[CH]Off: accepting credit cards for orders

Stober, Karen E, SITS (kstober@att.com)
Thu, 19 Nov 1998 08:42:49 -0500

For all who are running a business:

I run a home based graphics business.  I am currently selling a poster and
photographs.  I found out that I am not getting foreign orders because the
cost of exchanging foreign money to US $s is almost or more than the cost of
the items.  I think accepting credit cards may solve my problems.

I spoke with a person a friend of mine recommended who works for a bank in
Washington State that is national.  He said it is $900 for the credit card
terminal, or $35 a month to rent.  It would cost me $700 more in the long
run to rent.  The bank gets 2.49% of each sale.  Plus a $10 monthly fee.
Because I am a friend of his friend he would not charge me a fee for
reference and setting up the machine.  Ordinarily he would charge over $150
for that service.  I would be able to accept Visa and Mastercard orders.
After everything is approved and set up I can get an American Express
option.  He also mentioned paperwork I have to keep.  Plus what I have to
file, too.  

My questions are:  Is this too much to pay?  Do I need the machine or can I
just call in numbers and save $900?  What are other sources I can go to, to
find out what credit options I have?  I am working under my Dad's
corporation.  How will this affect it?  

Thanks to all in advance,

Karen E. Stober
home: karen1@mail.idt.net
work: kstober@att.com
home page: http://idt.net/~karen1/