Credit Card Processing Via Phone – Can it Truly Be That Easy?

It can. Businesses today need the convenience of being able to accept credit cards anywhere, anytime.  How often has a small business owner been faced with the dilemma of someone wanting to put their purchase on a major credit card, yet not being able to because they were away from their office.  Not anymore.  Today, whether you’re at a trade show, out in the field, or simply away from your desk, your clients’ credit card transactions can be completed by simply picking up your phone.

We all know the benefits of a merchant account.  A merchant account allows a business to accept credit cards as payment from customers. The account captures funds from the card holder’s issuing bank and deposits the money into the business owner’s checking account. When you accept credit cards via phone, it’s the same process.  However, instead of using the traditional swipe machines, you utilize a unique phone system that once credit card information is keyed in, you can receive instant card approval.  Then the corresponding funds will be deposited into your existing checking account. It’s that simple.

Who can benefit with credit card processing via phone?  We believe the following can:

Home Based Businesses – Whether you are in direct sales, party planning or have an online business and are looking for an alternative to Paypal, CellCharge’s unique phone processing provides the solution to your payment needs. It’s convenient, inexpensive, and allows you to grow your business outside of the confines of your home office.

At Home Tutoring Companies – Today there is a great need for home tutoring companies. With that need comes the need to be able to accept transactions easily.  Often times the tutor is in the home of the students or at a library and not in an office.  Acceptance of credit card payments via phone speeds up the payment process.

Landscaping / Construction Companies – Want to increase your business?  One easy way is to make it more convenient for your customers to pay.  You get paid each time, every time.  No more waiting and hoping the checks from customers will clear.  A simple phone call and the billing aspect of your job is complete.

Massage Therapists / Therapists – Often times therapists go to the homes of their clients, are in fitness facilities, etc., and aren’t close to their credit card terminal.  How convenient to be able to process payments immediately.  This is not only a convenience for the client, but the therapist as well.

Associations and Member Websites – Many home-based associations look for added benefits for their members.  Since acceptance of credit cards can be a valuable asset, this can be a great bonus to members. Plus, with a partner program with CellCharge, it can be a terrific way for the association itself to make some extra money.

Speakers / Business Coaches -  Most speakers and business coaches do a lot of seminars and events.  Often times they will sell their products directly following a speech.  Being able to process credit cards immediately is a big advantage and allows them the opportunity to sell their products right when they have the most interest.

Authors -  From book signings to speaking engagements and seminars, authors are often out and about.  This is one convenience that the authors and their publishers will find useful as book purchases can be bought immediately and also large quality of books can be purchased.

Trade Show Vendors / Flea Market Vendors – The ability to accept credit cards anywhere, including in a trade show venue or at a flea market, definitely increases the potential for more sales.  Vendors should also notice larger purchases as buyers can now add to their purchases if they don’t have ready cash available. They can also add the Virtual Terminal, which has a built in shopping cart to their phone based service for a one two punch. Use your phone when you are face to face with your customer and the VT to take orders for you on your website, all for one low cost.

Mobile Auto Detailers – The ability to process credit cards while in the field is a huge advantage over cash only businesses. The convenience of having someone come to your home or office to detail your car is great, but how many people actually carry $50 or even $100.00 for a complete detail.  However, most do have credit or a debit card.

Mobile Pet Groomers – Like the case of the mobile car detailer, these people offer a wonderful and convenient service, but if you don’t offer your customer the option of accepting credit cards, then you could be falling short of your businesses maximum potential.

Taxi and Town Car Services – Independent drivers love the ability to be able to process their client’s cards. No need to make a quick stop at the ATM anymore,  which saves the customer time and money.

Hair stylists – Most stylists that work in a salon are independent contractors and as such, they need to run their station as a business, which often means being able to accept all forms of payment from their clients including credit cards. Most salon owners will process the stylist’s card for them, but charge a surcharge of upwards to 6%-8% and either pay the stylist bi-monthly or put the credit toward the booth/chair rental. CellCharge is a very convenient and cost effective option, since we can do it for about half of what the salon owner charges and put the money in the stylist’s checking account in 2-3 days.

Pool Cleaners / Gardeners – It’s easy to put your clients on recurring payments and never have to worry about trying to collect a check.  Plus, often times the homeowner is not home when the work is being completed.  This alleviates the need to send a bill.

In this day and age credit is king and if you want your business to succeed, you need to offer your customer every type of payment option available. It’s a fact that 1/3 to ½ of all shoppers charge their purchases and don’t carry enough cash for the average transaction. By being able to accept your customers MasterCard, Visa, AMX and Disc cards completely legitimizes your business and puts you into a whole other class of business owner-a true professional that cares about their business and their customers.

If you would like to accept credit cards by phone look to companies such as CellCharge, Inc., Convenience, savings, and support one in all.

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CellCharge, Inc.,  http://www.cellcharge.com was recently featured on Eye on America and USA Today.  They provide partnership programs to small businesses to allow them and their members to accept credit cards over the phone.