Amp, answers:
;)
1. Merchant accounts are a viable option. However, they are expensive, take time and resources to manage, if you ever lose it you CAN'T come back to an ISPS and you won't get the discounts large third-party processors can get with the sheer mass of transactions. There are more factors. See the
PSW FAQ along with others. (If you want a merchant account, check with NetBilling, they're a great company). Just be aware you'll end up paying more than the $750 to get setup.
2. Basically, if visa disapproves something, you simply can't process that 'thing' through them. That's why we're offering options for clients (
ePaymentPro: with visa,
ePaymentLite: without visa). If you VIOLATE your agreements (try to slide something through) you can get personally fucked. ;)
3. Ideally, URLs would be approved/disapproved BEFORE the regulation deadline. Afterwards you're asking for trouble.
4. We've always had low rates and refuse to increase them. However, be aware that this does not make us more money. MORE time and resources are now required to maintain and foster our relationship with the card associations (so clients can continue to bill with the cards).
5. We use patent-pending technologies to verify consumer information. Our chargebacks have always been well under control. But the solution you list doesn't seem like a optimal solution to me either. ;)
6. We are site owners. We are adult webmasters. We started processing 1994 and incorporated PSW Billing Solutions because friends and associates were tired of the shit. Want to know why we're different. Read the
YNot interview listed in my signature. ;)