ACH Processing: Go Green

ACH Processing is 1) A tried and true method of electronically collecting customer payments and 2) An economical way to pay employees, vendors, affiliates etc.

Benefits include time and money saved in the payment process as well as predictable cash flow. Throw in significant cost savings as compared to credit cards and you have a compelling case for adopting ACH Payments.

But consider the following stats about environmental impact (from PayitGreen):

  • Direct Deposit saves 1 pound of paper per person per year
  • If all employees having access took advantage that's 11 million lbs per year saved

  • 4 million gallons of gas saved

  • 32 million lbs of greenhouse gas would NOT make it into the atmosphere

So on top of time and money savings you can throw in being environmentally responsible.

Take advantage of all ACH Payment Processing can do for your business.

Visit www.ACH-Payments.com for more info and solutions.

ACH Processing: Worldwide?

It looks like ACH Processing will soon be available from US <-> Europe. Early 2010 looks like release date:

The Federal Reserve Banks of the US and Equens, a payment processor in the Netherlands, have signed a memorandum of understanding on the processing of payments from the US to Europe and vice versa.

The Federal Reserve Banks and Equens said that, starting in early 2010, both parties will offer banks a cost-efficient channel for processing cross-border payments in multiple currencies, including the US dollar and euro. They added that the strategic partnership between them is based on an increasing market demand for efficient processing of low-value cross-border payments on a global level.

It is reported that the partnership with the Federal Reserve Banks will enable Equens to further expand its cross-border payments processing business.

Elizabeth McQuerry, assistant vice president of the Federal Reserve Banks's retail payments office, said: "When talking with clients, we saw a clear demand for expanded payment services to and from Europe. Together with payment processor Equens, we can offer our clients an excellent, secure and cost-efficient solution."

Michael Steinbach, chairman of Equens's board of directors, added: "The partnership with the Federal Reserve Banks is an important step for Equens and fits well with our vision on a global payments area. We are constantly looking for economies of scale, thereby creating opportunities for our clients -- the banks -- to further reduce their processing costs. By offering a standardised channel for cross-border payments processing, our clients do not have to worry about the complexity of maintaining different cross-border systems."

This is interesting on a number of levels but primarily of interest will be the cost savings as opposed to wiring monies or using credit cards.

Visit ACH-Payments.com -- Payment Processing Made Easy

P: 888.729.4968 x88 F: 866.873.8181

e: info@ach-payments.com

ACH Processing: Pest Control

ACH Processing actually began as a solution for large insurance agencies (among others) to collect premiums automatically. No waiting for the check to be mailed for State Farm and the like.

The small or mid sized business was not offered these services by the bank as it entailed some additional labor costs. Technology evolved and now any business can take advantage of an automated payment plan to debit checking, savings and credit card accounts like clockwork.

Pest Control Businesses do their very best to get a customer to sign up for multi month service. An automated system that debits checking, savings and credit card accounts makes the payment collection part of this service simple. By not having to remind the client to pay their monthly fee the client doesn't "think" about that money coming out of their pocket. When that payment is automated they just see the debit on their statement and know what it was for. In addition the owner knows exactly how much and when the revenue rolls in.

You can obtain easy to use powerful automated ACH and credit card processing systems that make this a breeze. Throw in accepting payments in person, by phone and via the Internet and you have a complete solution. All done at very reasonable costs.

Ten Easy Steps to Increase AutoPayment Participation

Ten Easy Steps to Increase Customer Participation in an Automated Payment Program

Autopay programs via ACH and/or credit card are statically proven to increase customer retention. When a person does not have to think about writing a check or handing over a credit card each month they are much less likely to think “Do I want to keep paying for this service”?

 

If you ask a business that relies on monthly or weekly payments to list his or her biggest source of stress it would typically be Payment Collection. Clearly a business owner that does not have to spend hours each month running around or calling clients to pay for their valued service has extra time to spend ON the business and not IN it. Business consultants consistently and unequivocally agree that until a business owner can transition from the day to day minutia that consume time that owner will not realize the businesses true potential. This is where the power of an automated payment collection system can transform your business.

 

We all know that the more customers on an automated payment plan program the better it is for business. The challenge can be getting your customer to get on board. Though some businesses are in a position to mandate automated payments (health clubs have done this for years) most businesses have to rely on customers agreeing to the change. Here are 10 easy steps to either increase your participation rate in an ACH and/or credit card automated program or encouraging the customer to move from a credit card to an ACH (echeck).

 1) Every time you speak with a customer whether they are paying a bill, signing up for service or calling for support let them know about the convenience of an automated payment plan or check by phone.

2) Include information about your automated payment plan or check by phone option on all invoices and customer correspondence. Include a call to action to sign up for the automated plan and make it easy for them to do so. This might include a sign up form on your web site or being able to fax a form.

3) Make your web site a billboard for your automated billing plan and Check by Phone capabilities. Include sign up forms and directions (for helpful forms and information visit http://www.ach-payments.com/marketing.htm

4) Start an incentive campaign for automated payment sign up.  Consider giving away free certificates (see step 6) or possibly offer 5-10% off their next 3 months billing or some other motivational offer. Consider partnering with a local business and offer cross promotional coupons for 10% off products in return for program sign up.  An example might be a restaurant.

5) Telemarket your customers and let them know about the program and advantages of signing up. You can use internal staff or hire a telemarketing firm (we can recommend a service-contact us for info) to call for you. For a couple of evaluate hundred dollars you may be able to up your participation rate dramatically. 

6) Consider an Incentive program whereby you can reward the customer with a free certificate for: $300 in Gas or Groceries, free vacation, hotel and/or airline tickets. For $99/month you can provide an unlimited supply of these certificates. Your business makes $5 per redeemed certificate as well. For info visit: http://www.ach-payments.com/thanks.htm  , you are welcome to download a certificate for yourself and evaluate. We think this can be a BIG help.

7) Consider implementing an Auto Pay only option for new customers. If you give them a choice of paying automatically via check or credit card as long as they choose you can rely on their revenue each month.

8) Consider posting posters with testimonials form current Autopay users bragging on the benefits of not having to remember to write a check each month.

9) Offer a raffle for 3 month’s free service to the winner. You only get a ticket if you are a current AutoPay user or you switch over.

10) Ask your current payment processor to provide a $50 cash card to be randomly awarded to new AutoPay subscribers.

Be creative and WORK at it. The benefits are there for the taking. More free time, less stress, reliable cash flow and greater customer retention-Priceless.

Visit www.ACH-Payments.com for more info or call us at 888.729.4968

ACH Processing: Chiropractors

ACH Processing actually began as a solution for large insurance agencies (among others) to collect premiums automatically. No waiting for the check to be mailed for State Farm and the like.

The small or mid sized business was not offered these services by the bank as it entailed some additional labor costs. Technology evolved and now any business can take advantage of an automated payment plan to debit checking, savings and credit card accounts like clockwork.

I have a friend who is a Chiropractor. His business depends on people coming in the door and he is quite busy. Marketing is a big interest of mine and I wonder how would a membership model do in the Chiropractic world? You offer X number of visits per month for $150. Put the client on an automated payment plan via their checking, savings or credit card account. The patient becomes a long term recurring revenue stream that the Chiropractor can rely for predictable cash flow. 50 of your client's on this plan = $80k per year in revenue. Sound good?

An automated system that debits checking, savings and credit card accounts serves many purposes. By not having to remind the client to pay their monthly fee the client doesn't "think" about that money coming out of their pocket. When that payment is automated they just see the debit on their statement and know what it was for. In addition the owner knows exactly how much and when the revenue rolls in.

You can obtain easy to use powerful automated ACH and credit card processing systems that make this a breeze. Throw in accepting payments in person, by phone and via the Internet and you have a complete solution. All done at very reasonable costs.

ACH Processing: Child Care Providers

ACH Processing: Child Care Providers

ACH Processing actually began as a solution for large insurance agencies (among others) to collect premiums automatically. No waiting for the check to be mailed for State Farm and the like.

The small or mid sized business was not offered these services by the bank as it entailed some additional labor costs. Technology evolved and now any business can take advantage of an automated payment plan to debit checking, savings and credit card accounts like clockwork.

I certainly remember picking up my son on Friday's and toting my checkbook to pay for the week. I was fortunate to have a fabulous woman take care of him and did not mind paying her at all. Not everyon was so appreciative. She would tell stories about non-payment that were very surprising.

Many day care providers could make payment collection transparent and the associated stress of collecting made a thing of the past.

An automated system that debits checking, savings and credit card accounts serves both purposes. By not having to remind the client to pay their monthly fee the client doesn't "think" about that money coming out of their pocket. When that payment is automated they just see the debit on their statement and know what it was for. In addition the owner knows exactly how much and when the revenue rolls in.

You can obtain easy to use powerful automated ACH and credit card processing systems that make this a breeze. Throw in accepting payments in person, by phone and via the Internet and you have a complete solution. All done at very reasonable costs.

Find out more at www.ACH-Payments.com home of the most outrageous guarantee in the business

ACH Processing: Collection Agencies

ACH Processing: Collection Agencies

ACH Processing actually began as a solution for large insurance agencies (among others) to collect premiums automatically. No waiting for the check to be mailed for State Farm and the like.

The small or mid sized business was not offered these services by the bank as it entailed some additional labor costs. Technology evolved and now any business can take advantage of an automated payment plan to debit checking, savings and credit card accounts like clockwork.

Collection Agencies live and die by how well they collect. Allowing their client base to pay by phone or via a website is a must in today's challenging marketplace. ACH Processing (electronically debiting checking or savings account) allows the collection  agency to accept payment without needing (hoping) a check to be mailed. Payment plans can also be offered that would allow the debtor to pay automatically over time (eg $50/month for 6 months). Cost/time savings versus traditional mailed payments are considerable.

Credit cards can in some instances be accepted for payment but the collection agency must meet certain MasterCard/Visa requirements.

You can obtain easy to use powerful automated ACH and credit card processing systems that make payment collection a breeze-all done at very reasonable costs.

Find out more at www.ACH-Payments.com home of the most outrageous guarantee in the business

ACH Processing: Unauthorized debits-what to do

ACH Processing allows a company to debit customers for payments they have expressly agreed to.

If you are a consumer and on your bank statement you see a debit that you do not recognize here are your options:

  • Call the phone number (assuming the # is there) on your statement corresponding to the debit in question. It is possible you did not remember signing up but if you are not satisfied explain to the representative that you did not authorize the debit and want you money back. If you can not get satisfaction or you can't contact anyone etc then:
  • Call your bank and tell them you have an unauthorized debit. You will have to go to your branch and fill out an affidavit that allows your bank to initiate a chargeback (R07 or R10-use those terms to help your bank person if needed). Your bank must put the $ back into your account (Federal banking rules)

If you see multiple debits to your bank account that you did not authorize you may need to close that account. Your monies are NOT lost-your bank should be able to help you and they must put the $ back in your account.

If you did have a business relationship with the entity that debited you and you signed a contract allowing for the debits or possibly agreed to a one-time payment by phone you are obligated to honor your commitment and your bank bank may not allow you to charge the debit back.

http://www.ACH-Payments.com provides tools that allow businesses to save time and money collecting payments.

ACH Processing: Tanning Salons

ACH Processing: Tanning Salons

ACH Processing actually began as a solution for large insurance agencies (among others) to collect premiums automatically. No waiting for the check to be mailed for State Farm and the like.

The small or mid sized business was not offered these services by the bank as it entailed some additional labor costs. Technology evolved and now any business can take advantage of an automated payment plan to debit checking, savings and credit card accounts like clockwork.

Tanning Salons count on the repeat tanner to be the backbone of their revenue. Anything that better serves these clients or makes them more likely to remain a customer must be implemented.

An automated system that debits checking, savings and credit card accounts serves both purposes. By not having to remind the client to pay their monthly fee the client doesn't "think" about that money coming out of their pocket. When that payment is automated they just see the debit on their statement and know what it was for. In addition the salon owner knows exactly how much and when the revenue rolls in.

You can obtain easy to use powerful automated ACH and credit card processing systems that make this a breeze. Throw in accepting payments in person, by phone and via the Internet and you have a complete solution. All done at very reasonable costs.

Find out more at www.ACH-Payments.com home of the most outrageous guarantee in the business

ACH Processing: Mobile Home Parks

ACH Processing: Mobile Home Parks

ACH Processing actually began as a solution for large insurance agencies (among others) to collect premiums automatically. No waiting for the check to be mailed for State Farm and the like.

The small or mid sized business was not offered these services by the bank as it entailed some additional labor costs. Technology evolved and now any business can take advantage of an automated payment plan to debit checking, savings and credit card account like clockwork.

Mobile Home Parks can spend a lot of time knocking on doors and waiting for cars to pull up so they can run and catch the lot renter. Many  if not all of these tenants have either a checking account or a credit card. If you can induce them to sign up for automated payments your life just got a whole lot easier. Maybe offer a $25 bonus. You will make that over many times.

An automated system that debits checking, savings and credit card accounts in an automated fashion can make the mobile home park manager's life much easier. Throw in accepting payments in person, by phone and via the Internet and you have a complete solution. All done at very reasonable costs.

Find out more at www.ACH-Payments.com home of the most outrageous guarantee in the business