Free Classes for Small business's

[genek]

American express is offering four free classes for small business's These classes would be good for all from the crafts people to the sign and Cabinet people.


Small businesses have unique needs, such as attracting new customers with cost-effective programs like Small Business Saturday®. To help support this effort, American Express has partnered with General Assembly to offer four free online business classes, starting February 20. Join the OPEN Forum Community (http://pages.americanexpress.com/849RZR0100003Xd01NHLB00) using your LinkedIn account to register and take advantage of helpful resources, insights and expert advice.

[dlcw]

Thanks Eugene! Great information. I'm signed up.

[gerryv]

Interesting that they are going after small business at a more direct level than their main competitors. They are mostly disliked and frequently not used by small, consumer sales oriented businesses here in Canada because they skim off higher percentages than VISA and Mastercard. Last time I checked anyway. That said, they deserve full credit for offering something that could be of real value as long as it's not strictly a sales hook.

The perception up here at least is that, for many, the bigger margins the reseller/maker has to give up is not worth the better statement details they promote as added value and that it's cheaper to pay the bookkeeper or accountant a couple of hundred dollars more annually.

Is it the same situation in the US as well as in OZ, GB and other countries?

[genek]

Interesting that they are going after small business at a more direct level than their main competitors. They are mostly disliked and frequently not used by small, consumer sales oriented businesses here in Canada because they skim off higher percentages than VISA and Mastercard. Last time I checked anyway. That said, they deserve full credit for offering something that could be of real value as long as it's not strictly a sales hook.

The perception up here at least is that, for many, the bigger margins the reseller/maker has to give up is not worth the better statement details they promote as added value and that it's cheaper to pay the bookkeeper or accountant a couple of hundred dollars more annually.

Is it the same situation in the US as well as in OZ, GB and other countries?
American express is only 1/2% more for me.

[gerryv]

Eugene, it will be interesting to see if that holds true for those with lower dollar volumes or in other countries.

The bigger question for them might be what impact the rapid evolution to e-commerce stores where the buyer gets to choose which credit provider to choose will have. The consumer isn't concerned about you or I getting better reporting detail, etc. Mostly it's about "points." And, of course, the value they're getting in terms of the product they bought.

I think of the impact e-commerce, PayPal, etc. have had on the credit card companies and can only imagine that they are all being forced to re-think how they market themselves. Looks like AMEX is being proactive.