I've been in the credit card payment processing industry since 1991.  Today, I am considered by many of my peers as one of the "Pioneers" that broke ground introducing "electronic processing" to small business which either had no credit card service....or was still mailing credit card slips to the bank to get paid.  Back then, only 45% of small business accepted credit cards electronically, 5% over the phone and 0% on the Internet (Al Gore had not perfected the internet yet for eCommerce ).    Today, it would be hard to find any business not accepting credit cards.  My background, Not being the type of person that can take orders, I purchased and operated a dry-cleaning plant for 10 years before I sold it.  I mention this to show my personnel experience as a merchant dealing with consumers and the feeling of self reliance and in control of my own destiny.  While taking CFP courses, I worked for a Company called Cherry Payment Systems (CPS) which was where I got into this industry.  They telemarketed business's to get them to accept credit cards in their business.  CPS gave me a script to follow.  I decided to freelance and  I connected better with the small business owners...possible because I too was a business owner and could relate to the concerns they had.  CPS wanted to fire me because I did not follow the script and for talking too long on each call,  but because I generated the most sales, they let me continue.  I have to say I was one of the top if not thee top telemarketer for the company.  I still felt I needed to do more than sit at a desk and be on the phone all day.  Later I jumped to Cardservice International, another credit card processing services, which is now a First Data ISO .  I generated my own leads and then went out to meet the business owners.  That was fun and paid the bills too.  Still I was restless.   I was limited to certain types of credit card terminals and programs with them.   I decided to be my own boss again and started my own business.  I was now able to provide the right equipment and services for my clients.  I also teamed up with a Merchant service provider which did not restrict me in any way and allowed me the freedom to provide the right service with the right equipment and software.  I eliminated the gimmicks, games, and offered a quality package at a fair price.  Since then and now, I get referrals from Bankers and other services (which I can not name) wanting to do the "right thing " for their clients and depositors.  You can say that I "cherry picked" all the products and services in the market, and through comparison, I bring my expertise, knowledge and experience and communication skills that is lacking in today's "sell and run away" environment.  I feel I am an  example of that saying  "  If you have a great product, people will find you and come to you" .  Today, most of my sales are done over the Phone, internet, email and fax.  I still provide the personal service as before and merchants referring other merchants to me is proof. 

Since the 1990's, I've seen thousands of "Open for Business" ....And thousands more "Business Closing".  Because of my trade, I seen business's just like yours come and go.  Because of my trade I can tell you one of many reasons that decided if the business will be successful or not.  It is such a simple life's lesson and is used by everyone in our daily lives, yet somehow, new business owners disregard or forget a simple life's lesson and life's experience. 

Choose an accountant or a lawyer not by their fee, but by experience in your industry.   Choose tires for your car, not by the price, but by traction and longevity , Choose me for your credit card payment processing, not because I offer low cost services, but because I provide top quality, "old school" one on one  communication, flexible solutions and can be purchased for slightly above low end,  gimmicky or packaged services.  Skimping on important products or services have been a main reason why some business fail to grow and many others fail.

I leave you with 2 wise sayings..... "The definition of CYNIC :  A person that knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing"

                                                       "If you plan on buying any product or service, buy it just one time" 

Good luck in your business and I hope you take the next step here. 
                                                                                                                        -  John Lord   Pres.  MerchantID  www.merchantid.com