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Shaw Merchant Group
Tuesday, December 01 2020
Sneaky Secrets of Credit Card Processing Companies

As you might already realize, when it comes to the world of financial transactions, the devil is in the details. You have to stay on top of the fine print, or you may find yourself getting taken for a ride that you didn't sign up for.

Companies always go out of their way to tell you what you want to hear when they are trying to recruit you, so you'll no doubt hear all about their great features, their superior technology, and how low their rates are. However, this doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of other things that they're strategically sweeping under the rug. It's not that they're being dishonest exactly, it's just that they're probably not going to tell you the whole story.

This is especially an issue when you're a smaller enterprise, as you're basically the model victim for tiny, fine print fees since you likely don't have a dedicated legal department. Many processors will attempt to nickel and dime you, and you might quickly realize that the fee schedule that you were shown while you were being sold the merchant account isn't what you're actually being charged.

According to experts at Shaw Merchant Group, there are a few different kinds of hidden fees that a credit card processor can slip into your transactions without your realizing. Sometimes it's so under the radar, that you may go through the life of your account without even realizing that they're there. This is usually perfectly legal, as the fees are likely accounted for in various clauses in your contact—though the processor is probably not too keen on pointing them out until after you've signed up.

Here are some examples:

Withholding a Certain Amount of Money - A lot of the time, especially in high risk accounts, the processor may want to accumulate a certain amount of cash from your transactions as security against charge backs or fraudulent activity. You can basically think of this as a sort of deposit that the credit card company may accumulate without even so much as consulting you about it first.

Withdrawing from Your Checking Account - Sometimes it is convenient to allow a credit card processor to automatically deposit the cash from your credit card sales into your bank account, but this also gives them the power to withdraw money from it too, without necessarily notifying you about it first. This money might be used to cover any fees that you owe them, any penalties, or they may even take money out for the purposes of withholding (as mentioned above). If you like having control over your checking account, obviously this is something of a problem.

Fees for Terminating Your Account Early - For the most part, if you as a merchant have signed a contract with an ISO, you are stuck with them for the life of the contract, unless you want to pay a few hundred dollars to terminate early. This isn't quite so bad, but often it doesn't stop there. You may also have to pay the processor for the fees that they would have collected throughout the rest of the contract, and that obviously can be a hefty sum.

Making You Lease Equipment - A lot of ISO's will push you to lease their equipment, even if it's more expensive in the long run than just simply buying your own. It often will also lock you in with a specific provider, since the length of the lease can last for years and you may not be able to cancel it. This puts you in the position of trying to decide whether you should pay the high price of breaking the lease or simply wait it out until it is over.

Not Offering Interchange Plus - Interchange plus is a less costly way of processing transactions, but many providers will not offer this to you. Make sure that you ask about it beforehand, or you may not be getting your money's worth.

Offering Promises That Are Not in Writing - It's terrible, but sometimes what the sales agent told you while he was trying to get you to close the deal may not agree with what is actually written in the contract. Whether it was an honest mistake or he intentionally misled you, there are often clauses in the contract that specify that the provider will not honor verbal deals of this kind. This is why it's important to read over the contract and not allow yourself to believe anything that an agent tells you if he is not willing to back it up in writing.

Even better, stick to providers and agents that you know you can trust. Shaw Merchant Group, for example, can help you to get in contact with the right people and the right companies that will treat you with dignity and honesty.

Perform your due diligence and research any company that you're planning to do business with as well. It's harder these days than ever for shady companies to not leave evidence of their burned customers, since the world is so connected. Look to see what other merchants have said about the company. Look for reviews or any complaints that other business owners may have made.

Other than that, keep your eyes peeled for certain obvious signs in the contract that you may charged much more than you might have assumed. When you're reading through the paperwork, look for the word “damages” and examine that area particularly closely. Anything that makes you liable for some unspecified amount if you break the contract early is bad news. If you can't ascertain what the price of canceling early will actually be and this sort of language is used, then it's likely to be an astronomical amount. Steer clear of this sort of company.

If you're still confused about who to turn to for your merchant account, or if you're a sales agent who is concerned for your clients' interests and you're looking for an honest processor to partner with, then feel free to get into contact with Shaw Merchant Group.

Download PDF: Sneaky Secrets of Credit Card Processing Companies

Posted by: Scott Shaw AT 07:56 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

Selling Merchant Services?

To sell merchant services to businesses, you should first research and identify potential prospects that could benefit from your services. Approach these businesses with a tailored pitch highlighting the benefits of your merchant services, such as cost savings, security, and efficiency, and be prepared to address any objections or concerns they may have.

If you're looking to start a career as a credit card processing agent and begin selling merchant services, you're in luck. The demand for merchant services is on the rise as more and more businesses are moving towards accepting credit and debit card payments. This presents a great opportunity for individuals who are looking to start their own business or work in sales.

We will discuss what it takes to become a credit card processing agent, the steps you need to take to get started, and some tips on how to be successful in this industry.

What is a Credit Card Processing Agent?

First, let's define what a credit card processing agent is. A credit card processing agent, also known as a merchant services agent, is a salesperson who works with businesses to set up credit card processing services so that they can accept credit and debit card payments from their customers. These agents work with payment processing companies to provide businesses with the equipment and services they need to process card payments.

Becoming a credit card processing agent can be a lucrative career choice, as many businesses are willing to pay a commission for each new merchant account that is set up. This means that the more accounts you are able to sign up, the more money you can make.

Steps to Becoming a Credit Card Processing Agent

1. Research the Industry: Before you dive into becoming a credit card processing agent, it's important to do your research on the industry. Understand how credit card processing works, the different types of services that are offered, and the major players in the industry.

2. Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Certifications: In order to become a credit card processing agent, you may need to obtain certain licenses and certifications depending on the state you plan to operate in. Check with your local government to see what is required in your area.

3. Find a Payment Processing Company to Partner With: The next step is to find a payment processing company to partner with. Look for a company that offers competitive rates, reliable service, and good customer support. Some well-known payment processing companies include Square, PayPal, and Stripe.

4. Set Up Your Business: Once you've partnered with a payment processing company, you will need to set up your business. This may involve creating a business plan, registering your business with the appropriate government agencies, and setting up a business bank account.

5. Develop a Sales Strategy: As a credit card processing agent, your main job will be to sell merchant services to businesses. Develop a sales strategy that outlines how you will find and approach potential clients, how you will pitch your services, and how you will close deals.

Tips for Success as a Credit Card Processing Agent

1. Build Relationships: In the world of sales, building relationships is key. Take the time to get to know your clients, understand their needs, and provide them with personalized solutions. This will not only help you close more deals but also build a loyal customer base.

2. Stay Up to Date on Industry Trends: The payment processing industry is constantly evolving, with new technology and regulations being introduced all the time. Stay up to date on industry trends and be proactive in adapting your sales strategy to take advantage of new opportunities.

3. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Once you've signed up a client, it's important to continue providing them with excellent customer service. Be responsive to their needs, address any issues promptly, and go above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.

4. Network: Networking is an important part of building a successful career as a credit card processing agent. Attend industry events, join networking groups, and connect with other professionals in the field to expand your reach and generate new leads.

5. Set Realistic Goals: Set realistic goals for yourself in terms of the number of merchant accounts you want to sign up each month, the amount of commission you want to earn, and the growth of your business. By setting specific goals, you can track your progress and stay motivated.

In conclusion, becoming a credit card processing agent can be a rewarding career choice for individuals who are looking to start their own business or work in sales. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the tips for success, you can set yourself up for a successful career in the merchant services industry. Good luck!

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