If you decide to accept credit card over Internet transactions, you will need to take a few important steps toward preparing your business for this exciting venture. First, make sure you have a solid product or service line that you can offer customers who will browse at your site. Next, apply for a merchant services account so that you can become equipped to accept credit payments over the Internet. Third, make sure all technology and information is kept up to date so customers can be served promptly and will want to return, possibly bringing more clients with them.

To prepare your product line services to accept credit card over Internet dealings, you need to create product descriptions, price lists, and attractive, friendly Web content. Ideally your Website should offer visitors a free gift or service, such as helpful information or useful tips about your industry or the services that you provide. This will let your customers view you as the premier information site in your industry, and they may be more likely to bookmark your site or even sign up for a free newsletter that you can send out quarterly or monthly to keep your business name and products in front of them on a continual basis. Consider dropping old-fashioned products or those that do not seem to attract much business. This is the time to upgrade your services, and if feasible, add one or two new items that will put you at the forefront of your field. You need not take on extensive debt for this purpose; you should only spend what you can afford to in order to help your business grow.

The second key to learning how to accept credit card over Internet transactions is to apply for a merchant account with a reliable bank or financial underwriter. There are many companies vying for your business all over the Internet. The tough part for you will be to narrow the field and find a few of the better or more trusted names to investigate a little further. Then you can check with the Better Business Bureau to be sure the companies are reputable and compare prices, terms, and services to get the best possible deal for your company needs. Often you can apply on the Internet, or you can call a toll-free number for a telephone application. Usually you can expect a response within a day or two. If your credit rating is good and you are not involved in any shady dealings, chances are your merchant account will be approved and you can start accepting credit payments pronto.

The third step to preparing to accept credit card over Internet sales is to keep your Website looking great at all times. You should think about hiring a professional Website designer to create and maintain your site. You should upgrade product information and helpful hints on a routine basis, perhaps weekly or monthly. Make sure that the site looks and performs professionally to earn and keep your customers