Trade Show Credit Card Processing
Exhibition, or trade show credit card processing is a great way to make sales. However, traditionally it’s been a bit of a challenge. Now however, thanks to wireless credit card terminals and other cell phone processing devices, it’s a lot easier. In fact, the latest wireless devices can actually process payments faster than traditional credit card terminals.
The real issue now is getting trade show credit card processing with low costs that is reliable. This is not so easy.
Generally there are 2 ways to do this, the first is to use equipment, or cell phone ‘swipes’ from independent companies that can be used to process cards. A ‘swipe’ is a device that attaches to a cell phone so a card can be swiped through it. These types of solutions can be useful for those who want to take payments very occasionally, but they have very high processing costs, and generally the level of service people can expect is not high. Finding periods of ‘downtime’, when the systems are not working properly, and therefore cards can’t be processed is not uncommon. This can potentially make business very difficult.
The second is obtaining a merchant account from a merchant account provider. These types of accounts will offer the most cost effective processing costs and also high levels of customer service, with little to no downtime.
The disadvantage with these types of accounts is that often they require long contract to be signed, which if they were being used infrequently is not ideal.
However, at this site we have spent a lot of time reviewing the merchant account industry and have found a merchant account provider that offers the best of both worlds. That is low processing costs and high quality customer service without the risk, or potential financial out lay, of a long term contact.
It’s a great option for those that may be wanting to process cards occasionally, at trade shows, or other events, as well as for those that need a merchant account with the added option of being able to process cards wirelessly.
Last Updated:04/28/2012 (2 recommended Merchant Account Providers)
Best Retail Merchant Account #1 Choice
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Merchant Warehouse provide the best solution for Trade Show credit card processing.They offer the lowest overall processing costs in the industry and month to month rolling contracts.
- It basically means the contract can be canceled at anytime, so there is no risk.
- They have some of the highest approval ratings in the industry, around 99%, and can normally get things started in 24 hours, or less.
- Merchant Warehouse are completely upfront about all their fees. It’s important to realize that the total cost to process cards is not just a ‘rate’, there will be other fees added on as well, such as a transaction fee (a standard charge for each payment taken). Merchant Account Providers may also charge other fees such as statement fees and contract fees, which can increase the overall processing fees significantly.
- Merchant Warehouse actually guarantee they have the cheapest overall processing fees in the industry and will pay $100 to anyone who can find cheaper. One of the best things about them is that they are happy to consult with people, explain how the industry works and give advise, rather than trying high pressure sales tactics.
- The guarantee also works for their equipment and they offer a full range of the latest wireless credit card processing devices. They also offer a range of apps for processing payments through cellphones for the blackberry, iphone and Android.
- They also have an in house software program for virtual credit card processing through a computer, or laptop / notebook called Merchantware, as well as providing Retail and Internet merchant accounts and equipment.
- This means that they can provide credit card processing accounts and equipment for whatever needs an individual, or business might have.
- The customer service is excellent and they always ensure any downtime, or technical problems are always kept to an absolute minimum.
- They have achieved an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and they were also recently voted the best Independent Sales Organization of the year by the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA). These guys are regulators within the industry, so it’s an indication of their commitment to keep costs low and provide a high level of service.
The drawback with the Merchant Warehouse however, is that accounts aren’t available to those based outside the US.
Best Retail Merchant Account Recommended
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Charge.com will generally get accounts started in around 48 hours and approve 98% of the applicants.
They offer some of the lowest rates in the industry and do not try to hide any of the processing costs.
People using one of their accounts will be able to accept all the major credit cards, however they do require a longer contracts to be singed than the Merchant Warehouse.
However, they are still a really good option for those based outside the US.
