It was very interesting that both property managers contacted me only when they had been notified by my new property management company that their services were no longer required. In fact, both of them were very upset. They were upset? I'm one who was paying them, not other way around. They both wanted to know why I was changing and I certainly told them.

When new property manager did an inspection on one of properties, tenants were home. They told my new property manager that old company provided very poor service and they were very slow following up any problems they had. I told that to old company and manager replied "tenants always say that".

Anyhow point of this story is to spell out that because people don't say anything, doesn't mean they are happy with your services. Also as a business person you need to be on ball. Be pro-active, not re-active.

And to do all of this you need to learn how to get organised, manage your time and yourself as effectively as possible. These are not skills most people are born with. They need to be learned.

The Final Word There is plenty of business around, however most people spend heaps of time chasing it, take money and run off to next person. Yet it would be so much easier to look after what you already have. (And same applies to your personal life.)

Before you sign on with any bank, consider costs carefully. If you don’t anticipate many credit-card sales, it might not be worthwhile for you to pay setup and monthly fees. If you’re not sure costs will benefit your business in long run, call a few banks and find out what kinds of fees they charge. Be sure to call more than one, because fees vary and you won’t have a set figure until you actually apply.

Accepting credit cards may not be for every business. But if yours is kind of business where customers are likely to want convenience, you’re only cheating yourself if you don’t give them what they want. Remember, your competition will.

Check It Out

If a lack of a business track record is what keeps you from getting merchant status, consider signing up with an agency that provides checks by phone. This service allows you to accept payment directly from a customer’s checking or savings account.

With this type of service clients simply e-mail, fax or send by modem customer’s name and address, amount of sale and all numbers listed across bottom of your customer’s check. These numbers, include bank routing number and customer’s account number. They use these numbers to draft appropriate account and pay your business. You can usually request that your payment be sent by overnight shipment, resulting in your getting paid even before draft has been completed.

If you suspect a check might be bad, you can have them check it against its computer database, which includes identification information on banks and their branches in both United States and Canada. There is a per transaction charge for this additional screening.

So, as you can see you have a number of ways to get merchant status. Remember, name of game is options and convenience for your customers. If you don’t offer it, they will go to someone who does. So what are you waiting for!

Copyright 2004 DeFiore Enterprises