Running a small company depends on having the correct tools to process transactions, control
money, and provide customer service. Intuit has two such tools: QuickBooks Merchant Services and
QuickBooks Online Support. Though they have distinct purposes, both services seek to simplify
company processes. We will dissect the variations, advantages, and features of QuickBooks
Merchant Services and QuickBooks Online Support in this post so that you may choose the one best
for your company.
Designed for companies to take credit card, debit card, and ACH payments—electronic
transfers—QuickBooks Merchant Services is an integrated payment processing system. Many times
used in combination with QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop, these services let companies
immediately monitor transactions inside their accounting system.
Key Features of QuickBooks Merchant Services:
QuickBooks Merchant Services lets companies take consumer payments via credit cards, debit cards,
and ACH payments among other ways. You can handle payments utilizing the service whether your
company runs online, in-person, or over the phone.
- Integration of Invoicing: The service connects with QuickBooks invoicing so that, upon client payment, automatically processed payments are created. This lessens the necessity for hand-entering data and simplifies your bookkeeping.
- Regularly billed businesses—such as those offering subscription-based services or membership fees—can set up recurring billing for clients that must be charged periodically.
- QuickBooks Merchant Services provides online payment gateways, therefore allowing companies to gather payments via their websites—including connection with e-commerce systems.
- Mobile Payments: Via QuickBooks GoPayment, the tool allows companies to take payments on tablets or smartphones.
- QuickBooks Merchant Services protects your company and client data by means of safe payment processing including encryption and fraud prevention.
- Integration with QuickBooks Products: The solution lets companies handle their payments and finances in one consistent system as it works well with QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. This connection guarantees automatic syncing of financial data and lowers mistakes.
Benefits of QuickBooks Merchant Services:
- Convenience: Businesses may monitor sales and payments without using separate software or hand entering by having a payment system directly linked with QuickBooks.
- Cost-Effective: Since the processing rates are reasonable and the connection with QuickBooks may save time and reduce errors, many small companies find QuickBooks Merchant Services very affordable.
- Knowing that QuickBooks is a reputable brand helps you calm your clients when they make payments, as it guarantees safe handling of their transaction data.
2. Overview of QuickBooks Online Support
Intuit offers QuickBooks Online Support to help consumers with any technical problems, queries, or
concerns about QuickBooks Online. Being a cloud-based accounting tool, QuickBooks Online
supports customers with everything from basic setup to troubleshooting, feature management, and
issue resolution.
Key Features of QuickBooks Online Support:
- Technical Support: QuickBooks Online Support helps users with any technical concerns they may run into using the platform—including difficulties with logging in, synchronizing data, errors, or bugs.
- Account Setup Support: The support staff can walk companies through the QuickBooks Online setup process—including customizing company settings, chart of accounts, integrating with bank feeds, and linking with other applications.
- QuickBooks Online Support provides live chat, phone support, and email help, among other instructional tools, to help users effectively use the program. This includes guiding consumers in controlling costs, handling payroll, and creating financial reports.
- Should users run into any problems or mistakes with QuickBooks Online, the support staff is ready to diagnose and provide fixes. This might include data mismatches or synchronization problems with banks.
- Product upgrades: The QuickBooks Online Support staff also tells consumers about upgrades and new features in QuickBooks Online, therefore enabling customers to remain current with the changing capabilities of the program.
- Though availability may vary based on the degree of help ordered (e.g., ProAdvisor vs. ordinary support), QuickBooks Online help usually provides 24/7 assistance.
- Expert Guidance: Users may be able to contact qualified QuickBooks ProAdvisors, depending on their subscription package, who may provide professional advice on accounting best practices and software enhancements.
Benefits of QuickBooks Online Support:
- Expert Support: QuickBooks Online Support gives consumers access to qualified specialists with an in-depth understanding of QuickBooks Online and can help with many accounting chores, troubleshooting, and issue-solving.
- Efficiency: Quickbooks Online Support lets customers swiftly fix any problems, therefore reducing downtime and guaranteeing seamless running of their company.
- Customized Help: Support agents may provide specifically designed support depending on the accounting demands and company size.
- Resources: QuickBooks Online Support provides a broad spectrum of courses, webinars, and other tools to let users maximize the capabilities of the program.
3. Differences Between QuickBooks Merchant Services and QuickBooks Online Support
Given that both QuickBooks Merchant Services and QuickBooks Online Support seek to enhance the
financial administration of your company, at first look, they appear to be the same. They do,
however, accommodate several facets of your business:
- Basic Purpose: QuickBooks Merchant Services is mostly concerned with processing transactions and payment facilitation. It links payments made by consumers across many channels with QuickBooks so that companies may embrace them. Conversely, QuickBooks Online Support emphasizes technical support and customer care connected to the QuickBooks Online program itself.
- Target Audience: Whether in-person or online, QuickBooks Merchant Services is perfect for companies needing a flawless method to collect consumer payments. Companies wishing to link payment processing with their accounting system directly will find it very helpful. QuickBooks Online Support, on the other hand, is designed for companies that need assistance with the functionality, troubleshooting, and direction on how to utilize QuickBooks Online properly.
- QuickBooks Merchant Services lets companies effortlessly monitor payments and sales by connecting straight with QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Conversely, QuickBooks Online Support is meant to help consumers with problems and queries about QuickBooks Online.
- QuickBooks Merchant Services usually charges transaction fees depending on payment volume; QuickBooks Online Support may be included in your subscription or demand extra costs for premium support services.
4. Which One Do You Need?
- Although both QuickBooks Merchant Services and QuickBooks Online Support provide useful tools, the one you need will depend on the particular requirements of your company.
- QuickBooks Merchant Services is the superior option if your company requires a payment processing system coupled with QuickBooks. QuickBooks Merchant Services lets you easily manage transactions and securely handle payments whether your business sells online, in- store, or over the phone.
- QuickBooks Online Support: QuickBooks Online Support is the best option if you are using QuickBooks Online and need help with using the program, resolving problems, or using the platform. Companies that depend on QuickBooks Online to handle their finances and want professional help to maintain things operating smoothly rely on this service.
Conclusion
While QuickBooks Online Support and Merchant Services have separate but complimentary uses,
QuickBooks Merchant Services may assist your company in easily accepting payments if you need to
simplify payment processing. Conversely, QuickBooks Online Support guarantees that you have
professional help for any of your QuickBooks-related problems, therefore maintaining effectiveness
and error-free accounting practices.
In the end, your company's urgent needs—whether they relate to strong QuickBooks Online support
or payment processing capability—will determine which of the two you choose. Many companies
will gain from using both products to properly and quickly handle their money.