What do credit cards mean to your business?

Donna Broder, vice president of Card Solutions International and administrator of Pet Sitters International ProPay, has been in the credit card business for more than thirteen years and during that time, has heard numerous excuses from small business owners on why they don't accept credit cards. The excuse that baffles Broder the most is, "I have never lost a sale because I didn't take credit cards."

 

"The problem is, some merchants actually believe that they can't afford to accept credit cards," said Broder. "But in reality, they can't afford NOT to accept credit cards.  We are becoming a 'plastic world' and in today’s economy, a business owner often has to go out of their way to win both a sale and return business."

 

Broder explains that many industries have become expendable to consumers. And when consumers find it necessary to cut household expenses, it’s the 'fringe' expenses that are the first to go.

 

"Unfortunately, a 'fringe' expense may be the one thing that your company offers," said Broder. "That's why it's so important to allow customers to pay in a way that best fits their personal economic needs.  I have been in the retail management business for 25 years and in today's economy, it's very difficult for a business to grow if it doesn't give customers the option to pay with credit cards."

 

Broder continued, "If anyone has been to a doctor, dentist or lawyer recently, they may have noticed the sign, 'NO CHECKS ACCEPTED. CASH, DEBIT CARD OR CREDIT CARD ONLY.'  Have you ever wondered why these signs have become necessary?"

 

Broder explained that bad checks have been on the rise and collecting on bounced checks is virtually impossible.

 

"We recently received our annual report for PSI members who accept credit cards.  Our report shows that pet sitters are processing an average of $158 per transaction - with many pet sitters reporting as high as $187 per transaction. This is relevant because these sales were made without the fear of bounced checks, lost income or continual invoicing of charges in order to collect payment."

 

Broder continued, "If you’re not averaging at least $158 per transaction, you need to ask yourself why.  It has been proven that a consumer will spend more with a credit card than with cash or check.  Customers are also more willing to pay for the 'fringe' expense if they know they have 30 days or more to pay for it."

 

The credit card processing program of choice is Pet Sitters ProPay administered by Card Solutions International. With this program, all you need is a telephone in order to accept credit cards.  There's no need for pricey terminals, software or Internet gateways.

 

It is also important to remember that you don't pay any monthly fees or Visa/MasterCard surcharges for accepting rewards cards or corporate credit cards. With Card Solutions International Pet Sitters ProPay, you will pay one flat rate that will not fluctuate month to month or from transaction to transaction.

 

For more information, call Card Solutions International today and learn how you too can thrive in a difficult economy. (800) 530-2440 or visit Pet Sitter's ProPay.