BLOG.MERCHANTSERVICES.LI

Suffolk County Half Marathon Report

Merchant Services Blog — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:47:00 GMT

     The Suffolk County Half Marathon & 5 K Race went very well on Sunday.
The weather was chilly and overcast , great for running. Over 500 runners
finished, no injuries.
     Many thanks to the participants, volunteers and sponsors. Special thanks
to Nick Spiliotis and Walter Wenzel. They are also special to us at the
231 Business Networking Group. Our networking group meets every
Wednesday at 7:00 AM at the Olympic Diner in Deer Park on Rt. 231.
     For more information on the Half Marathon, go to www.sc-halfmarathon.org
and www.ahepa.org.. We are already looking forward to next year.
     If you are looking to reduce expenses and improve profits, contact me about
credit card processing. We will give you a run for your money, and help make
your money run. Get paid quicker and better. We can help deliever the best
merchant services on Long Island. Remember dot li means Long Island, that's
why we are www.merchantservices.li

     I am here to include you.

    Marty Wisniewski
    Total Payment Solutions LLC
    ( 516 ) 639-6162
    www.merchantservices.li
    www.creditcardprocessing.li

Suffolk County Half Marathon Reminder

Merchant Services Blog — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:44:00 GMT

         The 2010 Suffolk County Half Marathon is tomorrow
Sunday, March 28th.The starting point is Suffolk County
Community College in Selden. The run heads down Nicolls
Road. We gather in the Gym after 7:00 AM. I will be there,
hope to see you. I will be in the Gym representing the
the 231 business networking group. We meet every
Wednesday morning at 7:00 AM at the Olympic Diner
in Deer Park on Rt. 231. Business, Chartiable and
Community organizations are welcome to join. However,
we do not allow more than one representative per specific
industry. Come down and be our guest.

      For more information, go to www.sc-halfmarathon.org.

      Sometimes in business we feel like we run a marathon
everyday. If you would like that run to be easier, contact me
regarding your credit card processing and printing needs.

       I am here to include you.

     Marty Wisniewski
     Total Payment Solutions LLC
     ( 516 ) 639-6162

    www.merchantservices.li />

Time to Spring Ahead 2010

Merchant Services Blog — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:47:47 GMT

     Well, it is time to SPRING AHEAD FOR 2010 !
In a few hours, we will move the clock ahead one
hour. It is something you should do before you go
to bed tonight. More importantly, it is time to SPRING
AHEAD OUR BUSINESS ! Review the things that did
work out, sort out the things that did not, and MOVE
AHEAD !  Some of us make resolutions for the New
Year, others more often. You should review your plan
at least monthly. Furthermore, to a lesser degree, review
weekly or even daily. Improvement should be CONTINUOUS.
Small incremental improvements will improve your business
perhaps slowly, but it will be surely. The improvement will,
however, be real but also subject to review and
subsequent improvement as well. Again and again,
improvement is never  really finished.
      The concept known as the Continuous Improvement Process
was advanced by W. Edwards Demming. His methods were
embraced in Japan after WW II . He is credited with advocating the
importance of quality control as an essential part of corporate
culture. His methods were also applied at Ford Motor Company.
Where these methods have been applied in earnest, good results
followed. Can anyone seriously suggest that improvement,
however small, but advanced frequently is a move in the
wrong direction ? If you are not sure of grand changes, certainly
mimimal improvement is good. The reason why small frequent
improvement may even be preferred is because it is easier to
implement. Smaller goals with deadlines are not considered
difficult or unattainable. It is not an all or none proposition.
The comparison is often made to a great journey. If you break
something down to its small unit of measurement, the challenge
seems much more possible.
     You can improve your bottom line if you REDUCE EXPENSES
NOW ! I can help you reduce your expenses by improving your
merchant services. If your need help to improve your credit card
processing performance, contact me.

      I am here to include you.

      Marty Wisniewski
      Total Payment Solutions LLC
      ( 516 ) 639-6162
      www.merchantservices.li

From Long Island to Davos

Merchant Services Blog — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:29:00 GMT

     Last night, on the television news magazine " 60
Minutes", one segment was on the meeting at Davos,
Switzerland 2010. The annual gathering of movers &
shakers in business, government and academia met
once again in the remote Alpine village. Here, in a less
formal atmosphere and more causal setting, the most
influential people in the world seem to get things done.
     The World Economic Forum schedules many
meetings and discussion groups that are organized to
take place. However, I was struck by the repeated
observation by many of the participants interviewed
that getting together face-to-face was worth the trip.
One attendee even uttered the word " networking" as
a prime function of the gathering. Furthermore, the best
meetings often occur between meetings, as participants
spontaneously bump into one another. Therefore,
face-to-face meetings in small groups or even one-on-one
can do more to foster dialogue and an exchange of ideas than
any other single method. This is especially true among these
global players or heads of state that must deal with barriers
that separate and divide them when the eyes of the world or
special interest groups demand certain rules of expected
behavior. With less attention in creating an appearence that
conforms to the expected norms of behavior, honest con-
versation can begin.
       This elite collection of high powered members is in a
leauge all by itself. However, the point is that networking,
used by any group, is usually very effective. If it can work on a
global scale, it can certainly work on a local scale in our much
smaller and humble world.
     We had 14 people today at our meeting at Panera in
Hauppauge this morning. Other Panera gatherings are held
in New Hyde Park, Rockville Centre and West Babylon. It is
not uncommon for the West Babylon meeting to have at least
40 participants. Today new introductions took place, old
conversations continued. Plans and progress were made
between individuals.
      My thanks to our host, Panera Bread and to David Gussin
of 516ads/ 631ads ( www.516ads.com) and Steve Cochrane
( www.greetingcards.li ) who organize and conduct the Panera
morning networking groups.
     If you need help with your merchant services ( credit card
processing ), please contact me. I can help you understand
your merchant statement and what can be done to reduce your
cost.

     I am here to include you.

                     Marty Wisniewski
                     Total Payment Solutions LLC
                      ( 516 ) 639-6162
                       www.merchantservices.li

Panera Networking Sponsor

Merchant Services Blog — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:42:00 GMT

     Total Payment Solutions LLC is the proud sponsor
of the networking event being held on Monday, February
15th. Yes, it's Presidents Day but not everyone has off.
If you do have the day off, make the most of it with family and
friends. It is nice that it follows St.Valentins's Day. Perhaps
you will be away and continue with a romantic weekend.
But if you are around and available, WE HOPE TO SEE YOU !
Your invited ! I know many of you will be working, advancing
your business, keeping the good you do going.
      The event is organized and conducted by David Gussin
and 516ads.com/ 631ads.com, We will be meeting at
Panera Bread in Hauppauge at 8:00 AM. The address is
399 Nesconsett Highway. We appreciate that our host,
Panera , makes this space available to us. We buy our
own breakfast for a few dollars.
     As David says, this event has " No Fees, No Rules,
Just Quality Networking." For more information on David's
organization, go to www.516ad.com . We are a proud
member and you can find www.merchantservices.li listed
as part of this internet community. We believe that face-to-face
networking is a great way to encourage business and good
in the community. We like to get the word out about what we
do and what we stand for. We look to "ignite business " and
do alot of good for the community in which we live, work and
play . We strive to make Long Island a better place for
ourselves and our family and friends.
     Remember dot LI ( .li ) means Long Island. And we mean
better business on and for Long Island and and where it takes
us beyond. We hope to see you Monday for this event !
In any case, enjoy the weekend.
     Today is the actual birthdate of Abraham Lincoln, George
Washington was born on the 22nd. Both men are a great
inspiration. A study of their lives reveals unique character
in action that are great lessons for our own lives. They
overcame great challenges. We live in challenging times as
well. As the poem reminds us, " rest if you must, but just don"t
quit". Keep on keeping on.
     Looking forward to seeing you at this event and others. If
I can help you improve your merchant services and lower the
cost of your credit card processing, please contact me.If you
will permit me to see your merchant statement, I will show you
how. If you are starting up, get off on the right foot. We need to
REDUCE EXPENSES NOW !

     I am here to include you.

                     Marty Wisniewski
                    Total Payment Solutions LLC
                     ( 516 ) 639-6162
                      www.merchantservices.li

January 2010 Networking Notes

Merchant Services Blog — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:45:00 GMT

     Total Payment Solutions sponsored two events on
January 6th to start 2010 off right. The morning event
at Panera in Rockville Centre had well over twenty people
in attendance. The evening gathering at the Westbury
Holiday Inn saw at least 75 enthusiastic people taking the
time to be there. Both events began the New Year in the spirit
of " igniting business" and continuing a positive course.
     Some other events TPS was involved with included the
Jamaica Downtown Committee, the Tony Robbins Peak
Performance & Business networking event and the first
meeting of LIABC ( Long Island Association of Business
Chinese).
     The Jamaica Downtown Committee met on January 13th
in the Harvest Room on Jamaica Avenue starting at 12:30 and
discussed three main topics. They included Flood Insurance
and flood prone areas in Queens, NYC and Long Island, the
Police Department and Community relations and the probable
closing of Jamaica High School unless something is done to
reverse that course. The meetings are conducted by William D.
Martin. Bill can be reached at Martinbill49@gmail.com.
     The Tony Robbins Peak Performance event was held on
January 21st at the St. James Cafe ( 370 Lake Avenue , Saint
James ). Networking, followed by dinner and a discussion
involving motivational topics filled the evening. Robert Vilardi
of Vested Business Brokers organized the event.
Rob can be reached at rvilardi@vestedbb.com
     The first offical meeting of LIABC was held on January 22 at
the Bagel Market Cafe ( I Railroad Avenue, Roslyn ). LIABC , or
the Long Island Association of Business Chinese, is dedicated
to bringing people together in the business community to network
and exchange ideas. Mr. Wenhai Fu, CEO of Sine Technologies,
has started this group. Go to www.sinesoftware.com to reach
Wenhai.
       These and many other numerous events will fill the calendar
for 2010. The above were only a few examples. Please feel free to
contact me if you want to get nvolved in these and other events.
     Furthermore, please contact me if I can be of help to you
regarding your merchant services/ credit card processing . I am
here to help you and truly appreciate your referrals as well.

    I am looking forward to a great 2010. I am here to include you.

                                    Marty Wisniewski
                                    Total Payment Solutions LLC
                                     ( 516 ) 639-6162
                                      www.merchantservices.li

January 2010 Networking Invitation

Merchant Services Blog — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:33:00 GMT

     On January 6th, we will start the new year 2010 right !
Total Payment Solutions Long Island will sponsor not one but two
516ads.com events next Wednesday. We invite all of you in the
business, educational and charitable organization communities to
come to both of these events. As David Gussin of 516ads.com reminds
us, there are " no fees, no rules, just quality networking." Come on down
and meet someone new to advance the mission of your organization.
Together we can exchange ideas and work for our mutual benefit.
     The morning event starts at 8 AM at Panera  ( 313 Merrick Road,
Rockville Centre). The two hour evening event starts at 6 PM at the
Westbury Holiday Inn ( 369 Old Country Road, Carle Place )
www.hiwestbury.com.
      We appreciate that Panera provides this free meeting space in
Rockville Centre, as well as in New Hyde Park, Hauppague and West
Babylon. Our networkers are encouraged to patronize our kind host.
You can purchase a cup of coffee, or if you want, have breakfast for a
few dollars.
     The evening event at the Westbury Holiday Inn offers Free Networking,
Great People and Free ( delicious ) food. Come and enjoy , get to know
some worthwhile and dedicated people, exchange ideas and business
cards.
     Total Payment Solutions on Long Island, better known as
www.merchantservices.li , is among six sponors for the Westbury event .
Special Thanks to Holiday Inn Westbury for being gracious hosts.
     David Gussin of 516ads.com and 631ads.com serves Nassau and
Suffolk counties. He conducts and facilitates us who make up this great
group to be positive and get positive results by " Igniting business and giving
back to the community." We are not just a flash in the pan, but a consistent
and constant entity here where we all live, work and play.
      Total Payment Solutions Long Island, headquartered in East Setauket,
is proud to help us all keep going in the right direction. Remember, on the web,
nothing says Long Island like dot li ( .li ) !
     Hope to see you all on January 6th and many other events in 2010 !!!
Until then, wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, prosperous HAPPY
NEW YEAR !
     If you can use help with your credit card processing, I am here to help.
I am here to include you.

                                         Marty Wisniewski
                                         Total Payment Solutions LLC
                                          ( 516 ) 639-6162
                                          www.merchantservices.li
                                         www.creditcardprocessing.li

Sunshine & The Law of Attraction

Merchant Services Blog — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:28:00 GMT

     It can be dark and cold out there. Times can be tough,
especially in a recession. Well, times are tough, in what we
are now calling " The Great Recession". However, this is the
time that we need to utilize the best of our inner resources.
Tough times never last. This too will pass.
     Abraham Lincoln said that we can and should be
touched " by the better angels of our nature". It is a state of
mind. To the degree that we can control our mind, we can
control our destiny. I mentioned before that tough times never
last. Now let's add that tough people do. Not the kind of tough
people who are street thugs using their dinosaur brains and
brute force, but people who depend on their intelligence,
common sense and inner strength. So, as Dr. Robert Shuller
said, " Tough times never last, but tough people do."  Modern
times demand more than just the techniques used by the early
humans.  We can achieve better ends and use better means.
These are " the better angels ". This is especially true when times
are challenging. It is especially necessary too.
     We can shape our external environment. When it is cold and
dark out there, we can generate both warmth and light.
     I watched an old favorite recently. There is an important lesson
to be learned from the fantasy-comedy movie " Michael " ( 1996 )
starring John Travolta in the title role. In one scene the Archangel
explained that the Sun and the North Wind once had a contest. They
saw a man below who was bundled in an overcoat. They bet each
other who would be first to get the man to take off his coat. The North
Wind began the challenge. He blew his cold breath down upon the man
over and over  again. He continued this cold wind upon the man below
without any success. The harder the North Wind blew, the more
determined was the man to wrap his coat around himself. Then it was
the Sun's turn. The Sun simply glowed warm sunshine. As the Sun
continued this bright display, the man began to feel the warmth and
removed his coat. The Sun had the best method. IT WORKED !
It was the use of better means.
     It has been said that there is no traffic jams on the extra mile. If you
go the extra mile, your customers will continue to find their way back to
you over and over. The warmth and light we project is fundamental to the
Law of Attraction. We will attract the kind of customers, employees and
supplier/vendors that make being in business both profitable and
worthwhile.
     We are in business to give customers what they want when it is
possible. They should enjoy the process. So can we along the way.
Customer service and satisfaction is a journey, not a destination.
Remember, as soon as the customer gets something, the cycle begins
all over again. You could say that it never actually finishes. Hence, this
sales cycle keeps on rolling. Needs and wants are met once and then
again and again. The journey continues, briefly interrupted only by
consumption and rest .
     We must remember that sunshine, not the cold wind, attracts
customers. Repeat customers become clients. It is worth the effort.
Enjoy  the journey.
     Yesterday ( the 21st of December ) was the Winter Solstice 2009
n the Northern Hemisphere. It is the shortest day of the year. As winter
begins, remember, the days will get longer by a few minutes every day
until June. We can look forward to increased light and warmth.
Can you look forward to increased light and warmth in your business ?
Do you think that it would be a positive force of applied energy in your
organization ? Do you think it will attract more customers and clients to you ?
     If you woul like to attract more business, contact me so I can ake a look
at your credit card processing system. If you are new or do not take
credit/debit cards now, I will help you get started.

     HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS !!!

     I am here to include you.


                                          Marty Wisniewski
                                          Total Payment Solutions LLC
                                           ( 516 ) 639-6162
                                           mwtotalpaymentsolutions@gmail.com
                                            www.merchantservices.li

Queens Chamber Building Award Winners

Merchant Services Blog — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:55:00 GMT

    On Thursday, December 3rd, the Queens Chamber
of Commerce held their 97th Annual Building Awards and
Reception at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, N.Y. It was a night
that honored those who made special contributions by making
the borough more beatiful through new and rehabilitated
construction. A total of 31 awards were given.
     Three special awards were presented including an overall
award and two Chamber Hall of Fame Awards for design excellence.
The overall award went to Court Square Plaza ( 24-01 44th Road),
owned by the United Nations Federal Credit Union. HLW Inter-
national was the architecture firm and Tishman Construction
Group was the developer.
     Furthermore, two other buildings were special award winners,
namely, the Frank  Sinatra School for the Arts and JetBlue Airways
Terminal 5 at JFK Airport. The Sinatra school is owned by the NYC
School Construction Authority and located at 35-12 35th Street.
Polshek Partnership Architects was the architecture firm and
Leon D.DeMatteis Construction Corp was responsible for
development. The JetBlue project was designed by Gehsler &
DMJN ( AECOM ), while Turner Construction Corp was the developer.
     the lifetime achievement award went to Joshua Muss. He is the
third generation of his family to head the Muss Development
Corporation. He joined the business in 1965, a company started
by his grandfather in 1906. The family is known not only for its'
leadership in the industry, but in many civic and charitable activities
as well.
    The evening had well over 300 in attendance. It was the last
major event for the chamber this year. For more information on
this worthwhile organization, go to www.queenschamber.org .
     If anyone needs help understanding their merchant statement
or if you want better rates for your credit/debit card processing
needs, feel free to contact me. I am here to be of service to the
business and non-profit community in Suffolk, Nassau, the five
boroughs of NYC (especially Queens ! ) and beyond.

     I am here to include you.

                                       Marty Wisniewski
                                      Total Payment Solutions LLC
                                      ( 516 ) 639-6162
                                      mwtotalpaymentsolutions@gmail.com
                                      www.merchantservices.li

Beyond Turkey

Merchant Services Blog — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:20:00 GMT

     We all know that Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey. Some of us even
wish each other " Happy Turkey Day" as we get ready for the national holiday
where over consumption of food is a statistical probability.
     Some historians point to different dates and places that mark the First
Thanksgiving in North America. Among them is the celebration held at St.
Augustine, Florida in 1565. However, the traditional Thanksgiving that most
of us celebrate trace its' origins to Plymouth Plantation, Massachusettts in
1621. It was a harvest festival in which they gave thanks to God.
     Abraham Lincoln proclaimed ( in October, 1863) what we still continue to
recognize as a national day of giving thanks. That day falls on the final Thursday
of November.
     This happy American tradition grew from basic historical facts helped along
by certain embellishments. With the cooperation of the community, that included
both the Puritian settlers and Native Americans, a celebration was held in grateful
appreciation of the Supreme Deity for their survival. The Pilgrims sought freedom
from religious persecution . They were originally from England, seeking refuge in
more tolerant Holland but could only find peace finally " in the wilderness ." Here
in North America they built a new world for themselves along side the peoples
who have been here probarly since the last Ice Age approximately 10,000 years ago.
     The previous year was very tough for the new arrivals. They would now go into the
next winter with a store of grain and provisions that they grew, hunted and gathered
over the past year. It now seemed appropriate for them to pause and celebrate their
newly acquired abundance. As a religious people, the Pilgrims, who worshiped God
all day every Sunday on their weekly day of rest, decided to have a special feast in
which special thanks could be rendered for all they have been given. They believed
that their progress was not only by their own hands, but also, more importantly, by
the hand of God.
     Norman Rockwell's illustration "Freedom From Want " depicts a family sitting
down to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner starting with the turkey. It first appeared
in the " Saturday Evening Post" on March 6, 1943 in the middle of World War Two.
It was a time where most essential consumer items needed for the war effort were
being rationed. It was a time where the public just finished suffering through the Great
Depression. Rockwell brought to life through his art " The Four Freedoms ", as
Franklin D. Roosevelt outlined in his annual message to Congress in January,
1941. They also include "Freedom from Fear "," Freedom to Worship" and "Freedom
of Speech. "
     The Thanksgiving meal varies according to different cultural preferences and
dietary requirements. For example, vegans often substitute tofu for turkey. Others may
have seafoood, pasta or other choices that make the feast special for the participants
either through the main dish or the associated trimmings.
     But turkey, or the feast itself, is really the LEAST IMPORTANT part of the day. It is a
day of being with family and friends. It is also remembering the less fortunate and, of
course, giving thanks. We should appreciate our family and friends and give thanks
to the Supreme Being. We should all give thanks, whatever you conceive that Being
or Power to be. Those who do not believe in God should still be grateful for all our
blessings, without regard to the source that is attributed.
     BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU DO HAVE, not what you lack or still seek
to acquire. We should also remember that there will always be those who have
more or less than ourselves.
     We in the business community should be the most thankful. Even though we travel
the more difficult path, it is still the path of opportunity.  WE CONTRIBUTE TO
ABUNDANCE  and in return RECEIVE ABUNDANCE.
     Family, friends, our country, our freedoms as well as our material prosperity are
among the things that make life worthwhile for ourselves, our loved ones and all those
we work with and the customers we serve. That is why we should always be thankful.
It is MORE than just a day, MORE than just a gathering and It is certainly
MORE than just a turkey.
     Ben Franklin wanted the humble turkey to be our national symbol while Thomas
Jefferson preferred the peaceful dove. Another bird, we all know, was chosen as our
national symbol instead . I hope you and yours enjoy your gathering on the last Thursday
in November and remember to SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE on every day of the year. It is
another reason to THINK BEYOND THE TURKEY.
     I am grateful to know and be able to work with so many wonderful people
in the business community. Contact me so I can improve your credit card processing.
     I am here to include you. May the Spirit of Thanksgiving be with you and last long
beyond the day itself.

                 Marty Wisniewski
                 Total Payment Solutions LLC
                 ( 516 ) 639-6162
                 mwtotalpaymentsolutions@gmail.com
                 www.merchantservices.li
                 www.creditcardprocessing.li

Did You " Fall Back" ?

Merchant Services Blog — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:38:00 GMT

     Just a few days ago, it was time to turn the clocks back one hour. This is the
standard interesting way we have decided to keep time on the clock.  Although
it is a standard convention of accepted timekeeping, it should not be the way we
run our businesses.
     When it comes to our business, now is the time, if you will, to SPRING FORWARD !
As we wind down the year it is time to finish this challenging year well and get ready for
2010. It is time to start to set new goals with their respective and appropriate deadlines.
For us in business, it is time to not only ponder but to decide on some worthwhile goals.
We must reflect on where we have been and where we want to end up. That is the
challenge. How are we going to respond ? Did we grow during the difficult times and
stretch ourselves ?
     We are in business to make a profit . We are the engine of real progress in our
communities because we create employment and render a needed and desired product
or service. What a great way to advance an economy that is in recession. We can
SPRING  AHEAD while others fall back or stand still.  If you feel that you are falling
back, stop and take a look at your situation and think carefully on where you can remedy
it. It is a constant process, a job that is really never finished.
     Remember, moving the hour this way or that way on a clock is perhaps a practical
attempt to maximize when we prefer to chase the sunlight that nature gives. Nature will
not give us any more daylight hours no matter how we want to represent them on a clock.
     Without Regard to whether it is Fall or Spring ( or Winter or Summer for that matter ),
we  should ALWAYS BE READY, WILLING AND ABLE TO SPRING AHEAD to advance a
worthwhile goal. Take time, especially during this holiday season , to cherish family and
remember the needy. And remember, it is always better to spring ahead than to fall back.
As the poem reminds us, it is alright to rest if you must but just do NOT quit.
     If you can use help to REDUCE EXPENSES NOW, contact me. I can look at your
merchant service account and help lower your credit card processing rate and fees.
     I am here to include you.

                     Marty Wisniewski
                     Total Payment Solutions LLC
                      ( 516 ) 639-6162
                      mwtotalpaymentsolutions@gmail.com
                     www.merchantservices.li

Understanding Your Merchant Statement

Merchant Services — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:31:00 GMT

Most business people are pretty sharp when it comes to making and delivering

a product or service of their choosing. Getting paid for what you offer requires a

system of low cost reliable routing of your customer's portable spending power into

your bank account. Credit/Debit cards provide instant customer spending power that

you can verify and get paid directly after one intervening day.

Your choice of a merchant services vendor, where you can negoiate advantageous

terms and discounts, will reduce expenses and add to your bottom line. But first, do

you really understand your current credit card processing statement ?

We will explore three ways ( swipe, key-in and virtual ) that credit/debit cards are

processed. We will also look at how different rates are represented. What fees are

involved ?

First of all, the basic rate is usually represented as " Interchange + bp ". Interchange

is the basic rate that exists plus additional basis points ( bp or 1/100 of one full point )

charged by a particular bank. This can also be handled by an ISO (Independent Service

Organization ) . First Data ultimately clears ( or matches ) all transactions between the

credit card user and the merchant.

Sometimes the " discount rate " is subdivided into three tiers. They are classified as

" Qualified" , " Mid-Qualified " or " Non-Qualified ". The biggest discount qualifies when
the credit card used has NO rewards, points, airlines miles or cash back attached to it.
" Non-Qualified"rates apply when the card used has the maximum benefits attached to
it. " MidQualified " rates apply when some of the " bells and whistles " are part of the
card holder's associated benefits. Discount rates and fees figure into Master Card and
Visa. Amex and Discover are, for the most part, standardized and offer non-negiotated
rates regardless of merchant services carrier.

Additional fees may commonly occur for such things as charge-back processing.
There are also authorization fees per transaction. Lower authorization fees become
increasing important to that merchant who has numerous small transactions per
month as a consistent feature of normal business.

How do you process your point of sale transactions ? You can swipe the purchase
when an actual credit/debit card is present by using a physical terminal machine. It is
less expensive to swipe than to key-in information. The key-in method has been used to
pay for telephone orders, especially in advance of delivery. Virtual Terminals ( run by a
PC using software ) are a low cost alternatve to key-in and even swipe. Some merchants
have both swipe and virtual terminals for this very reason. Virtual termimals are

also used in the utilization of Automated Reoccurring Billing to save time when redundant
monthly customer charges are involved. Virtual Termimals are an essential component
of E-Commerce as part of the check out of any website shopping cart.

Perhaps the kinds and types of sales have changed in your business. Are you taking
advantage of the latest technology to REDUCE EXPENSES NOW and to POWER UP
YOUR PROFITS ? Do you really understand your merchant statement and how it helps
you get paid for what you do ?

For more information on how to save money, contact me for a no obligation confidential
review.
I am here to include you.

Marty Wisniewski

Total Payment Solutions LLC

Phone (516) 639-6162 , Fax (631) 883-9999

mwtotalpaymentsolutions @gmail.com

www.merchantservices.li

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Welcome

Merchant Services — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:56:54 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.