Thread: credit card processing services

A lot of the big banks work with http://www.authorize.net/ . You will need to get a business checking account as well which links to the payment gateway.

You may also want to look into http://www.transfirst.com/ .

Braintree is another which some of the fastlane members use and recommend.

I just use PayPal, but I think 1shoppingcart is the industry standard and it now includes an autoresponder. I haven't used it yet, so I can't atest to how well it works.

Originally Posted by mtnman

I just use PayPal, but I think 1shoppingcart is the industry standard and it now includes an autoresponder. I haven't used it yet, so I can't atest to how well it works.

just looked at this, doesnt seem to give you much info before you pay their $99 setup fee

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/shopping-cart-software.asp

I haven't used them yet, but I was planning on it, so I can't provide any in depth details.

I think there are different plans, like 35 bucks/mo for starters or something like that. I know some people around here use them, maybe they'll chime in for some "in use" feedback.

I don't know what type of products you have, but I have been looking at hosted solutions for an ebook I'm am writing (no monthly fees). These are payment processors, so they accept credit cards and echecks;

Service, Set-up, Per Sale, Commission
Paypal, $0, $0.30, 1.9-2.9%
Google Checkout, $0, $0.20, 2%
2Checkout, $49, $0.45, 5.5%
Clickbank, $49.95, $1.00, 7.5%

google checkout seems to have cheapest rates. anyone have any opinions on this? perhaps if your site still seems to portray a professional appearence using googlecheckout?

Google is very recognizable, so I don't think it will hurt you. Paypal is the other big player. The only thing about Google Checkout, is that it asks you to create a google account. There a lots of people with gmail and adsense accounts, so that might not hurt too much either.

I don't think it matters who you use. I use Paypal personally, and they weren't the easiest to set up a shopping cart for. I had several issues surrounding a corrupt database entry, and it took many calls to tech support. Now that things are working I have no complaints, but I can't say I highly reco them.

- Hakrjak

Ryan,

I posted a similar question some time ago and got some very great responses.

This is the thread:
http://www.thefastlanetomillions.com...ead.php?t=8064

I have had a very good experience with paypal, but I am looking into a merchant account now.

Good luck!

Thanks for the link CactusWren. I just read the whole post.

What set-up did you finally go with? Which bank? Are there monthly fees separate from the transaction fees?

I have not implemented anything yet. I looked into Quickbooks (yes Intuit offers a merchant account), Wachovia, Wells Fargo and my local credit union. I decided to go with the QB deal, which was the best deal and the fastest service too.

However, I still have not bitten the bullet and done it on the website. I had some compatibility issues with zen cart, so making sure it connects well with what you are using on your site is key. I just have been too cheap to move forward...

im anti paypal. i think there fees have gotten ridiculous and there customer service is really poor. if it wasn't so popular on ebay and internet sites, i would delete my account. i'm definitely going to explore other areas besides paypal.

as far as google checkout is concerned. i know alot of people have google accounts, however i don't think it would be in my best interest to loose customers who didn't want to create one. looks like the search continues....

Today it looks like I'll be going with First data (merchant account), Comodo (SSL cert) and DreamHost (hosting). This despite the fact that I already got the merchant account from Quickbooks (Intuit) and even the Amex thing which took way longer...

Originally Posted by CACTUSWREN

Today it looks like I'll be going with First data (merchant account), Comodo (SSL cert) and DreamHost (hosting). This despite the fact that I already got the merchant account from Quickbooks (Intuit) and even the Amex thing which took way longer...

mind sharing the reasons why you went with first data over authorize.net?

The only reason is because it works easier with my website (I am using zen cart), and the person that does my website finds it easier. Haven't implemented yet, so I'll keep you posted. Already changed my mind about DreamHost. I would like a good "green" hosting plan, so I'm still looking...

My only advice is to read the contracts VERY carefully. I'd also ask what the process is if there is a dispute.

I'm going through a nightmare with Nova right now. They are the biggest merchant provider (and work with Authorize.net). We're switching to another company. The customer service is horrible! If someone disputes, they do not notify you and just sweep your account. If you don't check your balances online daily, you could suddenly start bouncing checks.

By the way, we've firewalled this. We now have three accounts for each online business: (1) For the merchant account (2) Our regular business checking account (3) Money Market Account for excess funds

Originally Posted by Diane Kennedy

By the way, we've firewalled this. We now have three accounts for each online business: (1) For the merchant account (2) Our regular business checking account (3) Money Market Account for excess funds

Great Tip! Thank you! ++

Originally Posted by CACTUSWREN

The only reason is because it works easier with my website (I am using zen cart), and the person that does my website finds it easier. Haven't implemented yet, so I'll keep you posted. Already changed my mind about DreamHost. I would like a good "green" hosting plan, so I'm still looking...

Why did you change your mind about DreamHost? They "claim" to be green. Did you find this not to be the case?