Our business is older than credit cards!  They did not exist back then.  However, today we accept them from customers and we use them for purchasing.

I think if you need to use a credit card to start a business you should have had a better business plan. Unless you have a SUPER low rate and know you can pay them off quickly, it would be better to start using a loan. 

When i started my business 8 years ago ( sold it in December ) i start small. While still working, i reinvested the profits back into the business. I had a super successful business with zero debt. 

Now, this took A LOT more work from me, but in the end, if my business had failed, i wasn't stuck with crazy bills.

For any small business, I do have an important piece of advice. Accepting credit cards and maybe paypal is important. However always remember the risks. Credit card companies will generally always side with customer when there is a charge-back. Paypal almost always does no matter what. When it comes to credit cards, always collect as much information as possible. You need to be able to show that you have done your part in ensuring that the user and card are legitimate. As long as you have a strong case that you have done your part, you are usually safe. At IXICA, we do not accept credit cards from clients outside of Canada or US. Even then if charges are $200.00+, we ask for front and back copies of card as well as copy of government issued ID. The person ordering and the credit card holder should be the same. This is very important for anyone engaged in sales where you do not meet the customer face to face.

Launching a business is not a single action so the question can't be answered as a yes or no. However, charging supplies, equipment, website development, marketing, and a few other essentials are common and can easily be repaid from revenues. Putting the rent, utilities, payroll, or other larger expenses on the card can be riskier - especially when initial sales are spotty or weak.

We wanted to have the business build a credit history. We also needed to place orders on behalf of our clients that required immediate payment. As a marketing, Multimedia company we also got a license to be a print broker. That way we could see our clients projects all the way through completion and ensure the quality of the printed pieces, or large booth graphics. A lot of Trade printers in the industry are pay when order. So the credit cards allowed us to provide a service for our clients by giving them N15/N30 terms and pay when they had product in hand, and were totally satisfied with the outcome.

I have a Small Hobby Business - during the initial ramp up I used personal Credit Cards - Paid them off immediately. Now, I deposit funds as Owner Investment into Company Bank account so I can build company credit and financial strength. Some day I will apply for business Credit Cards to make purchases with. 

I have started several businesses from scratch. I had employees when I was 16 years old. I didn't have credit cards back then and I would just tell my banker that I needed a loan. My banker would ask how much and just say "sign here". I asked him about an application and he said, "I know you are not lazy".

Good day Chuck,

Your question is a common one. In current times, everything is disposable! We are not concerned about theories or how things functions. Press and go and if its not working, get rid of it and start over! 

That being said, any and all new business's must offer convenience first, if its not convenient, they look for someone that will provide it. Credit cards are a big part of that. 

Its about consumers earning bonus points for back ended gifts and free flights. Cash is pretty much used to tip the valet as 99% of point of sales have a tip format for you to add with your credit card swipe.

Very simply, its a part of doing business for the sake of your customers convenience. 

You do have options:

1-You can provide a minor discount if cash is used

2-You can kindly request debit instead of credit as the fees a much less.

Either way, Credit Cards are here to stay and your best option is to ride the wave.

Best wishes

Shawn

 Yes but very little because not much of a credit line in those days my father-in-law agree to cosign a bank loan I think he only did it because he thought that I am his wife and our son would be moving back in with him 

No I was able to start my business for such a small amount that I did not want to get into debt off the bat.  Also I was able to work part time while growing my business.  I really do not use credit cards now just my debt card and I have learned to watch my expenses.  I do not have a business with a lot of overhead.  I work from home and the only equipment I need is my computer, an all-in-one printer, a file cabinet and my phone.  I am very lucky that way.