Vanessa A. Doctor asked:




Many people dream of owning their own businesses, and selling prepaid phone cards at home would make a nice start to a good business proposition. Starting this business should be quite easy and could convert your dreams into reality. However, there is a very wide gap between dreams and reality. Your dreams, whatever the may be, can only be achieved with careful planning.

As a home-based entrepreneur, you will need to have a plan to avoid pitfalls, to achieve your goals, and to build a profitable home business, such as selling prepaid phone cards. But first let’s create a general overview of what one needs to have in mind when starting a prepaid phone card home business, and among the key points to bear in mind are the following:

A.) Find out if wholesale agents purchase voice traffic from telecom providers at wholesale, or discounted rates.

B.) Determine the amount of investment required to set up a prepaid card home selling business, and find out if there are any sign up or monthly fees, or if you sell the services under their own brand.

C.) Inquire from your service provider if they provide customizable business management, or web-based platforms to the wholesale agents, where you can:

> Set your own rates for their customers.

> Create different rate plans with different billing increments (rounding to seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute etc.), impose connection and disconnection charges, monthly fees and other parameters. Check if billing can be done in a local currency.

> Credit and charge amounts to/from accounts

> Configure postpaid or prepaid billing types for the customers

> Record own voice greetings and messages

> See the billing and errors for each account

> Configure speed dial numbers or services for the customers

> Generate pin codes for calling cards

D.) Ask if it is possible to provide a Customer Account Management (CAM) interface, or billing platform at the agent’s web-site. If they would provide you with this kind of interface, your customers would be able to:

> See their balance or current monthly usage

> See their pin codes.

> Change the callback numbers.

> View and print billing reports and invoices

> Update their personal information (i.e. address, phone, e-mail etc.)

E.) Also check if they provide voice prompts that are available in a number of international languages, for foreign callers or buyers.

F.) Find out if they impose minimum monthly sales requirements on your prepaid home selling business account.

G.) Do try out their customer service departments, and evaluate the quality and promptness of that service.

Having a good customer service platform helps in ensuring your prepaid card home selling business could cope with customer concerns like defective cards, improper billing, theft or loss of card, client feedback and suggestions.

H.) Analyze and compare phone card features with other brands.

Make a comparison of your prospective telecom service provider with other networks and resellers. Do find out if they have features such as PINless dialing, the ability to store multiple telephone numbers in one PIN, Custom voice prompts, Could the PIN save your own greeting messages, does it record promotional messages and take advantage of the promotional card business, does it have multiple recharge options, does it have convenient methods of recharging accounts, could it provide instant credit card charge, international callback modes, international toll free access, and affordable toll free access from US, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

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europe calling cards

john asked:


ok well my girlfriend went to europe for the summer i live in the us and she got a prepaid calling card. When she calls me on my cellphone do i get charged extra in any way because its long distance? or is it like using regular minutes?
my phone service is t mobile if that makes a difference?

europe calling cards

Vanessa A. Doctor asked:




Prepaid phone or call cards are communication tools purchased and used to make long distance or overseas phone calls.

These calling cards are generally sold by the number of minutes a cards is good for, however extra minutes can be charged for fees, surcharges and other add-on charges. There is a little known fact that many cards can be used for local calls from a local payphone or public phone, with applicable FCC payphone surcharges.

As such, you would call the 800 card number and then your local number including the area code. This means you’ll have a more convenient way of calling than paying directly with coins or having local calls charged to your hotel bill. Consumers are advised to always check with a hotel about any charges for 800 calls made using prepaid call cards.

How to Deal With Card Expiration Concerns

Some prepaid card providers want to make sure they will always earn a minimal monthly revenue from each wireless subscriber. Prepaid cards offer a cheaper alternative for low usage phone users, but providers wouldn’t want someone to buy a prepaid phone, then add $15 worth of service and last on it for years. You need o now that since you have to buy a new airtime card every 30, 60 or 90 days, they know that, whether you talk a lot or not much, you will always end up paying a minimal fee each month.

However, some phone card providers offer cards that expire after a full 365 days, and they are generally more expensive upfront, but for those who plan to use their prepaid cards only very rarely, this may be an excellent solution. In a constantly changing marketplace, consumers need to shop around regularly,and a Consumer Action study noted that discount clubs in the US, like Costco and Sam’s Club, tend to offer the best deals in prepaid phone cards. Pharmacies and discount stores also offer good deals.

Consumer organizations advise that once buyers find a good price, start asking questions, like “Who is really providing the service?”, “What are the terms and conditions?”, and, “Is there a toll-free number if you have questions before or after you buy?” The International Prepaid Communications Associations notes that “you should not have to buy a phone card and open it up to discover the issuer or the rules”.

Some Governments Have Begun Tightening Phone Card Regulations

In light of the entry of unscrupulous prepaid card operators and providers, some governments have begun instituting tighter measures to curb phone card fraud and misuse.

The Chinese government has implemented newer regulations which are aimed to stem cellphone fraud and unauthorized data transfers, including pornographic or politically charged content. China would join countries like Singapore and Malaysia in requiring registration of prepaid-card users for security purposes. China has begun running a trial program in Shanghai for the registration of prepaid card users since September 2005, and an estimated three million users have registered, according to official sources.

Chinese telecoms officials first ordered operators to weed out illegal cellphone charges in June. Singapore, which was the target of a terrorist plot in 2001, has began requiring purchasers of prepaid calling cards to submit a passport or identity card for storing and reference into a central database. The step is aimed at preventing these devices from being used in attacks. Malaysia also has required mobile phone companies to register details of their prepaid customers by Dec. 15.

The New Zealand telecommunications regulator also has initiated an investigation into the nation’s cellphone market and may impose new rules in an attempt to increase competition. The NZ Commerce Commission has been studying why there is a lack of new firms entering the nation’s mobile services market.

http://flatrateonline.net – Flat Rate Online

china Calling cards

Nick Davis asked:


So you’ve had some debt problems – maybe due to something outside your control such as a divorce. Now you’re getting your life back on track, but there’s a problem. Because of your bad credit record, no-one wants to lend you money any more.

Well, don’t despair! With prepaid credit cards, no credit checks will be made against your name when you apply. As long as your age, residence and social security number check out, approval is normally guaranteed.

Here’s how prepaid credit cards work. You apply just like any other credit card, but with prepaid credit cards you also deposit a sum of money in a linked bank account. Initially at least, the amount of money in this account then becomes your credit line.

Obviously this means that, to start with anyway, you can’t use a prepaid credit card to borrow money. However, the best cards report to the three main credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) every month. As long as you use your card responsibly, your actions will help to repair your credit record, or indeed to establish one for yourself if you haven’t had credit before.

Within a few months, if you have shown that you can use your card responsibly, you are likely to be offered a bigger credit line by your card issuer. With your ever-improving credit history, you may also be able to apply successfully for a standard credit card or other forms of credit, such as a bank loan.

Your prepaid card can be used just like any other credit card to buy things, whether on-line, over the phone or in person. There is nothing on the card to reveal that it is prepaid. The only people who will know this are you and your card issuer. So if you need to buy things using a credit card and can’t otherwise get one, a prepaid credit card could be the ideal solution for you. And all the while you will be rebuilding your credit history as well!

One drawback with prepaid credit cards is that, unlike ordinary credit cards, you may be asked to pay a processing fee when you apply. This is in addition to the money you will have to deposit with the issuer as security. If you regard this as a stepping stone to establishing a good credit record, however, this one-off fee is literally a small price to pay.

Prepaid credit cards are available from a growing number of issuers. One example is the New Millennium Bank, which offers a prepaid Platinum Visa® or Mastercard®. As well as the benefits mentioned above, the NMB card offers $100,000 travel accident insurance, extended warranty protection, and a special high introductory savings rate on your deposit.

As with all credit cards, however, it is important to shop around and not simply apply for the first prepaid card you see. Different cards offer different combinations of terms and conditions, and the best card for one person may not be the same as for his or her neighbor. Credit card comparison sites such as http://www.finest-credit-cards.com make this easier for you by listing all the best current credit card offers, and also have a range of articles offering independent advice and information.



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Prepaid101 asked:


Prepaid credit cards, also known as prepaid debit cards, are becoming popular among people unable to qualify for a checking account or credit card. With all the card options, it’s always helpful to know what you are doing before you go out and get a card.

Often, people look at prepaid credit cards as being all the same; however, different cards have different types of fees, features and services. This article will guide you on how to find a prepaid card that is right for you.

Step One: Identify Card Use

If you are in the market for a prepaid card, the first thing you should do is identify why you are getting the card. Will you be using it on a regular basis? Or will it only be used for special occasions? The majority of cardholders use prepaid cards to handle their personal finances, such as paying for groceries, bills, and other necessities. On the other hand, some people like using prepaid cards for special occasions, such as vacations, traveling, and online shopping. Identifying how you will be using your prepaid card will help narrow down your card options.

Step Two: Identify Card Features

From the previous step, you identified how you plan on using your prepaid card, now you need to identify what card features you are looking for. ATM withdrawal and direct deposit is common among most prepaid credit cards and usually a necessity; however; some features, such as SMS text alerts and short-term loans, are more of a luxury and only offered on select prepaid credit cards. For example, a card with higher deposit limits and free bill pay may be more important features if you’re using the card to handle most of your personal finances, but not as necessary for someone using it just for vacation. Make a list of features you need, a list of features you want, and a list of features you can deal without. This will come in handy when you begin searching card offers.

Step Three: Identify Card Fees

The last thing you will need to identify when choosing the right prepaid credit card are the fees. Every card is set up differently and has its own fee structure. Not all prepaid cards charge the same type of fees, but some of the more common fees you can expect to see are: activation fees, monthly fees, bill pay fees, ATM fees, and transaction fees. Identify all the possible fees you can expect to pay along with an ideal and maximum amount you are willing to pay for each fee. This step helps by set a budget for how much you are willing to spend on your prepaid credit card.

Step Four: Card Comparison Sites

Now that you have an idea of what you are looking for in a prepaid credit card, it is now time to start shopping around to find the card that fits your needs. With so many prepaid cards available to choose from, it can be quite time consuming searching through so many card offers online, this is why card comparison sites are so useful. Most credit card comparison sites have categories for prepaid credit cards, but since these sites are formatted for traditional credit cards, the prepaid information may not be as useful. It is better to use a card comparison sites that are designed primarily for prepaid credit cards. These websites are great information resources for finding the right prepaid card; you can compare prepaid credit cards, read card reviews, and get information on a variety of prepaid credit cards without searching the internet for each card individually.

Step Five: Apply and Review

Now that you have used a prepaid card comparison site to find the prepaid card that matches what you need in a card and what you are willing to pay, all you have to do is apply. Once you have applied for the prepaid card that is right for you, write a card review on the prepaid card comparison site that you used. By writing card reviews, you can contribute to the community of prepaid card shoppers by sharing your own personal experience with the card.



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peterhutch asked:


wing prepaid debit cards and prepaid credit cards can help you control your spending. A reloadable debit card allows you to only spend up to the amount you have pre-deposited into the account. If you tend to overspend or would like to control your spending then a pre-paid debit card or prepaid credit card could be a good card for you.

Using a prepaid credit card has many advantages over wire transfers, money orders or other agent-based money sending locations. There are no unexpected agent fees for the recipient, and no need to carry large sums of cash. The prepaid credit card can be used to withdraw smaller amounts as needed from any Visa ATM. You can add more money to the prepaid credit card online, at any time immediately.

Why go prepaid?

Getting a prepaid card can help you build your credit history. If you are thinking about buying a car or house soon, get a prepaid to start building your credit. Most prepaid cards don’t have payment due dates. If you don’t want the responsibility of making a payment on time, get a prepaid and you will never have a payment. Credit cards often have fees. Get a prepaid and never overspend you limits, spend the planned amount, and earn rewards at the same time!

What are the charges?

Card application fee – Is there a charge for opening your account? If so is money loaded onto the card so that you have a balance on the card?Monthly service charge – Is there a monthly subscription fee and what do you get for this charge? For example does the prepaid card company provide free top-ups, an online service, a helpline or other additional services for you, funded by this fee?Customer call helpline – Are you charged at premium rate, national rate or standard rate for essential calls to the company’s helpline?Credit card/cash load – Is there a charge every time you top-up and does this vary by the manner in which you top-up, for example transferring funds from a credit card or in cash at the Post Office or at a Payzone or Paypoint terminal?

No interest to pay…

There’s no interest to pay or late payment fees! Because your cashplus prepaid MasterCard only approves transactions up to the amount prepaid on the card, it puts you in control of the amount you can spend. There’s no surprises as you can use the online facility to monitor balances and transactions at any time day or night.

Benefits of Prepaid Credit Cards

Spending independence – You can use prepaid credit cards just like regular credit cards. Just find what you need, hand your card to the clerk, sign your name on the receipt, get a copy of the receipt and your card back–and you’re done.

Convenience – Prepaid credit cards can be used everywhere Visa or MasterCard is accepted-at stores, gas stations, restaurants, theaters, in the mall and online.

Budgeting – You figure out in advance how you’ll spend it: spending can be controlled by how much money is loaded. In addition, prepaid credit cards provide a simpler way to keep track of money vs. carrying cash.



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Eliza Maledevic Ayson asked:


Prepaid calling cards are in advance telephone minutes being purchase.

There are plenty of prepaid calling cards and each prepaid calling card lists a toll-free number and comes with an access code or PIN number. The user will have to dial the toll-free number, plus the Pin number and then the number that the user is calling. As soon as the number is dialed, the countdown of the prepaid card starts.

A lot of people are using prepaid calling cards because they want to lower their phone bill and others are avoiding collect calls or high cell phone charges. Prepaid calling cards can come in different increments such as five, ten or twenty dollars. You can buy these cards anywhere, you can have about thirty minutes to ten hours, and it actually depends on the company.

You can buy prepaid calling cards almost anywhere such as supermarkets, post offices, electronic stores and discount marts; these are few of the places where you can purchase prepaid calling cards. You can also look for prepaid calling cards through the internet or purchase some by mail order catalogs, local newspapers and television commercials. Indeed, there a lot of places where you can find the prepaid calling cards you want and need. But as a piece of advice, you have to be extra careful in choosing and purchasing of prepaid calling cards, since prepaid calling cards differs with rates, prices and services. So it would be better if you shop around before buying in order for you to see which prepaid calling card that can give you the most minutes of your money.

If you buy a five dollar prepaid calling card, it doesn’t simply mean that you will be having five dollars worth of minutes. You have to know, learn and be aware about maintenance fees and surcharges. You prepaid calling card, after it activation might be entitled with services fees, connection fees and taxes. You can also expect some surcharges if you use the prepaid calling card in pay phone. In purchasing prepaid calling card, you have to check out the package of the prepaid calling card and know if there are any fees and surcharges. You also have to check out about the expiration date, you have to make use of the prepaid calling card before the said date in order for you not to lose money.

Prepaid calling cards are suitable and convenient for students and to those who travels a lot. Since you can easily contact and keep in touch with your loved ones and friends especially you are far from them. In using prepaid calling card, you can save money. And each call you made will no longer appear on your phone bill.

You just have to be informative; you have to gain information about prepaid calling cards before you purchase any. You can compare few prepaid calling cards in order for you to come up with the prepaid calling card that suits your needs.

Eliza Maledevic

http://www.flatrateonline.net/Public/default.aspx



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hawkeyechino asked:

This is from a website called www.callingcardleader.com, and it shows how a user searches for low cost prepaid calling card rates from the UK to Thailand. http

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msimeha1 asked:

Looking for a prepaid,cheap international calling card ? But with not hidden fees. All the tips about overseas calling cards rates

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