How to Increase Sales With a Virtual Terminal
A virtual terminal is a great solution for businesses that have a merchant account, and would like to accept credit card payments by email, fax, mail order, or over the phone. It is good both on its own, and as part of a multitude of payment channels, for both Business to Consumer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B) companies.
A virtual terminal is online payment software that allows you to take credit card payments by entering customer data at a secure website. This removes the need for a physical payment processing terminal, and allows the business owner a great deal of flexibility when accepting credit card payments. For example, a vendor can make sales over the phone, with the customer sharing credit card information, and the vendor can enter it on the virtual terminal from work, at home, or anywhere else with an internet-connected web browser. This makes it great for representatives in the field, who can enter the credit card information on their smartphones and immediately confirm the sale.
Benefits
A virtual terminal allows for a great deal of mobility because all you need to receive a payment is a mobile device and access to the internet. This can mean that everything from a laptop to a smartphone or tablet can be transformed into a payment terminal.
However, you do not always have to be the one entering the credit card info. When you also have a payment gateway, you can direct the customer to your website and allow them to enter the information themselves directly. Basically, having both a virtual terminal and a payment gateway together allows you to accept payments anytime, anywhere, whether you are present or not. Distance also ceases to become a factor, allowing you to do business with clients from around the world.
On top of that, virtual terminals can come with extra features that allow you to refund your clients more easily, receive transaction reports, and check on pending purchases. With this data on hand, you can fine-tune your business’ operations to further improve your bottom line.
Conclusion
The virtual terminal is a great tool for all businesses that rely on mobility or online sales. It is also perfect for those looking to expand their operations. With a virtual terminal, businesses are able to offer a net benefit to their clients, which of course means increased sales and revenue. By offering flexibility, businesses are able to entice clients and tailor specific offers and sales techniques.
Finally, it’s important to choose the right virtual terminal, since not all are created equal. Each payment processing company has its own recommended virtual terminal options, and as such, it’s important to choose the right company to work with. You want a processor that offers fair rates, strong customer support, security features, and as many benefits as possible.
For more information on how a virtual terminal can increase sales, or to sign up for a merchant account, please call (888) 924-2743 or go to Charge.com.
