Article Written By: edwardkrause
Consumer studies indicate that customers actually perceive businesses that accept credit cards as being more responsible, more trustworthy, and having a higher degree of legitimacy than businesses that operate on a cash-only basis. These same studies revealed that even new businesses are seen as being more established and trustworthy than older businesses, simply by displaying the logos or signs of the credit cards they accept. Because they allow consumers to pay for purchases in small amounts over time, customer who use credit cards are much more likely to purchase expensive items than are cash buyers. Also, many credit cards today offer extended warranty policies on electronics and other items, making them a much preferred payment method for customers who purchase these items.Credit card users spend significantly more money per shopping trip than do those who use cash. In addition, credit card shoppers shop more frequently and are more likely to be repeat shoppers, remaining more loyal to the stores they patronize than cash shoppers.Today s credit cards are a lot different from the cards of even just a few years ago. Thanks to larger numbers of credit card providers in the marketplace today, competition among card issuers has reached unprecedented levels. In addition to favorable terms and rates, many credit cards reward customers with loyalty points programs, offering bonus points for purchases made with their cards, points which can be redeemed for hotel stays, airline flights, cash, and merchandise. As noted, credit cards allow people to pay for purchases in a payment plan that s right for them. With credit cards, they can afford even expensive items that they would not be able to purchase using only cash. Additionally, they appreciate it because they are convenient, eliminating the need to carefully plan shopping trips to the penny. Finally, they like credit cards because they are secure. When cash is stolen or lost, it s gone for good. Credit cards that are lost or stolen can be replaced quickly.Today, more and more businesses are turning to merchant accounts and the services they provide to increase profits and grow their customer bases. As a result, these companies are pulling ahead of the competition, leaving businesses that accept only cash far behind.What s more, if you plan to do business on the Internet, either completely or in part, it s crucial that your business accept credit cards. Studies show more than 90 percent of the customers who make purchases over the Internet use credit cards to do so. If you do not accept cards for payment, you will effectively eliminate a huge pool of potential customers.By accepting credit cards, you tell your customers you are in tune with their needs and willing to take extra steps to meet them. Accepting cards also shows your customers that your business is healthy and moving forward, another step that inspires consumer confidence in your business and its products.Merchant accounts ensure all of the proceeds from your credit card sales are deposited into your business account each day, unlike checks which can take more than a week to clear.
This Article Has Been Published on Tue, 11 May 2010 and Read 118 Times