Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) - Benefits

[TotalWebSolutions]

Being a new start up can be expensive and as such we find many of our clients are looking for ways to keep costs down when they apply for services such as merchant accounts. One of the ways in which start ups can do this is to join the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Not only does it give your website extra recognition when you display the FSB logo, but you can also get some excellent savings/benefits from being a member. With over 200,000 members the FSB is the UK's leading Business organisation.

For example, if you are starting an ecommerce site then you may want to add a Payment Gateway as a secure payment option for credit/debit cards either via your website or over the telephone. In order to do this you would first of all need to have a business bank account in place. The FSB offers free business banking via the Co-operative Bank to members meaning no monthly fees for service, no fees to pay for standard non-cash transactions such as Direct Debits, standing orders or automated credits.

Membership would also give you significant reductions on a Internet Merchant Account via Streamline. Merchant Accounts usually carry significant setup fees, which to a new business can prove difficult to justify. Using FSB membership you stand to get the setup fee wavered as well as the % processing fees reduced. We have found this of particular benefit to our Payment Gateway clients and often it has led to the merchant being signed up by Streamline quicker as a result. With the savings offered by the FSB as well as our low cost solutions, online businesses stand to benefit whether they are start ups or existing trading businesses.

Other benefits include free legal and financial advice, reductions on fuel, insurance and telecoms.

Before making the decision whether to join, it is recommended that you speak with the FSB to fully understand membership. As such we would be happy to assist by arranging for someone to call you to discuss membership.

If you would like any further information on the FSB or our Payment Gateway please contact us.

Kind regards,

Simon Lowe
Sales manager
Total Web Solutions Ltd

[FionaJMD]

I joined the FSB last Summer - really only for the preferrential rates on the card machine.  I chose to go with Santander rather than the Co-op mainly because their online banking was better.

[KNM Computers]

Does it cost anything to join fsb?

[FionaJMD]

Yes, I think it was about £130.  However I just worked out that I saved £180 over the year by being a member.  I think it also lends credibility to me as a business though.

The one thing which you dont pay is the monthly transaction fees on the card machine - you pay a monthly rental but there is no minimum monthly transaction fee which I think with others it is £15 per month.

If I hadnt wanted the card machine I dont think I would have joined - but these things only really come into fruition when you need them for insurance claims and tax investigations etc.

[wayzgoose]

Total Web Solutions - I agree the FSB is an excellent organisation and I have used many of their services. But why should any interested parties contact you aboout them rather than going direct?

[donthidethem]

Hi there,

I was also thinking of joing the FSB. Need to get some cash together to do it.

Thanks for the post.

[TotalWebSolutions]

Total Web Solutions - I agree the FSB is an excellent organisation and I have used many of their services. But why should any interested parties contact you aboout them rather than going direct?

They can of course go direct to the FSB but we can also arrange for them to call you (saving the cost of the call). Even if you are not looking to use our payment services with the Streamline merchant account we can still put you in touch with the FSB.