One of the benefits of doing business on the web is having the ability to buy products and services instantly. This also allows the selling business to keep track of and retrieve there funds. Over all spending money on the web is convenient and reliable. If you are looking for a merchant account it is important to know what to expect.

As a business owner, there are some challenges that you need to watch for. It is common knowledge that the customer is always right. This can be a difficult concept, after all, you went in to business to do things your way and select how and with whom you would do business. In theory those decisions are still up to you, however the reality is that when dealing with a credit card company their protection and allegiance goes to the individual cardholder not the merchant. I know you are saying but Diva, we pay our percentages and the monthly fees on our merchant account for the privilege of accepting a variety of credit and or debit cards, can what you say be true?

Absolutely, my words are true! The reality is that there are ways to avoid chargebacks, and offering refunds.  The more you document in writing the more protected you are.

First, a chargeback is when a customer disputes the quality, or availability of the merchandise, service or product they received. The initial response of the credit card company is to notify you that they are placing the disputed charge amount on hold from your account. You then have the opportunity to provide evidence or proof that you did provide the product or service and it was in tact and up to standard. In this instance, you will be guilty until you prove yourself innocent.

It is easy to keep track of shipped items. Make sure your customers sign for the packages you send them, only use shipping methods that provide a tracking number, if you are providing services through eBay require that the buyer pay for insurance so that you are not responsible for damaged items.

It is a bit more difficult to keep track of services you provide. It is important that you keep track of emails sent and received for each client. Since emails are time and date stamped, they may serve as proof that you did in fact provide a service. If you are sending documents to a client via email, send them in a PDF format so they can not be altered and always blind copy yourself.

Finally, make sure your refund policy is in writing so that the customer is clear on how to proceed and what remedies are available. Most customers are able reasonable and if they are being treated fairly and honestly, they will return.