I'd like to address merchants of all types across this great country of ours. more specifically, I'd like to talk about your credit card processing. likely, you are frequently approached by salespeople of all types that come thru your door or call on the phone. Are you fed up and pretty much tell everyone of them that cold calls on you that you're not interested? honestly, who can blame you.afterall, you've got a business to run.
Unfortunately, in the merchant services (aka credit card processing industry) we've got a reputation of being some of the worst. The industry has the potential to make for a very comfortable living for those that are successful. consequently, it attracts a lot of new, inadequately trained sales types that give the rest of us professionals a bad reputation.
Let me ask you this question. when one of these guys/gals walks thru your door, have you asked what's your rate? have they quickly responded with a rate that sounds to good to be true? You know what they say about that, don't you?
Now, I'd like to share with you how I have responded to that question for years. Okay, I'm always very conscious of the type of business I'm talking to so I can try to relate to them through what it is they do. for example, you're a restauranteur and I walk thru your door and introduce myself. Here's how the conversation goes:
ME: Good afternoon, my name is Merchant Services Guy with XYZ Processing Company. Could I have a minute of your time?
YOU: I've got a business to run and as you can see, I'm quite busy. What's your rate?
ME: That's nearly impossible for me to answer without knowing more about the types of cards you accept and how you process them. But first let me ask you a question if I may. do you do catering because I'm looking around.
YOU: Yes we do, so what can you tell me about this event, such as when, where, how many people and what you want on the menu?
ME: well, I can't tell you when just yet or how many people or even what we want to eat but can you tell me how much it will cost?
YOU: well, without more info, I can't possibly tell you what the cost would be.
ME: Exactly my point as well There's over 100 different categories that a Visa and a MC can fall into so to simply give you a rate without knowing more about your business and the types of cards you take it, I'll just simply be throwing some arbitrary number at you like the majority of the reps that call on you, simply trying to get your attention. just like in your business, you can't give me a number without knowing more about my needs. now, that makes sense, doesn't it?
You see, it's not all about rate. sure, you need to always be conscious of your bottom-line and I fully understand that. But, how many times in the past have you been promised a great rate only to find out some time later that it wasn't all that great?
More importantly, what you need from our industry is someone that truly wants to work with you to provide not only savings on processing plastic, but solutions as well. Solutions with possibly some new marketing ideas to help you drive sales. have you considered SMS, email or mobile marketing for your business for example? Any merchant services rep worth their weight in plastic will be able to help you with these areas simply because they recognize the benefit of being a Solutions Provider and developing long-term mutually rewarding relationships with you.
Hopefully, this article has brought some enlightenment to your day and that you will find it beneficial. If so, please share it with others.
Posted in 
Tags: 
maybe just keep your distance. they will get it sooner or later
Put your dukes up and lets vox.