MerchantPro Express has been providing first-rate merchant services to thousands of businesses across the country for more than 10 years. But at MPX, our clients are more than just numbers in our system or sales in our spreadsheets. We are committed to providing them with individualized attention so that we can help each business in a truly unique way. One such individual, whose story we’d like to share, is Ashley Lyons, owner of Old Soul Vintage Jewelry.

Originally published January 13, 2016. Republished May 6, 2019.

Whatever type of business you manage, there will always be various expenses to keep your doors open. From employee salaries and merchant services to utilities and inventory, the list can seem never-ending. There is, however, a way to keep certain costs down—specifically when it comes to your credit card processing account.

Accepting credit cards is practically a must for businesses nowadays, but not all businesses are similar, so why should all businesses accept credit cards the same way? It goes without saying that it’s impractical—if not impossible—to bring a large PoS system with you wherever you go. If you’re a business that changes locations frequently, or if it would benefit your team and customers to have a credit card reader brought to them, a mobile credit card reader might be the way to go.

In order for your business to accept credit card and debit card payments, you'll need to open a merchant account. Once you've decided which merchant services provider you'd like to open an account with, you'll begin the application process. During this process, you will most likely be asked to provide your Social Security Number and home address. 

Sharing this information fulfills a legally mandated requirement meant to protect against illicit financial activities and will be required by most major banks or credit card processors that you file an application with.

Originally published February 6, 2017. Republished July 30, 2018.

Every month, a slew of charges appear on your merchant statement, the bill you receive from your credit card processor which details the fees you were charged for credit card payments your business accepted. From authorization and transaction fees to chargeback and batch fees, you have a lot to keep track of. For example, you are likely paying a PCI compliance fee. Not sure what that is? We're here to explain it!

If you run a small business, then you’ve probably considered accepting credit card payments from your customers. With people carrying less and less cash every year, card payments are often more convenient for patrons, and can actually help grow your business. But how do you get a credit card machine?

Unfortunately, chargebacks come along with running a business. And while there are ways to prevent chargebacks, even successful and efficient businesses will experience them occasionally.

Merchant cash advance financing offers a different approach for business owners to receive funds for their organizations. It is not a loan—which obligates you to make a monthly payment until you pay back what you borrowed—but a lump sum of capital provided to you in exchange for a portion of your business’ future credit card sales.