Small Business Merchant Services - What is it & How Does it work?

 Small business merchant services is a type of credit card processing that allows businesses to accept credit and debit cards as forms of payment. This service typically includes a merchant account, a credit card processor, and a payment gateway.

How does it work?

When a customer makes a purchase using their credit or debit card, the credit card processor will process the transaction and send the funds to the merchant account. The payment gateway then forwards the funds to the merchant’s bank account.

There are many benefits to using small business merchant services, including:

• Increased sales – Customers are more likely to make a purchase if they can use their credit or debit card.

• Convenience – Customers can make a purchase anytime, anywhere.

• Security – Credit and debit cards are more secure than cash, which reduces the risk of theft.

• Protection from chargebacks – If a customer is unhappy with a purchase, they can file a chargeback with their credit card company. This protects the merchant from having to refund the customer out of their own pocket.

There are also some drawbacks to using small business merchant services, including:

• Fees – There are typically fees associated with credit and debit card transactions, including processing fees, gateway fees, and monthly statement fees.

• Risk of fraud – If a customer’s credit or debit card is stolen, the thief can rack up a large bill before the merchant realizes what has happened.

• Chargebacks – If a customer files a chargeback, the merchant may be responsible for refunding the purchase price, plus any fees associated with the transaction.

Overall, small business merchant services can be a great way to increase sales and convenience for customers. However, it is important to be aware of the fees and risks associated with credit and debit card transactions.

Conclusion

When deciding whether or not to offer small business merchant services, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider what type of business you have and whether or not your customers are likely to use credit or debit cards. 

If you have a high-risk business, such as a restaurant or retail store, you may be more likely to experience fraud. You should also consider the fees associated with small business merchant services. While the fees can vary depending on the provider, they typically include processing fees, gateway fees, and monthly statement fees.