How to Set Up a Credit Card Machine for Small Business

How to Get a Credit Card Machine for Small Business (5 Steps)

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As a small business owner, you know that cash payments are on the decline. The pandemic only spurred on this trend which is expected to continue. Few shoppers carry significant amounts of money with them, with most relying on first data credit card processing, as are shop owners.

It’s prudent then that your small business accept credit and debit cards as payment. You don’t want to miss out on the various sales opportunities that your competitors are enjoying. And disappointing your customers during the festive season and beyond can make it difficult for your business to survive.

Here, we explore the best ways to integrate card payment options into your business.

5 Tips to Successfully Integrate Card Payment Into Your Small Business

Accepting credit and debit card payments through a machine is both expensive and complicated. That’s why, as a small business owner, you need to thoroughly understand the process before choosing a payment solution provider. Here are a few suggestions to help you with your search.

1. Research Your Options 

Selecting the right payment processing provider for your small business is important. Your first step requires you to do a significant amount of research. The right service provider will help you scale up your resources to accommodate your changing business needs. Your best option, whatever it is, will offer predictable flat-fee pricing.

The right merchant will offer you good account stability and low processing rates. They will take care of your software and provide you with the necessary servicing. For example, if you choose an Ingenico credit card machine from Soft Tech Payment, our team of experts will take care of everything, from its installation to regular hardware reviews.

2. Negotiate Pricing and Terms & Conditions

Once you have picked a few candidates, contact them for service quotes. Ask them about their per-transaction fees. Do not forget to inquire about incidental fees as those can add up quickly.

Make sure that the merchant you select has 24/7 customer service. Also, choose someone who will make the payment process smooth for you.

3. Pick the Right Hardware and Software

Unless your small business is e-commerce-only, you’ll need a few physical tools to process your card transactions. This could be a Point of Sale (POS) system, a traditional countertop credit card terminal, or a mobile card reader that works with a smartphone or tablet. For online sales, you’ll need a payment gateway as well to facilitate transactions.

It’s important to choose a payment service provider who offers the best tools for your small business. At Soft Tech Payment, we have state-of-the-art POS systems and credit card processing machines, including ones from Verifone, Clover Flex, and Ingenico.

4. Let Your Customers Know About Your New Service

Now that you’ve chosen the right merchant for your small business, make sure to let your customers know about your all-new credit card processing service.

Once you start accepting credit card payments, you’ll attract new customers who don’t carry cash. Of course, they will trust you more if your online transactions are safe.

5. Monitor Your Monthly Statements

You’ll need to start monitoring your monthly statements and revisit your credit card sales data. Keeping tabs on all your online transactions will help you be better aware of your business’s sales patterns. Sometimes, payment processors charge merchants incorrectly due to data-entry mistakes. Keeping an eye on your statements will help take care of these errors in a timely manner.

Warning: some providers (not us!) may raise your rates after you’ve been with them for a while without you noticing. So, carefully review your processing statements every month to help you catch such shady practices.

 

Keeping in mind these tips will help you incorporate credit card processing machines into your small business. With Soft Tech Payment, you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting the best payment solutions at the most affordable rates. Our team is available to answer your queries anytime. To learn more about our credit card processing services, click here.