Common Merchant Account Complaints and Deal with them

Every year, a plethora of complaints are registers that badly affect the business of the merchant. In this article, we have listed the Common Merchant Account Complaints and the tricks to avoid such issues in your organization. This article can help you look at both potential risks and rewards of working with a given company.

Poor Customer Service

Now your business and payment processing system cannot be perfect every time. And customer faces an issue with the management. At those times, it is the responsibility of the customer service team to provide the demanded attention to a specific topic. But if the customer support is unable to offer the desired support then the customer has no other option but to avoid the company.

• In such a case, you need to stabilize your customer support service.
• Tracking your product and customer reviews should be evaluated.
• You should take some time to minimize the customer waiting time.
• And nobody wants to listen to the automated answering service.

Cancellation Issues

This is one of the frustrating Common Merchant Account Complaints faced by the customers. Many times we order a product or service by mistake. In that case, you immediately try to cancel the order on the company’s website.

• It is difficult to distinguish between the mistakes and the frauds for a merchant.
• But if your enterprise makes your customer go through a lot of trouble while canceling the order then your business is under risk.
• Moreover, it could lead to unnecessary Chargebacks.
• Solidify the rules around the replacement and return of an order.
• And make sure you provide smooth payment processing to your customers.

Poor Agreement Management

Another complaint that is filed against the merchants is related to the agreement management. That could be related to the poor description, expensive services and many more.

Leasing services are generally non-refundable that further leads to conflicts.

Merchants always pay more when they are renting a terminal than just to outright buying one.

By the time, this all leads to costing thousands of dollars to the merchant.

Misleading Sales Practice

This is one of the worst sales practices. If you wish to lead a long profitable business then never apply such things to your business.

• For a merchant, sales are very important and to increase sales they try every method.
• Some merchants try these petty methods to increase sales.
• But the customer with one bad issue can report the business of this unethical practice.
• Advertise your product as it is.
• And if you offer some discount then make sure you clear out the terms and condition to the customers properly.
• Train your sales agent properly and tell them the customer satisfaction is always the priority.

For more tips and tricks, contact Merchant Stronghold, we always have a team of experts ready to help you with your queries related to the Common Merchant Account Complaints.

Merchants Guide Getting Funds Fast | Fast Merchant Processor Service Provider

Merchant’s Guide to Getting Funds Faster – After the customer has made the payment, the amount paid is put under the review and it generally takes 1-2 business days to actually credit into the Merchant Account. The time between the transaction and addition of amount in the merchant account is called funding time. And the process is called funding.

A merchant wants quick funding because after the funding the merchant is allowed to use that money for investment or another purpose. This is an application in case of the digital money transaction. The cash transaction is free from funding, as the money is instantly available for the merchant to use or invest.

Minimize the Processing Time

The processing is the major step that takes most of the time. Additionally, if the processing time can be reduced, the merchant will get the money in no time. Let’s start the Merchant’s Guide to Getting Funds Faster with the fast processing.

Choose Processor with Fast Funding – There are a number of merchant service providers in the market. They offer different attractive schemes to the merchant to sell their service. But a merchant should choose the processor that takes the least time to process the transaction without breaching any security rules.

Avoid Card-Not-Present Transaction – The payment made with the means that do not ensure that card was not present at the time of the purchase can take more time to process. Use transaction with a magnetic stripe swipe or EMV chip to process the transaction faster as these ensure the Card-Present transactions.

Reduce Number of Chargebacks– If a merchant is titled with a great many numbers of chargeback. Then the transactions of that merchant will take extra time to process to avoid any illegal activity. Use the chargeback proof method of transactions for the business.

Do not Cross the Processing Limit – Each merchant service provider offer the weekly or monthly processing limit to the merchant. If the merchant crosses this limit then those transactions will not be processed.

Choose the Processor with effective 24/7 Support – If there are issues with the transaction processing then make sure your merchant processor offers the support to help with your processing error.

If you need more tricks to reduce the processing time depending on your business then you can contact Merchant Stronghold and talk to an expert. Call us at the toll-free number +1 (888) 622 – 6875 and talk to an expert to get answers to your questions.

Processors That Offers Fast Funding

Here is the list of the merchants that offer fast processing and funding along with other services. This is the Merchant’s Guide to Getting Funds Faster with the Fast Processor.

Paypal– If you have a Paypal Account then you can access the funds almost immediately after the transaction. Moreover, if you own a PayPal debit card then the funds can be used on expenses. The money transfer to a bank account can take up to 5 business days.

Steps you need to consider while selecting a merchant service provider

We will try to focus on some important factors that can help you to choose the best merchant service provider for your business.

1. Clear and Transparent Fee Rates

This is the most important thing to study before selecting a merchant account. Many times, a provider will charge you very less processing fees to entice you to open an account with them but may charge very high fees in the name of other fees. A PCI fee is one such fee that a merchant has to pay to safeguard both merchant’s and customer’s account information. So, you need to consider all the rates and then finally choose the best merchant service provider with transparent fees structure.

2. Study the Fraud Detection Program

We have seen a lot of evidence of fraud happening in the cyber world in recent times. Fraudsters are now moving toward the small and medium-sized merchants because they are considered to be an ‘easy target’. So, one needs to be aware of the data breach security program covered by the service provider.

3. Stay Away from the Misleading Advertisement

Advertisement can really be a disguise. The basic idea of an advertisement is to enlighten customers about a company’s product with proper information. But it doesn’t seem to be happening all of the time. Many times companies hire individuals’ agents having no relevant educational background or no interest. Well, there are other reasons too, which led them to promote their product in a non-transparent way. So, try not to fall into any such trap. Conduct proper internet research and choose the best merchant service provider, which fulfills all of your needs.

4. Post-Sales Customer Service Assistance

It’s not just about your hardware or software products that you require a customer service assistance after the purchase of the product, customer service for presales and post-sales is required for almost each and everything that we buy or buy from. It can be in various forms. Some companies will assist through email and chat, some may even provide you with a dedicated representative for your account.

5. Ask the Average Fund Processing Time

You might miss this thing while you are seeking information about various other things related to your provider. But a predictable time is always very necessary to have an idea to have a proper cash flow. So, if you are into any such business, which requires a continuous fund transfer then research about the average time and chooses the best merchant service provider accordingly.

6. Software Compatibility to Manage your Data Digitally

Gone are the days when you need a separate rack to store your sales receipt as today is the day of the cloud-based system. It stores our data digitally without even consuming any memory. All you need to have is an internet connection and an electronic gadget and you can trace your data from anywhere in the world. There is much software in the online market for the same purpose. Virtual terminals, authorize.net, CDGcommerce are few names.

7. History of the Merchant Account Provider

Last but not least, you need to figure out the behavior of the merchant account provider with the proper market research. Proper market research will guide you in terms of examining the previous background of the provider. So, we hope that this article will give you a good idea on how to choose the best merchant service provider for your business.

Get Approval Domestic & Offshore Merchant Account

As technology is advancing, the internet has decreased the geographical distance and brought the global market in one place. Through online businesses, merchants can provide their services to customers all around the world. Irrespective of the size of business you own, to run it successfully online, merchants need to have two things:

1. Merchant Account
2. Credit Card Processing Facility

An offshore merchant account is the most common account out of all the options available in the market. The offshore account does not require a huge cost for the initial setup. This type of account is more popular among small businesses that operate online.

Benefits of Offshore Merchant Account

1. Some offshore account providers may charge you but there are a few that do not charge a penny for initial setup, which is a beneficial deal for merchants running small online businesses.

2. Offshore Merchant account provider takes care to protect their clients (small business merchants, having an offshore merchant account) from online frauds.

3. Offshore accounts operate outside of your home country (where your business setup is), the merchant does not have to pay taxes as he will be out of tax regulation laws of the origin country.

4. Acceptance of multi-currency

THINGS TO KNOW

When you own small sized online business or if you are setting up one, you cannot afford to become a victim of fraud. Fraud and scams are the harsh reality of the business world and usually new, small, inexperienced businesses are the target of these scammers. For the purpose of safety of merchants, offshore merchant account provider takes responsibility to protect their clients from online frauds.

The need for an offshore merchant account arises where a merchant deals with multi-national currencies. And, various credit cards used by customers around the world. If you have an offshore merchant account, this will increase the chances of gaining more customers globally and increase annual revenue.

Normally SMBs do not have spare money to invest more in the accounts. This is where offshore can make life easier for merchants having small businesses. If a merchant runs his/her business with proper planning and strategy, he can expand his business. Also, way sooner than expected by gaining more customers nationally and internationally with high profits.

Few Things You Must To Know About Credit Card Processing

Credit Card Processing: The Introduction of Square in 2009 and PayPal in 2012 brought the quick-pay system and ease of transaction, since then the E-Commerce business has thrived. Now everyone can accept the credit cards in addition to cash and check, which raises the question, how much should you pay for credit-card processing for High-Risk Merchant Account and payment gateway?

You must make sure that you’re not being looted in the name of special merchant services. We’re here to help you navigate credit card processing and help you get the best rate possible for your business. So, stick around!

Factors that affect the rate:

Privileged services:

Privileged services would not affect the basic rate, but it would surely affect your markup in the name of, PCI compliance, merchant gateway, statement fees and so on. So, kindly take in consideration all types of costs before signing up for an account.

Size of the ticket:

Different variations in your ticket size affect your price. Bigger ticket sizes are considered as high-risk that eventually increase the rate for you.

PCI Compliance:

PCI-Compliance is like a vow to protect the customer’s identity. It is the set of rules, which a company has to follow to keep the personal information of its customers safe.

Other considerations:

Many of the processors will charge you a minimum fee if you don’t meet a specific volume of processing. Many of them won’t show it to you at all. Also, worth noting is that if you have purchased a CNP (Card not present) then you might get a better rate otherwise, you get charged extra.

There is no control over the rates as all the companies have their own entities deciding on the rate. There could be a standard rate decided by a group or a region, but no one can say that the rate could be matched or has a single pricing model for all kinds of companies.

Wherever you can ask, we suggest you ask for interchange-plus pricing. Even if merchant accounts never promote these plans, they often have them. It’s the most transparent payment model which doesn’t have enough margin.

To get more information you can contact: 

PH: +1 (888) 622 – 6875

Email:info@merchantstronghold.com

How to avoid TMF or MATCH LIST?

Firstly, follow the lawful business practices to never get quarantine by the Banks. After that you can avoid the following situations:

• Never try any kind of fraud
• Decrease the number of chargebacks
• Pay the debts on time
• If you owe any amount to the bank, try to return it in the stipulated time frame
• Finally, get an expert to help you with the troubles

How to Get Off TMF List?

If you are under the TMF list then the previous merchant service provider can help you understand the exact reason for your query.

• You need to reach out to the previous bank that offered you the merchant services.
• For that, you can contact their support number or send an email.
• Otherwise, the MasterCard generally put the merchant for 5 years in the MATCH list
• In the case of fraud, you are highly unlikely to get off the list.
• You need to know the reason and the reason code, under which you are added to the MATCH.
• Talk to the bank executive for the reason and take notes of the reason code.
• After that, you can ask the bank about the method to get off the MATCH or Terminated Merchant File.

Why Merchants Are Added to MATCH?

The basic reasons for adding a merchant into the MATCH list are the carelessness or practicing the unlawful business methods. Here is a list that better describes the matter:

• Having a huge number of chargebacks, each month
• Caught practicing fraudulent activity such as money laundering
• The merchant owes money to the bank
• Disclosing the information of the customer for profit
• Violation of Terms of Merchant Agreement
• Illegal-Product or Advertisement

In all these cases or similar cases, the merchant denied from practicing business by terminating the Merchant Account.

Getting Funds Faster In A Merchant Service

A merchant, whether be small or big, every person in business needs funding. The payment flow or cash flow in an online business is irregular and depends upon various factors before getting into the merchant’s hand.

We have covered a few of the strategies with which a merchant can get his funds quickly.

An Omission of Chargebacks: A business should be customer-centric and should always provide good if not the best customer service. Still, it is not necessary to have a chargeback-proof business. Always try to minimize the chargebacks. It would not only help your business in getting funds faster but also reduce the chances of getting under the TMF (Terminated Merchant File).

Documentation of Larger tickets: Just like any unusual high overall volumes will draw the attention of your merchant account provider, so will an unusual large individual transaction. The third-party processors hold the funds until you provide the documentation, or until the closing of the chargeback window. Most merchant accounts have the policy of holding the amount of the transaction exceeds the specified value. However, it’s usually a good idea for a large transaction (over $500) to have a numbered invoice and signature.

Quicker Funding and Less hold times: If you have chosen a processor with fast funding commitment then it will only be able to fulfill what’s promised if your business is healthy. Funding directly relates to your transaction timings. Getting funds faster is healthy for business but only when the business is doing well.

Choose a processor with good Customer Service: In an online business, fast funding also relates to good customer service. Understand and test how the customer service and response time is of the provider you are opting for.

If you are going through a tough time and need to change the processor or want better and quicker funding, give a call to Merchant Stronghold.

How to Open A Merchant Account for your Business

If you own a small business or a large enterprise, it is necessary to open a merchant account with a bank. This is because the merchant account can provide many benefits to the merchant and customers, both.

Here are some benefits to use a merchant account for your transactions:

Better Customer Experience – The Merchant Account offers flexibility in terms of payment to the customers. They can access your services and get the products anytime they want by simply making the quick payment. This can result in an increase in customers and their satisfaction as well.

Increase in Sales – As mentioned in the above point that customer satisfaction leads to more customers. That helps your business to gain more loyal customers and increase sales. Furthermore, the merchant account handles and manages all the transactions without any issues and errors.

Accepts a wide range of payment methods – Every Customer uses a different mode of payment method as per their convenience. If you are a merchant then you should prepare your business to accept payment using various payment methods. This especially includes the credit card.

Prevent Payment Frauds – Payment frauds are common in the business. Moreover, there are many fraud tricks that can easily fool a person. But when you use a merchant account, you also get the security features provided by the bank to get the genuine money for your original product and service.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are merchant account requirements?
• How to apply for a merchant account?
• What is a merchant account?
• Who are merchant account providers?
• How to get online merchant account instant approval?
• Should you Open Merchant Account with a Bank?
• How to open a merchant account online?
• Get a chase merchant account
• Do I need a merchant account?
• What are the names of merchant accounts for small businesses?
• How to get a merchant account with bad credit?

High Risk Merchant Account for Ticket booking and Online Sales

When selling tickets online or booking through an online system you don’t just want a payment gateway but payment solution altogether. In these fast times, the payment gateway or a permanent merchant account for events business, which is a High-risk business is more profound as the customer is opting out for online payment. In this time of breakneck competition, the businesses have developed a trend of giving cash back and discounts of various types to the customers.

THE MERCHANT SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE BELOW POINTS BEFORE STARTING THE PROCESSING FOR THE EVENT’S BUSINESS:

Accepts all payment modes (Cards, Net-banking, Wallets, UPI, etc.) and supports all banks. If a customer has money in any currency and wants to pay, you should be able to accept it.

Zero setup and maintenance charges – You only pay for how much you use.

Integration process – Rather than spending precious developer bandwidth on payment integration, spend the time building the product of your dreams.

A dashboard that helps you monitor exhaustive reports on payments and statistics that help you improve your business.

Simple pricing packages that make sense for your business.

BENEFITS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

• Easy settlement into preferred Bank account.
• Easy integration.
• PCI-DSS compliant.
• Less time-consuming.
• Automated structure.

Here comes everything you must know-how when looking for a merchant account for online tickets business and payment gateway. But then, if anything comes across regarding security of payments or payout cycle or something that is more customer-centric you must find the best platform that compliments your business model.

Domestic & International Merchant Account For Your Travel Business

Travel-oriented businesses are considered risk merchants as far as credit card processors are concerned. Therefore are among the most difficult business types to acquire successfully accepted for a Merchant Account. The reason is that experience demonstrates that customers are impressive. They are more able to dispute and chargeback travel agency transactions than most others.

Domestic & International Account

International merchant accounts are the best solution if you have target markets outside of the US.  

• Establish accounts with acquiring banks in all the regions in which business is conducted.
• Save money on processing fees by taking advantage of the lower intra-region interchange.
• Decrease foreign exchange expenses
• Pay local vendors and workers in local currency
• Gain access to alternative payment methods popular in many parts of the world

A domestic high-risk merchant account works well. The USA acquiring banks will accept travel merchants. Now, many US travel merchants combine domestic travel merchant accounts with offshore processing to:

• Mitigate risk by diversifying location of banks
• Obtain higher processing volumes. Offshore accounts often have no caps on processing.
• Take advantage of business benefits offered by some offshore jurisdictions
• Understanding your risk exposure will help you take sufficient steps to minimize it. Also, protect your travel agency from losses associated with chargebacks resulting from customer disputes and fraudulent transactions.

For one thing, starters you should apply for a Merchant Account with the suitable kind of payment processor. This implies one that represents considerable specializes in high-risk merchant accounts–otherwise, you are simply wasting your time and money. Fortunately, there are a few several processing networks available that do specialize in such higher-risk merchant types, unfortunately at a little-enhanced cost consistent with the improved risk involved.

How To Understand Which Type Of Offshore Merchant Account Comes In High-Risk

It is true that some offshore merchant account providers cater specific high-risk industry but it’s not the case with all other offshore merchant account providers. Let us first understand what an offshore merchant account is.

It is like any other account but is with a bank outside the merchant’s home country. This type of account enables a merchant to accept payment online by accepting a credit card. It is not restricted to any industry type, but is available for merchants across all the industrial categorization and can get this account opened to reap its benefits. This type of account is more beneficial for merchant’s expanded their business beyond geographical boundaries i.e. multinational merchants.

Multinational merchants mean that the merchant sells a product to domestic as well as international customer and deliver real-time credit card processing in a local currency of customer. For safe and secure credit card processing these merchants should work with a local bank of other countries. To achieve these objectives, an offshore account is the best alternative.

Are offshore account high risk?

An offshore merchant account does not translate to high risk but depending upon the geographical location of business some merchants may refer to these accounts as offshore in a certain jurisdiction whereas others might consider it onshore. It is advisable to work with reliable international merchant account provider as it delivers security to every credit card processing and this will help merchant as well as provide various opportunities to grow business financially as well as geographically.

Generally, an offshore merchant account is high risk as it caters businesses at risk for fraud and bankruptcy. These businesses are:

• Better refund frequency
• High sales volume
• High chargeback ratio
• Poor credit history
• Company registration address is available in an offshore environment.

Most of the businesses need to take a risk without affecting their financial credibility in order to increase sales or for growth, this kind of flexibility provided to the merchant by High-risk offshore merchant accounts. Domestic financial institutes find it risky to deal with such a situation. Hence, they avoid giving approval for a merchant account to high-risk businesses.

What Causes Merchant Account Hold Or Freeze & How To Avoid This?

The Bank has the right to Hold and Freeze the Merchant Account without prior notice. This is a step of precaution in case of any frauds. Here are some situations that can lead to potential Merchant Account Hold or Freeze.

Before opening the Merchant Account, the bank asks the Merchant to sign the terms and agreements. And if the Merchant does not follow the bank norms, the bank has every right to freeze the merchant account.

High Number of Chargeback – If your business is causing a large number of chargeback every month then the bank will investigate your business methods and discontinue your banking facilities.

Dealing in Undisclosed Goods and Services – Before opening the Merchant Account, you must inform the bank about your business with a detailed description. In case, you are caught dealing in other goods then you can be subjected to Merchant Account Freeze.

Suspect of Fraud – If you or your business is involved in any kind of fraud or illegal activity then banks can take actions by freezing the account.

If you know the possible reason behind the merchant account issues then you can use the knowledge to avoid Merchant account hold or freeze in the future.

How to Avoid Merchant Account Hold or Freeze?

Get a nice payment processor for your Business Account. Also, get a High-Risk Merchant Account if necessary.

Moreover, if you are about to make changes to your business and starting to sell different goods or services, then make sure you inform your Payment Processor about the change.

Reduce the number of chargebacks. An excessive number of chargebacks can cause a variety of losses including the Merchant Account hold.

Finally, if you are going to make an exceptionally large transaction then inform the payment processor regarding your transaction details.

You can also hire an expert to help you avoid Merchant account holds or freeze. For such services, contact Merchant Stronghold and connect to an expert. We provide the best credit card processing services for all kinds of businesses. Merchant Stronghold specializes in high-risk and offshore merchant accounts. Reach us using the 24/7email support at info@merchantstronghold.com or directly visit us at app.merchantstronghold.com.

Get 100% Secure Merchant Account For Your High-Risk Businesses

If уоu аrе a high-risk business, your орtiоnѕ are a third раrtу processor or using an offshore merchant ѕеrviсе рrоvidеr. Either way, mаkе ѕurе thаt уоu ѕhор аrоund to find thе bеѕt роѕѕiblе ѕоlutiоn fоr your business.

SELECTING A HIGH-RISK MERCHANT SERVICES PROVIDER

Whеn choosing a high-riѕk mеrсhаnt provider, always bе guidеd bу thе golden rule of rеаding аll dосumеntаtiоn рrоvidеd аnd аррliсаtiоnѕ thоrоughlу. Thаt inсludеѕ; finе рrintѕ, nоtеѕ, tаxеѕ, fees, contingent fееѕ, miѕсеllаnеоuѕ charges аnd any tуре оf rеѕеrvеѕ аѕѕосiаtеd with the ассоunt. Aѕk ԛuеѕtiоnѕ if some оf thе рrоviѕiоnѕ аrе ambiguous. Mоѕt оf thе mеrсhаnt service providers have diffеrеnt fees аnd charges fоr оnе buѕinеѕѕ tуре tо аnоthеr. Hеnсе, it would bе better to аѕсеrtаin thаt уоu аrе rightlу classified, аѕ you should bе.Tаkе thе timе to gо thrоugh аll the imроrtаnt facts of gеtting a high-risk merchant services ассоunt. It mау tаkе a bit mоrе timе thаn tурiсаl ассоunt, but remember, withоut bеing able to ассерt сrеdit саrdѕ аt уоur business оr online ѕtоrе, thе rеvеnuе that you аrе going tо bе missing оut оn will grеаtlу outweigh thе соѕtѕ of thе ассоunt.

Buѕinеѕѕ Struсturеѕ

Whеthеr it’s a high riѕk business оr nоt, choosing a business ѕtruсturе is one of the firѕt steps in ѕtаrting a buѕinеѕѕ. There iѕ no реrfесt business ѕtruсturе, аnd еасh structure has itѕ оwn аdvаntаgеѕ and diѕаdvаntаgеѕ. Fоr еxаmрlе, while a sole рrорriеtоrѕhiр iѕ nоt subject to dоublе taxation, it doesn’t рrоtесt thе owner frоm реrѕоnаl liаbilitу.

Sеlесting a buѕinеѕѕ ѕtruсturе invоlvеѕ thе consideration оf vаriоuѕ fасtоrѕ, rаnging frоm the соѕt and еаѕе of setting uр thе buѕinеѕѕ tо tаx trеаtmеnt and реrѕоnаl liability оf thе оwnеr. While it’s uр tо each buѕinеѕѕ оwnеr tо select thе ѕtruсturе that wоrkѕ bеѕt for hiѕ оr hеr buѕinеѕѕ, structures that minimizе one’s реrѕоnаl liability wоrk bеѕt fоr high riѕk businesses. To do this, соnѕidеr fоrming a соrроrаtiоn, limitеd liability company, оr a limited liаbilitу partnership. Yоu ѕhоuld avoid bеing thе ѕоlе оwnеr of a high riѕk buѕinеѕѕ (gеnеrаl partnerships invitе ѕimilаr liability riѕkѕ), аѕ thеѕе buѕinеѕѕ ѕtruсturеѕ lеаvе thеir оwnеrѕ open to реrѕоnаl liability fоr thе dеbt аnd judgmеntѕ inсurrеd by thе buѕinеѕѕ.

Getting Legal Help

Starting a buѕinеѕѕ саn bе еxсiting аnd scary аt the same timе. Thеrе are mаnу thingѕ thаt buѕinеѕѕ оwnеrѕ hаvе to think about аnd take care оf so that thеу саn bе in line with the аррliсаblе laws аnd рrоtесt thеmѕеlvеѕ frоm реrѕоnаl liаbilitу. A аttоrnеу саn be a very hеlрful rеѕоurсе when starting a buѕinеѕѕ — еѕресiаllу a high riѕk buѕinеѕѕ — аnd саn help you avoid рrоblеmѕ in thе futurе. If уоu have аnу questions оr соnсеrnѕ аbоut starting your buѕinеѕѕ, it’s in уоur best intеrеѕtѕ to соntасt a buѕinеѕѕ organizations аttоrnеу in your аrеа.

Email us anytime! @ info@merchantstronghold.com 

Few Tips To Choose your Merchant Service Provider

A merchant account is an account, which allows a business owner or in other words ‘merchant’ to accept payments done by the customer by various cards, debit, and credit card most of the time. Now, the problem lies in understanding how to choose the best merchant service provider. Choosing a merchant account is not an easy task, you need to be aware of the services before opting for a provider. Not every merchant account provides the same kind of service level. In this article, we will try to focus on some important factors that can help you to choose the best merchant service provider for your business.

1. Clear and Transparent Fee Rates

This is the most important thing to study before selecting a merchant account. Many a times, a provider will charge you very less processing fees to entice you to open an account with them but may charge very high fees in the name of other fees. A PCI fee is one such fee that a merchant has to pay to safeguard both merchant’s and customer’s account information. So, you need to consider all the rates and then finally choose best merchant service provider with transparent fees structure.

2. Study the Fraud Detection Program

We have seen a lot of evidence of fraud happening in the cyber world in the recent times. Fraudsters are now moving toward the small and medium-sized merchants because they are considered to be and ‘easy target’. So, one need to be aware of the data breach security program covered by the service provider.

3. History of the Merchant Account Provider

Last but not the least, you need to figure out the behavior of the merchant account provider with the proper market research. A proper market research will guide you in terms of examining the previous background of the provider. So, we hope that this article will give you a good idea on how to choose best merchant service provider for your business.

Merchant stronghold specializes in high risk and offshore merchant account. For more information on merchant services, payment gateway services, credit card and shopping cart services you can reach out to us via 24/7 email support at info@merchantstronghold.com - You can also call us at our toll-free number+1 (888) 622 – 6875.

How the ACH Payment Processing Saves Time and Money?

ACH Payment Processing Saves Time and Money – To maximize the profit and increase the customer, you need to choose the best business practice for the business. This includes the payment methods or payment system as well. The credit card has revolutionized the payment industries and, the security and benefits provided by the service providers have encouraged the users to these services.

How does ACH Payment Processing Save Time?

The ACH is proved to be faster than other payment modes. This is because, when using the ACH, a unique routing number is provided that initiates the transaction. The money is then taken from the customer’s account and put into the merchant’s account. It is somewhat like a paper check but faster.

Generally, the ACH takes 2-3 working days to complete, from customer’s account to the merchant account.

Same day processing is also available for the merchants.

Also, the authorization is fast and secure that is attracting many merchants.

For more information, we recommend you to contact an expert. Call at the toll-free number+1 (888) 622 – 6875 of Merchant Stronghold and get an expert to guide you.

Now we know that the ACH processing saves time. It also saves a huge chunk of money as well. When using a credit card, the merchant has to pay a fixed amount to the credit card processor to use their credit card service. The ACH removed this fixed charge because this service is between the merchant and the customer.

What are the Common Merchant Account Complaints

Every year, a plethora of complaints are registers that badly affect the business of the merchant. In this article, we have listed the Common Merchant Account Complaints and the tricks to avoid such issues in your organization. This article can help you look at both potential risks and rewards of working with a given company.

Poor Customer Service

Now your business and payment processing system cannot be perfect every time. And customer faces an issue with the management. At those times, it is the responsibility of the customer service team to provide the demanded attention to a specific topic.

But if the customer support is unable to offer the desired support then the customer has no other option but to avoid the company.

• In such a case, you need to stabilize your customer support service.
• Tracking your product and customer reviews should be evaluated.
• You should take some time to minimize the customer waiting time.
• And nobody wants to listen to the automated answering service.

Poor Agreement Management

Another complaint that is filed against the merchants is related to the agreement management. That could be related to the poor description, expensive services and many more.

• Merchants always pay more when they are renting a terminal than just to outright buying one.
• Leasing services are generally non-refundable that further leads to conflicts.
• By the time, this all leads to costing thousands of dollars to the merchant.

Misleading Sales Practice

This is one of the worst sales practices. If you wish to lead a long profitable business then never apply such things to your business.

• For a merchant, sales are very important and to increase sales they try every method.
• Some merchants try these petty methods to increase sales.
• But the customer with one bad issue can report the business of this unethical practice.
• Advertise your product as it is.
• And if you offer some discount then make sure you clear out the terms and condition to the customers properly.
• Train your sales agent properly and tell them the customer satisfaction is always the priority.

Similar Queries – Merchant Stronghold

• Who regulates merchant service providers?
• What are leaders merchant services?
• Who regulates credit card processing companies?
• What government agency regulates credit card companies?
• How to file a complaint against a credit card processing company?
• Where to complaint about merchant services?
• Flagship merchant services complaints
• Flagship merchant services fees

For more information and guidance you can contact Merchant Stronghold at the toll-free number +1(888) 622-6875. We have also listed more Common Merchant Account Complaints in the headlines below.

How Do I Choose Best Online Merchant Account For High-Risk Business?

Choosing a merchant account provider can be confusing but with the right information, you can make a wise, informed decision. We have merchant account experts who can guide you to get the best services you want.

Best Merchant Account for High-Risk Business?

You need to lay out the demands of your business to shortlist the high-risk merchant account providers. Then out of those shortlisted service providers, choose the one that feels right. Here are some aspects of the Merchant Account that can help you shortlist good merchant account provider. 

High-Risk Business Management – A high-risk business bags number of Chargeback and Representment than other businesses. All these issues are handled by the account providers. To avoid more hassle, a merchant should get the account provider that offers efficient management for the high-risk business.

Efficient Support – The second most important requirement for the high-risk business account is the customer support. Choose a provider type that offers 24/7 support to their customers. This could help in dealing with a lot of matter in the future. Your queries will get answered quickly.

Hardware Services – Generally, the bank or merchant service provider offers the hardware equipment for the card and cashless payment. These devices can include wired credit card terminal, a wireless terminal, a POS system, or a mobile Smartphone-based system with a card reader and an application. Some of these services are free while others have some monthly charges.

Charges – While getting a merchant account you must compare the account charges of various providers. This will help you understand the market price for the service you are looking for and purchase the one with reasonable pricing.

Terms and Conditions – You must thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the service provider. Make sure you understand everything and then sign the deal. If you are unable to comprehend the policies then you can hire an expert to get you the information you seek.

For more information, feel free to contact Merchant Stronghold and get assistance to find the Best Merchant Account for High-Risk Business. Furthermore, you can contact us using the toll-free number +1(888) 622-6875 and try the 24/7 email support. We provide specialized assistance for the high-risk business, merchant account handling, and other similar services.

Merchant Account Importance for Subscription and Membership

It can be a bit tricky for merchants starting up a membership site to do the very thing that makes the endeavor lucrative: collect membership fees from clients via a high-risk credit card processing account.

The most conventional economic institution is, by their extremely nature, mindful – both of monetary high risk and of danger to their reputation. If they have the concern that assured industry practices general in a certain business might verify “quality destructive,” they’re distant more inclined to cut free any merchant in that field than observe in depth whether an individual customer is occupied in cool business practices. The proprietor of several membership websites originates their merchant accounts immediately closed.

The purpose behind this was that MasterCard had released the new rule that put certain practices general to the membership site industry model under much greater inspection. Now, membership sites are regarded as High-Risk Business merchants whether they take part in these activities or in these exercises not. This makes it hard for an entrepreneur to discover an organization willing to acknowledge his application for a membership site Merchant Account in the first place and even harder to discover one that will offer him practical terms on his account.

Why subscription/Membership Sites are considering “High Risk”?

Before MasterCard’s compact rules were implemented (Visa has also issued similar guidelines), several membership sites used techniques that were extensively regarded as misleading, or even deceptive.

“Harmful decision” enrollment – in other words, the client makes a single payment for a product or service, but in doing so they are automatically signed up for a paid monthly subscription which they must actively cancel or opt out of to avoid being charged.

“Free trials” that aren’t free – the client or member is promised something for “free” (including “conceded charging” or “just pay to ship!”), but the process of obtaining the “free” thing or service results in them unknowingly being signed up for a paid membership or subscription.

Covering terms in the fine print – the Membership site makes the terms of its charges and refund policy approach hard to discover by concealing them amidst an extensive client assertion, or in modest content in some dark corner of the site.

If you get more information you can meet our representative and all doubt you can clear at the time. If you are facing merchant services and payment gateway related any problem, quick contact us, Merchant Stronghold will provide the best solution of you. 

Cyber Security tips to protect your Online Small Business

Broadband аnd information technology аrе powerful factors in small businesses reaching nеw markets аnd increasing productivity аnd efficiency. However, businesses nееd a cybersecurity strategy tо protect the thеir оwn high-risk business, thеir customers, аnd thеir data frоm growing cybersecurity threats.

Train employees in security principles:

Establish basic security practices аnd policies fоr employees, ѕuсh аѕ requiring strong passwords, аnd establish аррrорriаtе Internet uѕе guidelines thаt detail penalties fоr violating company cybersecurity policies. Also, rules оf behavior describing hоw tо handle аnd protect customer information аnd оthеr vital data.

Protect information, computers аnd networks frоm cyber-attacks:

Kеер clean machines: hаving thе latest security software, web browser, аnd operating system аrе thе bеѕt defenses аgаinѕt viruses, malware, аnd оthеr online threats. Set antivirus software tо run a scan аftеr еасh update. Install оthеr key software updates аѕ ѕооn аѕ thеу аrе available.

Provide firewall security fоr уоur Internet connection:

A firewall iѕ a set оf related programs thаt prevent outsiders frоm accessing data оn a private network. Make ѕurе thе operating system’s firewall iѕ enabled оr install free firewall software available online.

Create a mobile device action plan:

Mobile devices саn create significant security аnd management challenges, еѕресiаllу if thеу hold confidential information оr саn access thе corporate network. Require users tо password protect thеir devices, encrypt thеir data, аnd install security apps tо prevent criminals frоm stealing information whilе thе phone iѕ оn public networks. Bе ѕurе tо set reporting procedures fоr lost оr stolen equipment.

Make backup copies оf important business data аnd information:

Regularly backup thе data оn аll computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, аnd accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, оr аt lеаѕt weekly аnd store thе copies еithеr offsite оr in thе cloud.

Control physical access tо уоur computers аnd create user accounts fоr еасh employee:

Prevent access оr uѕе оf business computers bу unauthorized individuals. Laptops саn bе раrtiсulаrlу easy targets fоr theft оr саn bе lost, ѕо lock thеm uр whеn unattended. Make ѕurе a separate user account iѕ created fоr еасh employee аnd require strong passwords. Administrative privileges ѕhоuld оnlу bе givеn tо trusted IT staff аnd key personnel.

• Secure уоur Wi-Fi networks
• Employ bеѕt practices оn payment cards
• Limit employee access tо data аnd information, limit authority tо install software
• Passwords аnd authentication

If you want more information Cyber Security related you can contact us - +1 (888) 622-6875.

Which category you fall in High Risk/Low Risk

High-risk merchant processing basically known as credit card processing is the handling of electronic transactions of the merchants. Merchant processing means getting sales information from the merchant, receiving authorization for the transaction, collecting funds from the issuing bank and sending payment to the merchants. Electronic payments are highly sensitive to fraud. Liability for misuse of card data can expose the merchant to significant financial loss.

High-Risk Merchant or Low Risk?

Before you look for the payment gateway, you need to know the risk associated with the business. Be prepared before you approach the banks and gateways else you will end up with denials.

Business life and financial stability, business model, billing method, products sold /services, and processing history play an integral part in deciding whether payment gateway will be provided or not.

Different banks and different payment gateway providers have different parameters, there are some general industries that come under high risk.

THESE INDUSTRIES ARE HIGH-RISK MERCHANT:

Industry -  Reason

Adult Industry- Because of regulations 

Financial Industry - Because of unpredictable nature 

Airlines - High chargebacks 

Online Gaming - Instability 

Law Firms - Survival Issue

There are dozens of others such as:-

Auctions, cigarette, brooking, coupons, Debt collections, Horoscope, Lotteries and Memberships, Real estate, Vacation planners, VOIP services, selling of vitamin and supplements and many more industries.

Apart from this if any business model is dealing with the card, not the present transaction that is also a High-risk merchant.

The riskiest transactions are the one that is done over the phone and Internet and if the transaction is of the high amount and the business is of a kind that tends to generate complaints.

That’s why an important part of applying for merchant services is revealing what kind of business you are. And if your business contains high risk, you will get multiple denials from the Banks and payment gateway providers.

For low-risk businesses, the fees are usually low. High-risk merchant accounts will not only have higher, but they will also include additional fees. Don’t be shattered, despite the risk involved we at Merchant Stronghold will assist you in getting the payment gateway. Get more information you can contact us directly - +1 (888) 622-6875.