Credit Card Problems Plague NFL During Pre-Season

If you are a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, and went to last week's opening game against the Detroit Lions, you probably got more of a show than you expected, and I am not referring to the Fly-over, 911 tribute, or salute to the first and greatest Buccanneer, Mr. Leroy Selmon. 

A Bucs pre-season game caused major grumbling with tremendously long concession lines and very poor quality food.  To make things worst, after waiting in these lines, fans were told that the credit card machines were not functioning.  Imagine waiting in a food line for 45 minutes to find out that the cashless society was not welcome at this game.  No cash...no food.  Talk radio was a abuzz.  "They had 9 months to prepare and make sure everything at Raymond James was ready."  The stadium was less than half full.  Imagine if a big crowd showed up.  Levy foods, the concessionaire, took full blame for the fiasco.   The Buccaneers responded by offering HALF OFF on all concessions for the opening day game.

If you are not familiar with Tampa, FL in late August and early September (October, November, too), the word HOT is an understatement.  The heat in a stadium is considerably more unbearable as the temperature on the field can be well over 100 degrees.  How do the players deal with the heat?  Lots of Water, Gatorade, and even IV's to rehydrate.  How do the fans deal with the heat?  BEER...and that's where the trouble starts!

Most everyone knows that beer, while the commercials make it seem refreshing, is NOT a method of rehydrating your body.  That takes water...and plenty of it.  While most parents teach their kids the importance of drinking lots of water and staying hydraded in the heat, thousands of those parents seem to forget about it during game time, at the stadium.  You can become dehydrated in just minutes while sitting in a 100 plus degree stadium, screaming, and expending lots of energy. There were numerous reports of faintings and heat related illnesses.  While standing at a concession stand, the man next to me grabbed his female companion as her legs buckled beneath her.  We sat her down,  fanned her, and gave her small sips of water (Not Miller Lite) while waiting for the paramedics.  While the football teams may have done the most running, the paramedic and support staff ran a very close 2nd assisting the many who got ill.   During the game, Vendors carrying their boxes filled with beverages were up and down the aisles.  While they had several varieties of ice cold beer...NO WATER!  "Sorry, I'm Out", was what I kept hearing.  Truth is, they don't want to sell you water.  These guys and gals are working for tips and lets face it, they can sell a $4 bottle of water or $9+ bottle of beer.  Beer customers will always tip better, too.  So, they keep stocked with beer and skip the water, doing the fans a MAJOR dis-service.

The most troubling thing to me, is much of this could have been easily prevented.  The NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Organization, and  Food Vendors need to work together on a strategy to reduce or prevent this from happening.   

1. During the summer and early fall games, especially a 1pm kickoff, WATER SHOULD BE FREE!  Yes...FREE!  Fans need to keep hydrated and it is brutally hot, even in the breezeways and concession areas.  Rather than hand you a complimentary eye glass cloth, or other promo item, EVERYONE WALKING IN THE STADIUM SHOULD BE HANDED A BOTTLE OF WATER, FREE.   That is the first step towards fan safety. 

2. Next, provide HYDRATION STATIONS, like the colleges do, so you can re-fill the bottles with COLD water throughout the day.  Refilling stations reduce the waste from plastic bottles as they promote re-use.  If the stadium can't provide refilling stations, water should be free at all concession areas on game day.  
3. Signs should clearly posted throughout the stadiums warning of the possiblity of heat related health issues, showing where first aid stations are provided, and detailing possible warning signs to get help early to those becoming ill.
4. All Concession vendors working the stadium rows selling beverages should be required to carry plenty of water. 
5. Finally, while it's wonderful that this is America and everyone deserves to profit, how about NOT profiting on something like WATER.  Fans have already paid hefty prices to attend the games.  What is so terrible about charging $1 for a bottle of water?  Why should we EVER have to pay $3 - $5 for WATER??  Charge $20 for a beer!  Charge $100 for a hot dog!  Don't rip off your own customers for something we need to EXIST!

Of course, that's just my opinion...I may be wrong.

Where Have All The Legitmate Companies Gone?

Yes, there are plenty of legitimate companies.  I know this.  But...

PayByWeb is one of the very few merchant account providers to offer a total online experience.  For example, when you apply, there is nothing to print, fax, sign, or mail.  Our entire application process for Internet, mail order, and phone order merchant accounts is online.  This makes the application process fast and simple.  Unfortunately, it brings out every schemer in existence to see if they can get setup.

While PayByWeb provides a list of unacceptable merchant types, nothing seems to dissuade those selling medical marijuana, credit repair, loan modification, travel, gaming, tobacco, firearms, and adult related services, from applying...knowing that they will be declined.  Will they get approved?  Not a chance!  But, what it does do is cost a fortune.  When using PPC to market our services, it seems like that more than 80% of those applying for a merchant account to accept credit cards via the Internet are unacceptable merchants.   Huge expense...NO income!  Not to mention the resources involved in the underwriting process.  Merchant Service Providers spend a tremendous amount of their resources to review each application to determine the associated risk.

Is this issue specific to PayByWeb?  From what we are told, No.  From other ISO/Agents in the merchant account industry, we hear the same thing.  Tons of unqualified merchants applying.  Merchants from outside the U.S. filling out applications knowing they will be declined.  Even more, merchants who are TMF'd (on the terminated merchant file - Match File) and are for the most part BLACK-BALLED, still apply.  What are they thinking?  No...you're not suddenly going to be approved.  

Pulling a Fast One -
In some cases, fraudulent merchants get an account approved and begin processing.  However, in most cases, these accounts are quickly flagged, closed, and those merchants never receive any funds.  It does cost more money for ISO/Agents who take the time to board these merchants only to have the accounts immediately closed. 

We need more of the hard-working legitimate merchants applying to accept credit cards.   So...come out, come out...wherever you are!

PayByWeb Honored By The American Red Cross

PayByWeb was recently honored at the Annual Meeting for the American Red Cross's Tampa Bay chapter. 

One hundred fifty folks gathered in Tampa, Florida last week for the annual meeting of the American Red Cross's Tampa Bay Chapter.  Among those honored was PayByWeb, "In Grateful Appreciation for your deep impact on The American Red Cross and for saving lives across the Tampa Bay Area." 

During the first quarter of 2011, PayByWeb raised approx $1.4 million to aid victims of Japan Relief and for those impacted by the Southern U.S. Storms, by accepting credit card donations on behalf of American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  PayByWeb has been partnering with the Red Cross since the aftermath of 911.  For over 10 yrs, PayByWeb has raised in excess of four million dollars in donations, via their credit card acceptance program.

PayByWeb, located in Pinellas Park, Florida has been providing merchant accounts for companies to accept credit cards, since 1992.

FREE - Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts





While merchant accounts and accepting credit cards may not require a degree from M.I.T, it can be very tricky.  There are many terms, policies, and procedures that can make the application process anywhere from a bit daunting to an outright nightmare.  Upon approval, the activation process can be complicated as well.  Desktop Terminal?  Pin Debit?  Payment Gateway?  API?  There are many choices available and again, confusion is not that uncommon.  Finally, keeping the account working.   Not getting terminated.  What to do and what NEVER to do.  Again...there is a lot to know.

PayByWeb is here to help make the process more simple.  Announcing PayByWeb's "Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts", a FREE book that you can download anytime from our website.   The guide features

• Tips to Getting Approved
• Glossary of Merchant Account Terms
• Things you should NEVER do
• How to avoid your merchant account ending up in the Security Department
• What is the Terminated Merchant File
• Frequently Asked Questions, and much more!

We go in-depth and in simple language explain the world of merchant accounts, from top to bottom.  Regardless of where you setup your merchant account or process credit cards, you will find the Free "Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts" an invaluable tool. 

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY HERE

Wireless Terminals for FREE

Accepting Credit Cards On The Go is Finally Affordable

Mobile and other portable credit card terminals have been around for many years.  But, have they been affordable?  To many, not really.  Expensive hardware, leases, long term contracts, and high fees have priced credit card acceptance away from the front desk, out of the ball park.  However, much of that has changed. 

Today, more and more merchants need to be able to accept credit cards while on the road or at off-site locations.  There are many wireless/mobile credit card terminals on the market.  You can expect to pay anywhere from $199 - $1000 for a wireless credit card terminal.   Some terminals have integrated printers while some have printers optional.  Monthly wireless service fees vary but are generally around $20 per month.   Many credit card processors are now offering shorter term contracts.  Some have no contracts at all.

One of the most popular, and fastest growing segment in this industry, is the short-term or single event usage account.  This merchant account offers great flexibility for fundraisers.  For example, a school PTA or other group is holding a one night fundraiser and wants to accept credit cards.  Now they can.  Many charitable groups holding silent auctions or other fundraisers can sign up, rent the terminal, process their transactions, and return the terminal once their event is over.  These types of services are finally being offered to a large group of merchants who until very recently, were stuck accepting cash and personal checks.  Statistics have proven that buyers are apt to spend more money on a credit card than by check and who carries cash anymore? 

PayByWeb makes the process simple by providing a FREE wireless credit card terminal to all new merchants applying for a wireless/mobile merchant account.  Rates are 1.74% plus .25 per transaction.  Merchants with short term events needing credit card acceptance can rent the terminals at a very low cost. As the demand for mobile and wireless technology increases, merchant account providers must keep up and offer the solutions to supply that demand, while keeping those merchants happy. 

The Future of Credit Card Processing is Mobility

Processing transactions electronically is not just for online and traditional businesses anymore. There is a new movement in technology that now allows retailers the ability to process electronic payments on the go. Mobile merchant accounts are now providing an increased convenience for consumers and higher sales for businesses that incorporate such mobility. Such technology has now introduced devices such as the Square, which allows a merchant to process payments directly through an iPhone or iPad. There are several advantages for mobile merchant accounts. First, a device such as the Square does not require any merchant account setup. Another advantage for the mobile merchant is that utilizing mobile merchant accounts will ultimately replace the need for credit card terminals.

Before a business can accept credit cards, your business must be licensed through the appropriate agencies. Transferring payments on the go is particularly proposed for small businesses. Mobile payments are moveable, flexible and have radically lower setup costs than more traditional merchant account services. Once your business is established and licensed, establishing a merchant account, payment gateway, and a mobile device will be required to accept credit card payments.

A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments by debit or credit cards. A merchant account also serves as an agreement between a retailer, a merchant bank and payment processor for the settlement of credit card and/or debit card transactions. This type of account provides convenience for your customers and allows your business to accept electronic transactions from the either a brick and mortar storefront or e-business. Moreover, offers credit card transactions from your mobile phone or tablet. Merchant service providers are in abundance, and it will take some research to determine which company best suits your business needs. Another option is to apply for an account through your bank; however, this isn’t always the most cost-effective method.

Merchant accounts can be provided by a mobile credit card processing service and process your electronic transactions. With some banks, they will actually outsource the electronic processing. Extra fees will apply to merchant accounts for each transaction, thus you will want to research these companies and do the math to find the best rates that meet your specific business demands. Once this established, setting up a payment gateway follows.

A payment gateway is an e-commerce application service provider service that authorizes payments for e-businesses, online retailers, or traditional brick and mortar companies. It is the equivalent of a physical point of sale terminal located in most retail outlets. Payment gateways protect credit card details by encrypting sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, to make certain that information is transferred securely between the customer and the merchant and also between merchant and the payment processor. Every retailer requires a merchant account, however, only e-commerce and mobile commerce businesses have to establish a payment gateway. Today’s standard is that mobile electronic transaction services employ an integrated payment gateway or are partnered with online payment gateway companies such as Authorize.net or the very popular PayPal. This demonstrates how electronic transactions have become a transparent part of online transactions.

There are several advantages to utilizing mobile electronic payments. First, if you already have a smartphone or tablet, you already have most the equipment in the palm of your hand. If not, these devices are so common, that you can purchase a smartphone or ipad at low costs. There are also Mobile Commerce solutions that are compatible with almost any phone that has web and Java ME applications. Also, not all mCommerce services require Java to be functional. Secondly, incorporating your business mobile phone for processing credit cards is countless. The savings in equipment and instant credit card processing alone should give you reason for optimism. Thirdly, no matter if you’re working an event at the fair or a trade show, all your transactions can be processed instantly from the palm of your hand.


Another savings is that a portable card reader is no longer required. Just key-in the credit card numbers. Transactions are immediate and you can get the advantage of lower transaction fees since the verification of the card is instant. With the combination of Bluetooth card readers for swiping credit cards and Bluetooth printers for printing receipts, your business is more portable than the terminals of the past. Not to mention the fact that you are saving your money by reducing costs.

Establish a mobile merchant account that allows your business to accept credit cards on the go. It is the future of credit card processing and the future is now.

Selecting A Merchant Account Provider: Choose Wisely

Merchant accounts are a necessary requirement for your business to accept credit cards online. It is also an agreement involving the retailer, a merchant or account provider and a payment processor who facilitates the payment transactions. For processing to be completed successfully over the web through merchant accounts, necessary solutions should be set up.

At this time, for organizations to be able to keep up with competing firms, these merchant accounts are very important as it provides opportunism both on the company along with the consumers. Getting started on an e-business is definitely suitable for most people, since this particular enterprise accepts credit cards; plus utilizing charge cards as payments is preferred by the majority of the customers. As a result, making use of credit cards for procuring online transactions is simpler and more secure.

Countless people consider this type of payment exchange more convenient. Matters become simpler and all you need to know is the best company that can ensure that you get what you require. Working with a tight budget is understandable especially during these times, however you don't have to stress since many organizations want to aid you. The truth is, today, several merchant providers provide free solutions to customers. Unfortunately free merchant accounts can be appealing, and those that are actually paid have more functions.

Once you start your internet business, there are a few points that you should think about. First on your list is determining the appropriate online firm that is going to be with you all the way. Therefore, you need to select a company that you can depend on and can supply you with all your needs. Visiting their website and browsing through their terms and conditions would be the next thing that you should take into consideration. Lastly, it is important to verify your account to get activated. You are able to do this by logging in to your account and following the sequence of instructions that can be found on your display screen. After completing all the actions, your account is now activated and you are now ready to accept online payments through your site.

Internet businesses that employ merchant accounts, of course, enjoy more benefits than those that don't. Understand that consumers that buy from the Internet anticipate paying online. Therefore, losing potential sales is unavoidable in the event you don't have the ability to accept credit cards online. Not only are you distressing those who would have bought goods or services from your site, you are also creating a reputation that very few online shoppers will be pleased about. When this happens, the future of your company is in grave jeopardy.