| The catering industry in the United States is | | | | Look for a merchant services provider that |
| estimated to be worth $5 billion a year. Caterers are | | | | guarantees a quick application turnaround time. If |
| hired to perform an assorted number of jobs -- | | | | cashflow is a concern in your business (and when isn't |
| everything from cooking to serving, mixing drinks and | | | | it?) make sure your credit card processing provider |
| whipping up delicious desserts. | | | | offers next day funding. |
| Different functions according to the niche a caterer | | | | 2. Download the app from the iTunes App store. |
| will define, meaning a caterer will choose what type | | | | 3. Once your merchant account and payment |
| of functions to specialize in as well as their job | | | | gateway are live, use your API login ID and |
| description. In this business, it is best to begin with a | | | | transaction keys to set up your information in the |
| business plan. Be meticulous when you detail how the | | | | App settings screen. |
| catering business will be operated, managed and | | | | 4. Transactions are entered and completed on one |
| capitalized. Owning a catering service not only means | | | | screen and you will know instantly when the card is |
| that you'll be cooking; be prepared to wear many | | | | approved. |
| hats such as: accountant, manager, marketer, sales | | | | 5. Getting a receipt to your customers is easy. All |
| representative, and bill collector. | | | | you have to do is enter their email address into the |
| Speaking of bill collection, a payment facility can come | | | | App and, once the transaction is approved, the |
| in handy. With your iPhone, you can take deposits | | | | receipt will be emailed to them. |
| and payment for your services on site without the | | | | Mobile credit card processing with your iPhone is |
| need to purchase or lease expensive credit card | | | | secure. Security features include AVS and CVV2 |
| terminals with high wireless fees. | | | | codes and SSL encryption for data transfer. Your |
| Here's how to use your iPhone to take mobile credit | | | | customers' credit card numbers are not stored on |
| card payments: | | | | your phone. |
| 1. Get a merchant account and payment gateway. | | | | |