This week, we contracted with an award winning local landscape firm to do some stone and brick work on our property.  We met with the owner to sign the contract so work could begin.  When I asked if they would accept credit card payment for our deposit, we were told their company doesn’t accept credit cards.  Interesting.  I thought most every small business today accepts credit cards for payment.

accept credit cards

Credit and debit cards have taken over the world.  Those, myself included, who still write the occasional check are looked at strangely.  Change takes time for most people.  Yes, I do pay bills and make purchases online, but I have become more and more cautious about who gets my credit card information.  Far too many hackers out there for my comfort zone.

Why should a small business accept credit card payments?  If for no other reason, it makes it quicker and easier to get your money from customers.  Think about the time and effort it takes to collect from slow paying customers.  Don’t forget, there are no-pay types out there too.  If their income stream is slow, they think it’s OK to drag their feet paying you.  How many phone calls and letters does it take to chase them down?  I know you have better, more profitable things to do.  I know I do.

6 Reasons Why You Should Accept Credit Cards

If you haven’t yet moved in the direction of offering customers more payment options than just cash or checks, it might be time you start to accept credit cards.  There are several reasons you might want to make this change:

  • Some clients just prefer to use credit cards.  It helps them track their purchases and payments.
  • Some clients get reward points or gifts from credit card purchases. Big purchases = lots of points.
  • Credit card payments get money into your bank account quickly.
  • Credit card payments help cut down the time you use on the collection process.
  • Credit card payment often results in customers buying more than originally planned. Impulse buying can improve your average sale amount.
  • Credit card payments allow customers to spread payments out over time while you collect the full sale amount quickly.

What You Need to Know to Begin to Accept Credit Card Payments

The checklist below, created by payment processing firm, BluePay , provides useful information for those wanting to move ahead to accept credit cards.  Take a look and let me know what you think about improving your payment and credit terms in the Comments section.


Guest Author:

Kristen Gramigna is Chief Marketing Officer for BluePay, a credit card processing firm. She has more than 20 years of experience in the bankcard industry in marketing, direct sales and sales management. Follow her on Twitter at @BluePay_CMO.