The Power Point of Retail Selling

Our latest slideshow, entitled “Credit Card Merchant Services: The Power is @ The Point-of-Sale” is now available for viewing at slideshare.net. And, this PowerPoint presentation readily identifies how the optimum merchant card setup benefits even the smallest retail merchant.

Anything essential to success should come fully loaded with benefits, and having the right merchant card setup surely meets that criteria. And, every merchant has the opportunity to enjoy all of the benefits being “properly connected” to the right processing. For example:

– competitive price points on the latest equipment
– equally competing processing rates
– focused technology to lower costs and improve revenues
– technological solutions that support alternative ways to access capital
– solutions for accepting payments in non-traditional retail environments

Our presentation highlights a wide spectrum of services provided by LCS Card Services which offer meets merchants at all of these key points of need for being competitive and equipped for success. There are tremendous cost savings (in some cases, no cost equipment), boost to revenue opportunities (selling gift cards), as well as alternative ways to access working capital, if needed (merchant cash advances). And, while producing this slide show presentation, it was realized that many (including LCS Card Services) were under utilizing online credit card merchant services. That is soon changing.

The sum of the matter is, it does matter how you process, and who you process with. LCS Card Services has a passion for seeing the underdog (i.e., small, independent retail merchants) win. This passion has given birth to a unique insights and expertise into how to capture marketing advantage out of point-of-sale systems and convey them to their operators (i.e., store and website owners). That is why we can convey confidently how to generate an additional $50,000 in revenues for retailers who only see 100 customers per day; how to save over $1,400.00 per year by adding BINSmart Cost Manager; as well as ways to increase revenues to offset costs for merchant cash advances.

In some ways, this skill set is on display in The Ultimate GiftCard Network, but its best demonstrated in the “on demand” environment of interacting with prospective clients seeking real solutions.

To view our latest slide show presentation, please follow the link provided below:

Or you can follow the link in our sidebar to check out all of the slide show presentations we have composed to make quality information in these areas available.

Jeffery Lakes
LCS Card Services
marketing@DynamicDebits.net

Real Savings for Small Merchants

Earlier this year, the BINSmart™ Cost Manager was introduced as a cost savings solution for small merchants that in times past was only available for big retailers.

By evaluating every card transaction for the best method for merchants to save on processing costs, BINSmart™ Cost Manager is rapidly emerging as a “game-changer” in the highly competitive field of merchant card services.

LCS Card Services offers BINSmart™ Cost Manager and has also produced a slide show presentation featuring this tremendous point-of-sale solution.

Highlights of the equally dynamic slide show presentation include the following:

* How BINSmart™ Works
* Sample Merchant Profile/Pro Forma
* Special Offers – BINSmart™ Cost Manager

The sample merchant pro forma highlights a savings over 500% above current “bait and switch-like tactics” of lowering the merchant’s processing rates.

Now that’s modern technology working for small business at a time when it’s needed the most. In fact, with major credit card associations raising their interchange rates, lower rates are not what they used to be.

To view this timely slide show presentation, please follow the link provided below:

BINSmart™ Cost Manager slide show presentation

Jeffery Lakes
LCS Card Services
marketing@dynamicdebits.net

The Ultimate Goes Dynamic!

Effective immediately, The Ultimate GiftCard will be known as DynamicDebits Gift Card. Our retail merchant marketing organization will continue to be known as The Ultimate GiftCard Network, and our forthcoming online retail storefront to bear the name “The Ultimate GiftCard Marketplace.

This branding is consistent with our official website bearing the same name, and is only fitting as this product is our signature launch into the most relevant stored value arena. And, our product page at Facebook will now also be known as “The DynamicDebits Gift Card Page” at Facebook.

It is also believed that this name change will minimize confusion in the marketplace, while also maximizing branding opportunities. More exciting announcements are soon to come.

For additional information about joining The Ultimate GiftCard Network, please contact:

Jeffery Lakes
Lakes Communication Services
http://dynamicdebits.com
Email: lakescommunications@yahoo.com

Facebook your business

Facebook is clearly the place to be. Not only am I having a great time sharing with family and friends, as well as reconnecting with former schoolmates, but also, I am finding it a great place for businesses to be, especially since Facebook changed its business page format (more on that at another time).

And, even though my experience with these changes are ever evolving, I do believe its time to let the world know that they can keep up with our latest offerings by checking Lakes Communication Services out on Facebook by clicking on the appropriate link provided below or searching the term as written:

The Ultimate GiftCard Network

Capital Bankcard-Southern California

Merchant Card Services-Gift Cards

Merchant Cash Advances

BINSmart Cost Manager

Lastly, it can also pay to check businesses out on Facebook. For instance, I received a $100.00 advertising credit simply for joining the Visa Business Network on Facebook. What a great way to sample how effective advertising on this vast network could be, as well as gain access to valuable information and contacts for my business. Now, when all is said and done, that’s what it’s all about.

Let the Slideshows Begin

Earlier this year, I came to know about SlideShare.net, the premier place online for individuals and organizations to present themselves through PowerPoint Presentations. Recently, I completed the first of many (to come) presentations entitled “Gift Cards: Powering Profit-Ability”.

Needless to say that I am fully persuaded that gift cards deliver favorably upon a retailers’ bottom line. That is, simply put, the opportunity to be profitable.

“Powering Profit-Ability” ably demonstrates how gift cards attract new customers to stores, as well as a host of other benefits as follows:

* increases foot traffic to the store
* increases sales revenue
* keeps hard earned sales revenue in the store
* 100 customer profile that projects an additional $45,000 in annual income
* how gift cards are great advertising tools
* the impact that internet/ecommerce has on selling gift cards

To view this informative slide show presentation, please click on the link provided below:

Gift Cards: Powering Profit-Ability

In addition to my own presentations, I will also feature those that I find to be complimentary to my viewpoint and mission. There is also a SlideSpace link here on this blog site.

Solutions for Repaying Merchant Cash Advances

For retail merchants considering their funding options, a merchant cash advance must be given serious consideration. As banks continue to be challenged as to who they might lend to, merchant cash advance providers continue to welcome the opportunity to provide funding to retail businesses of all sizes.

Many businesses, however, are slow to take advantage because they consider the costs to be too high. Let’s hope that they don’t consider selling their businesses below market value or going out of business as a viable alternatives to taking out the much more flexible merchant cash advance.

And for those that find themselves needing capital without an expansion or growth agenda, here’s a solution: Sell Gift Cards!

While a $10,000 merchant cash advance might cost you as much as $3,800 (it’s definitely not cheap, yet it is flexible), a store that sells five gift cards averaging $25.00 per card load would generate an additional $3,750.00 in sales revenues per month (or $45,000 per year). The end result is that new revenues will exceed the new expenses by almost a 2 to 1 ratio. Assuming profit of 20% on sales of gift cards, the decision to sell gift cards still puts that merchant one step ahead by about $700.00 net (not including tax advantages).

For merchants considering this funding option, LCS Card Services is offering 1st time customers a $100.00 Gift Card for approved merchant funding accounts. LCS Card Services is the newly formed division of Lakes Communication Services focused in Merchant Card Services. LCS can also set merchants up with their own gift card hosting program complete with services that support marketing and selling private label gift cards. LCS Card Services will also give a $50.00 Gift Card as a thank you for those who simply refer new accounts that are approved.

LCS Card Services can be reached at (213) 804-4983

Free Gift Cards: Participation Required

Earlier this week, Lakes Communication Services announced the formation of The Ultimate GiftCard Network as a solution for small, independent merchants to breakthrough big with gift cards (see press release) in ways to numerous to mention without composing novels.

This is not a pass you by, footnote opportunity, but a chance for small businesses throughout the United States that typically see themselves at competitive disadvantages (when compared to big retailers) to break through that mode of thought and position themselves for the revolution that has been birthed first by the unveiling of the distinct synergy of prepaid debit and ecommerce; coupled with the seismic shift of this economic downturn that will culminate with the cutting of the fat out of old ways of doing business. Or do we think that the effects of a curse come without a cause?

All this said, Lakes Communication Services is offering Free Gift Cards to those who refer new members to The Ultimate GiftCard Network. Free Gift Cards are also available with several of their Merchant Card Services, which include:

– Converting over merchant processing account; or opening a new account
– Approved merchant cash advance
– merchant’s own gift card program
– ATM purchase, lease, placement or reprogram

In the very near future, the company will also be offering Free Gift Cards simply for completing offers that flow through the normal consumer flow. For example, in the coming weeks, customers looking for the best DirecTV offers may search out a link to a special highlighting The $50.00 Ultimate GiftCard for completing that offer.

As for the businesses referred to The Ultimate GiftCard Network, they have opportunity to launch their own gift card program; capitalize on the program that is positioned to fully leverage ecommerce; gain a dynamic online presence and much more. Business will never be the same, and it is strongly believed that some will avoid downsizing and closures by joining this new organization.

So, if you are an active social networker, then there are viable rewards just for being you.

Retailers Taking Authority of their Point-of-Sale

This Week’s Memo to Merchants: Take Authority over your Store’s Point-of-Sale

Even in challenging economic times, business owners still have to find ways to lower costs, keep cash flowing and grow their businesses. So many retailers are taking such hard hits across so many sectors, and fear is so rampant that doom is on the horizon, but so is opportunity if the concept of being in control if seized upon and put into action.

To do this, merchants need to become more savvy and aware of the options available through their payment processing setups. For instance, in today’s economic climate, small retailers must find ways to lower their merchant card processing costs to ensure that every sale earns maximum profit. Another need for independent merchants is to have access to capital in times of emergency, or even transition for their businesses. These funds may help keep the business afloat, or even position the business owner to expand his/her business.

Contacting your current merchant services provider probably will not net you a lower rate, especially if you have a term contract. Instead it will simply alert them that you are a candidate for “flight”; so you’re probably going to change service providers to gain lower processing costs. And, based on the monthly credit card sales volume (typically MasterCard and Visa), merchants that qualify can get up to $250,000 per location without collateral or fixed payments. Also, even small, independent merchants can host their own gift card programs, typically through arrangement with a credit card processor that offers such an opportunity.

A great way to get value out of Taking Authority over your Point-of-Sale is to contact Lakes Communication Services to take advantage of their products and services throughout these three key areas.

For retailers currently accepting credit cards looking to lower their cost, check out the new BINSmart Cost Manager, which brings big retailer technology to small merchants. Powered by a patent-pending technology that evaluates every transaction (credit/debit/corporate card) and then calculates the best estimated method to save on processing costs. For start-ups and merchants new to card processing, there is no better way to ensure that cost controls are in place when your card processing operations first commence.

Also, for merchants who need working capital, in today’s economy, there is no time to be bouncing from bank to bank for funds that generally are not available. A merchant cash advance meets you were you are; great credit is not a requirement and funding can turn around in most cases within 2 working days. Having heard so many who needed emergency funds say no based on the state of the economy, here’s my response: Look, if you get the funds today (let’s say $15K) and an economy dip slows down your sales by 20% (let’s hope not). Well, with a merchant cash advance versus a bank loan, the timeline to fulfill repayment auto adjusts; whereas with a bank loan, the amount of repayment is fixed, as is the date of each month (which could also trigger late fees, penalties and negative reports to credit bureaus).

Lastly (for now), independent merchants hosting their own gift card program are positioned for improved customer service efficiencies, increased foot traffic to their store(s), customer retention and increased sales revenues. Gift cards are not just for big retailers, but especially for small merchants that tend to be more personable, community oriented and interactive with their customer base. Soon, Lakes Communication Services will also issue “The Power of Gift Cards” demonstrating the impact selling one gift card to every 5th customer would have on three retailing scenarios (100, 250 & 500 daily customers). The findings simply scream- “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???.

Before we close, let’s define two key words so that our call to action is clear:

# 1- Taking
# 2- Authority

The word “taking” for this lesson means “receiving” or “possessing”. And the word “authority” means “power”. So merchants who act this out receive power from acquired information that they act upon to achieve desired objectives.

Urban Trust Bank will issue Prepaid Payroll Cards

Urban Trust Bank, one of the nation’s largest black-owned banks will issue network-branded prepaid payroll cards as part of a deal bank officials announced this week with First Data Corp.

First Data, which is based in Greenwood Village, CO, will process transactions for the Money Network card, which Urban Trust Bank can either brand as a Visa or MasterCard, says Glenn Turpin, a First Data spokesperson.

Banks market payroll cards to businesses. Companies load employee’s payroll funds onto the cards as alternatives to direct deposit and printing and issuing more expensive paper payroll checks. Each employee who has payroll loaded onto a payroll card, however is given a book of checks to comply with a number of states, that require that the card have a paper instrument.

Cardholders can withdraw funds surcharge free from Allpoint, which has 37,000 machines in the United States and the United Kingdom. Cardholders will not be charged a transaction fee for signature transactions made at point-of-sale locations, but they will be charged a fee for PIN based transactions, Turpin says.

Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, founded Urban Trust Bank, which has its headquarters in Orlando, FL. Johnson heads RLJ Co. He is also owner of the Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association.

As reported in ATM & Debit News, Volume 10, Number 16, March 5, 2009, published by SourceMedia, Inc.

The Ultimate GiftCard Network’s Press Release

The Ultimate GiftCard Network: Timely Opportunities for Small Merchant Retailers to Breakthrough Big with Gift Cards.

Lakes Communication Services’ new gift card product provides small to mid-sized merchants with major chain marketing muscle.

Los Angeles (PRWEB) March 2, 2009 Lakes Communication Services, a developer and marketer of prepaid debit products, has announced the formation of The Ultimate GiftCard Network. Small, independent merchants in some of the most competitive sectors of retail are now able to exploit the marketing power of gift cards, while also gaining a more meaningful presence in the online ecommerce space.

“This marketing solution is ideally suited to the many small to mid-sized retail merchants that continue to exist without selling gift cards or promoting their business online” said Jeffery Lakes, founder and CEO of Lakes Communication Services. “One example is the cost effective way we help each merchant partner develop and launch their own gift card program.” And with membership including prominent positioning in The Ultimate GiftCard Marketplace, merchant partners will become exposed to online shoppers in numerous compelling ways. And, in these challenging economic times, retailers and direct marketers not offering gift cards are simply missing out on opportunities to gauge their customer service effectiveness as well as grow their sales.

The Ultimate GiftCard Network membership benefits:

* Development and launch of each members’ own gift card program
* Charter membership in a world-class multi-merchant network
* Attracting “motivated to buy” new customers to their store(s)’
* Increases to their store(s)’ sales and cash-flowing efficiencies
* A wide ranging and truly dynamic world wide web presence
* Selling and trading opportunities to and with other network members

More information on The Ultimate GiftCard Network is available at;

About Lakes Communication Services

Lakes Communication Service is a business development organization that specializes in marketing solutions for prepaid debit products, merchant services and commercial music. Founded in 1997, LCS is positioned to set new standards for innovation, integrity and intelligence in the fields of prepaid debit, entertainment and online ecommerce.