Mainstream credit card processor / merchant services
 

I work a 9-5 job and I'm trying to get a start-up going on the side and I need to be able to process credit card transactions. However, I am trying to keep costs low until I can become cash flow positive. I'm soliciting the only community I can think of to get this kind of feedback.

First and foremost, can anyone recommend a mainstream e-commerce merchant service? Bear in mind I am looking to have little to no monthly fees and can take the hit of higher transaction fees if needed. This is not an adult website and is not a high-risk line of business; therefore, I have already removed Zombaio from the candidates.

Secondly, what questions should I ask? I have absolutely no experience with merchant service providers or the types of fees they may charge. For example, I came up with these:

1. Is there a monthly maintenance fee?
2. Is there a statement fee?
3. What are the transaction fees assessed by the processor? What are the fees assessed by you?
4. What other monthly fees are there, if applicable?

Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated. I've been a long time lurker here and feel that the knowledge contained by some members of this board will help me a lot.

Thanks in advance.

PayPal, or AlertPay maybe. When you're ready, get yourself a real merchant account through someone like Moneris Solutions (they're excellent in Canada at least).

alertpay, swreg, 2co

Is it possible to integrate AlertPay so the user does not leave my page/domain? I know PayPal has a payment API, but the cost is ~30/mo.

swreg looks like its more for client software; this is a web application (or SaaS, or cloud application, or [insert buzzword here]).

See above re: 2co concerns.

double-post

perhaps have a look at ecsuite.com - which i think is the mainstream side of ccbill.

Nope. What you're looking for is an actual merchant account. General setup fees range anywhere from $300 - $1000. Plus credit check, send in your company docs & ID, etc.

I'm looking for something along the lines of Paypal's Website Payments Pro, without the monthly fee.

It doesn't exist.

http://merchantservicestotal.com

We setup a mainstream merchant account through this agent. Very quick and smooth setup.

Monthly fees are pretty standard for a merchant account.

I would be happy to offer some suggestions and answer any questions you may have!

just found this:
http://www.mondialprivatebank.com

Hi,
Have you checked AlertPay yet? We offer a variety of solutions for small businesses without any monthly charges.
We offer IPN service, integrated BUY NOW buttons, subscription services, shopping cart compatibility and more.

Hope this helps,
Chris Z
Online Community Support
AlertPay.com

Probably best to go with an IPSP rather than your own direct merchant account. You also won't have to go through the ordeal of programming an extensive and intricate secure credit card form, many IPSPs just host it for you.

We may be able to help. Please contact me.

Funny how nobody actually bother to answer OP questions.

It's good that you are thinking about your cash flows. You need to have enough cash so that you can pay liabilities when they become due. Being able to process credit card transactions can get difficult. Think about alternatives such as using Paypal. Good luck.

Hi,

We can set you up. No setup fees and very low rates for mainstream. We also work with many many banks to get you the best rate.

Please post here or contact us for more information.

I use 2CO :thumbsup
no problems at all...

You will not beat the easy of paypal for 30 a month. its a good starter to see if what you are doing is going to make it. Getting a full blown merchant accout is a pain and tpically lots of otehr fees (paypal is quick and easy to set up). Paypal is flat 30 a month and like 0.30 per transaction and % is based on the sales dollars. I have used them for my mainstream site and it has been great.

Also you can use paypals usps/mailing for free to generate labels. Thats a $15 a month savings right their :)

1. flat fee 30.00
2. none
3. 0.30 per transaction and 2.9% per sales total to start. I am at 2.2% right now and it automaically lowers once you hit sales goals.
4. thats it see # 3