For most businesses, accepting credit cards is necessary, and it is often the only type of payment customers use. Whether you own a retail store, have a mobile massage therapy business, or own a company that only sells products online, you need a way to process payments. Fortunately, small business credit card payment processing has changed with the times, and there are a number of options to fit your needs.
There are numerous payment processing companies, but one of the best merchant services for small businesses is Blackhawk Bank. It offers a variety of services to meet the varying needs of all types of business. Knowing what type of payment processing to use can be confusing, but Blackhawk Bank will help you sort through the possibilities to find what is best for you.
How Payment Processing Has Changed
Not that long ago, credit card processing was only available for brick-and-mortar stores. Home-based and traveling businesses relied on cash or check payments only. Even those who were able to process credit card payments required a stand-alone credit card swiper that was hooked to a phone landline. There typically were also high fees associated with taking credit cards.
Fortunately, things have changed dramatically. Owning a stand-alone business is not a requirement for accepting credit cards, and the process is simple and fast.
Benefits of Flexible New Payment Technologies
The updated technology related to credit card processing makes it extremely flexible, which is beneficial to both merchants and customers.
The different types of merchant services allow business owners to work from basically anywhere. Being able to accept credit cards at any location boosts business sales by at least 15%.
Most credit card machines are wireless and do not require a phone hook-up. There are also credit card payment processing options that allow for mobile business and eCommerce, making credit card acceptance universal.
This means that customers and clients do not need to worry about carrying around cash, whether they are at a dentist’s appointment or a farmer’s market. Some methods do not even require a credit card, as the payment can be made right from someone’s smartphone.
Although the number of processing options can be overwhelming, when a company chooses the right one, it is beneficial in that it:
- Builds connections with paying customers
- Strengthens the business
- Improves efficiency and productivity
Types of Payment Processing Technology
Before deciding which payment processing method and technology is right for your small business, it is good to research the different choices based on your business type:
Physical Business
Whether you own a restaurant, clothing store, or a salon, point-of-sale (POS) software is crucial in order for you to accept payments. There are different types of POS systems for small businesses, and each one caters to varying needs and sales volumes. For high volume stores, a POS terminal allows for faster check-outs. These systems cost more than other options, but they also allow for better management because services collect customer data, report sales, and manage payroll. For companies that have only a few transactions each day, there are simpler options. There are mobile solutions for laptops, tablets, or phones that accept all forms of payments and produce receipts.
Traveling business
A physical POS system is not a viable option for a business owner who regularly travels to clients. Examples include contractors, event planners, house cleaners, babysitters, plumbers, and organizers. The best processing option for these types of businesses may be a card reader that you can plug into a laptop or smartphone. This allows you to make secure transactions no matter where you are. Along with flexibility, other benefits include no long-term commitments, and the devices are inexpensive or even free. There are often monthly fees, fees per, or both.
Self-employed
If you are an independent contractor or provide an online service, you require payment processing that can be done electronically. This method allows clients to pay from their computer by just clicking a few things. Owners may want to consider an electronic processor that also provides payment accounting services such as invoice submission and billable hours tracking for more complex businesses.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Payment Processing Company
Even though you may have a good idea of the type of processing system your business needs, that is only the first step. Many companies offer payment processing, and they are not all the same. Some factors that you should consider include:
Needs of your business
If you are not quite sure what system you should have, consider different aspects of your business. Think about your typical customer, location of average transactions, and standard payment types (credit card, cash, mobile, etc.) for services or products.
Transparent Credit Card Payment Processing
When reviewing the available options, there should be no question as to the fees the payment processing company charges. There needs to be full transparency regarding time commitment/contracts, initiation fees, monthly fees, transaction fees, etc. Ask a lot of questions to make sure all areas have been covered.
Customer Service
You may find a company that offers value pricing, but when it comes to answering questions you may have or helping solve an issue, you cannot reach anyone. Search for someone with a good reputation, and that is focused on providing helpful customer service for business banking at any time of the day.
Benefits of Using Blackhawk Bank
One of the best choices for payment processing is a bank. Blackhawk Bank has been taking care of clients since 1881 when it began as Beloit Savings Bank. Its mission is “to make every customer a customer for life.”
When looking for the best credit card processing for small business, Blackhawk Bank has a variety of services to choose from. A merchant services expert can walk you through the options and the benefits and disadvantages of each.
Blackhawk Bank offers popular terminal products, suitable for stand-alone businesses, mobile businesses, and home-based ones. Consider ShopKeep Point of Sale, which is a full-service POS system for retail shops and restaurants; the Verifone VX 520 for an all-in-one countertop device; the SwipeSimple, which accepts cash and card payments on mobile devices; and PayTrace Payment Gateway, which is a flexible solution to meet a variety of business segments, including B2B (business to business) and B2G (business to government), professional offices, subscription services and healthcare..
Blackhawk Bank offers mobile payment acceptance for all types of business. It also allows you to deposit paper checks electronically, saving you a trip to the bank.
All business banking options provide the proper security to keep you and your client’s information safe and helps protect all transactions against data breaches and fraud.
Contact Blackhawk Bank for Your Payment Processing Needs
Whether you own a food truck, a salon, an online art store, or a handyman service, you have enough challenges to juggle without having to worry about finding the right credit card processing company.
Blackhawk Bank has the products and experience to guide you through the process. Focusing on helping you succeed, the professionals at Blackhawk Bank will help you choose the right method and be there when you have questions.
Contact a treasury management expert to find out how they can help or contact us online today.