Payment Processing - Opinions Needed
 

There are a lot of choices and though I've done stuff implementing processors, I've never really asked why anyone has chosen the processor they're using.

Give me a heads up here.... why you like/don't like a processing option, rates, hook-up fees and such. These are the ones I'm considering. Feel free to add anyone not on my list :)

Surprising little information is readily available on their actual websites.

ACH Options

Electracash
WTS
CC Bill Check

Credit Cards

CC Bill
Epoch
Paycom

Anonymous Billing

NetCash
PureVanilla

I've heard some good things about NetCash, but in looking at their website, they don't even bother to tell you anything about them - where their offices are located... nadda!

I know they're providing an anonymous service but damn - you don't have to BE anonymous to provide an anonymous service!

Even if you don't have the volume for your own merchant account yet, I'd start with Netbilling for your ACH processing. They have a killer system.

Thanks BigBen - I'll be sure to add NetBilling to my list.

To be honest Bama, there are not that many options available - and prob less when you read the small print.

The main problem with "cash handlers" in this industry is that they fail periodically and cause damage (of varying degrees) to their clients (webmasters).

Forgetting all the "standup guys who run top notch operations", suggest you hit to the core issue and ask any processor - "What mechanisms do you have in place to protect your clients in the event of your demise?" The answer to this should take little more than two sentences - there is webmaster protection in place or there is not.

There are a few companies who do have facilities to cover funding owing to their creditors, - however most do not. It's a gamble.

Next category - there are a few (very few) companies who do have a longish track record free of trauma and problems - would be looking at them as a second tier. Most of these corps do not have any policy for security of webmaster funds, but rely purely on their track record.

Once that initial aspect is cleared - it's then a matter of the quality of service and features etc they provide, - but at least that does not usually mean you lose funds owing to you.

Hi Bama,

Whilst the credit card is and remains the best way to bill monthly subscriptions, phone billing is a great way to bill for lesser time or trials - not least the the phone is so ubiquitous.

There is plently of information on our website, and references can be found here : http://www.password-by-phone.com/testimonials.php

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any other questions.

Hey Bama! We do indeed offer an anonymous billing solution, but we ourselves try not to be anonymous. :) After seeing your post, I went through our site and there are a few spots where we offer our contact info. If you click on the "Contact Us" link you'll find our address there. Hit me up if you need any info regarding our solution.

Webby - good points for sure! I have flash-backs of DMR

Emjay, to be honest, I've never really given much thought to using passwords by phone as a billing solution - even as a 3rd tier option. It seems to me that it would have a place among "trial" memberships, but I'm only interested in reoccurring solutions and using the phone doesn't scream "billing solution" to me under that condition.

Joe, I don't want you to think I'm bustin' your balls - like I said, I've heard good things about NetCash - but honestly, if you read this page:
https://www.netcash.com/engine/show?topic=about-us_c you come away with more questions than answers - and from the page that's supposed to have answered "about us" questions :)

That may be my own personal "stickler" though. I've spent many years anticipating what a customer will want/need and making the answers easy to find because no matter how "lost" a customer may be while on a website - they *never* have a problem finding the exit!

We use Verotel they are great...:thumbsup

ccbill and paycom, hands down

Bump for the night crew