   MERCHANT ACCOUNT SERVICES OVERVIEW
 
   The ability of a mail/phone order business to accept the
major credit cards is vital, and becoming more essential as
more customers are preferring to pay by credit card due to
the convenience and protection a credit card purchase offers.
 
   While most banks do not offer this service directly to
businesses that obtain the majority of their sales by mail or
phone, usually due to the higher risk, it does not hurt to ask.
Most banks will also require that you have a storefront. If you
can't get a credit card merchant account from your bank, there
are alternatives...companies that specialize in setting up
credit card merchant accounts for home-based, mail/phone order
businesses. These types of companies are called Independent
Sales Organizations (ISO's). They usually are associated with a
bank looking to provide merchant card services, and act as a
middleman - assuming the risk and insuring the account. Since
the ISO's are taking a greater risk than your local bank is
willing to take, it is not unusual or unreasonable for them to
require start-up costs ranging up to $500. Application fees
are normally not refundable by the ISO and you risk losing
that money if not approved. Always ask if your business is
qualified and if the up-front fees are refundable, in writing.
It is also a good idea to insist on a few references that you
can (and should) contact directly. Also be wary of unbelievably
low discount rates, perhaps under 2%, a "hook" which usually has
other exorbatant costs attached - or only applies to businesses
that have a storefront.
 
   To process credit card transactions, you will need to
acquire processing equipment - either a 'swipe' terminal or
computer software program. Beware of ISO's who require
expensive binding equipment leases. If you are accepted and
given a merchant account you may get stuck with an overpriced,
personally guaranteed, equipment lease on equipment that may
be totally useless to you if your account is ever closed. Some
ISO's will build the start-up cost into the lease, meaning
less or no cost up-front...but costing you much more overall.
Most of the credit card processing software or terminals can
be purchased for no more than $300 to $400...a huge savings
compared to leasing. If you have a computer, try to obtain
software to process your credit card transactions. For mail/
phone order businesses it is usually cheaper, quicker, more
convenient, and more reliable.
 
Our organization, Accelerated Card Company, is a cooperative of ISO
representatives established to provide optimum service to home-based,
mail/phone order businesses seeking credit card merchant accounts.
Based on your type of business, volume, average ticket, etc., we will
determine the best merchant account program for your business needs (and
budget).  We can accept most all business types, including start-up
businesses, home-based, mail & phone order, BBS's, etc.  All
applications are pre-qualified and all fees are refundable by DataBlue.
Restrictions: Company owner(s)/officers must be at least 18 and the
company must be based in the United States.  Costs: Merchant account
start-up costs and operational costs will vary based on the type of
business and other factors.  We will discuss your business with you,
determine the best program for your business, and quote you exact costs.
We suggest that you do some research - check with local banks and other
ISO's (unaffiliated with DataBlue), then give us a call to compare
programs and costs.  We will also gladly provide references.
 
Accelerated Card Company
Bob Gerver / Director
Tammey Guihan / Associate Director
(413)736-8831, Mon-Fri, 9-4 EST / FAX (413)732-5344
 
