Credit Card processors / fees - how do you get a good deal?

I am researching how to reduce my very high CC processing fees.  I know these threads at other forums seem to attract sales reps for processors.
 
With that in mind, rather than name vendors, I was hoping that restaurant owners / managers could describe a few things -
 
1) How often do you change processors?
2) What elements of the bill are negotiable?  What gives you leverage in the negotiation?  Are there key areas to focus on that establish your credibility as the buyer?
3) There are fixed charges (eg statement fees, etc), fixed transaction charges ( x cents per transaction), and variable charges (x % of the transaction for a given card).  I know a reduction in one (like the fixed fee) can end up in an increase in another (variable charges) - anyone have any strategies for hitting the right mix?
4) I am getting ready to add an online / to go ordering system.  I also have items I can sell and ship to people in other states.  Anyone dealt with a processor that handles all of this or should I use different processors for each line of business (I can setup the online store as a separate entity if need be)?
5) I am thinking of building a decision model in Google Docs and sharing it with other business owners so people can see what kind of deal they are getting and be in a better position to negotiate.  Do any such models already exist?
 
Sorry for the noobie post on this but this is one aspect of running a business that seems designed by the vendors to create the greatest uncertainty possible coupled with the least buying leverage.  But I look at the fees I am paying and know that others get less and figure there is a set of techniques needed to get the price down.
 
You know - like buying a new car.
 

If you don't mind. Please explain what you are describing as "high" payments. 
 
-MC

The better your credit and the more sales you process the better the deal you will get.
 
I have used the same system for my online business for 5 years and have not reason to change
 
Al

If you have an iPhone or Android phone you can use Square. Its a smaller swiper that plugs into the phone and they only charge 2.75% + .15, that's it. I have a Wells Fargo wireless terminal and its going back as soon as the contract is up, I use Square more often. 
squareup.com

MC -
 
Just took a look through the last few months' statements.
 
We do between 50K and 65K volume on plastic each month.  Taking all of the charges together (swipe / % / mileage and reward cards / statement fee / etc) we come out to 3 to 3.5 %.  60% are visa cards, MC is 25%, Amex 10% and Discover 5%.
 
We use an Aloha POS system and don't use a keypad for debit cards, so the debit transactions get processed under the CC rates.  Not sure if Aloha will allow me to add a keypad and if that would get me a lower rate.  I suspect that 1/2 of those Visa/MC charges are debit cards.
 
Elavon is the processor.

BigRedLunchbox


If you have an iPhone or Android phone you can use Square. Its a smaller swiper that plugs into the phone and they only charge 2.75% + .15, that's it. I have a Wells Fargo wireless terminal and its going back as soon as the contract is up, I use Square more often. 
squareup.com

Saw that on an earlier post.  Looks cool.  I have too high of volume for that but passed the info to a local guy opening a wine tasting room.  BTW - how do you print up receipts.

No reciepts on square unless you hand write one

not true... You can send receipts via sms text to phone and email. You can also get a bluetooth printer that will print them out.
 
 I use square for months now.

I use square also but our customers have got use to not getting a reciept. Do you or the customer type in there email or phone number for a text because during busy hours we choose to move them thru as fast as we can. We have a short window to get our take for the day.

I am charged 10 basis points by AMG Business Solutions, there is no cheaper better deal in the country.

THE WILD DOG


not true... You can send receipts via sms text to phone and email. You can also get a bluetooth printer that will print them out.

I use square for months now.

 
Dog,
  What printers are compatible with the square software?  Are you using a printer?

no printer needed. before you can even start on the order out you have received an email receipt and they have their receipt. you also get an email confirmation when the daily deposits are made. Also to speed thing up there is an option for a photo, we use a photo of the person if we don't know them instead of a signature, ask them their mobile number and you're done. After you have been with them a while they will waive your cap, we have no ceiling anymore. They recently dropped our fee from 2.75%+.15 to a flat 2.65% and no transaction fee. 100% satisfied. Good Luck