Why take cards?
Card processing for start-ups and independent businesses
Organising credit and debit card processing for start-ups or existing independent businesses for the first time needn’t be difficult and there are compelling reasons why you should do it as soon as possible:
- 372 billion was spent on credit and debit cards compared to £267 billion by cash in the UK in 2008 (Source: APACS)
- Plastic cards accounted for 66% of all UK retail spending in 2008
It’s a fact: using cards to make payments is the No.1 choice for the majority of your existing and potential customers. As an independent business, or start up, you risk alienating potential customers and losing business if you can’t process debit and credit card payments.
Most consumers and businesses simply expect to be able to use cards to pay for their goods and services. Taking card payments means you can benefit from the total payment market opportunity rather that just restricting your business to the amount of cash that your customers’ have in their pocket.
10 reasons to take cards
- Cards are now your customers preferred method of payment
In today’s market, accepting credit and debit cards is the preferred method of payment.
Since December 2004 total combined credit and debit card spending overtook total cash spending for the first time. In 2009 it is forecast that debit card spending alone will outstrip cash spending for the first time. - More customers through your door
If you accept cards they’re more likely to come in and spend - Increased sales
Customers are no longer limited by the amount of cash they have - Impulse buying as browsers become buyers
Customers can make an immediate purchase with a credit or debit card increasing your turnover and profits - Simple and fast automated banking
Instant authorisation – no more worries about cheques clearing - Improved cash flow
Your banking becomes automated and money is in your account within 2/3 working days - No bounced cheques
Credit and debit card payments are more secure and less cash is held on the premises - Accept payments by phone, mail and online
Merchant accounts open up massive new sales opportunities for you and your business - Less cash handling for staff
This can reduce simple mistakes and more serious issues like shrinkage - Accept credit and debit card payments from commercial customers
You can target more customers in both the private and public sectors who pay by card
How to take cards with Cardsave
We work hard to make merchant accounts simple and stress free
You need 3 things to take credit and debit card payments from your customers:
- A merchant account
- A current business bank account
- A credit card machine to facilitate payments
The good news is Cardsave can handle this whole process for you from start to finish. We will supply you with the most appropriate credit card machines and really low card processing costs for your business.
One of our professional, fully accredited Territory Managers will visit you at your premises. We will discuss your business needs and put forward a tailored package to handle all of your card processing. For start-ups and independent businesses opening new enterprises, we’re happy to talk with you before you open your doors for business, so you can hit the ground running.
Then we’ll explain the process involved and assist you every step of the way. For a stress free time, we complete all the paperwork for you and manage all aspects of the application through to the delivery of your new credit card machine.
That’s just the start of our business relationship. In the event that you have any problems or queries we operate our own Helpdesk, in the UK, with fully trained staff who will deal with your enquiry promptly and efficiently. When you need assistance, just one call to our Helpdesk team is all that’s required.
10 reasons why you should choose Cardsave
- One-stop shop for traditional card transactions and E-commerce
- Reduced credit and debit card processing costs, particularly for independents who don’t have the buying power of larger chains
- No set-up fees – ideal for start-ups
- Great advice from one of our fully accredited Territory Managers
- We complete all your paperwork and process your application
- Latest countertop, portable and mobile GPRS credit card machines
- Secure and prompt transaction processing with Streamline
- Excellent commission available on all ETop-Up transactions
- Access to a UK-based Helpdesk
- Inclusive Legal Helpline and Tax & VAT Investigation Insurance
Join more than 40,000 independent retailers today
