|-----------------|Dale Wein wrote:
DW>DA> Anyone have any experience with accepting credit cards in a DA>
DW>home-based mail-order business? DA> Startup costs, fees, etc.
DW>
DW>The company I use requires $135. $100 for the app fees and $35 for
DW>the first month. I make monthly payments of $35 plus tax. This is for
DW>4 years. They also get 2.5% of each sale.
DW>
DW>What company is that? Mind sharing some info to us. I'm starting a
DW>home-based business 7-1-96 and would love to be able to accept credit
DW>cards. Thanks!
DW>
DW>Well, I don't like it! Who are they that I should pay them all of that
DW>money when I am the business person?! Personally, I wouldn't get
DW>involved in this one. Maybe there is some other way to be
DW>Credit-Card-Compatible.  I would try to contact some banks for their
DW>assistance. From what I've been told, a charge slip from a credit card
DW>purchase is deposited into your bank account, just like a check.
DW>Otherwise, I really don't know anything. Dale Wein
DW>
DW>
DW>
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In my experience it is very difficult for a home-based business to accept
credit cards.  The card slips do act as  checks after you have recieved
"credit card merchant"  status.  To become a credit card merchant you must 
apply and get approved, and they check your credit, just as if you were 
trying to get a credit card.  It is not very easy for many new business's 
to get this status from the bank.  Not everyone is approved.
Give the bank a try, and after getting denied, (if you do get denied) then 
try another bank.  Eventually you will find one to accept you.  Compare fees
with Credit Card Services and the bank.  
Anyone who gives you Credit Card Merchant status is going to charge you for
charge card reciepts.  They all have charges... ie.. a percentage of sales
monthly equiptment charges, ect...  so a little comparison shopping 
between banks Vs. credit card services will go a long way.
I know at my store credit cards equal approx half of our cash-check sales.
ie..  on a $3000 day, $1000 will be in credit card sales and $2000 in
cash and checks.  It would hurt us not to be able to accept them.
Deliberate your options, if it is worth it to you then do what you have to
do.
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