Thursday, March 31, 2011

Charlie Sheen and Two and a Half Men

I have to admit that I am probably one of the only people alive in the U.S. that has never watched this show.  As a 40 something person who grew up watching (and loving) shows like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mash, All in the Family, etc., I just can't stomach today's network tv programming with the laugh tracks. 

However, on a flight home from Vermont, the in-flight entertainment (so they say) featured the Charlie Sheen program.   While I did not plug in my headphones to listen, I did make an interesting observation.

Most opening credits to tv shows feature a producer or two, and perhaps an exec producer.  The opening credits to T 1/2 M, ran for over 5 minutes.  There was one producer after another.   There must have been around 10 producers, including all the exec's.  Producer is little more than excuse for someone to pay.  Their contributions in many cases are minimal.   Perhaps there are too many producers with their hands in that pie.  Of course, that's just my opinion. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

It’s not ALL about the Money!

In the merchant services, it seems to be all about the money. Pretty much every request generates a fee to the merchant. In many cases, it makes sense. What many merchants don’t understand is that a simple request like changing their banking information, while as simple for them as going online and filling out an application for a new bank account, requires significantly more for a merchant service company. That little requests could involve upwards of 5 or more departments at different companies all making their changes. Everything Costs! The question…what about giving BACK?


Does your merchant service company give back to the community? In the Jewish community, “Tzedekah”, or charity is right out of the Bible. How involved are our competitors and giving back? To know how they compare, first you have to know what PayByWeb has done to give back.

Yes, we donated 1,000 turkeys (and gravy) to Metropolitan Ministries feed the hungry, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Beginning in 2001, PayByWeb began a mutually beneficial relationship with the American Red Cross. We raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to aid victims families of 911. From there, we began raising money for Disaster Relief efforts including Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, as well as Earthquake efforts such as Chile and Haiti. For Haiti, Paybyweb raised over 1 Million Dollars.

Once again, we are raising money for those in need. PayByWeb has been working with the American Red Cross to raise money to help those affected by the Earthquake in Japan. We have already raised tens of thousands of dollars.

Something to consider when you shop a merchant acct provider! How do THEY give back to the community, whether locally or globally. Do they care at all…or is it all about the Money?

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Help Support Japan Earthquake Victims

In the wake of 911, millions of Americans were making online donations to the American Red Cross. Their website was so busy that many who wanted to donate, were unable to do so. The American Red Cross asked PayByWeb, a leading payment processing company in business since 1992, to assist in processing online donations for the overflow. The program was such a success that subsequent requests were made for us to assist in Hurricane Ike and Katrina efforts. Within the last two months, PayByWeb provided over ONE MILLION DOLLARS in donations to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief.

PayByWeb is assisting again to provide online donations for victims of the Japan earthquake. By visiting us at PayByWeb, you will find links to a letter of verification from the American Red Cross, as well as media information and current news.

Making your online donation via credit card or electronic check is simple and fast. To make your online contribution by check or credit card, to those in need, simply fill out the form at PayByWeb.

Thank You for your Support!

David Weiss
President/CEO
PayByWeb, Inc

Friday, March 18, 2011

Online businesses are becoming a great alternative to the traditional “brick and mortar” businesses today. These e-stores, depending on the goods and services offered, accept credit cards, e-checks and other methods of cash delivery. However, these payment methods present some risks.

Fraudulent transactions occur and unfortunately the consumers and businesses are the ones who reap the consequences. Fortunately, merchant account providers have pioneered more secure and prompt online payments. This is accomplished by verifying a credit card before the transaction is processed. Merchant accounts allow the merchant to deposit the funds directly to their bank account. Although there are fees involved, a minimal amount is required from those who apply.

It is imperative for e-businesses to accept online credit card payments if they want to compete in today’s market. So, how does an online business start the process of getting a merchant account? Initially, you need to choose an internet provider that can make all transactions online secure. Your customers will enter their private details when they purchase from you.

The next step is to research your merchant account options. There are many merchant account providers to choose from today. Their services and charges vary from each other. Some include Point of Sale (POS) services. This service includes information of the sale and the purchase process. Its function in the entire operation is to serve as a voucher. The advantage of these accounts is the option for the merchant to refund the consumer, in cases of disputed transactions. Due to the amount of fraudulent transactions, accepting credit cards online should include an anti fraud measure to protect customer’s safety.

Another factor in choosing a merchant account is the participating bank. Some providers are not compatible with local banks or the provider is not available in the country. It may be cheaper and easier to use, however, how will you be able to receive your money if it is not affiliated with any banks in which the fund transfers can occur? Remember, you get what you pay for, as the saying goes.

Give your customers a high level of service satisfaction, accept credit cards online so they can purchase from your store and feel that their transactions are secure. Moreover, keep your customers coming back for more.