You’re on the brink of finally opening your doors for the first time, and you can hardly wait. You’ve researched, saved up, created a business plan, and maybe even hired help. Up until this point, you’ve not only handled crazy challenges like a pro, but you’ve made each and every decision like a real boss. Everything seems to be falling into place, except maybe one crucial thing: processing credit cards. We know, it’s one of the scariest decisions you’ll have to make before you can really launch your dream business. Choosing a credit card processor is like choosing a business partner. You need more than a company who can run payments, you need trustworthy, reliable advocates who will put your business first. Maybe you’ve avoided this decision because it’s too confusing, or you honestly don’t know how to even get started. We’re here to help. In order to successfully swing open your doors for business, you’ll need to have your credit card processing solutions in place, which can seem like a daunting task, but we’ll show you how easy it can be if you simply take the first step.
Create A Merchant Account
The first thing to do in order to start taking payments is to set up a merchant account. This is separate from your personal bank account and, instead of going through a bank, is created with a payments processor like Rev19. The company you choose will do all the heavy lifting to make sure your transactions settle, that you’re compliant with both local and national laws, and will provide security against fraud or other risks.
During the application process, you will be put in contact with one of our customer care specialists who will guide you through from start to finish, including an underwriting process to ensure that everything meets compliance and risk standards. We are committed to providing you with the best possible customer experience, and strive to make the application process efficient and smooth.
Choose Your Software & Equipment
Next, we will walk you through the process of acquiring the software and technology you need to take payments both in-store and online. One of the most common hardware options to choose from is a point-of-sale terminal, which not only takes payments but can help you track inventory, customer buying patterns, and sales statistics just to name a few. Other options include mobile tablets and a payment gateway for online orders. To dig a little deeper into the benefits and features of a point-of-sale system, check out this article Point Of Sale System Basics For Retailers.
Many companies will lease their equipment to merchants for a certain monthly fee. The problem with this method is you end up paying a lot more for a simple piece of equipment than necessary and you can get locked into a contract with that provider longer than you want. At Rev19, we don’t lease any of our hardware, but sell it to you at cost, making it a much more affordable purchase on your end.
Let’s Talk About Monthly Fees
Maybe this is the part of credit card processing that scares you the most. We know you’ve put your heart and soul into not only saving up to launch this business, but you’re probably on a very tight startup budget that doesn’t have a lot of breathing room for extra costs. Paying your processing company may feel like ripping your heart out, but we’re determined to give you a better experience. That’s why it’s important that your processing company acts less like a bank and more like a business partner with a mission to help you grow. To us, your monthly statement is an investment into the partnership. We strive to offer you the lowest reasonable rates while giving you a return on your investment in unbridled growth for you and your business venture.
To learn more about different credit card rate types and which one will best suit your company, check out our post Credit Card Rate Types Explained.
Nothing compares to the feeling of having all your ducks in a row for that big launch day when customers come through your doors for the first time. A lot of time and preparation goes into a successful launch, and credit card processing is just one piece of the puzzle. We’d love to answer any questions regarding this topic and help you sign up as a merchant so you can be ready for that big day. Complete this short email form to get in touch with one of our customer care specialists and find out how you can start accepting payments right away!