In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of an integrated CRM and the five main ways that integrating CRM software into your existing systems can help you work smarter and faster.

But first, what exactly is CRM software integration?

What is CRM integration?

CRM integration connects third-party applications with your CRM platform, allowing data flow to and from them. It merges all functions into one platform.

As a result, it expands the functionality of your software, so you don’t need to switch back and forth between systems.

The importance of CRM software integration

There’s no denying that accounting is a core function of every business.

For this reason, the first tool many small business owners adopt is accounting software like QuickBooks. With QuickBooks Online, you get access to the application and its entire ecosystem of apps, add-ons, and services.

But as your operations become more complex, your accounting software can’t handle everything.

And if you’re trying to grow your business, like most of us are, you’ll want to focus on software capabilities that will help you find and retain your customers.

This is where CRM integration comes in.

When it comes to getting the most out of your CRM solution, CRM software integration is key. In fact, research has found them to increase sales productivity by 12.5%.

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the benefits of CRM software integration.

Better customer communications

Combining email and messaging platforms into your CRM is one of the biggest benefits of CRM software integration. 

CRM software with email integration allows you to email people directly and forward messages through your CRM software.

You can also use it to manage contacts more effectively and send automated marketing messages – but more on automation below!

Additionally, you can set communication thresholds for your integrated CRM, for example, by adjusting the response rate. This way, you get the most out of your existing relationships and email marketing software to increase customer satisfaction.

Workflow automation

Aside from sending automated marketing email blasts, an integrated CRM can help to automatically score the relationship between your company and your client based on pre-set metrics.

For example, it indicates customer value based on how much a customer interacts with communications from your business. 

And ultimately, an integrated CRM automates repetitive and tedious tasks such as scheduling, billing, and logging hours so that you can focus on more critical tasks to grow your business. 

Improved organization and efficiency

From billing to email, today thousands of applications that limit information sharing exist. But this causes you to waste time and lose out on potential customers. 

With CRM software integration, you can combine enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, billing portals, and more in a single platform to streamline your operations. 

For instance, CRM software that integrates with ERP applications lets you view customer data such as:

• Demographics.
• Account history.
• Contact information. 

Aside from centralizing information, a CRM that integrates with apps like calendars, internal communications, marketing, and sales tools provides critical customer insights that boost productivity. 

How integrated CRM helps you work more productively

So you’ve looked at how an integrated CRM saves you time.

Now let’s dive into how to use the native CRM software integrations Method offers to increase your productivity.

1. Bring QuickBooks data into your inbox

A CRM and accounting software integration saves you time by combining the different systems to access customer information, invoices, and more from the same place. 

Nobody wants to spend all day answering emails. But when your customers have specific questions about their orders, you inevitably lose time by switching between programs and searching for the required information.

To speed up this process, Method CRM offers a convenient CRM software integration for both Gmail and Outlook. When you open an email, these handy sidebars display an overview of the sender’s history with your company.

Moreover, it’s a CRM software that integrates with Xero and QuickBooks as well, so it immediately adds context to every email. By letting you view all the customer data right in your inbox, Method CRM makes responding to emails a breeze.

You can also easily save your email response to Method CRM to ensure that your team stays informed about the customer’s needs.

2. Build a comprehensive calendar solution

Like most of us, you probably have multiple calendars on the go. And while this lets you quickly schedule new activities, it doesn’t guarantee you won’t miss an event or double book yourself.

Luckily, the right CRM software integration can stop this from happening.

Method minimizes this risk by offering a two-way CRM software integration with Google Calendar. Using this CRM software integration, any events you create or update in Google Calendar sync with your calendar in Method CRM and vice versa.

This means you can finally say goodbye to scheduling confusion for good.

You can also share your Method-specific Google Calendar with your teammates to make collaborating easier than ever.

3. Create targeted email campaigns

The key to developing effective marketing campaigns is to know who your customers are and what they want. Which is why seeing your sales data alongside your marketing efforts is beneficial.

Thankfully, good CRM software with email integration like Method CRM makes it easy for your business to stay top of mind.

Method CRM’s software integration with Mailchimp allows you to develop targeted email campaigns based on real customer insights.

With your customer’s QuickBooks transactions visible in Method CRM — alongside detailed data on their preferences and interactions — you can build segmented mailing lists.

Then, send these lists to Mailchimp in just a few clicks to create email campaigns that keep customers coming back and strengthen your customer retention rate.

And if you’re looking for a Gmail or Outlook CRM software integration, look no further. Method CRM allows you to manage your leads and customers while in your inbox.

4. Empower your customers to self-serve and get paid faster

Everybody loves getting paid, but the same can’t be said about payment collection.

If you’re still manually processing credit card information, you’re wasting time that you could use to grow your business. And if you have to call customers first to get that information, that’s another drain on your productivity.

Instead, you can empower customers to view their invoices and make payments independently with Method CRM’s built-in customer portals.

It’s fully customizable, so you can make it your own using drag-and-drop tools to include your intended services.

Within these portals, you can configure payment gateways to accept credit card payments. This way, when a customer makes a payment, it’s automatically processed, and the data automatically syncs to Method CRM and your QuickBooks or Xero software.

This means no more double data entry for your team!

And with 24/7 access to your business, your customers get the information they need when they need it. They’ll love the convenience, and you’ll love being able to literally get paid in your sleep.

5. Go beyond pre-built CRM software integrations

Every business operates differently. Every business needs a unique combination of tools to get the job done.

Although Method CRM offers CRM software integration with tools like Outlook and Zapier, the possibilities don’t stop there.

If you want greater connectivity between apps, Method CRM offers open access to its API or application programming interface.

For those new to the term CRM API, it is the set of programming protocols and tools that dictate how other software programs can interact with Method.Developers can use the Method:API to integrate other web and desktop applications, allowing for streamlined workflows and more options for adding data to a Method account.

Harness the power of Method CRM software integration and start your free trial today!

Image credit: Ann H via Pexels

The post 5 ways to work more productively with CRM software integration appeared first on Method.

PayPal is one of the leading providers of credit card processing solutions, offering options for companies of all sizes and types. And while it’s great that PayPal offers products to suit every business, it can be confusing to navigate all of them. But don’t you worry! To help you out, we’ve put together a list of options for accepting credit card payments with PayPal so you can decide which one best meets your needs.

PayPal Payments Standard

PayPal Payments Standard is the simple way to accept credit card payments online through a website. This option adds a payment button to your website (e.g. “Pay Here” or “Buy Now”) so you can accept payments securely.

This is a basic, straightforward way to begin accepting payments, which may be a good solution for businesses with very few items for sale. One of the best things about the PayPal Payments program is that you can get started in less than 15 minutes. PayPal Payments Standard has a flat fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 for each transaction within the United States.

PayPal Payments Pro

This is the professional version of the standard option discussed above. In addition to allowing you to add a payment button, you can customize the online payment experience for your customers. This makes it possible to create a full checkout or shopping cart-style system for multiple items.

In addition to accepting US funds, you can accept funds in multiple other currencies. Similar to the Standard option, PayPal Payments Pro has a flat fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction, but there is a $30.00 monthly subscription fee which gives you access to the additional features.

PayPal Checkout

PayPal Checkout is designed to allow buyers to pay for goods and services without leaving the “host” website. Customers who are already using PayPal will log into their account and can make a purchase without leaving your site. This is a great way to improve conversion rates and keep buyers on your page.

PayPal Checkout can be used by itself or alongside other forms of online payment. There are no setup or monthly fees, only a charge of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.

PayPal Chip Card Reader

For businesses operating in person as well as online, a point of sale (POS) solution is a must. Luckily, PayPal has you covered with their Chip Card Reader. The card reader can be used with a number of POS solutions designed for different businesses, including retail and restaurants.

Rates start as low as 2.7% per transaction and are always clearly defined. In addition, there is no commitment so you can stop using the service at any time. Plus, with the latest technology and fraud monitoring support, your business is protected from the “bad side” of eCommerce.

PayPal Here

A business that takes payments “on the go” may benefit from PayPal Here. This is a card reader that can be used as a point of sale terminal but can also be easily moved from location to location. This option is ideal for vendors that travel or a small business with multiple locations.

The rates for each purchase start at just 2.7% per card swipe, making it an affordable way for a small business to begin accepting credit card payments in person. One business can also have multiple devices, allowing more than one person to “check out” customers during busy periods.

Payflow Payment Gateway

PayPal’s Payflow Payment Gateway works with your existing merchant account. Two gateway options are available: Payflow Link and Payflow Pro. The payment gateway handles the upfront acceptance of credit and debit cards, sending the details to the payment processor and assuring you are compliant with all security regulations. Payflow Payment Gateway works with all major shopping cart programs and can be programmed to work with your website too.

The gateway also allows you to accept PayPal and PayPal Credit payments, giving your customers additional easy payment options. The transaction fees are quite reasonable — at only $0.10 per credit card payment, the rate is lower than similar products. The Payflow Link gateway is free to set up, while the Payflow Pro option has a $99.00 setup fee and a $25.00 monthly fee.

Bonus tip for Method CRM users: Did you know that you can integrate your Payflow Pro Payment Gateway with your Method CRM account? This allows you to process payments within Method and sync them directly to QuickBooks — talk about convenient. Your customers can also make payments through Method’s built-in customer portals.

As you can see, PayPal offers a number of great options for processing credit card payments. From the simple “Pay Now” button to the fully integrated payment gateway, PayPal is always working to make payment processing easier for both customers and business owners. Choosing the right PayPal service makes it much easier for customers to shop with your company without hassle. This, in turn, will help your business grow.

The post How to Accept PayPal Credit Card Payments appeared first on Method.

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar to you?

• You have to ask customers to repeat their credit card numbers over the phone.
• You often ask customers to resend cheques when they forget to sign them.
• Your to-do list often includes payment processing, because you’re the only one with access to QuickBooks.

If so, here’s some good news: using a QuickBooks Online payment gateway makes these small annoyances disappear. And the benefits don’t stop there!

Payment gateways let customers easily make payments online. In addition, using a payment gateway with your QuickBooks-integrated CRM lets your staff process payments immediately — without needing access to QuickBooks.

All in all, online payment gateways help you provide customers with a positive service experience that keeps them coming back to your business. 

In this article, you’ll go through everything you need to know about using a QuickBooks Online payment portal. Let’s get started!

What is an online payment gateway?

The simplest explanation is that a payment gateway lets merchants accept credit card payments online. 

But, if we dive a little deeper, a payment gateway is a service that transfers data between a payment portal (like a website or app) and a payment processor.

Not sure what that means? Let’s imagine that a customer named Jane is purchasing a dog collar from an online retailer called Pet Pals. Here is a play-by-play of the payment process.

1. Jane reaches the checkout page, enters her Visa information, and clicks “Place Order.”
2. Jane’s web browser encrypts her credit card information and sends it to the Pet Pals server.
3. Pet Pals sends the information to the payment gateway.
4. The payment gateway sends the information to the payment processor.
5. The payment processor sends the information to Visa.
6. Visa approves or declines the purchase, and this result is sent back through the payment processor and payment gateway to reach Jane and Pet Pals.

And voilà! This whole process takes just 2–3 seconds, and now Jane’s dog has a stylish new collar on the way.

How does a QuickBooks Online payment gateway work?

A QuickBooks Online payment gateway acts as a digital channel to securely process transactions between your business and customers. Transactions might come in from payment methods such as:

• Debit cards.
• Credit cards.
• Bank transfers.
• Giving information over the phone. 

Choose a QuickBooks payment portal that supports the type of payment (or types) your business uses.

By integrating with QuickBooks Online, your payment gateway automates the accounting process. Invoices and financial records in your QuickBooks account update automatically, so you don’t need to spend time entering data manually.

Can you integrate different online payment gateways with QuickBooks?

Yes, you can choose which online QuickBooks payment gateway to integrate with, and even connect to multiple gateways. This flexibility lets you choose payment processing companies that best suit your business’ specific needs. 

For example, a QuickBooks Online payment portal might offer compatibility with a flexible payment option, such as making contactless payments. A QuickBooks integration lets them do so from their mobile device, using digital wallets.

Let’s take a closer look at what money movement services you can choose from!

How can I use an online payment gateway with my QuickBooks CRM?

Any business that uses QuickBooks and wants to accept a digital payment can set up a QuickBooks payment gateway in Method. Once the payment gateway is active, it has three main uses:

1. You can give your customers access to Method’s built-in customer portals (shown below). In the portal, customers can view their invoices and enter credit card information to make online payments. After the credit card transactions are approved by their financial institutions, payments automatically sync to your Method account and QuickBooks file.
2. A Method user can use the Payments app for processing payments. Eligible payments automatically sync to QuickBooks.

Nonprofits can use payment gateways too! A nonprofit can set up a Method donor page on its website. When website visitors access the donor page, they can enter credit card information to make online donations. As with payments, donations sync to Method and QuickBooks once the credit card company approves them.

What types of QuickBooks payment gateways are available?

There are a lot of online payment gateways out there, but don’t feel overwhelmed. Choose your favorite QuickBooks payment gateway, then set it up in your Method account.

Authorize.Net and PayPal Payflow gateways are available to businesses using QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online. As soon as you set up your gateway, you can use it in your: 

• Method account.
• Customer portals.
• Donor pages.

Intuit QuickBooks Payments gateways are available to businesses with US versions of QuickBooks Online. These gateways are also ready to use everywhere as soon as you set them up.

Also, PSIGate gateways are available to businesses using QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, or QuickBooks Online Advanced. Once the gateway is active, you can use it to process payments in your Method account. Take note — if you want to accept online payments through customer portals or donor pages, some customization of your Method account will be needed.

Best QuickBooks Online payment gateway integrations of 2024

Shuttle

Shuttle is a London-based company specializing in QuickBooks payment gateway integration. It is specifically a payment processing tool.

Method uses Shuttle to securely process payments made by integrations with a QuickBooks payment gateway, such as Stripe or Square. This software functions internationally, making it useful for companies that need to collect customer payments across several countries.

As Shuttle manages things behind the scenes, you spend less time manually tracking financial reports and worrying about money transmission licenses.

How it works with QuickBooks

Shuttle integrates with QuickBooks to sync transaction data in real time. This means that sales data automatically reflects in your QuickBooks account — without manual data entry. 

It offers a merchant login portal that lets you view your cash flow history, and even includes fraud prevention services.

Pricing

Shuttle offers a free plan and charges $16 per month for the basic plan. The paid plan lets you: 

• Customize your payment screen with your company logo. 
• Work with no advertisements.
• Personalize your payment link URL.

If you integrate your QuickBooks account with Method, you can add your QuickBooks payment gateway at no extra cost from Method. Use Method’s customization features to make your own ad-free, customized invoices and estimates with your logo and branding.

Note that depending on the payment gateway provider you choose, they may charge their own separate fee.

Stripe

Stripe is one of many popular payment gateways with QuickBooks integration for businesses of all sizes. It offers pre-integrated platforms with no-code (and customizable low-code) solutions. Stripe operates internationally and offers multi-currency support.

With point of sales (POS) payment processing tools, it’s a popular choice for retailers and businesses that require mobile payment features.

How it works with QuickBooks

Stripe payment solutions offer minimal QuickBooks payment gateway integration. But the platform isn’t specifically designed around QuickBooks and operates more as a standalone solution.

You can integrate your QuickBooks Online payment portal with Stripe through the app store using a third-party app like Shuttle. By doing so, you can import your previous Stripe transaction data and automatically record sales to your QuickBooks account.

Note: Stripe doesn’t offer an official app on the QuickBooks app store, so you will need to choose a third-party software to integrate Stripe with your QuickBooks account.

Pricing

Stripe’s pricing is charged per sale at 2.9% plus $0.30. They also offer custom pricing plans with volume discounts and country-specific rates.

Depending on which third-party application you choose for your QuickBooks payment gateway integration, you may need to pay an additional fee through the QuickBooks app store.

Helcim

Helcim is a payment service provider that targets small businesses and boasts low transaction fees to help save you money. With in-person sales and online checkout options, it’s a great choice for businesses that have both a retail location and an online store.

How it works with QuickBooks

You can access your QuickBooks payment gateway integration directly through the Helcim app. By integrating with your QuickBooks account, you’ll be able to import your: 

• Helcim sales.
• Customer information.
• Products.

Pricing

Helcim pricing is charged per sale at 0.40% plus $0.08 for in-person sales. For online sales, they charge 0.50% plus $0.25. 

You’ll receive cheaper transaction fees at higher tiered volume sales (50,000 or more per month.) Also, international transactions charge additional fees.

Square

Square is a payment processing platform that also offers:

• Payment terminals.
• Registers.
• Other in-person retail hardware. 

With virtual terminals and appointment scheduling services, they are a popular option for businesses of all sizes and types.

How it works with QuickBooks

You can sync your QuickBooks payment gateway with Square to automatically:

• Record sales.
• Create sales receipts.
• View reports. 

Information imports to your QuickBooks account once per day. This is done with an app called “Connect to Square.”

Pricing

Square offers several pricing options, starting with a plan that charges per transaction at 2.6% plus $0.10 for in-person sales. Online sales are charged at 2.9% plus $0.30.

Other pricing options include a monthly subscription cost of $29 and up (plus processing fees) that is designed for: 

• Restaurants.
• Retailers.
• Appointment-based businesses. 

Square also offers customized plans for companies that do over $250,000 in card sales per month.

Accept Quickbooks payments seamlessly with Method

With Method, you have a comprehensive platform for:

• Customized online invoices.
• E-signature capture.
• Customer relationship management (CRM) solutions.
• Seamless QuickBooks payment gateway integrations. 

As a result, you:

• Automate your workflows.
• Save time with manual processes.
• Keep an accurate record of your company finances.

Method features an instant two-way sync with QuickBooks to update your sales and customer data automatically. It also includes features to schedule bill payments and avoid late payments. With that in mind, it’s an excellent choice for businesses like yours looking to simplify your payment processes and improve your cash flow.

These benefits make Method the best choice if you’re already using QuickBooks as your financial accounting software.

Don’t forget to check if your chosen QuickBooks payment gateway is compatible with Method before installing it.

Ready to simplify the way your business accepts payments? The setup of a QuickBooks payment gateway is included with Method for free!

The post Best QuickBooks payment gateway for small businesses appeared first on Method.