ENGINEERING DESIGNERS JOB

• Be careful of providers who can't answer your questions.

• Avoid merchant account sites that don't post rates and fees on their web site.

• Use the Internet to find reviews of merchant account companies and take note of all unsatisfactory remarks.

1. • Make absolutely sure that your chosen merchant account service provides reliable customer service.
2. Before applying for a merchant services account, it's important to research the various merchant account providers to avoid paying too much or signing with an unscrupulous company. In applying for a merchant account service, consider prices, integrity and customer service.

• Merchant account rates and fees. Be sure you understand all of the rates and fees charged by a merchant account provider. The usual charges include monthly fees, discount rates, transaction fees, application fee, equipment and installation fee.

Monthly fees are usually around $25, though that may vary according on whether you meet your minimum monthly transactions. Discount rates are a percentage taken from a sale that the merchant pays to cover the transaction costs and the risk involved. The usual discount rate is 1.5% to 3.5%.

The transaction fee is a flat fee charged for each transaction, generally anywhere from 20 cents to $1.00. The application fee, if there is one (some merchant account providers don’t charge them), is the fee to open the merchant account.