Of course nothing is free, and your merchant account is no exception. The amount that you must pay will vary from company to company but basics of your bill should be same. If company you are considering is charging more you may wish to seek another merchant account provider.

The biggest single cost is set up costs. Your set up costs include your application fees, equipment costs and deposits. These fees tend to average about $275 but vary depending upon options you have selected. For example, your start up costs will be much higher if you have decided to purchase your credit card processing equipment instead of leasing it. This may be an economically viable solution after adding up amount of deposit that will be required if you lease equipment and leasing fees for a year.

Another thing to keep in mind is amount that your merchant account provider will be charging for each completed transaction. On average you will be charged 2.5% of sale and there may be a few more annual fees. Be sure to very closely examine that amount you will be paying and what additional fees you may have to pay as each company will be different and difference may save you a lot of money each year.

Starting and having a business grow is a very exciting time for any business owner. As you expand into new markets, such as online sales, you will find a plethora of new options and opportunities. After deciding to expand be sure to carefully consider your options in order to make your next step as smooth and cost effective as possible.

Choosing your own style of four color postcards is easy if you are going to consider following tips suggested below:

•Prepaid return postage. .Pre-addressed return address on card or a pre-addressed envelope

•Color. Neon-bright paper, pre-printed paper, or photo-postcards attract attention. •Plenty of room to fill in names and addresses, and easy-to-read large type.

•Check-boxes that allow recipient to quickly fill out order forms or surveys.

•Incentives such as free gifts or drawings for prizes to entice recipients to return surveys or other types of reply cards.

Include your mailing address, phone number, or other alternate contact information on card.

•Repeat any special marketing message that is found in accompanying marketing materials.

•Calls to action. Always tell recipient what to do with card — "Fill it out & drop it in mail" may seem obvious, but say it anyway.

•I agree that a great looking card is always picked up, remembered and will stand out on any desk.

. So next time you decided to make your own postcard, try to be very smart!