Naples Merchant Services

Naples Merchant Services
People make the difference

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Check Verification Service

Check Verification Service

Negative check database
Some check verification services will use a Negative Check Database. A Negative Check Database contains a comprehensive list of people who either wrote a bad check at a retail location, paid a bill with a check that was returned, also called "bouncing a check."

Historical data check verification services that use a national network with a negative check database can be difficult for consumers and businesses to remove themselves from once they get on, even is case of errors.


This type of verification is usually linked to the person writing the check and runs the verification using their drivers license number. This type of information is a valuable tool for loss prevention because it identifies historically or habitual check bouncers who are more likely to re-offend.

Use of this type of system can also cause customer service issues between retailers and their own customers, because it bases past history that could stretch back up to 10 years or more.

Account history database
Other check verification services will offer a database with historical data on the account itself, and not just the person writing the check. This type of system keeps records of the account number for all checks that don't clear and can tell if that particular checking account has had returns in the past.

Because this type of system is based on the history of all checks written against the account, it can provide valuable information, just like the negative check database except the information is not based on the identity of the person writing the check.

This is particularly valuable for taking business checks or company checks because often the identity of the person writing the check has little to do with the company check. In the account history database, a good account with no flags would receive full approval, regardless of the status of the employee who writes the check because identity is not verified.

Account current status verification
There is also a checking account validation network that can poll the results of the actual bank account to get the current status from the bank. Newer systems provide a result that is based on the bank account's actual status provided by the bank as of that business banking day are increasing in popularity for companies that take checks by phone, manage monthly check payments, or automatic billing with bank drafts, or who process ACH transactions received by phone or for monthly billing.

Account status verification systems give you the status of the account as of the beginning of the business banking day. They tell you if there is an open active account at that bank and if the check is likely to clear. Status messages such as closed account, NSF, stop payment or invalid account can help determine if a check or ACH transaction will be good.

The results are based on account validity, so there is no way to know if the check will actually clear when it is presented, or if the exact dollar amount is going to be available.

This type of system is used less at retail establishments, and more for companies that do checks by phone sales, monthly check drafting, monthly billing via ACH and online sales. It reduces the number of bad payments that are deposited due to human error, fraud or account status.

Merchant funds verification
Often called "verifying funds" or "merchant funds verification," it was common practice until recently that any business or individual could call the bank where the check was drawn and ask for check verification. The bank would ask for the account number, the name on the check, the amount and the check number and just look up the account.

Due to banks now issuing privacy policies designed to protect identity and fraud, telephone merchant funds verification by calling the bank directly is now rare for any bank or credit union to offer this service.

Some banks still offer merchant funds verification, while others are limiting the information they will provide to telling you if the account is open with a positive balance, only.

Other banks provide this service as a pay-per-call, or offer bank validation for a fee. The majority of banks do not provide any direct telephone account verification.

Routing number verification
Yet another form of check verification is to cross reference the Routing transit number, also called the Routing Number or ABA Number, with the bank to check against the actual item being presented. The routing number verification can provide the bank's name, address for processing, and phone number.

Some routing number verification systems use an algorithm to validate the routing number, rather than cross reference the results in a database.

Routing number verification is limited to verifying the bank name, address and phone number and cannot determine if the checking account is valid of perform funds verification. It can be valuable in locating fraudulent checks or drafts, and in getting contact information for the bank for merchant funds verification or account validation. Using the bank phone number, a business can attempt merchant funds verification if the bank offers the service.

To find out more how this service can benefit your business contact us:

239-449-6040

Naples Merchant Services
239-449-6040
888-601-0801 fax
info@naplesmerchantservices.com

www.naplesmerchantservices.com

Merchant Funding / Cash Advance

Merchant Funding / Cash Advance


Merchant funding is a perfect alternative to a small business bank loan. It is ideal for small to medium sized businesses that do not want the hassle of monthly payments, high interest loans, and long-term debt.

It simply borrows against your future business revenue through your Visa and MasterCard transactions. A percentage of these transactions are deducted and paid to the provider. These small fees are deducted until your business cash advance is repaid. Merchant funding and business cash advances are used for a variety of reasons. Many business owners have ideas for growing their business but simply "need money to make money". If you are a small to medium sized business and would like to see your business expand, renovate or start a marketing campaign, a business cash advance may be just what you are looking for. There is no timeline for repayment, because we are paid when you are paid. Merchant funding is absolutely the fastest and most simple way to help grow your business.

- Open new locations, remodel or renovate existing locations
- Debt Consolidation, Payroll
- Build business credit
- Seasonal or clientele cash flow fluctuations
- Purchase new equipment and inventory
- Launch advertising and promotional programs
- Buyout a partner
- Acquire or merge with a competitor
- Increase Marketing


If you need funds for your business now and do not want to apply for a bank loan give us a call:


239-449-6040

Naples Merchant Services
239-449-6040
888-601-0801
info@naplesmerchantservices.com

www.naplesmerchantservices.com

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Credit Card Terminal or Credit Card Machine

Credit Card Terminal or Credit Card Machine

A Credit card terminal is a device that can do transactions with a debit card or a credit card. Several types of credit card terminals are available to merchants. Most have the same basic purpose and functions. They allow a merchant to swipe or key in required credit card information and transmit such data to the merchant service provider. Most new models processes credit cards, gift cards, and are expandable to perform check verification. The majority of credit card terminals transmit data over a standard telephone line or the internet. Wireless terminals can transmit card data using either cellular networks or satellite networks. Some also have the ability to store data and transmit over a standard telephone line when one becomes available.

Using a Smartphone and the appropriate software, a merchant can replace the functionality of a dedicated hardware credit card terminal using a credit card terminal app running on their Smartphone. These credit card terminal apps support manual entry of the credit card number. The apps may work with hardware devices known as swipers or credit card readers to transfer the credit card track data to the app. An app which is capable of reading the credit card track data will help the merchant receive a better discount rate on their credit card processing costs.

Key functionality of a Credit Card Terminal.

The credit card terminal of today has multiple facets. Depending on the needs of the merchant and the type of transactions processed by the card issuing bank, key operations and functions include:

•Acceptance of credit, debit and charge cards (both domestic and international)
•Key Entry (mail and telephone order)
•Tips
•Refunds and Adjustments
•Settlement (including Automatic)
•Pre-Authorization
•Remote Initialization and Software update
•POS Integration
•Multi-merchant Capabilities
•Pen or PIN
•Surcharge Function
•Secure Password Operation

For the best terminal for your business and the best price see us before you purchase, lease, rent, or accept a free terminal. If it is free there is some cost built in to you processing charges to pay for the terminal.

Naples Merchant Services
239-449-6040
888-601-0801 fax
info@naplesmerchantservices.com

www.naplesmerchantservices.com

Getting started in the ecommerce business

Getting started in the ecommerce business


Electronic commerce, commonly known as e-commerce or eCommerce, consists of the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. The amount of trade conducted electronically has grown extraordinarily with widespread Internet usage. The use of commerce is conducted in this way, spurring and drawing on innovations in electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems. Modern electronic commerce typically uses the World Wide Web at least at some point in the transaction's lifecycle, although it can encompass a wider range of technologies such as e-mail as well.


A large percentage of electronic commerce is conducted entirely electronically for virtual items such as access to premium content on a website, but most electronic commerce
involves the transportation of physical items in some way. Online retailers are sometimes known as e-tailers and online retail is sometimes known as e-tail. Almost all big retailers have electronic commerce presence on the World Wide Web.

Electronic commerce that is conducted between businesses is referred to as business-to-business or B2B. B2B can be open to all interested parties or limited to specific, pre-qualified participants (private electronic market). Electronic commerce that is conducted between businesses and consumers, on the other hand, is referred to as business-to-consumer or B2C. This is the type of electronic commerce conducted by companies such as Amazon.com. Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce where the buyer is directly online to the seller's computer usually via the internet. There is no intermediary service. The sale and purchase transaction is completed electronically and interactively in real-time such as Amazon.com for new books. If an intermediary is present, then the sale and purchase transaction is called electronic commerce such as eBay.com.

Electronic commerce is generally considered to be the sales aspect of e-business. It also consists of the exchange of data to facilitate the financing and payment aspects of the business transactions.

Let us help you with your move to todays business world of ecommerce

Naples Merchant Services
239-449-6040
888-601-0801 fax
info@naplesmerchantservices.com

www.naplesmerchantservices.com

What is the definition of ecommerce?

What is the definition of ecommerce?

Originally, electronic commerce was identified as the facilitation of commercial transactions electronically, using technology such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). These were both introduced in the late 1970s, allowing businesses to send commercial documents like purchase orders or invoices electronically. The growth and acceptance of credit cards, automated teller machines (ATM) and telephone banking in the 1980s were also forms of electronic commerce. Another form of e-commerce was the airline reservation system typified by Sabre in the USA and Travicom in the UK.

From the 1990s onwards, electronic commerce would additionally include enterprise resource planning systems (ERP), data mining and data warehousing.

In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee invented the Worldwide Web browser and transformed an academic telecommunication network into a worldwide everyman everyday communication system called internet/www. Commercial enterprise on the Internet was strictly prohibited until 1991. Although the Internet became popular worldwide around 1994 when the first internet online shopping started, it took about five years to introduce security protocols and DSL allowing continual connection to the Internet. By the end of 2000, many European and American business companies offered their services through the World Wide Web. Since then people began to associate a word "ecommerce" with the ability of purchasing various goods through the Internet using secure protocols and electronic payment services.

To take advantage of this amazing invention and turn your business to sell locally as well as worldwide call:

Naples Merchant Services
239-449-6040
888-601-0801 fax
info@naplesmerchantservices.com

www.naplesmerchantservices.com

"Interchange" and how it affects the merchant

"Interchange" and how it affects the merchant

Interchange fees paid by merchant-acquiring banks to cardholder-issuing banks are in place to cover the cost to convert a charge on a cardholder's card to a cash deposit at the merchant business checking account, including cost factors like billing services, credit and fraud risk, profit, etc.

All payment systems utilize Interchange as a key driving component in forging markets. Notice all card products have some type of Interchange: Discover, American Express, Diners, Debit, and even smart cards. Interchange fees are particularly fundamental with charge cards whose balances are paid in full each month.

Interchange is important to a payment system because it facilitates growth. Without cardholders, merchants would have no incentive to accept credit cards and without merchants, cardholders would not carry cards.

The network effects of adding cardholders and merchants into the payment system increase the value of the system. The more places that accept credit cards, the more
valuable it become to carry a card.

An Interchange rate payable when the card is used that is high enough for the card issuing bank to make a profit provides financial incentives for banks to market, issue, and accept credit risk of cardholders.

To sign up merchants, the system has to show enough value in bringing in new customers with a credit limit to make immediate purchases so the retailer no longer has to extend store credit or take credit risk or payment over time. By paying merchants immediately and eliminating the cost of billing and collections, merchants are willing to pay the Interchange fee charged by the issuing bank.

How do you then expand markets and grow the system? By managing Interchange levels. For example, it was not too many years ago that personal checks (paper) dominated the grocery/supermarket industry. Today, through the use of special Interchange levels set at a reduced rate specifically for grocers, electronic card payments rule. Or take the example of business, corporate, and government purchasing cards. In the beginning, Interchange rates were set high to provide an incentive to card issuers to outfit business owners and their employees with credit cards to manage spending. Now with a market of business card cardholders, more businesses are accepting cards from other businesses for payment. This balance of Interchange rates is delicate - if Interchange is too high, merchants don’t sign up, and if it is too low, issuers don’t issue cards.

As you know, MasterCard (MC) and Visa are competing card companies and have different market share depending on card type. For example, banks can choose to issue a MC card product or a Visa product. You guessed it; this choice is in part made based on the Interchange levels and income to be made. Why not issue a MC if I can make more income each time one of my cardholders uses this card at a merchant? These Interchange pricing issues speak to the competitive pressures on market share.

What's the future of Interchange? Interchange is growing more complex each year. Technology advances have made it easier to implement and manage a wide array of specialized Interchange rates and fees by card type and merchant. New indicators built into the system will allow not just by industry segmentation, but merchant segmentation within an industry. Interchange based on ticket size is another popular concept. Smart card products are likely to have reduced Interchange to help pay for the billions in terminal infrastructure upgrades is another example.

Sophisticated merchants understand that the "rate as low as " approach to sales is more in place to manage sales rep turnover at the merchant account provider than it is for their benefit. Vantage is here to provide a clear view of Interchange and help you structure your billing in the most beneficial and cost effective way.

If you want the best merchant rates and are not too concerned with billing complexity, then let us show you a merchant services quote on an Interchange plus pricing plan.

Naples Merchant Services
239-449-6040
888-601-0801 fax
info@naplesmerchantservices.com

www.naplesmerchantservices.com

10 Reasons your business needs Gift or Loyalty Cards

10 Reasons your business needs Gift or Loyalty Cards

1. Paper vs Plastic – Experience has shown that plastic gift card sales increase an average of 35% over current paper certificate programs. Also, customers spend more with plastic with average sales about 40% more than paper.

2. Will enhance your business’ professional image. Puts you on a level playing field with the major chains that already have this type of program in place.

3. Carrying a plastic card with your logo in their wallet is like having a mini billboard in your customers’ hands every day.

4. Increases profitability – No cash back is given with gift cards, if you desire.

5. You will benefit from the float since you have the funds until the card is redeemed.

6. Experience shows that 5-15% of gift card values are never redeemed. This fact can pay for your program by itself.

7. Reduces theft potential since cards have no value until activated unlike paper gift certificates that are usually kept under lock and key.

8. Has been shown to reduce shoplifting when a policy to put refunds without a receipt on a gift/stored value card. Discourages stealing and then asking the cashier for cash back. Many national chains have developed this as store policy.

9. Ease of issuance and redemption – employees just need to swipe the card through the terminal to load or redeem value on the card, which only takes seconds.

10. Having a successful loyalty program in place means more visits by your current customer base that may mean that you can reduce advertising costs to attract new customers since tables are already filled. Also, if you are using coupons such as buy 1 get 1 free then you are giving up much more in profits then if you were to reward loyal customers with a free appetizer after spending $100.00 in previous visits. As you know, Client Retention is one of the most important aspects of your business and of course it is much more expensive to find new customers then to keep your existing ones coming back again and again.

For more information please contact:

Naples Merchant Services
239-449-6040
888-601-0801 fax

info@naplesmerchantservices.com

www.naplesmerchantservices.com