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There are two categories of questions we hear most frequently: 1) questions that have to do with the credit card processing industry as whole, like “what does this mean,” or “how does this work,” and 2) questions about EPS as a company and specifics about our programs or services.
This entire site is devoted to answering questions about the credit card processing industry. These FAQs are all about EPS and how we work with our customers.
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We work with pretty much every industry and every business type. In fact, we used to have an Industries Served page on our website, and we decided it was too limiting – so we took it off. From home-party sellers to big retailers, lawn care services and roofers to coffee shop chains and even car dealerships, we work with them all. We even have butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers, as well as service providers, Internet trainers, and big e-commerce operations. If you’re wondering if we have experience with your particular business needs, ask us! Chances are, over our decades of experience, we do.
EPS works only with businesses that are based in the United States. However, we work with many businesses that are based in the US *and* have locations in other countries.
If you’re running a business that is based (headquartered) outside of the US, we recommend searching for a merchant services provider that is more local to you. We do appreciate your interest in EPS.
We provide merchant services and credit card processing to businesses of all sizes, from single-person in-home businesses up to businesses with thousands of employees and multiple locations, and everything in between. From the flea market to the Fortune 1000, we cover the spectrum.
Absolutely we can. In fact, one of our super-powers is working with customers just like you to make sure you have the best combination of products and resources. We’re committed to giving you the ability to accept credit cards (and checks, if you want) in a way that is easy for your business, no matter how many different ways you sell.
Yes, PCI or PCI DSS is all about protecting sensitive credit card data and preventing fraud. Small merchants are actually the preferred target of most fraud thieves. In addition American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa all can impose fines on their member banks when merchants do not comply with PCI DSS. Your merchant agreement contractually obligates you to indemnify and reimburse your acquirer for those fines which could be hefty. Please review our page about PCI Security, which will also lead you to a couple of very informative blog posts.
Here’s the question in its entirety: I own a small gyro/sandwich business. I only have a few tables so most of my food orders are “to go”. Most of my sales are in the range of $10-$12. I’d like to accept credit cards but with my margins, I just can’t afford the fees. Is there anything you can do to help me?
Yes there is. Both Visa and MasterCard have “Small Ticket” programs for businesses like yours with relatively small transaction totals. Unfortunately, the MasterCard and Visa programs are not identical in the types of merchant that qualify for their programs or their requirements. Fortunately for you though, a fast food establishment where most of the food is sold “to go” does qualify for both programs. With this program the “per transaction” fee is cut pretty dramatically and the percentage rate is also lower. The programs are a little too complicated to discuss here but please contact us so we can explain it further.
For those reading this who are in another business where your transaction totals are fairly small (under $15 or so), we may be able to help you qualify for either one or both of the MasterCard and Visa programs.
Our customers are able to accept credit and debit cards from Discover, MasterCard and Visa. You may be able to accept American Express and JCB as well but they require additional applications and approvals.
We hear this from a number of businesses. For example, lawn care services, tourist destinations in the north (like gift shops, restaurants, and motels which close in the winter), and Little League ballparks don’t need to be able to take payments when they’re shut down. We have a program for that! EPS allows seasonal businesses to shut services off during shut-down periods. Your salesperson or a member of our Customer Service team can give you the details.
It’s all a matter of perspective. A “simple” transaction actually involves at least four and maybe more organizations that have employees, technology and infrastructure to pay for. You can learn more about this in our blog post, “Credit Card Processing Fees: the ABCs.”
In actuality most of the credit card processing companies are like grocery stores; the prices may seem high, but our mark-ups are actually very low – much lower than the average retail merchant. When you consider the extra sales potential that accepting credit cards offers your business, it’s actually a good deal if you get the right processor.
The entire question: Why should I use your services? I have my mortgage, business loan and checking accounts with my local bank and they offer credit card processing. Why shouldn’t I support my fellow local merchant?
In actuality your local bank probably offers somebody else’s credit card processing. Most local banks are good at loans, mortgages, and checking and savings accounts, but they are not experts in credit card processing. Locals banks generally are just independent sales organizations offering somebody else’s services to complement their “business offerings” and to make some additional money.
If you were to sign up for credit card processing with your local bank, you would quickly find that you are no longer dealing with the bank. You’ll be dealing with the processor that they just signed you up with. You might enjoy our blog post, “My Friend’s Epic Credit Card Processing Decision Fail” for an additional perspective.
©2024 – Electronic Payment Systems, LLC – Denver Colorado – EPS is a registered Agent of Esquire Bank, NA, Jericho, NY