What is Shopify?

What is Shopify? Guide to How Shopify Works

In addition to providing small company owners access to an admin panel where they can enter shop data, add items, and process orders, Shopify is also a cloud-based software that functions on an annual subscription basis. Because the software is simple to use and has a low learning curve, you will be able to get your online store up and operating in no time.

Because Shopify is simple to use, if you're confident in your ability to navigate your way through the setup process on your own, you should have no problem getting started.

Choose from a large number of design templates that are both free and available for purchase on the site. Designed to be clean and contemporary, these themes are easy to customize, and Shopify offers a range of editing tools to help you make your theme match your brand.

In addition, a Shopify membership offers safe, dependable site hosting for your website, so you can focus on running your business. No need to be concerned about your website going down during heavy traffic or about hackers stealing your transactions with our service. Shopify has you covered with a 99.98 percent uptime guarantee and a complimentary SSL certificate. Of course, you'll need to select your subscription level from among the options listed below:

• Basic Shopify: For $29/month, you get two staff accounts, up to four locations, access to online marketplaces and social media, and an unlimited number of items in your online shop. Advanced Shopify: For $99/month, you get limitless products in your online store.

• Shopify: The Shopify plan, which costs $79 per month, includes five employee accounts, up to five locations, access to internet marketplaces and social media, and the ability to sell an infinite number of items.

• Advanced Shopify: For $299/month, Advanced Shopify provides access to 15 employee accounts, up to eight locations, access to online marketplaces and social media, and an infinite number of product categories.

How Does Shopify Work?

For more than a decade, the Shopify ecommerce platform has served as an excellent starting point for aspiring ecommerce entrepreneurs. It all started when the creator wanted to sell snowboards online but couldn't find a solid, user-friendly ecommerce platform to do so on. As a result, the Shopify platform was created.

Shopify allows you to sell a huge variety of products, both real and digital, to customers all over the world. Because of this, Shopify is an excellent choice for ecommerce entrepreneurs that want to offer a single product or a diverse variety of items and services.

Shopify is considered to be one of the first ecommerce systems. It was created to make it easier for merchants to sell their things online, and they've continued to improve at making it easier for merchants to do so.

Advantages of Shopify

• Shopify's ease of use is by far the most important reason why merchants use it. Shopify is designed for the common user rather than for highly knowledgeable engineers. Add items, offer discounts, and process orders are all straightforward processes. With Shopify's drag-and-drop editing interface, creating a website is simple and user-friendly for everyone.

• Modest Initial Investment: Shopify's relatively low monthly fees make getting started inexpensive. The most basic plan is available for $29/month, while the mid-level plan is available for $79/month.

• Beautiful Themes: Merchants that subscribe to the service may pick from a wide range of free, mobile-responsive themes. Premium (premium) themes are also available for merchants that like to have a greater variety of choices.

• Drop shipping-Friendly: Shopify is the platform of choice for many drop shippers because of its ease of use.

• Drop shipping from your Shopify admin has never been easier thanks to Shopify's drop shipping integrations with industry leaders.

• There are several help options available, including phone, live chat, and email. Additionally, self-help resources are accessible. Customers like that Shopify's customer service is available after hours and on weekends and holidays.

Connected.co

In addition, our payment gateway is cutting edge, allowing you to route transactions strategically, spread risks effectively, and maximize your sales around the globe. In addition, our API is extremely reliable, our chargeback protection is incorporated in, and our Ul is quite simple to use!

Connected.co is a team of dynamic payments specialists that are the finest in the business at what they do. We are the best at what we do. We take great pleasure in providing excellent service to our clients. We measure our success not just in terms of the quality of our services, but also in terms of the strength and longevity of our connections.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

What is MasterCard Secure Code

MasterCard Secure Code is a service that allows you to make improvements to your current MasterCard account. When you shop at eligible online stores using a secret code, you have an additional layer of security against fraudulent use of your card. Every one of SEFCU's credit and debit cards is automatically enrolled in the Secure Code programme.

During a transaction at a participating online retailer, when you successfully input your Secure Code, you are confirming that you are the authorized cardholder, and your purchase is then processed. It is not possible to finish the transaction if an erroneous Secure Code is supplied. In the event that someone gains access to your credit or debit card number, the purchase cannot be completed at a participating retailer unless you provide your Secure Code.

The Claim:

MasterCard Secure Code is supposed to provide the following advantages:

• Fraud reduction is a priority.

• Providing assurances for e-commerce payments

• Chargeback risk to the merchant has been reduced.

• Confidence among cardholders has increased.

Due to the fact that online payment security is a constant source of worry for both online buyers and retailers, these MasterCard Secure Code claims ought to be examined in further depth. Keep in mind that in order for any side to gain from the programmed, both the merchant and the cardholder must choose to participate in it.

Secure Code benefits

1. Additional security to ensure that transactions remain confidential

2. When you purchase online, MasterCard Secure Code provides an additional layer of protection that only you have access to when you use your card.

3. Accepted across the whole planet

4. A total of more than one million online businesses in 122 countries and territories accept Secure Code transactions.

5. When you're entering your payment information, keep an eye out for the logo.

6. Secure Code is a fast, quick, and convenient method of making purchases using your current MasterCard account. Furthermore, it is simple to set up and utilize.

MasterCard Secure Code For Businesses

In the event that you are a merchant who is unsure as to why you should bother supplying Secure Code, it is sense to spend some time learning more about it. From the perspective of a merchant, MasterCard Secure Code may instill greater trust and security in your present and prospective consumers when they buy online with you. It also protects you from fraudulent usage and some sorts of chargebacks because of the additional degree of authentication and protection (more on that below).

It's crucial to remember that if you want to use Secure Code, it is not required for all of your customers to input a code in order to complete the transaction with you. It is only for clients who have already registered for Secure Code that a personal code is necessary for authentication purposes. Secure Code is necessary if a consumer attaches a card with Secure Code and the merchant is also a member of the Secure Code programmed, however. Although Secure Code is an optional feature, if you elect to provide it and your client is not already enrolled, they will enter their credit card information just as they would with any other purchase, and the transaction will be handled as usual.

Merchants can benefit from Secure Code transactions by being protected against fraudulent cardholder chargebacks, and customers who have enabled Secure Code also benefit from the enhanced security.

Connected.co

In addition, our payment gateway is cutting edge, allowing you to route transactions strategically, spread risks effectively, and maximize your sales around the globe. In addition, our API is extremely reliable, our chargeback protection is incorporated in, and our Ul is quite simple to use!

Connected.co is a team of dynamic payments specialists that are the finest in the business at what they do. We are the best at what we do. We take great pleasure in providing excellent service to our clients. We measure our success not just in terms of the quality of our services, but also in terms of the strength and longevity of our connections.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

What Is A Merchant Account

The acceptance and processing of electronic payment card transactions is enabled through the use of a merchant account, which is a form of commercial bank account. Merchant accounts necessitate a partnership between a business and a merchant acquiring bank, which is responsible for facilitating all communications associated with an electronic payment transaction.

Relationships with merchant account providers are critical for internet businesses. Due to the additional fees associated with these account connections, some brick and mortar firms may elect to forego these charges by taking solely cash deposits into their conventional business bank account. Merchant accounts are a form of commercial bank account that allows you to accept payments online.

How Merchant Accounts Work

For the majority of retailers, merchant accounts are a critical component of their overall business operations. When selecting a merchant account service provider, merchants have a number of choices to consider, with transaction charges being a critical consideration in the selection. Merchant accounts are offered by merchant acquiring banks, who work in partnership with merchants to allow the acceptance of electronic payments through their websites.

If a brick and mortar business chose not to take electronic payments and instead only accepts cash, they would not be required to open a merchant account and could instead rely on a simple deposit account at any bank to meet their needs. Due to the fact that electronic payments are the only method of payment available to clients when making purchases online, online businesses must create merchant account partnerships as part of their company operations in order to operate.

Obtaining a Merchant Account

Even though the industry of granting merchant accounts is extremely competitive, the process of applying for and receiving a merchant account is not without its challenges. Vendors employ a range of factors to assess whether or not to approve a merchant account application in order to reduce risk. These criteria include:

Based on the nature of the firm, is it at a greater or lesser risk of credit card fraud or returns? The amount of time spent in business history, including bankruptcies, defaults, and so on.

If the applicant has previously held merchant accounts, this information is required. The business owner's personal credit history is important. The majority of new company owners are more likely to receive a favorable assessment of their merchant account application from the same bank that currently holds their business and/or personal accounts than from another bank (s).

The presence of a higher risk does not always imply that an application will be denied in its entirety. As a result of the risk, the vendor may initially charge higher transaction or other costs to make up for lost revenue. Eventually, if the company grows and becomes well-established, the fees can be reduced or eliminated.

Which businesses need a merchant account?

An account with a merchant service provider is required in order to accept credit card transactions. The ability to set up a dedicated merchant account, which means that the account is particularly underwritten for your company, is available from several payment processors. Because of the approval procedure, it takes longer to apply for and set up these accounts than other types of accounts.

A specialized merchant account, on the other hand, is not your only alternative. A payment service provider, which allows you to take credit card payments through an aggregated merchant account, is another option you may consider. It is often significantly easier to set up a new account in this manner.

When should you use a dedicated merchant account?

• You demand individualized customer service, competitive pricing, and scalability in your business. Because a dedicated merchant account entails a lengthy application procedure, the supplier will be more familiar with your company as a result of the experience. It is frequently simpler to negotiate costs or obtain assistance as a result of this.

• You have a large monthly sales volume or a high number of transactions to complete each month. Numerous merchant account providers provide lower transaction fees based on the number of sales made and the number of transactions processed.

• You are in a high-risk industry where you do business. Because many payment service providers do not cooperate with high-risk merchants, owning a separate merchant account may be the only alternative accessible in businesses with a higher risk of fraud and chargebacks, such as telemarketing or infomercial sales.

Merchant Accounts with Connected.co

With a large network of high-risk banks both domestically and internationally, Connected.co is constantly expanding its client base and increasing its revenue stream. We have extensive experience in the placement of merchant accounts. We will take use of these ties and our expertise to secure a merchant account for your company in situations where others have failed. Simply put, if your company is lawful, we can help you become authorised! High-risk merchants can also apply for a merchant account with Connected.co, which makes the process simple. We offer a state-of-the-art computerised application procedure that makes applying for a position a simple and painless process. 

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

What is 3D Secure

A technology known as 3-D Secure is intended to provide an additional degree of protection for online credit and debit card transactions. There are "three domains" that interact with each other through the protocol, which are as follows: the merchant/acquirer domain, the issuer domain, and the interoperability domain.

When buying with a credit card, 3D Secure (3DS) requires clients to perform an additional verification step with the card issuer in order to provide additional fraud protection. Typically, you will take the consumer to an authentication page on their bank's website, where they will input a password connected with their card or a code provided to their phone, depending on the situation.

How does 3D Secure work?

Before proceeding with the purchase of an online service or product, clients will be required to complete a secure authentication step as an extra degree of protection. Before 3D Secure 2.0, buyers were sent to their bank's 3D Secure internet page, where they were required to input an extra security code or password (which was delivered to them automatically by text message to their phone number) in order to proceed with the payment process. The payment would be authorized by the issuing bank when the right code or password was entered, and the shopper would be sent to the merchant's website. The use of the 3D Secure technology provides an extra layer of safety for businesses against fraudulent payments. 

Since its inception, 3D Secure (also known as EMV 3DS) has been improving security and increasing authorizations for digital transactions. A new protocol, 3DS 2.0 (also known as EMV 3DS), is now available that enhances security while also increasing authorizations for digital transactions. The European Union's Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) has brought about a number of developments in the area of online transaction security, including the requirement for European Union buyers to use a Strong Consumer Authentication component (SCA). 

The new 2.0 version of the 3D Secure technology is required as part of the SCA requirements, and it represents an evolutionary step forward from its predecessor in that it allows the card issuer (bank) to use a broader range of data-points from the transaction to conduct a risk-based analysis than was previously possible. It allows a real-time, safe, and more accurate method of authenticating clients without the need for a static password or the need to slow down online transactions. For example, the card issuer will not send any further authentication requests to the cardholder for low-risk and low-value transactions (i.e., transactions with a value of less than 30 EUR). In contrast, for any other customer-initiated transactions, the cardholder will be required to complete 2-Factor Authentication (2FA), which can be accomplished using text messaging (SMS), app push notifications, or biometric techniques (fingerprint, etc.). Consequently, it is critical for a payment provider to handle not just the new 3D Secure 2 authentication flows, but also to appropriately apply exemptions for recurring payments, low-value transactions, low-risk transactions, and trusted beneficiaries in accordance with applicable regulations.

Is there a downside to 3DS? 

Due to the fact that 3D Secure pop-ups might redirect you away from the payment site, some users may have difficulty determining whether or not they are authentic. Users frequently believe that these pages are phishing schemes. However, because 3D Secure only employs one-time codes, none of your other personal information should ever be compromised. When you authenticate yourself, 3DS adds a few seconds to the checkout process, but isn't keeping your information safe worth a few additional seconds?

Connected.co

In addition, our payment gateway is cutting edge, allowing you to route transactions strategically, spread risks effectively, and maximize your sales around the globe. In addition, our API is extremely reliable, our chargeback protection is incorporated in, and our Ul is quite simple to use!

Connected.co is a team of dynamic payments specialists that are the finest in the business at what they do. We are the best at what we do. We take great pleasure in providing excellent service to our clients. We measure our success not just in terms of the quality of our services, but also in terms of the strength and longevity of our connections.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Travel Agency Merchant Account

Merchant Services for Travel Agencies

With a growth in the number of individuals who travel overseas in recent years, as well as an increase in domestic travel since the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increasing pressure on travel agents to ensure that they are providing the appropriate payment services and solutions to their customers. As a result, excellent merchant services for travel companies are in high demand these days. When it comes to booking vacations and other travel plans, they are often high-value transactions. And, as fewer of us carry substantial amounts of cash on us, cashless payment methods are quickly becoming the preferred method of payment, particularly for higher-value products and services. 

Customers are frequently seeking for their preferred payment method because there are so many various options for making cashless payments. In order to remain competitive, travel agencies must offer a diverse choice of payment methods. Credit cards, for example, are preferred by many consumers when making larger payments since they provide some level of security in the case of a disruption to their travel plans, such as the ability to seek a charge-back from the issuing bank.

Having such an account will permit you to begin taking cashless payment alternatives in-person, online, and over the phone. To do so, first create a merchant account for your business. Finding a good merchant supplier for travel firms might be difficult due to the industry's reputation as a high-risk one among many providers. Recent months have demonstrated how high the level of risk in the travel industry can be, with variables beyond the control of travel agents or travelers creating disruption and necessitating refunds or credit notes on a regular basis.

Why are travel agencies high-risk? 

It might be difficult to obtain payment processing for travel agencies because of their high-risk status, but there are still a variety of choices accessible to organizations. Similarly, you may already have established a merchant account for a travel business that has given you notice that the contract between you and your current supplier will be terminated. Due to the fact that merchant account providers are always evaluating their risk profile, they may opt to eliminate a more dangerous, high turnover firm in favor of a large number of lesser risk enterprises.

Finding the best Travel Merchant Account Provider

Businesses in the travel and tour sector should take the time to investigate and interview possible merchant services providers. It is possible that partnering with a merchant services provider that is not capable of processing tour and travel payments will prove to be an expensive option in the future.

It is critical for the merchant to have first-hand confirmation that the payment processor and/or bank allows tour operators and travel agencies before proceeding with the transaction. Despite the obviousness of the query, many merchants enter into a contract with a payment services provider only to discover that their firm falls within a forbidden business category.

Chargebacks from consumers are one of the most common sources of concern for retailers today. Problems with client payments have plagued the tourism sector in the past, which is worrisome. The advantage of having a travel merchant account is that banks and payment processors are aware with the ins and outs of the travel industry.

Travel Merchant Account with Connected.co

Connected.co offers a thorough awareness of the difficulties that travel agencies, event brokers, and tour guide firms experience while operating in the online environment. This is especially true when dealing with a company plan that involves high-ticket transactions and services that are scheduled for the future. It might be tough to find a financial partner that is ready to take on that risk, much alone provide your company with the breathing room it needs to reach new heights. Don't be concerned. When you need help, we can take over the steering wheel and keep your company on course.

Over the past decade, we have built a diverse network of banking connections, all of which are eager to earn your business and provide you incredibly low interest rates. In addition, we have a state-of-the-art gateway ready to process your transactions, as well as a risk management staff equipped with industry-leading fraud prevention measures, to ensure that your travel merchant account continues to fly high for years to come. However, what truly distinguishes us from our competition is our commitment to offering top-tier quality service at competitive prices.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Smoke Shop Credit Card Processing

Smoke Shop Merchants

The banking industry, as well as the government, are heavily involved in the licensing and regulation of this sector. Because of this, starting an internet business in this industry is more expensive and difficult for merchants. Having difficulty selling online is a problem for even retailers that already have retail merchant accounts set up.

Merchant accounts should take payments in a variety of methods, which include the following: POS systems, which accept credit cards, are the major form of payment. Another technique is to employ payment gateways that are incorporated into a merchant's website's shopping cart.

Finding a reputable smoke shop merchant services supplier that can supply you with cost-effective and hassle-free solutions is all that is required of you. As one of the few payment processors that accepts smoke shop merchants, connected is a unique and valuable resource.

How Does a Merchant Account Work?

Because of the apparent convenience factor, consumers all over the world prefer to use credit and debit cards rather than cash when making purchases. It will be required for the firm to work together on this project with a payment processor and establish a merchant account in order to take payments. Payments are processed through the use of a virtual credit card terminal. The integration of the payment gateway into the shopping cart on the merchant's ecommerce website is an alternate solution. Transactions completed through the merchant account are subject to a fee charged by the credit card processing firm.

Why is it so difficult to get accepted or to get denied?

A firm is often labelled high risk if it exhibits the following characteristics:

• a high chargeback ratio 

• It keeps track of a huge number of fictitious transactions. 

• It offers things that are only suitable for people of a certain age.

• In addition, it participates in dubious commercial tactics. 

• It is a segment of a sector that is governed by a set of tight rules and regulations.

Because of the materials they offer, smoke shops and head shops are frequently scrutinized by law enforcement. As a result, they are at danger of "reputational harm." One of the most serious risks is the unethical buying of items by children. Such transactions are often carried out without the approval of the parents and made possible by the use of a stolen credit or debit card. It is hard for the merchant to verify the identity of the consumer when the transaction takes place online or through card not present. A high chargeback ratio is also a result of this, which is one of the most significant factors. 

Smoke Shop – Merchant Account with Connected.co

Connected.co is well aware of the difficulties that firms who sell tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other tobacco products have while conducting business online. We are well-versed in many of the rules that apply to your sector, and we can help you develop a merchant banking and payments processing plan that can re-ignite or push your business to the next level.

Our major purpose is to be of service to you in identifying a dependable merchant banking solution. One that will provide you with competitive prices as well as the ability to expand as your company grows. Why? Because once you've established a rock-solid banking framework, it's much easier to grow your company on top of that foundation.

 JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Selling Credit Card Processing

Starting to Sell Credit Card Processing

Purchase now and pay later. Since its inception, the great credit card has provided cardholders with the ability to effortlessly obtain what they require right away, even when money is tight at the time of acquisition. Today, the usage of credit cards for both brick-and-mortar and online shopping is on the rise, but it is the quick, secure, and dependable credit card processing that allows for a flawless transaction to take place.

Credit card processing businesses play an important role in the retail industry by acting as intermediaries. If you're thinking about starting a business that provides credit card processing services, you'll probably need more than just research and equipment planning to get started.

Getting Started: How to Sell Credit Card Processing and Merchant Services

If you are interested in providing merchant services, you might consider becoming a member of an Independent Sales Organization, often known as an ISO. What an ISO really is is a third-party payment processing organization that is allowed to manage the everyday operations of merchant accounts on behalf of businesses. Among your most important responsibilities are the establishment of merchant accounts, the provision of payment technology, and the processing of payments.

As an ISO, you will have greater control over the fees, rates, and residual payment choices associated with credit card processing. The use of ISO agents to handle credit card processing sales is restricted to registered ISOs only, in order to assure the highest levels of security, authenticity, and adherence to stringent industry requirements.

1. Provide a Total Solution

In order to differentiate yourself as a merchant services provider, you need offer more than just one piece of the payment jigsaw. You should give a complete payment solution. Customers prefer a one-stop shop, and providing a comprehensive solution that adds value, such as credit card processing through a merchant account and a comprehensive portfolio of necessary point of sale (POS) hardware, is a great way to cultivate happy, loyal customers who will return again and again.

2. Pay Attention in Order to Understand

One of the most challenging components of communicating is that we are so frequently listening in order to respond rather than listening in order to comprehend. Concentrate your attention on active listening. Pay attention when someone is speaking. It may seem apparent, but it is important to do so. It's about more than just staring at them, after all. Pay close attention to their facial expressions and eye contact. It is also essential that you refrain from interfering. Wait until the merchant has finished speaking before repeating what they have said, asking questions, and responding.

What are Credit Card Processing Sales?

Selling credit card processing can assist companies in locating a merchant services partner they can trust and rely on to meet their demands, since practically every business that sells items or provides services requires some form of payment processing. Having said that, it is beneficial to get a thorough understanding of how credit card processing works in the first place:

• Regardless of whether the transaction takes place online or in-store, the consumer must supply their payment information.

• When the credit card information is acquired and encrypted, it is then transmitted to the authorization network for processing.

• Once the request has been forwarded, the authorization network will contact the issuing bank to request permission.

• If the customer's account appears to be real and has sufficient money to cover the payment, the bank confirms the transaction and sends confirmation to the payment processor, who then processes the payment.

• Whenever a customer's account is depleted of money or when a transaction appears suspicious, the issuing bank denies the transaction and issues a decline to the consumer.

Although the procedure is quick and uncomplicated, in order to be a successful credit card processor, you must ensure that it is done properly and securely, and you must anticipate any and all potential setbacks. Furthermore, anyone who wants to offer credit card processing services must first become a registered Independent Sales Organization (ISO), which is a prerequisite to doing so.

Connected.co

Connected.co is a company that specializes in high-risk payments. Our team's expertise ranges from establishing one of the earliest payment gateways on the Internet to installing some of the most cutting-edge fraud protection technologies available in the industry today. In addition to being CPP certified, we also have banking contacts that allow us to get you authorized when others cannot.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Restaurant Credit Card Processing

When starting a restaurant, coffee shop, or other foodservice business, the payment processor you choose will have a significant impact on your overall success. When it comes to anything from the amount of money you spend to process credit card transactions to suitable POS systems to mobile card readers, your processor must satisfy your company demands and accommodate your objectives.

When you take into account the specific feature needs of the restaurant sector as well as the growing industry practises of the COVID age, you have a lot to think about and evaluate. As a result, we wanted to provide you with a primer on the top merchant services for restaurants that are available.

What is the purpose of having a restaurant merchant account?

It is possible that you may be tempted to skip a merchant account in order to operate as a cash-only business if you take into consideration such components of credit card processing as transaction fees and the cost of card readers and other equipment. While it is possible to save money in this manner, there are significant drawbacks.

In the first place, cash isn't the preferred means of payment for the majority of restaurant patrons. According to research conducted in 2018, just 15% of guests at dine-in restaurants prefer to pay with cash. In addition, this was before the epidemic made people wary of even touching currency, so you can guarantee that this figure is significantly lower today.

Another point to consider is that many consumers utilise credit cards that provide additional advantages or increased reward earning opportunities while making restaurant-related expenditures. This group of credit cardholders will hunt for a restaurant that will allow them to accrue credit card points with their dining purchases when they go out to dine. A restaurant that accepts just cash will be excluded from the equation.

What is Next Generation Restaurant Credit Card Processing? 

Traditional merchants consider credit card processing to be a utility, similar to electricity or gas, that they should set up and then forget about for as long as they can. As a result, your bottom line is suffering as a result of the outdated manner of doing business.

These days, there is a new group of next-generation processors that are creating a stir in the business and altering how restaurateurs see the process of accepting credit cards. They are not utilities; rather, they are technological firms that are continuously inventing and looking for new ways to bring value to your company's bottom line. That is, if you are collaborating with the appropriate individual. Traditionally, the only place where you could add value to your company was by negotiating the rate you paid to process credit card payments.

Merchant Account with Connected.co

With a large network of high-risk banks both domestically and internationally, Connected.co is constantly expanding its client base and increasing its revenue stream. We have extensive experience in the placement of merchant accounts. We will take use of these ties and our expertise to secure a merchant account for your company in situations where others have failed. Simply put, if your company is lawful, we can help you become authorised! High-risk merchants can also apply for a merchant account with Connected.co, which makes the process simple. 

 JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Recurring Payments

What does recurring payment mean? 

Recurring payment is a payment mechanism in which consumers enable the merchant to withdraw money from their accounts regularly at regular intervals in exchange for the goods and services that they get on an ongoing basis (also known as recurring billing). Once the consumer has given permission, the payment will be automatically debited at predetermined intervals until the customer either withdraws their consent or the subscription ends, whichever comes first.

Understanding Recurring Billing

The ease of recurring billing is a significant advantage. Customers can permit a merchant to maintain payment information on file in order to avoid having to supply billing information for a recurring charge on a recurrent basis. The merchant can then charge the selected account on a monthly basis while the service is in existence or each time the agreed-upon products or services are delivered. The decision on which payment choices to accept is normally left to the discretion of the company provider. When choosing a provider, some demand that checking or savings accounts be utilized; others allow for the use of checking, savings, and credit card accounts.

How Recurring Payments Can Benefit Your Business 

Receipts for services are becoming increasingly popular in the realm of e-commerce. And it's not difficult to understand why. Not only do subscription payments streamline the invoicing process, but they also provide your customers with an exceptional shopping experience during the checkout process. The greatest significant value for your consumers is the annoyance they experience. The procedure of setting up recurring billing is completely automated and hassle-free. They will no longer be required to go through a time-consuming checkout procedure and submit their payment information on a billing cycle basis. 

An automated payment plan is verified when the money is automatically deducted from their account without them having to take any further action to get the money. Recurring payments can be advantageous to a business in a variety of ways. The following are the most convincing advantages of using a subscription billing system:

• Transactions are made faster by using recurring payments.

Because automatic billing is done electronically, it needs little to no maintenance on the part of the customer. Acquisition costs are one-time expenses that must be paid just once, but you get the benefits of that expense on a consistent basis.

• Having recurring payments saves you time.

Your consumers will benefit from recurring billing since it saves them both time and energy. It helps to reduce the amount of time spent on payment management.

• Having recurring payments removes some of the guesswork from budgeting.

Finally, but definitely not least, automatic billing helps you to remove some of the uncertainty from the process of budget creation. As a merchant, you may be confident in the revenue you will get through automated payments to a high degree of accuracy. As a result, the process of maintaining your present assets as well as the planning of your future financial undertakings is made much easier with the help of automatic payments.

Key takeaway

Customers and companies alike appreciate the convenience of the recurring payment method. Not only does it improve the customer experience by removing the friction that happens as a result of frequent manual payments and delays, but it also helps to ensure that the firm has a constant cash flow. If you own a firm in which you receive payments from the same consumers on a regular basis, it may be worthwhile to experiment with the recurring payment model first.

Connected.co

In addition, our payment gateway is cutting edge, allowing you to route transactions strategically, spread risks effectively, and maximize your sales around the globe. In addition, our API is extremely reliable, our chargeback protection is incorporated in, and our Ul is quite simple to use!

Connected.co is a team of dynamic payments specialists that are the finest in the business at what they do. We are the best at what we do. We take great pleasure in providing excellent service to our clients. We measure our success not just in terms of the quality of our services, but also in terms of the strength and longevity of our connections.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Non-profit Credit Card Processing

Anyone who manages a nonprofit organization understands how critical it is to keep expenses as low as possible, given the limited number of finances and resources available. It is possible to save money in a variety of ways, but one that many organizations overlook is the possibility of optimizing their payment system in order to lower their non-profit’s credit card processing fees.

With COVID-19 driving our transition to a society that is increasingly devoid of cash, donations are increasingly being channeled through online payment gateways. They may use their credit or debit cards to make donations, but they can also purchase extra products, such as t-shirts, mugs, and books from the store.

Non-profits frequently require the capacity to collect information about contributors and sponsors in order to plan future fund drives in addition to the ability to accept money. Some contributors want to set up automatic recurring contributions, which they can do at any time. The payment processing requirements of a nonprofit organization might be complicated.

Why Non-profits Need Reliable Payment Processing

While a nonprofit may potentially rely on cash and paper checks for donations, doing so would severely restrict the organization's ability to reach its target audience. Fast and dependable internet payment processing is advantageous to almost all modern NGOs. Non-profits can benefit from payment processing in the following ways:

• Donations Can Be Accepted Online: Online payment processing for nonprofits makes it simple for your contributors to contribute cash directly to your organization through your website.

• Set up recurring payments: ACH bank-to-bank transfers are a common method of making recurring donations. Payment processors can make it possible for your organization to accept ACH payments.

• Ecommerce: If your organization makes funds by selling items on the internet, payment processors may be able to help you set up online storefronts.

• Promote and sell tickets to events more efficiently: Payment processing enables NGOs to sell tickets to events more efficiently, allowing attendees to purchase them immediately after an online announcement.

Online nonprofit merchant accounts

Adding web-based payment choices to your organization is crucial in today's world, as contributors manage their shopping, bill payments, and banking activities all online. Donors may support your cause by donating using a simple PCI-compliant contribution form on your website, which can be accessed from a PC, smartphone, or tablet.

Nothing more than entering their payment information online and setting up a comfortable donation schedule is required of them. If you activate a recurring billing option, you will no longer be needed to mail donation requests or wait for paper checks to arrive. Donating to your organization is now easier and faster than ever before thanks to online credit card processing for NGOs.

Merchant Account with Connected.co

With a large network of high-risk banks both domestically and internationally, Connected.co is constantly expanding its client base and increasing its revenue stream. We have extensive experience in the placement of merchant accounts. We will take use of these ties and our expertise to secure a merchant account for your company in situations where others have failed. Simply put, if your company is lawful, we can help you become authorized! High-risk merchants can also apply for a merchant account with Connected.co, which makes the process simple. 

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Merchant Category Code

Merchant Category Code: What is a MCC Code

When it comes to retail financial services, a Merchant Category Code is a four-digit number that is listed in ISO 18245 (ISO standard addressing the issuance of Merchant Category Codes (MCC) in retail financial services.) An MCC is a classification system for businesses that classifies them according to the sorts of goods or services they provide. The assignment of MCC Codes (also known as merchant category codes) to merchant accounts occurs during the account setup process and is used to distinguish between different types of businesses and industries. Each industry has its own set of transaction patterns as well as its own set of risk levels (potential for fraud). MCC codes are used by the issuing bank to decide whether or not they will accept a transaction in question.

Understanding Merchant Category Codes

Merchant category codes serve a variety of functions. They are frequently responsible for determining the benefits that customers earn for using their credit cards, as well as whether a company transaction must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Besides that, they decide the proportion of each transaction that a firm is responsible for paying to the credit card processing company. The following are some examples of how merchant category codes are commonly used.

• If a consumer has a credit card that gives 5 percent back on airline purchases, the reward should be applied to any purchase that falls under the category of MCC 4511, which is designated for airlines and other air carriers.

• Companies and government entities must record purchases of services to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so that the IRS can ensure that the services purchased pay all income taxes owing. MCCs can be used by businesses to identify whether transactions are considered as services if they make these purchases using a credit card.

• Businesses designated under the MCC for petrol stations pay interchange fees to their credit card processors that are different from businesses classified as car rental companies.

Why it’s important for business owners

Identifying MCCs is critical for company owners to understand since the code has an impact on whether or not they are able to record certain payments on a Form 1099-MISC. In addition, whether or not a firm can impose a convenience fee on credit card payments is determined by the MCC.

MCCs can also have an impact on risk assessment. Some credit card firms, for example, may utilize MCC categorization to boost transaction fees and rates for "higher-risk" enterprises such as pawnshops and airlines, so increasing their profits. Some other institutions, such as primary and secondary schools or charitable groups, may be eligible for cheaper interchange fees if they have specific code numbers.

The acceptance of payments might also be affected by the merchant code. In order to accept funds from a health savings account, for example, a health care business may be required to have a particular MCC that categorizes it as a health care business in order to receive payment from the account.

It is critical that your company is categorized appropriately in order to ensure that it receives a reasonable interchange rate. When a business is misclassified, it may result in the organization having to pay more in rates and fees than it should be required to.

Merchant Accounts with Connected.co

With a large network of high-risk banks both domestically and internationally, Connected.co is constantly expanding its client base and increasing its revenue stream. We have extensive experience in the placement of merchant accounts. We will take use of these ties and our expertise to secure a merchant account for your company in situations where others have failed. Simply put, if your company is lawful, we can help you become authorized! High-risk merchants can also apply for a merchant account with Connected.co, which makes the process simple. We offer a state-of-the-art computerized application procedure that makes applying for a position a simple and painless process. 

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Merchant Account with Bad Credit

High Risk Bad Credit Merchant Account?

Merchant accounts for those who have a credit score of 580 or less and apply for payment processing through a bank are referred to as bad credit merchant accounts. This implies that submitting an application on your own, without the assistance of a professional in the sector, significantly reduces your chances of being accepted. Essentially, a bad credit merchant account is a merchant account for a business owner who has low or bad credit, as measured by their FICO score, for a variety of reasons. When deciding whether or not to accept a business for a low-risk merchant account, banks, creditors, and underwriters all take your credit score into account to a significant extent. When a company owner has weak or terrible credit, the merchant is regarded to be in need of a high-risk credit card processor, according to industry standards. A bad credit merchant account with a reputable high risk payment processing provider such as Connected.co will be required if the business plans to take debit or credit cards from customers.

What Is The TMF List?

The Terminated Merchant File, also known as the TMF list or the MATCH list (Member Alert To Control High Risk), is a type of 'detention' for merchants that is similar to a 'detention facility'. It is the most severe punishment for excessive chargebacks, non-payment, or fraud, among other things. To be removed off the TMF list is not simple, and it might take up to five years to complete the process.

Open A Bad Credit Merchant Account

Generally, a firm that requires a negative credit merchant account is considered to be of high risk. That being said, having a high-risk firm, regardless of the reasons for doing so, can make it incredibly difficult to locate a dependable credit card processor.

You require the services of a seasoned payment processing business such as Connected.co. We specialize in the creation of high-risk merchant accounts, ecommerce, and online businesses that are only engaged in the business of accepting credit cards online. 

Payment Processing For Bad Credit Businesses

When your FICO score is poor or you have a bankruptcy on your credit history, you are immediately classified as a high-risk candidate. This is due to the fact that your credit report is such an important aspect in determining whether or not a bank would cooperate with you. There are more than 90 mil people in the USA who have poor credit ratings at this time. As a result, there can only be one interpretation. There are legitimate options for obtaining a merchant account while having poor credit. 

Your bank's credit card processor will treat your negative credit merchant account in the same way as a short-term loan would. This implies that any problems that arise as a result of payments being returned or cancelled will rest entirely on your shoulders as the business owner.

Merchant Accounts with Connected.co

With a large network of high-risk banks both domestically and internationally, Connected.co is constantly expanding its client base and increasing its revenue stream. We have extensive experience in the placement of merchant accounts. We will take use of these ties and our expertise to secure a merchant account for your company in situations where others have failed. Simply put, if your company is lawful, we can help you become authorized! High-risk merchants can also apply for a merchant account with Connected.co, which makes the process simple. We offer a state-of-the-art computerized application procedure that makes applying for a position a simple and painless process. We just ask for the very minimum of information necessary by the banks, and nothing more and nothing less. Our application method is cloud-based, which allows us to record your information digitally and send it to a number of different financial institutions. The result is greater selection, faster approvals, and less fuss!

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Law Firm Credit Card Processing

Using Credit cards for the payment of products and services is no longer considered something unusual; rather, it is growing more commonplace as time passes. Let's be honest: when it comes to accepting credit cards, the legal business has lagged behind the rest of the world a little. In the past, the regulations and requirements associated with credit card payments that were specific to the legal industry scared many attorneys and firms away from accepting credit cards. However, the benefits of accepting credit cards have begun to change the way the industry thinks about credit cards.

Customers who pay invoices online using credit cards are more likely to do so if their firm has the capability to process credit card payments. Credit cards are increasingly becoming the preferred method of payment for your clients, and firms with the capability to process credit card payments make it easier for them to do so. According to industry data, businesses that take credit cards from their customers experience a 30-40 percent increase in cash flow.

Benefits of Payment Processing for Law Firms 

• Email Invoicing for easy payments 

If you use an email service, you won't have to waste time and resources creating bills by hand or mailing them to clients. A email enables you to send invoices to your customers quickly and securely via email. When dealing with repeat customers, this is a fantastic option since you will only have to send them one invoice at the end of each month or after each service is completed, regardless of where they are located in the world. Additionally, you may securely store customer credit card information for the purpose of processing simple payments. For your legal practice, a virtual terminal may assist to eliminate any uncertainty or misunderstanding, as well as to make payments as quickly and accurately as possible.

• Payment Gateway for security and convenience 

Payment Gateway technology from Connrcted.co serves as the foundation for our email and ecommerce shopping cart solutions. Designed to complement your back-office procedures and assure safe payments and data protection, this technology is a valuable asset. This provides tremendous ease for both you and your customers. 

Two Important Factors

1. Bar Compliance

The most important regulatory consideration for attorneys when selecting a payment processor is whether or not the payment processor can maintain the integrity of trust deposits. Standard methods of processing credit and debit card transactions entail the processor deducting a charge from the monies that are being transferred. Fortunately, for the majority of organizations, this is not an issue. The whole amount of the deposit, on the other hand, must stay in the law firm's client trust account until those monies are properly released. This is true when a customer pays an unearned retainer or when a third-party transfer’s cash intended for the client. However, it doesn't matter how tiny the percentage that is withdrawn as a processing fee is because no amount of those monies may be utilized for operational expenditures until they have been earned and transferred to the operating account.

1. Pricing

Cost is another apparent concern, and it was the one that the majority of the companies we spoke with considered as soon as they established that a service was bar compliant. However, pricing comparison for credit card processing is not as straightforward as it may appear. Even though pricing comparisons for most goods and services are pretty basic, the various invoicing formats and optional add-ons related with credit card processing can make the process more complicated.

Connected.co for Credit Card Processing

We at connected.co know that when you are aligned with the right banking partners, and you are able to manage your risk effectively--your business thrives. Our payment gateway is state-of-the-art, enabling you to route your transactions strategically, distribute your risk wisely, and optimize your sales globally. Our API is robust, our chargeback protection is built-in, and our Ul is very easy to use!

Our expert anti-fraud solutions provide you with an endless number of rules-based configuration options, the ability to test tactics against real-world data, and the ability to apply new rules with a single click of the mouse. Connected.co makes it simple to safeguard your accounts while increasing throughput.

 JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Kratom Credit Card Processing

Kratom Payment Processing

In traditional medicine, people self-medicate with kratom to alleviate pain, depression, and anxiety problems, as well as the withdrawal symptoms associated with prescription opioids. However, the use of kratom as a supplement remains a contentious issue.

Despite the fact that Kratom has several medicinal and recreational advantages, it has earned a reputation as a highly addictive drug. Because of this, there are no typical banks that provide merchant services to kratom-based enterprises. If you sell or offer kratom, you'll need a high-risk merchant account for kratom credit card processing services in order to conduct business.

Merchant Accounts for Kratom

Kratom, scientifically known as mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen plant that is a member of the coffee family and is native to Southeast Asia. Due to the fact that there is so little research being done on kratom as of 2018, the efficacy and safety of the chemical are still up in the air.

A paucity of study has led to the United States Food and Drug Administration stating that there is no evidence to suggest that kratom is safe or effective for treating any ailment. It is due to this reason that acquiring banks and payment processor’s view kratom as a high-risk product. Consequently, kratom businesses must seek out particular payment solutions for their online credit card processing needs in order to succeed.

Many kratom users, on the other hand, feel it to be beneficial in the treatment of pain, depression, and opiate addiction. Additionally, aphrodisiac effects have been observed in the use of kratom products.

Why Is Kratom Considered A High Risk Industry?

Kratom includes the hallucinogenic compounds mitragynine and 7-hydroxmitragynine, which are found in a variety of plants. This alone leads banks to be hesitant about selling payment processing services to their customers. However, kratom is also considered to be a powerful pain reliever for conditions such as arthritis, restless limb syndrome, and fibromyalgia. It is also considered to be an efficient therapy for diarrhoea and opioid addiction, among other things.

How to Get Kratom Credit Card Processing

First and foremost, you must get a high-risk merchant account for your kratom-based business in order to be able to transmit and receive payments. Obtaining a high-risk merchant account allows you to take use of associated services such as payment processing and payment gateway.

Finding a credit card processing company that accepts kratom is becoming increasingly challenging. Payment processing service providers may be found on the internet if you search for them, however some of them are quite pricey and dubious in their business practises. 

Nutraceutical Merchant Account – Connected.co

Connected.co focuses in locating merchant accounts for nutraceutical merchants that are having difficulty finding accounts. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find banking partners that are ready to work with nutraceutical firms, much alone start-ups that have little to no processing experience, since banks' risk appetites and credit rules shift over time. This is where our extensive knowledge and vast network of domestic and international financial contacts come into play to the greatest extent possible. High risk specialists have worked with practically every sort of nutritional supplement, from diet and beauty to muscle mass and fat loss to fitness and vitamin supplements to herbal supplements, as well as anything else in the middle of the road. Additionally, we are quite familiar with all of the industry standard CRMs and payment gateways, so integration will be a snap.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

How to Accept Credit Card Payments Online

Maintaining a firm grip on cash flow is essential when running a business. One method to make it easier for money to go in and out of your business is to increase your payment choices to include credit cards as a payment option.

Making it possible for clients to pay with their credit cards may make monitoring cash flow less stressful and reduce the delays associated with waiting for check payments to clear. If your company does not already take credit card payments, you may find that it is less difficult than you think to make the switch.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Accepting credit card payments for your business might help you manage your cash flow more effectively while also potentially increasing sales.

• People are increasingly depending on credit and debit cards as a payment mechanism, rather than cash or cheques, to make purchases.

• Credit card payments may be accepted by businesses of all sizes, whether they are huge or small.

• Making the necessary arrangements for your company to accept credit card payments does not have to be difficult.

Merchant Account for Credit Card Payments 

Traditionally, accepting credit card payments necessitated the opening of a particular type of bank account known as a merchant account with a financial institution. You would join up with a bank and arrange a fee agreement with them, after which you would obtain or acquire the gear necessary to process payments.

If you're just getting started, a payment service provider will most likely be the most straightforward and cost-effective method of accepting credit card payments for your small business.

For a well-known or high-volume business (processing more than $20,000 per month on a steady basis), taking credit cards through a standard merchant account may be the most cost-effective solution for you. The setting up of an online merchant account, which is a sort of bank account rather than anything like Square or PayPal, is more formal because it often involves an application and approval procedure.

Higher-volume firms, on the other hand, may be able to obtain more competitive rates from a merchant account provider than they would from an all-in-one ecommerce platform that charges fixed fees. Existing brick-and-mortar businesses should negotiate low internet processing prices with their present payment processor to take advantage of the growing demand for online transactions.

If you're utilizing a merchant account provider to take credit cards online, you may also require a payment gateway to connect your merchant account to your online business. To learn more about payment gateways, go here.

Merchant Account with Connected.co

With a large network of high-risk banks both domestically and internationally, Connected.co is constantly expanding its client base and increasing its revenue stream. We have extensive experience in the placement of merchant accounts. We will take use of these ties and our expertise to secure a merchant account for your company in situations where others have failed. Simply put, if your company is lawful, we can help you become authorized! High-risk merchants can also apply for a merchant account with Connected.co, which makes the process simple. We offer a state-of-the-art computerized application procedure that makes applying for a position a simple and painless process. We just ask for the very minimum of information necessary by the banks, and nothing more and nothing less. Our application method is cloud-based, which allows us to record your information digitally and send it to a number of different financial institutions. The result is greater selection, faster approvals, and less fuss! 

 JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

How Does ACH Payment Processing Work?

What Are ACH Transfers?

ACH transfers are electronic money transfers from one bank to another that are handled through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network. Nacha, the organization in charge of these transfers, explains that the ACH network is a batch processing system that banks, and other financial institutions use to aggregate these transactions for processing, which normally occurs three times per day during business hours. 

It's possible that you're making use of ACH transfers without even noticing it. ACH transfers include a variety of activities such as receiving your paycheck through direct deposit and paying your bills online using your bank accounts. Transfers to individual retirement accounts (IRAs), taxable brokerage accounts, and college savings accounts can also be made using automated clearing house (ACH) transfers (commonly known as electronic funds transfers). In addition, business owners may employ electronic funds transfers to pay vendors and receive payments from clients and consumers. 

The use of automatic payments through the system is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Nacha claimed that more than two billion internet transactions were initiated in 2020, a significant increase over 2019. This is a 15.2 percent increase over the previous year's figure. The number of person-to-person and business-to-business transactions climbed as well, reaching 62 million (44 percent) and 1.2 billion (15 percent) over the same time period, respectively.

The benefits of ACH payment processing

There are a variety of reasons why automated clearing house (ACH) payments are becoming an increasingly popular alternative for organizations.

1. Processing costs are being reduced.

ACH payments have the lowest processing fees of any sort of payment, and this is often true. If you work with a supplier that charges a fixed fee, processing ACH payments will cost your company far less money than processing credit card payments.

1. There will be fewer decreases owing to the expiration of the contract.

Items in checking accounts such as credit and debit cards do not "expire," unlike credit and debit cards. Thus, when processing ACH payments, you will see far less declines.

1. You will find it more convenient.

Paper invoices, paper checks, and time-consuming trips to the bank are no longer necessary.

1. Customers will appreciate how handy it is for them.

Providing customers with a variety of payment choices improves their overall customer experience. Customers no longer have to go through their belongings for their chequebook on a monthly basis. By enrolling in recurring billing, they may simply "set it and forget it."

The Bottom Line

ACH transfers may be a convenient and generally hassle-free method of sending or receiving money. In either case, be certain that you are familiar with your bank's regulations regarding ACH direct deposits and direct payments. Additionally, be on the lookout for ACH transfer frauds. For example, a popular scam includes someone sending you an email informing you that you're owed money and that all you need to do to obtain it is supplying your bank account number and routing number, which you can do by entering your information below. 

ACH Processing – Connected.co 

A legitimate credit card or a sufficient credit card balance is not always available to all of your consumers. Some people might just prefer to pay by bank check rather than credit card. Giving your consumers the option to pay with a bank check or an electronic check is one of the most straightforward methods to increase sales.

ACH payment processing can be deployed as a primary payment option or as a backup payment option in the event that a customer's credit card is declined for any reason. Over the course of nearly two decades, Connected.co has provided ACH processing services to forward-thinking retailers.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Dental Office Credit Card Processing

Although the demand for low-cost credit card processing is not exclusive to dentists, it is one of the primary reasons that dental offices have been migrating to Connected.co in recent years. 

We have established a low-cost corporate structure in order to be able to pass the savings on to dentists. We are able to charge less than a traditional payment processor because of the use of virtual teams, word-of-mouth and referral marketing, and collaborations with payment technology providers. Our goal statement encapsulates everything.

When it comes to business, we feel that doing the right thing is essential. That translates into complete openness about margins and costs. Detailed explanations of every aspect of the storey are provided, in plain language. Unlike other storefront systems, we do not use complex language or charge hidden fees.

Once a dentist makes the transition to connected.co, he or she will not leave. Other payment processors are unable to compete on pricing. When you consider that the payment processing business has between 25 percent to 30 percent client attrition every year, it is mind-boggling. This occurs as a result of two factors: 1) most payment processors progressively raise their fees every six months, and 2) payment processors attempt to decrease their operational costs by offering less customer service. 

Choosing the right payments processor for your healthcare practice

It is critical that you select the most appropriate payment processor for your practise. For example, a partner who is an excellent fit for a multi-location practise is unlikely to be the ideal fit for a slower paced, single-provider firm in a small town that conducts far fewer transactions. A payments processor with extensive expertise in servicing medical and dental clinics may assist your office in determining which features and services are necessary for your specific requirements. Remember to include in all of the possible variables that might affect your expenditures, such as the setup charge, additional fees, and the monthly minimum that your office is required to reach.

While it is crucial to connect with a payment processor that is devoted to security and providing quality service, choosing the cheapest payment processing may not be the best option in this case. Those interested in exploring their payment processing choices may inquire with the dental organisations to which they or their providers belong to see whether they have an established agreement with a payment processor. It is in this manner that you can begin to compile an alphabetical list of payment processors that are both reputable and experienced in working with dental clinics. Additionally, you may inquire of other dental professionals in your neighbourhood about which payment processors they use and their experiences with their products.

Connected.co for Credit Card Processing

We at connected.co know that when you are aligned with the right banking partners, and you are able to manage your risk effectively--your business thrives. Our payment gateway is state-of-the-art, enabling you to route your transactions strategically, distribute your risk wisely, and optimize your sales globally. Our API is robust, our chargeback protection is built-in, and our Ul is very easy to use!

Our expert anti-fraud solutions provide you with an endless number of rules-based configuration options, the ability to test tactics against real-world data, and the ability to apply new rules with a single click of the mouse. Connected.co makes it simple to safeguard your accounts while increasing throughput.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Credit Card Authorization

What is a credit card authorization form?

When a consumer signs a credit card authorization form, they are giving the merchant permission to charge their credit card for future recurring payments. This form is typically used to authorize organizations to charge cardholders on a recurrent basis, whether monthly, quarterly, or even less frequently.

What is included in a credit card authorization form?

It is not necessary for a credit card authorization form to be a lengthy document. It usually includes the following:

• Information about the cardholder's credit card

• Type of card

• Card with your name on it

• Expiration date and card number

• Information on the business of the merchant

• The billing address of the cardholder

• Authorization for the merchant to charge the customer's credit card on file

• The cardholder's name and signature

• Date

How Does a Credit Card Authorization work?

Authorization is required to determine if a cardholder's credit card has adequate money and may be used to make a transaction from a merchant. When a cardholder seeks to purchase a commodity or service using a debit or credit card, an authorization request appears.

To determine the cardholder's bank, the authorization request is transmitted through the merchant's acquiring bank. The cardholder's bank then assesses whether the transaction with the merchant will be accepted or rejected based on the cardholder's line of credit after being notified. The information about whether the transaction was denied or allowed flows back through the acquiring bank to the merchant after the acquiring bank determines if the cardholder has adequate cash or credit for the transaction. If the transaction is accepted, the amount of the transaction is debited from the cardholder's account and a receipt is sent.

Is money transferred during authorization?

The actual money transaction is handled via a procedure known as "Capturing" in online payments. Authorization acknowledges the existence of available money and lays a hold on them. The capturing process is generally completed automatically following the authorization phase with online acquirers.

How can authorizations fail?

Authorizations can fail for a variety of reasons, both technical and financial. Most online processors notify buyers of failures automatically. An error code identifies the cause of an authorization failure. The error codes will vary depending on the acquirer. The most crucial factor to remember is that a rejected authorization implies the deal can't go through. Without an authorization number, the seller should not send the merchandise or complete the transaction.

If the error number indicates a technical issue, it is normally the seller's responsibility to resolve the problem. In rare situations, the purchaser will experience technological difficulties, forcing the seller to wait until they are resolved. In the vast majority of situations, there is an issue with the data being sent to the processor. This might be due to a problem with the settings or the online submission, such as a missing or wrongly written value. In this instance, the vendor must resolve the issue as quickly as feasible. Financial-related error codes often indicate an issue with the buyer's account.

Connected.co

The chargeback protection services provided by Connected.co are genuinely unparalleled. You may use the anti-fraud profiles we've discovered to be the most effective for the widest range of cardholders with Connected.co. Alternatively, our sophisticated gateway platform allows you to tweak parameters at an endless level of detail to increase acceptance.

When it comes to chargeback avoidance, bank data, swift reaction, and automation are essential. Our chargeback prevention service may provide you early warning notifications straight from the banks, or it can use our payment gateway's automatic chargeback mitigation tools. The lower your total chargeback rates are, the more transactions you'll be able to accept and the more money you'll be able to make.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Credit Card Processing for Small Business

What is credit card processing?

The set of activities necessary to finalize payments made with a credit card in person, online, over the phone, or by mail is referred to as credit card processing.

Who is involved in credit card processing?

Credit card processing relies on the following businesses to securely record payments at the point of sale (POS).

Consumer.

The individual making the transaction, or the cardholder.

Merchant.

The person or company that is selling the goods or service that the customer is buying.

Gateway for making payments.

The technology that enables a merchant to communicate with a payment processor. A gateway typically integrates with both card-present (e.g., in-store purchases) and card-not-present (e.g., online or ecommerce) payment environments, captures payment details for customer transactions and routes them to a payment processor or the merchant bank, and sends the merchant a "approved" or "declined" message.

Processor of credit cards.

Also known as a "payment processor" in a broader sense. The entity that allows the merchant, the credit card network, and the cardholder's bank to communicate with one another. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards compliance is the responsibility of both processors and merchants (PCI DSS). Some payment processors have their own payment gateways, while others, often the bigger processors, have payment gateway reseller agreements.

A network of cards.

"Credit card network" or "credit card brand" are other terms for the same thing. The customer's credit card brand, such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, is indicated here. The credit card networks are in charge of determining interchange and assessment fees, as well as PCI DSS requirements.

Issuing financial institution.

Also known as the "consumer bank" or "cardholder's bank." This is the financial institution that issues the customer's credit card. In the credit card processing cycle, one of the key tasks of the issuing bank is to evaluate if the cardholder's account has sufficient money to execute a transaction and to release those funds for settlement.

Bank that is acquiring.

The "commercial bank" is another name for it. The merchant's bank is where they keep their business cash and receive money from transactions. It can give card readers and equipment to the merchant so that he or she can take card payments. Additionally, the acquiring bank might act as a credit card processor.

The Best Merchant Services to Help You Collect Payments

According to research done by business technology firm, over 30 percent of small business consumers have been unable to complete a transaction in a physical store because "their method of payment was not accepted”. Despite the fact that not taking credit cards reduces revenue, many business owners are concerned about not being able to afford high payment processing rates.

Using a merchant services provider on a monthly basis may be expensive, which is why it's important to carefully consider your alternatives before making a decision. However, there are more than 1,000 credit processors in the world. So, which merchant services are the most appropriate for your company?

Connected.co is a company that specializes in high-risk payments. Our team's expertise ranges from establishing one of the earliest payment gateways on the Internet to installing some of the most cutting-edge fraud protection technologies available in the industry today. In addition to being CPP certified, we also have banking contacts that allow us to get you authorized when others cannot.

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).

Best Online Credit Card Processing

Although it may appear to be a straightforward procedure, receiving payments online is a complicated task that needs the cooperation of many distinct sections. When you take a payment through your online store as a small company owner, you might not realise what's going on. The procedures underlying online payment processing, on the other hand, are something you should be aware of, if only to assist you cope with possible problems as they happen.

In order to exist, your company must be able to accept credit card payments in the vast majority of cases. Accepting credit card payments, on the other hand, demands the services of a credit card processing company, and with so many alternatives available today, choosing the best match for your business may be tough. Some companies charge a cost for each transaction, while others charge a flat fee for a specified amount of transactions. Both offer advantages and disadvantages, but which service is best for you?

What is online payment processing?

You'll need three crucial pieces of software if you want to take payments online. These three components function together, and if any one of them is missing, the entire system will fail. Here's a bit more on the major elements of online payment processing:

·         The payment processor oversees the card transaction process by sending data from your consumer's credit/debit card both to your bank and the user's bank. Card limitations, credit card validity, security, as well as other concerns are handled by payment processors. The transfer will be approved, and the transaction will be completed if they have adequate funds in their account. In some ways, the payment processor resembles an intermediary between both the bank and the merchant.

·         Payment gateway — A payment gateway is an online equivalent of a point-of-sale device that connects your website to the payment processor. Payment gateways can also assist you in connecting your merchant account with credit/debit card issuers. In a nutshell, the payment gateway manages the technical aspects of the transaction and guarantees that you get payments from your clients.

·         Your business can accept online payment options through a merchant account. You are at the risk of losing the money that your consumers have sent you if you do not have a merchant account. Despite the fact that you will not have direct access to your accounts, funds from your merchant account will be moved to your corporate bank account within one or two working days.

Best Online Credit Card Processing for Small Business

To choose the finest credit card processing company for your business, you must balance your demands with the real expenses of accepting payments. After all, the costs and services offered by each credit card processor differ. The best ones provide straightforward and affordable pricing, minimal fees, flexible terms, and the opportunity to scale up as your business expands.

High-risk merchants may easily apply for a merchant account via Connected.co. We offer a cutting-edge computerised application procedure that makes applying simple. We just request the information demanded by the banks and nothing more. Our application system is cloud-based, allowing us to digitally record your information and send it to numerous banks. This means more options, faster approvals, and less stress!

JW Epply has been a senior executive for over 10 years, during which time he has met and exceeded growth and revenue goals in exceedingly difficult verticals. Epply is recognized as an efficient, dynamic leader with a strong background in sales and sales process, management, and organizational strategy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Wyoming, and is an accredited Certified Payments Professional (CPP) from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).