Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Confused Between Merchant Account and Payment Gateway?

Merchant Account and Payment Gateway: The Basic requirement for starting up and running a business is having a Merchant Account and a Payment gateway. Both have an equivalent ratio for the smooth and balanced working of the business. A businessman who has really started up with new e-commerce venture requires a point from where he can connect to the customers. Now we need to figure out how?


The foremost thing to run an e-commerce site is to have a proper cash flow in it. Hence, where do we need that money from; from the customer? Any entrepreneur running a High or Low-Risk business requires a Merchant Account and a Payment Gateway.

Merchant Account
A type of an account that allows accepting online payment from the customers through many ways under legal wings of the payment service provider.

Merchant Account is created under the mutual agreement between a merchant and merchant’s acquiring bank, so to further proceed with future online payment.

Payment Gateway:
The next genuine question from your side: What Is Payment Gateway? A payment gateway is a software program that works behind the scene. It is basically a process that enables the flow of the payment securely. It’s a secure way to transfer your customer’s money safely into your merchant account. It’s really very important to have a payment gateway for the following reasons:

  • Prevents your money from fraudulent activities.
  • Creates a trustworthy aura between you and your customers.
  • Keeps you away from any future threat.
  • Maintains a good graph in the competitive world.

Short Review on Merchant Account and Payment Gateway
Above mentioned content shows the nature of the account, now below we can compare both of them:

Merchant Account is an account where the funds are deposited and payment gateway is the channel from which we receive our payments.
Merchant account holders get their amount through the payment gateway
Merchant Account holds the money, which they earn from selling their goods/services and with the help of a payment gateway they get their amount secured under the safety of the acquiring bank.
Payment Gateway gives a piece of evidence for the particular transaction for future Disputes.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

PAYMENT GATEWAY COMPETITION IN ONLINE BUSINESSES

The eCommerce and online business in recent years have developed great payment gateways and side-by-side the ease of shopping too. Building the shopping platforms and integration of payment source has also simultaneously developed. A study subjects online commerce to reach $5.8 trillion by 2022-that would be more than 6 times the figure for brick and mortar sales shops. There is a steady growth in the cash flow of online transactions in contrast to the old school method. Most important drivers in the growth of eCommerce are the ease and security of paying online.


HERE ARE THE MOST POPULAR PLATFORM OR PAYMENT GATEWAYS GLOBALLY:

Authorize.Net: It has a huge base of more than 370,000 merchants for streamlining fast and secure transactions. It doubles as a virtual POS solution and supports wide interface integrations on big and small online businesses. A wide range of PSPs worldwide also trusts it.

Stripe: Stripe is an online payment processor, which is designed especially for small online businesses. It has a vast selection of integrations, features and transparent pricing schemes. It is a convenient platform for accepting credit card via online channels. It can handle all the backed processes involved in online payments like security and automated features.

PayPal: PayPal is built on the technology that enables users to accept credit cards as well as process mobile and retail credit cards. It is great for global companies, accepts 25 currencies from 200 countries and territories. PayPal can be integrated with shopping carts, CRM solutions, eCommerce platforms, and accounting tools to propagate the operations

Amazon: This payment gateway comes from the eCommerce giant Amazon, which is prepared for both Amazon merchants and customers. It’s very easy, reliable and a rapid platform. This gateway works more in an ecosystem-based model. With this, you can attract new as well as repetitive customers. You can even improve customer loyalty with their already inclined recurring payment options and offers.

Braintree: Merchants in more than 40 countries are using this payment gateway worldwide. It has access to a total of 130 global currencies. It offers global eCommerce tools to let companies build their own features on the platform and scale the businesses around the world. It has an interface that is best for customizability, making it great for new users.

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Expand Your eCommerce Business Globally

Study your Targeted Market
If you are just starting out then put a few items on the sale. Do not rely on commerce entirely. Focus on the main business first and then slowly move towards e-commerce. Starting small can help you understand your market very well.


Here are the key points to know about your Target Market.
  • Start slowly with E-commerce Business. Put your prime focus on the main business at all times
  • Take notes from your small start and point out the fields where you need to work first.
  • Mark out the countries where your business can flourish.
  • Target the countries with better economy and study their business norms.
  • Learn about the customers and what they are looking for in your product.

Consider Various Payment Methods for your E-commerce Business

If you are dealing in different countries then your business will surely include foreign currency. And to avoid any conflicts in the future, you need to normalize the price of your product to match the demands of the customer from different countries.
  • Sometimes, the customer likes a specific product but does not purchase it. Simply because their preferred payment method is not available.
  • It is ideal to use the local currency to get revenue from a specific country.
  • If you are not ready to deal with a different currency then make sure to give the currency conversion option so the customers can see what they’re paying.
  • Choosing the right payment provider for your overseas transaction can be a tricky job.
  • While choosing the payment processor, make the security of the transaction your priority.

Plan your Big Entry

Start Small on Existing Market Place
You can start small with the existing e-commerce platform like eBay. As we discussed, a small start can be ideal for a business that is just entering the E-commerce platform. Moreover, starting small gives you plenty of time while making a transition from store business to e-commerce.



  • Small start allows you to test your product online.
  • Also, you get the appropriate amount of time to focus on your main business.
  • Choose a popular marketplace for your E-commerce Business for International Sales.
  • Get more information visit website ask our experts team.

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Choose the right Payment Processor for Small Business

These steps can guide you to choose the best Payment Processor for Small Business:

Make sure you know what you need
After determining your business model, identify your needs in terms of the payment processor. Make a checklist and ask the following questions to get the ideal Payment Processor for Small Business:


  • Do you own a business with a storefront?
  • Does your business include traveling?
  • Where your market is and what kind of customers you have?
  • What is the currency that you usually deal in?

You can create some of your questions to determine and create a business model. You know the technology has advanced. Furthermore, figure out the payment method you use or want to use for your business in the coming days. This will help in narrowing down which Point of Sale solution you would be pursuing and save you a lot of time.

Look through different Payment Processors

Do not give in to the first payment processor that you come across. Juggle the market; check out the different services depending on your needs, ask whether you can get some customized service according to your business type. Also, look for the service that matches your requirements.

Stay Away from “Merchant Discount Rate”

Many payment processors come to the merchant with their attractive discount plans. But we advise our customers to stay away from these attractive plans. Here are the reasons why avoiding discount plan is better:

There are always some hidden charges.
The merchant gets mesmerized with the discounts and forgets to read the term and conditions.

Less money means low security

Do read the entire term and condition before purchasing your product or payment processor. When comparing pricing structures ask specific questions about these fees to ensure you’re fully aware of all the charges you could potentially incur.

Put Security as the First Priority

As a merchant, you need to keep you as well as the customer’s money safe. Also, the chargeback is a much greater concern than you realize. The secure payment processor can help you avoid Chargebacks. And as a small business, you need to keep your chargeback rate less.

If you having similar questions then feel free to contact our team at Merchant Stronghold.

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Common Merchant Account Complaints and Deal with them

Every year, a plethora of complaints are registers that badly affect the business of the merchant. In this article, we have listed the Common Merchant Account Complaints and the tricks to avoid such issues in your organization. This article can help you look at both potential risks and rewards of working with a given company.


Poor Customer Service

Now your business and payment processing system cannot be perfect every time. And customer faces an issue with the management. At those times, it is the responsibility of the customer service team to provide the demanded attention to a specific topic. But if the customer support is unable to offer the desired support then the customer has no other option but to avoid the company.
  • In such a case, you need to stabilize your customer support service.
  • Tracking your product and customer reviews should be evaluated.
  • You should take some time to minimize the customer waiting time.
  • And nobody wants to listen to the automated answering service.

Cancellation Issues

This is one of the frustrating Common Merchant Account Complaints faced by the customers. Many times we order a product or service by mistake. In that case, you immediately try to cancel the order on the company’s website.
  • It is difficult to distinguish between the mistakes and the frauds for a merchant.
  • But if your enterprise makes your customer go through a lot of trouble while canceling the order then your business is under risk.
  • Moreover, it could lead to unnecessary Chargebacks.
  • Solidify the rules around the replacement and return of an order.
  • And make sure you provide smooth payment processing to your customers.


Poor Agreement Management

Another complaint that is filed against the merchants is related to the agreement management. That could be related to the poor description, expensive services and many more.

Leasing services are generally non-refundable that further leads to conflicts.
Merchants always pay more when they are renting a terminal than just to outright buying one.
By the time, this all leads to costing thousands of dollars to the merchant.

Misleading Sales Practice

This is one of the worst sales practices. If you wish to lead a long profitable business then never apply such things to your business.
  • For a merchant, sales are very important and to increase sales they try every method.
  • Some merchants try these petty methods to increase sales.
  • But the customer with one bad issue can report the business of this unethical practice.
  • Advertise your product as it is.
  • And if you offer some discount then make sure you clear out the terms and condition to the customers properly.
  • Train your sales agent properly and tell them the customer satisfaction is always the priority.

For more tips and tricks, contact Merchant Stronghold, we always have a team of experts ready to help you with your queries related to the Common Merchant Account Complaints.

Get Merchant Bank Account for Settlement Payment Card Transactions

You can open a Business Bank Account anytime just by visiting the nearest branch. It takes hardly a few minutes to open a merchant bank account if your documents are ready and appropriate.


Even if you are the sole proprietor of the business, you need to create a Business Bank Account.
Now, your business transaction can be carried out using this bank account.
All you need is your merchant license or business license and EIN (Employer Identification Number).
Also, make sure you keep a certain amount in the account for processing fees and software fees.

How to Get the Business License?

The business license is a permit from the government or the responsible organization that allows you to sell goods and services. Depending on your geographical location, you can get a business license by providing the required documents.

  • You need to provide the documents that validate your business.
  • An underwriting and review of the business also need to be submitted.
  • Also, provide details of your standing business.
  • Then after the completion of the formalities, you can get your Business License and Business License Number.
  • These business licenses generally have the expiration date. You may be required to renew the license to continue the business.

Choose for Online Application for Merchant Bank Account

The procedure for opening the Merchant Bank Account becomes very easy by using the online method. You can apply for the merchant account from the web portal and open merchant bank account.

You will be asked to enter your business and company details.
Then your valid business license number will be asked.
You have to provide documents asked by the bank.
And within a few hours, you will be ready with the merchant bank account.

If you are looking for the best merchant account provider? Wait & Meet! Merchant Stronghold. We provides merchant services globally. Today Contact @ http://bit.ly/2VnGCle

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

What is Merchant Processing Services?

In the world of business, the merchant processing service is very important, in simple words, the merchant processing is nothing but the ability of the merchant to accept the payment without any error or issue. The payment could be in different forms such as cash, debit card, credit card, internet banking, and other online methods. These aspects of the business can immediately boost your business or take it down in one go.


If you need guidance with the Merchant Processing services or need to compare merchant processing services then contact the Merchant Stronghold. We provide specialized help for the high-risk merchants, credit card processing, and high-risk payment gateway.

What are the Factors influencing the Merchant Processing Services

Now that you understand the Merchant Processing Services, let’s get to the point and discuss the methods to get the best merchant processing services. Here are some factors that can influence the Merchant Processing or Card Processing Services.

Types of Payment under Payment Processor

The merchant service provider of the payment processor needs to be according to your demand.
You can explore the market with different payment processors and get the one that suits your demands.
Also, you can Compare Merchant Processing Services and payment processing services.

Do not get confused by the payment processors and their offers. Contact Merchant Stronghold for the information to select the best payment processor for you.

Price of the Merchant Processing

The different processor offers different plans for their services. It is your responsibility as a merchant to select the best for your business type. Here are some different pricing methods discussed.

Fixed Rate Plan – This where the merchant works with a business or only one merchant account. You need to pay a fixed amount for the payment processing service.
Leveled Pricing – When the merchant needs to pay a different amount depending on the risk factor. This method can be beneficial as the risk can vary each month and the merchant is not needed to pay anything extra.
Interchanged Pricing – Where the payment processing fees and processors benefits are clearly mentioned in the bill. This is the most transparent pricing system ideal for medium to large business.

Monday, July 1, 2019

Credit Card Processing with Payment Gateway

Comparing and then choosing the credit card processor for your business can be beneficial for your business. Here is a guide that you can use to choose the best credit card processing with a payment gateway.


A Processor that Offers Business Specific Services

Does your business require mobile processing? Or online transactions? If yes, then look for your Payment Processor to fulfill your demands first.
What is the size of your business and your monthly transaction value? This can help you choose your chargeback limit according to the need.
Read the contract very well and then sign the papers after a complete evaluation.

A Service Provider with 24/7 Support

Credit Card Processing with Payment Gateway is your necessity.
But make sure you get sufficient support as well.
This means the Payment service provider should also offer good support in case of an issue.
And do check the services provided by the payment processors in the case of disputes and chargebacks.

Ask for Additional Fees and Other Service Charges

Do not forget to ask the details related to the Service Fees.
This includes the additional fees, PCI Compliance, and other charges.
Also, compare these charges of various Credit Card Processing with Payment Gateway to choose the under budget service.

Choose a Combination Depending on your Need

After evaluating all the service providers and their charges, you will be able to finalize the one that will work the best for your business.
A good Credit Card Processing with Payment Gateway for your business will be a combination of all the above-mentioned topics.

Payment Gateway vs Payment Processor 

Payment Gateway – A Gateway that simply allows the merchant to access the e-commerce market by allowing the transaction. This is an online point-of-sale for the business. You just need to have a merchant license and merchant account. Then you can get a payment gateway for your business.

Payment Processor – As the name suggests, they process the transactions by exchanging data between merchant and bank. Also, a payment processor will also provide credit card machines and other equipment you use to accept credit card payments.

If you need help while choosing a payment processor then you can contact Merchant Stronghold. We will provide you with an expert to guide you in the right direction and get your up and running in 24 hours.