1-Don’t be confusing.
Every transaction a cardholder makes is recorded on their card statement. If you are a business that operates under the umbrella of another business or partner, or use a third party credit card processor and a charge from your business shows up your customer’s statement under a name different than yours, the customer can become confused and issue a dispute. This has happened to me as a customer before, and it’s frustrating to track down the charge when you don’t know who you are dealing with. There is a great example of how an online business found a solution here.
Their approach was to create a website that explains the charge and list the domain as their card statement name (the name that shows up on the customer’s credit card or bank statement) If you have a customer service line, you can also list a phone number as part of the statement name. These guys also mention that it is possible to create different statement entries for products or services with different names, which would help eliminate confusion altogether. According to them, though, the caveat is that this requires a bundle of paperwork and red tape. They never elaborate, so it wouldn’t hurt to check into this option.
2-Check ID.
I recently worked with a business that checked ID with every card transaction. This is not as common as you would expect. Customers actually often thanked me for checking their ID. With face to face transactions, checking ID makes using a stolen card much more difficult.
3-Be accessible.
If a displeased customer can’t reach you, they will be more likely to issue a dispute. List your business name, phone number, address and website if you have one on your receipts or packing slips and be quick to respond to customer concerns.
4-Drive refund and return policies into your customers’ noggins.
State your return and refund policies to your customers before you run a transaction. Keep signage for your policies close to the cash register or POS so you they can be pointed out and explained. Visa and MasterCard require you to print these policies on your receipts anyway, so it’s a good idea to format receipts so they are close to the signature line. If you’re an online merchant, create a page as a part of the checkout process that explains your policies.
5-Be smart with deliveries.
Use a delivery service that requires a signature. Tell your customer when you have shipped an item. Use online tracking and give an ETA.
5-For online merchants and MOTO transactions.
Paypal has great resources to help you here.