Category Archives: Credit Card Processing Tips

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Automated Recurring Billing

I have received numerous calls lately in regards to recurring payments.  There are many companies now that want the ease of accepting credit cards each month without having to enter the information every time.

Authorize.net has the solution for you.   Please contact me and I will take care of you and make sure you get the special discount as well.

http://www.authorize.net/solutions/merchantsolutions/merchantservices/automatedrecurringbilling/

Dont Fall for the 1 Rate promise Get the Facts

I talked with a “Well Known” photographer around June of 2009.  We talked about what I could offer as far as rates.  For many photographers cost plus pricing can be a little more compilicated, but once you understand it, it becomes obvious why we offer this kind of pricing.  You get a much better deal!  This photographer was promised one rate flat.  You cant get any easier to understand 1 rate, but the fact is they were lied to.  There is more than 1 rate. This photographer unfortunately took this processor at his word and was lied to.  The problem is they are now locked into a 3 year agreement with the processor and are paying in many instances double.  It happens a lot because many credit card processing company’s lie to get the deal.

If you see any of the following you might want to read more:

1.  Contracts-  If a processor is giving you a good deal on rates they wont have you sign a contract.  They know you will stay around when you get great customer service and the best rates.

2.  Monthly Minimum Charges-  Processors know smaller/home based business may have months where they do not charge the minimum amount.  They then have a fee for not reaching it that is charged to you.

3. Cancellation Fee-  Many processors have a 250-500 dollar cancellation fee to dissuade you from leaving

Photography Merchant Systems charges has No Contracts, No Cancellation Fee, and No Monthly Minimums.

Am I setup for American Express?

At Photography Merchant Systems we don’t pressure our clients into signing up to take other kinds of cards.  We want you to get exactly what you need without the pressure.  In previous years that meant we were only signing people up for Visa/Mastercard.  Visa/Mastercard/Discover are all bundled now.  That means we leave American express off unless you specifically ask for it.  

 

If you would like to process American Express all you have to do is

1.  Email us at ryan at photographymerchantsystems.com

2. Call me (Ryan) at 303.875.0621

Camera Slingers Dual Delux Double Camera Strap

Every once in a while we like to spotlight new innovative gear that helps photographers do there job better.  The camera slingers Dual Camera Strap makes shooting much easier for the photographer that likes to shoot two cameras.  Normal camera straps fall off your shoulders and limit your movement.  You can buy these directly from camera slingers or places like adorama.

 

Check this video out.  Even the chiropractor likes them.

 

Should I process credit cards with my bank?

I recently had a photographer who had never accepted credit cards and wanted to get set up.  He naturally went to his bank first because he knew they offered the service.  He figured since he did his banking there and they are a large company, they could offer the best rates.  

Unfortunately, in the credit card processing world, this is just the opposite.  Banks typically offer higher rates than most independent processing companies.  Banks have a lot of overhead to pay.  Also, it is an add on service that banks offer.  Your local branch does not handle the processing.  It is outsourced to a processing company. Since the processor is dealing with your money, you want to make sure you have a personal relationship with your processor and also have a knowledgeable company that eats and breathes processing.

So, when you are looking for a processor, think twice about working with your bank.  If you are currently working with your bank, you might want to look into a free consultation to see if you are getting the best deal possible.