Dear All,
I realise now that this thread is more challenging than I anticipated. People have made some good points ? and I?d like to answer them generally, because there are some common themes to the comments.
First of all, you are all correct - I?m not an expert on the adult industry ? but then I?m not an expert on lots of different online businesses. And that?s the beauty of the internet, almost everything is a business opportunity. What I do know about the adult industry, is that it has always been at the forefront of marketing and technology ? and that?s why I posted here, because I hoped people would see a good, interesting opportunity.
Second, some people make a lot of money online, but I?m sure you?ll all agree that most people don?t make millions. The money they do make is further reduced by high costs from money transfers. And, in some countries, it is especially difficult accessing funds earned globally.
Of course, some of you are happy with the payment partners you use ? and that?s fine. If they work for you, and they are cheap and reliable then that?s perfect. It hasn?t always been my experience though. And that?s why I started the EPA. The EPA is a true membership organisation designed to challenge existing client-business relationships. Creating a real association of individuals and businesses driven by common goals offers a range of benefits for online professionals.
Let?s talk about things that worry some people. Yes, we are a young business ? but because we were only recently incorporated doesn?t mean that is the extent of our experience. We?ve actually been working to set this up for a couple of years.
Also, our partnership with Wave Crest gives this concept a flexible and reliable payments structure with global issuing capabilities that is designed to satisfy our Associates? payment needs to the fullest extent, regardless the country of their residence. (Which is a major benefit for many online business people.) Wave Crest does this at cost levels that are much more favourable compared to current payment processors.
Yes - EPA being a Wave Crest marketing partner allows us to offer their payments solutions to our members without being authorised by the Financial Services Authorities in the UK. It is however regulated by the Financial Services Commission in Gibraltar, and Gibraltar is regarded as one of the best regulated finance centres in the world. It does also offer good tax incentives for businesses ? so this is not an attempt to be ?shady? just good business sense.
Anyone who is sceptical of Wave Crest should visit their website ? we have no doubts about their capabilities. (And neither do their clients.) They are run by some of the payment processing industry?s most experienced people. (And MasterCard doesn?t licence just anyone.)
Finally, with regard to the risk factor, EPA members funds are segregated, ring-fenced and are kept in a NatWest bank account operated by Wave Crest. This is a requirement of the regulators. Furthermore it is also required for Wave Crest as well as the EPA to have complex insurance in place to protect our members? funds against management and staff mistakes, fraudulent activity and crime.
I know a lot of people have been ?burned? by online businesses. I?ve also read the comments about ePassporte and there is no comparison ? unlike Chris Mallick we have no control over our Associate?s funds. Like I said they are ring-fenced for the individual?s protection, and we also carry additional insurance.
So it?s up to you to decide. If you think we are a scam then nothing I can say will really change your mind, if you join us, then that?s great. I hope some of you will join ? and I hope you will see that we deliver on everything we promise.
Whether you?re for us, or against us ? thanks for your comments ? it?s been educational, and I see that I do still have a lot to learn.
Regards,
Mike Rymanov
P.S. Damian - in relation to the English language, may I ask you to be more specific and we will amend any mistakes. As to your proposal to work for the Association, we?re happy to consider your candidacy, just submit your CV to
[email protected]?