If you own a convenience store, grocery store, or liquor store, or if you cater to college students, immigrant communities, or those who are credit challenged, APS has a unique opportunity for you. Bring more customers to your store, and bring in more income, by selling prepaid cell phones and service, prepaid long distance, and prepaid debit cards. All of these services, along with your credit card and debit card transactions, can be done through one single credit card terminal with an attached check imager.

Prepaid Cellular

Initially prepaid cellular service was offered almost solely to the credit-challenged, who did not qualify for post paid service. In 1998 there were only 300,000 prepaid cellular users. Now, however, there are more than 24 million reported customers. Cellular providers project that prepaid service will increase by almost 300% by the end of 2005. It is the fastest growing segment of the cell phone market here in the US, as it has been in Europe for several years. It is utilized greatly by students and by those who want to limit either their usage or their exposure to huge overage charges. Prepaid is expected to continue its explosive growth, and it will be a major addition for your store.

You will be able to offer Motorola, Nokia, and other well know cell phones along with prepaid service for Cingular, Verizon, T Mobile, and most other major carriers. First, you can earn money from the profit margins on resale of the phones. Then continue to earn money from the hefty commission paid to you for each prepaid recharge. With some carriers paying as much as 16%, and with no up front investment on your part, this can be a significant revenue producer.

At least as importantly, selling prepaid cell phones and service will bring in additional customers. These customers will come in repeatedly to recharge their phones, and will make other purchases while they are there.

Prepaid Long Distance

You will also be able to sell prepaid long distance service. This service is in huge demand in the immigrant communities, and can also be a significant revenue producer for your store. Service is provided by a number of the larger well know carriers, who will pay you a commission of up to 36%. Again, there is no upfront investment on your part. Also, again, customers will come to your store repeatedly to recharge their cards, giving you the opportunity to sell other merchandise.

Prepaid Debit

Offer prepaid debit cards to your customers who do not have regular commercial bank relationships. There are tens of millions of the “unbanked” in this country who do not have checking accounts, and consequently are missing many of the benefits that come along with them. You will be able to sell MasterCard and other branded debit cards that the client can use at any ATM or at any business that takes traditional debit cards. Various programs and options are available to you, but you will make money from the initial sale of the card, from recharging the card, and/or each time the customer uses the card.

As with the other services, it will bring more customers into your store more often, give you additional exposure, and present you with the opportunity to sell other merchandise.