BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
ActSmart, writing for BikeBiz, talks card processing and reveals a reduction in processing rates for its Gold and Platinum memers…
Against the background of a fast-growing membership, ActSmart has re-negotiated HSBC Merchant Services card processing rates down by a mean 15 per cent off the already competitive tariff for all Gold and Platinum members.
Businesses with a card turnover of between £100k to £300k p.a. shouldn’t be paying more than 10.4 pence per Maestro debit card transaction.
Tony Jones of ActSmart explains: “Whether you’re already using the ActSmart card processing scheme, or are a potential customer, you can enhance your business by taking card payments with HSBC Merchant Services. The scheme has been tailored to specifically meet the needs of ActSmart members.”
Key features for Gold or Platinum ActSmart members include free set up – normally £150, free terminal rental for the first three months and an average saving of £720 p.a. compared to a standard tariff. Preferential rates may be individually agreed for members with a card turnover in excess of £300k p.a.
Full rate details are available to members at www.actsmart.biz. Existing merchants are eligible for this benefit, but you must contact HSBC Merchant Services to initiate.
Experts Gift Cards – coming soon
With the HSBC Merchant Services payment system you can take card payments from customers quickly and efficiently face-to-face, or when the customer is not present. You will also benefit from automatic access to ActSmart’s new consumer facing ‘Experts Gift Card’ programme.
Gift cards are a great way to significantly boost retail sales and enhance profits. Although they are an established feature of the UK retail marketplace they are still generally the domain of corporate and chain retailers.
This no longer needs to be the case with ActSmart launching a new pre-paid gift card initiative throughout the cycle and outdoor pursuits sector in early 2012.
The Experts programme will have no cost of entry or commission charges, the only price of start up is the initial card purchase cost. All participants will benefit from a national consumer promotional campaign.
Retailers will benefit from increased sales, with more customers and increased average transaction values. Retailers will also see reduced costs and flexibility compared with paper voucher schemes and increased margin opportunities – up-selling and breakage income. Shops will see the recruitment of new customers through gifting and consumer promotion, as well as the retention of existing customers – the cards can be used as loyalty cards, Christmas club cards and targeted consumer promotional campaigns, plus much more.
Did you know that you don’t need to bank with HSBC to access ActSmart’s HSBC Merchant Services rates? And that ActSmart members also benefit from a 25 per cent reduction off the standard HSBC Business Banking tariff? If you have card processing with HSBC Merchant Services and an HSBC Business Bank account you receive your funds within 24 hours.
New ActSmart HSBC Business Banking customers benefit from 18 months free banking and if you’re in a card contract you don’t fully understand, or would like to get out of, contact our resident expert tony.jones@actsmart.biz
The new card processing rates are available now. Existing merchants are eligible immediately, but you must contact HSBC Merchant Services now on 0845 702 3344 for a rate review to the new ActSmart tariff.
To take advantage of the new ActSmart preferential card processing rates you need to enrol or upgrade to ActSmart Gold, or Platinum membership.
To enrol with ActSmart or upgrade call 0845 618 7256 or visit www.actsmart.biz
ACT and ActSmart – Who does what?
The National Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) is the largest UK cycle trade body, with c.1800 businesses promoting the interests of specialist cycle retailing for over 80 years now.
ActSmart is a small business support organisation for specialist retailers and their supply partners in the outdoor activities, leisure and home sectors.
ACT and ActSmart work closely together to provide dedicated business support for the specialist cycle industry.
ActSmart offers four levels of membership; Bronze membership is totally free, ACT membership is available to Gold and Platinum members who meet ACT criteria.
For more information visit www.actsmart.biz or call 0845 618 7256.
