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Ideas/Section-10
As a small business, you know the problems
we all have experienced in getting our own VISA and MasterCard merchant
account.
Since we are struggling to survive anyway, it's very difficult to
turn down an order from a customer because we don't accept major
credit cards -- especially a large order of $100 or more!
But in the 1990s -- if you don't accept major credit cards you have
to settle for pricing your items low enough for people to afford,
which is hard to do as a small business since we cut our prices
to the bone anyway. And if we don't price our merchandise low, we
are limited to carrying more low-priced items just to keep sales
coming in. So no matter how you look at it -- most small businesses
NEED to establish a merchant account to survive in the present era
we live in.
However, establishing a merchant account (providing you with the
ability to accept credit cards) is more difficult than you might
think. I'm sure you've found that out when you tried to apply at
your local bank. I even offered First American National Bank here
in Tennessee the sum of $5,000 to approve my merchant account. They
told me to submit an application and never got back to me. I couldn't
believe their mentality! My merchant account would bring more money
into their bank, which they would end up taking 2% off the top,
plus they would have an additional $5,000 to hold as a deposit.
The president of the bank should have been knocking at my door with
a dozen roses -- don't you think? Well, it didn't happen -- believe
me!
This dilemma was actually a blessing in disguise. Because if it
had not happened, I would not have come into contact with Jayne
Iorfida at CardService International.
Jayne is one of the greatest gals I have ever worked with. She is
honest and very reliable -- and she worked with me until I was approved
for my own merchant account. Yes -- now Graphico accepts VISA, MasterCard,
Discover and American Express. And with our new 24-hour fax order
line service, customers simply fax their order and shipment is normally
within 24-48 hours. That sure beats the United Postal Service by
light years and solves one of the major problems mail order dealers
suffer.
But obtaining my merchant account was not solved with one simple
phone call. I had to provide Jayne with the following: two photographs
of my office equipment and one photo of the exterior, copy of business
license, copy of three months of bank statements that showed I had
a business account, copy of my driver's license, social security
card, copies of all my products, sales materials, marketing plans
and other materials that showed how I earned my money.
After filling out three detailed forms and sending the above information
to Jayne with a check for $110, I was denied a merchant account
because I had filed bankruptcy ten years ago. Although I had excellent
credit from that time until now -- it didn't matter. They wanted
a deposit of $5,000 before I would be approved.
But Jayne was right there helping me the entire way. She pointed
out that the home I owned was not showing up on my credit report.
Therefore, if I faxed her the deed to the house, she could get me
approved. Within three days -- Jayne called me with the good news!
And the thing I liked about Jayne is that she was more excited about
helping me get a merchant account than I was. She worked hard to
help me and I am grateful to her. I know she'll try and do the same
for you!
So if you are earnest and sincere in obtaining a merchant account
for your small business, give Jayne Iorfida a call at 800-244-8997.
Tell her Graphico sent you and I'm sure she'll work just as hard
for you as she did for me! After talking with her about your particular
situation, Jayne will tell you up front if she thinks you will be
approved or not. This saves you $110 in application fees.
You have nothing to lose. Jayne and I both believe in small business
advancement. If your business will increase by having a merchant
account, you will grow and prosper. And the more small businesses
grow and prosper -- the better America and the world become!
Here's to better days ahead!
