Take credit, for sales big or small
“DO YOU TAKE credit?” That’s a question
consumers used to ask a lot. But today most
business owners know that not offering payment by plastic costs them in sales.
Consumers prefer credit for a variety of reasons. Some people use their cards when
they’re making a large purchase. Others want
to save cash in hand or gain loyalty points,
such as airline miles. Some are making reim-bursable purchases for a company. Whatever
the reason, cash-only merchants miss lots of
sales opportunities.
“Without my Virtual Merchant account, I
[would] lose between $1,000 and $3,000 in
sales every weekend,” says longtime Costco
member Joe Beal of Bend, Oregon. Through
his company, Bringing Friends Fun and
Laughter, he sells high-grade stainless steel
water bottles at Saturday markets and festivals. After he sets up his booth, he plugs in his
laptop and receipt printer and begins chatting
with customers.
“I’ll do about $1,000 in cash sales and
somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 in
credit sales each weekend,” he says. “So, it
doubles or triples my sales, depending on the
weekend. For me, it’s a no-brainer.”
The Virtual Merchant account Beal refer-
ences is a service available through Elavon,
Costco’s Credit Card Processing service part-
ner. Virtual Merchant allows business owners
to process face-to-face and e-commerce
credit-card transactions. Through this ser-
vice, businesses can accept Visa, MasterCard,
American Express and Discover, as well as
debit cards and corporate purchasing cards.
All payment information is hosted and stored
by Elavon, minimizing data-security and
association-compliance concerns. It also inte-
grates with multiple shopping cart applica-
tions for e-commerce environments.
1-888-337-1883 and enter
code 83200, or visit
MEDIA BAKERY
PLACES TO GO.
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The road calls...
WITH FANTASTIC FALL SAVINGS!
Book your rental car in October and
take advantage of special member
savings! See complete rental car
details and book online in the
Travel section of Costco.com.
Any unused portion(s) of inclusions are nontransferable, nonrefundable and not redeemable for cash. Offer is valid for travel as speci;ed, is valid for new bookings only and is available to Costco members residing in the United States.
Travel purchases are not included in the Executive Membership annual 2% Reward program. Seasonal surcharges, availability, blackout dates and restrictions may apply. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Costco Travel disclaims liability
for any inaccuracies or typographical errors. Costco Travel is registered as a seller of travel in each of the states listed: California registration number: CS T 2054248-50 ; Florida registration
number: ST 32555 ; Hawaii registration number: TAR 5595 ; Iowa registration number: TA 620 ; Nevada Seller of Travel registration number: 2007-0060 ; Washington registration
number: WST 602042600. Registration as a California Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the state. 11TR1301 8/11
