The wonderful world of plastic payment.

I hate credit cards. I'm going to say that right now, up front, no questions asked... I hate credit cards.

BUT....

As a small business owner, entrepreneur, and seeker out of new ways to make money from home... I've grown to understand how massively important accepting credit cards can be. This happens to include debit cards too, so that's where I'm ok with it =).

Shopping online requires a credit or debit card, or a PayPal account.

Shopping in a store... well, it doesn't require it per se, but there are a lot of places that no longer accept checks, and cash is not exactly the way everyone wants to go. Plus, as a consumer, I know that I'd much rather pay 20 cents per credit card transaction than $2.00 to take out enough to buy what I want from the ATM... ATM fees are ridiculous!!!

It has recently been brought to my attention that businesses, small and large, can increase their sales simply by accepting credit/debit cards. This rings true for online businesses as well... who wants to go through the hassle of placing and order and having to send a check?

Just seems kind of stupid to me... I may be wrong, but convenience is what it's all about. I end up buying things online with PayPal rather than my card. Why? Because I don't have to get up and go dig out my wallet from my purse, only to forget it later and kick myself as I stand embarrassed in line at the store with 3 kids and have to leave my full cart there for forgetting my wallet.... aaaaaahh!!!

Weak sauce. Yep, I said it.

So, let's step back from the consumer's point of view and go into that of the business owner.

This sh-- is expensive! Pardon my language... but it is!!!

... well. It is usually.

The truth is, you do have to spend money to make money, whether it's start up costs, a business loan, or supplies if you provide a service. Everything worth doing involves some sort of investment, unless it's a traditional job with a boss and co-workers all enjoying their daily dose of the rat race.

No thanks.

If you own a small business, internet business, any business that accepts credit cards or you want to start accepting credit cards, the best and most client-oriented way to do that is here.