An analysis from the First Data Corporation shows a discernible uptick in consumer spending in the period heading right into the holiday season — namely, the month of October. For that four-week period, their “SpendTrend” analysis tracked “same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations.”
Category: Merchant Account Services
“The Other Big Trend I’d Really Highlight Is The Move From Cash to Debit”
That may be the most germane quote — the “takeaway” if you will — from an interview that Nitin Sumangali did regarding MasterCard Global Insights’ recent white paper on consumer spending habits and whether they’re still in a “recession mindset.”
Smart Phones Make it Easy to Accept Credit Card Payments Anywhere
It is amazing how far we have come in the technological age in such a short time. The first cellular phones came to the market in the 80’s. At that time, analog was the only frequency available and portable phones were only a vision. Digital phones came about in the 90’s and have grown increasingly popular ever since.
Changes in Attitude, and in Credit Score Latitude
Two news items this week show that your customers relationship to the credit cards they use to buy from you are changing. And also, more of them might be deemed worthy of that credit that previously thought.
Easy Payment Options Equals Better Bottom Line with an Internet Merchant Account
Your business plan is complete, your product ready to ship and your website ready to go live. Your marketing is set and the whole world knows that you are open for business. One of the most important aspects at this stage is cash flow. Lots of it, hopefully. There are many options with which to receive payment but how do you get it fast and easy?
Proposed Changes to CARD Act Could Mean More Credit Customers For You
Under the CARD act of 2009, it actually became harder for at-home spouses to get their own credit card, as Federal Reserve Regulations required a credit card issuer to verify the individual applicant has income or assets available to make payments — regardless of the total household income. Current proposals to change the CARD Act would allow a non-working spouse or partner over the age of 21 to report shared household income from the working spouse or partner in order to apply for a credit card in his or her own name.
Card Use Expected to Be Up This Holiday Season: Is Your Business Ready?
Projections for credit card use this holiday season continue to be good. The Greensheet, a credit card industry newsletter, recently featured a round-up of projetions, with many saying that this year’s holiday retail sales could top 2011 by upwards of 4 percent. Deloitte LLP estimated that U.S. retailers will rack up over $900 billion dollars of sales between November (which starts today!) and January of 2013. And of that, approximately $36 billion is expected to be “mobile-influenced,” with
shoppers using phones and tablets to help locate items, and comparison-shop between them.
Tips for Dealing with Checks Online
When you own a business, making sure that you accept the most popular forms of payment is a big part of remaining profitable. While plastic is easy to accept both online and off, there are still many consumers who prefer to pay with checks and ACH withdrawals from their checking accounts. Dealing with checks doesn’t have to be risky to your business, and today we will look at some tips that can make it much easier to accept checks online.
