Card readers for mobile phones are a modern convenience many small businesses have heard about but maybe haven’t considered as a serious option due to cost constraints. Many companies offering these readers require a small business owner to sign a contract, purchase the reader and pay monthly fees and usage rates. On top of this, the phone must be a smart phone with internet capabilities. The cost and commitment to this technology might be dauting, but don’t be discouraged. Plan ahead to prepare for these costs and your business can have versatile payment options.
The Phone & Monthly Plan
Smart phones can [...]

T-Mobile recently announced a new partnership with Square that will help small businesses accept debit and credit cards more easily and in more places. The Square chip that plugs into your mobile phone will allow customers to swipe and pay for their purchases on the spot.  This technology could be great for small businesses, especially given that in 2011 U.S. mobile commerce sales hit $5.3 billion, an 83% increase from 2010.  Being able to purchase the Square in a T-Mobile store will make it easier for small businesses to get on the mobile commerce train.
With this new technology, businesses will [...]

The latest news from Citibank will not be greeted well by the banking giant’s customers. Citi will be introducing more checking account fee hikes. This December, Citibank will pocket $20 per month from mid-level customers who fail to maintain a combined checking account balance over $15,000. Formerly, a fee was only charged for accounts falling below $6,000. To top that off, customers can also look forward to the EZ Checking account, a checking account carrying no monthly fees for balances over $1,500, to be phased out completely. Citibank will soon offer no checking accounts that come with “no fee.”
Why make [...]