Month: January 2015

New Jersey Real Estate Partners Plan to Open Third Restaurant

    Finance Tips

American real estate partners’ buildings earn leed

When it comes to commercial real estate, the reasons for hiring real estate partners are often clear: these professionals not only know how to invest in a REIT and other useful information about this type of investment, but are experienced in every aspect of managing commercial property, from choosing an establishment to managing cash inflows and outflows. This experience is often so effective that real estate partners can have a significant impact on their local communities. In the case of one group in New Jersey, this effect has taken the shape of several restaurants that have become key to the area’s culinary scene.

The Restaurant Development Group (RDG), based in Jersey City, has used their trained eye for real estate to launch a number of diverse and unique eateries in their community. Comprised of real estate partners Andy Siegel, Michael Garcia and Geza Gulas, the group currently runs a Southern barbecue-style bar called Lucky 7 Tavern, as well as a Mediterranean restaurant called Satis Bistro. The group is also planning to open a third business, called Raval Tapas Bar and Cocktail Lounge, in early February.

However, the group’s success isn’t only measured in the number of restaurants they have been able to open: in 2012, Satis Bistro won the Critic’s Choice award for “”Best New Restaurant in New Jersey” from the New Jersey Monthly. The restaurant also earned praise from both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. And while Raval’s has yet to open, the RDG has successfully drummed up interest in the new business after offering samples of the restaurant’s Spanish-style fare at a Jersey City event in early December.

Despite their success, RDG says they have no plans to halt their progress. Currently, the group is considering expanding their existing locations in Central New Jersey and Washington, D.C. If you are wondering “should I invest in property,” take their story as inspiration: contact real estate partners in your area today. More like this.

Three Modern Payment Processing Solutions Your Small Business Could Benefit From

    Finance Tips

Accept credit cards

For most small business owners, customer payments usually come in only three forms: they accept credit cards and debit cards, checks, and cash. In some instances, checks may not even be allowed if they cannot be examined for fraud, especially in the case of businesses that travel. Cash isn’t an option for businesses that sell their wares online. And above all, more and more customers are using their bank accounts and credit cards to pay for their goods and services, rather than going through the inconvenience of carrying cash or writing out checks.

The good news is that payment solutions are expanding as technology improves to give business owners and their customers more choices when they check out. If you think your business could use a bit of improve in the arena of customer payments — and could stand to make more by offering more flexible payment options — then here are three payment processing solutions you may want to try out:

Mobile Payment Processing

Mobile payment processing utilizes a tablet or smartphone equipped with a card tapping or swiping device attached to it. These mobile devices can be used anywhere with a WiFi, 3G, or 4G internet connection in order to take credit card payments. These devices are encrypted, secure, and 100% PCI compliant to ensure that customer data is not stolen. This option is perfect for businesses on the go and restaurants that want to allow customers to pay at their tables.

Mobile Phone Payments

Mobile phone payments are a growing segment of the payment processing industry, and they are offering more convenience than ever to customers. All they have to do is tap their mobile phones on a device that takes their payments, and they can make payments without their credit cards present. This method can even send receipts right to their phones in some cases without the need to print. This option is especially good for businesses that want to help customers make secure payments without the need to encrypt their credit card data.

Online Credit Card Payment Processing

Finally, so many businesses these days have embraced eCommerce that it’s become a multi-billion dollar industry in North America alone. Businesses that offer their products online have the ability, if they want to, to ship worldwide — so why not collect payments from all over the globe, as well? In addition to online credit card payment processing, many payment solutions companies can also help businesses accept a full list of international currencies, so they truly have global reach online.

Have more questions about your mobile or online credit card payment processing services? Be sure to contact a payment solutions provider to find out how you can provide these new options for your customers. You can also leave a comment below for more information.

How Can Businesses Let Their Customers Use Visa and MasterCard Mobile Payments?

    Finance Tips

Accept international currencies

If you own a small business, by now you’ve likely heard about mobile payment devices. There are two ways that anything mobile can help your business. The first method allows you to accept credit cards and debit cards on a mobile device in your store or outside of it — anywhere with a WiFi connection. The other lets customers pay using mobile payment apps on their smartphones.

Upgrading to these types of technology can be confusing, and many business owners may not know whether or not they need these devices. Here’s a brief rundown of how mobile payments technology is changing the world of retail:

Mobile Payments Using Your Tablet or Smartphone

Many merchants today use mobile payments as a way to increase the convenience for their customers when they check out. Retail establishments often use mobile payments solutions to open up additional check out lines during busy seasons or to take with them on the go if their business travels. Restaurants are also using this technology as a convenient payment option right at the table for their patrons.

By carrying a tablet with you, you eliminate the need for a bulky terminal, and you can accept your customers’ Visa, Discover, or MasterCard mobile payments from anywhere. These additional mobile payment terminals can also be useful during busy seasons, For businesses on the go, taking card payments from customers gives them options beyond however much cash they have in their wallets.

Mobile Payments on a Customer’s Smartphone

A growing sector of the mobile payments industry is the type of mobile payment customers make using their smartphones. For example, Visa and MasterCard mobile payments allow users to store their credit card information on their phones, but without actually leaving the credit card number vulnerable. This encrypted information is stored in an app, and the phone is “tapped” against a device that takes the payment information. Visa and MasterCard mobile payments and other types of mobile payment app are considered a secure option when compared with swiping a card with a magnetic stripe, as that information is not encrypted and is subject to theft from hackers.

Have more questions about how mobile payments can help your business or which type of mobile payment solution is right for you? Be sure to leave a comment below with general questions, and ask a payment solutions provider for more information.