VoIP is an equal opportunity caller – meaning that you never pay more for long distance calls or international calls.

So whether you own a small business, a large corporation, or are just looking to cut back cost at your own home, VoIP is proving to be the next step in phone technology.   What will they think of next?  Maybe teleporting.

We at First Data are proud to bring to you Speak Easy – the underground (but not quite illegal) way to communicate.  Contact SpeakEasy to get more information about setting up your own VoIP system.

http://speakeasystore.com/

How many clothes do you have in your closet that you barely wear?  For many, especially in the professional world, the problem is not finding the right clothes but the right fit.  More often than not, we get clothes that fit our length but not width, or vice versa.  And they all end up at the tailor eventually.  Or in the back of your closet.  Ah, the days of Savile Row are long gone….

Or are they?

Blacklabl, a custom clothier company, has brought back the days of bespoke tailoring.  This company, started by husband and wife team Nick & Robyn Gallo, specializes in specialized clothing.  With different tiers of fabrics and quality, suits, coats, pants, dresses, pajamas and anything else that you can think of are all made to order.  Imagine drinking brandy as your measurements are taken, smoking a cigar while you sift through fabrics, and receiving a custom, hand-made suit 3-5 weeks later.  That’s a shopping experience that can’t be beat.  Based out of Chicago, Blacklabl hosts these types of events every few months all over the Midwest but are also available for private parties, including house and office calls.  You’ll never look at your store-bought suit the same way again.

First Data Chicago Metro is proud to provide processing for this one of a kind experience.  Visit their website for contact information to set up your own event and receive a second skin.

www.Blacklabl.com

info@blacklabl.com