simple merchant accounts?

fruehling · #1 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 07:44 AM

I have spent the last 14 hours searching, reading, etc, trying to find a merchant account that suits me. I have come so close on a few occasions only to have to start over. I had a great thing going with PayPal until they froze my account a week ago while I was on holiday. Now I am desperatly searching for something good. I would like to go the full way to merchant account, but I would like something that is easy for me and the customer. I have a nice little catalog page set up already that I don't want to have to change visually.
<http://www.greenfairy.org/catalog.htm>
I want to keep the add to cart and view cart/check out buttons, so I suppose I need some shopping cart software? Is that right?
Is there a merchant account that allows me to paste in some code like Paypal did that acts as a shopping cart?
Then the customer enters the Credit Card information on the merchant account site and it either authorizes or declines the transaction before it even gets to me?
Of course I would like to be able to connect up my bank account to this to get the money deposited.

I don't know if I am articulating this very well through my crossed eyes and soggy brain, but if this post is intelligible, please try to give me some decent suggestions. I would also like a merchant account that can be set up quickly, as I am losing money and customers every day that I can't take orders.

Corey Bryant · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 10:52 AM

What you have there is actually a high risk item. It takes a "special" processor that will handle that type of item because of all the liability unfortunately.

You are probably looking at around a $500 setup & a little higher discount rate than what you are used to. But this will help keep you legal in the long run & then have no problems.

fruehling · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 11:18 AM

That is very good to know. I will start a new topic looking for a high risk merchant.

StevenAllen · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 05:47 PM

Most webhosting services are compatable with Authorizenet. Authorizenet can provide you a virtual terminal and once you add a merchant account you are set. If you need help on either issue feel free to drop me a line.

Corey Bryant · #5 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 09:33 PM

Actually - I know authorizenet.com will not support adult businesses. They might not support this type of business as well. I can try to ask my contact over there. And actually authorizenet.com does not have any processors outside the US. I take it you are not in the U.S. but Prague?

Your best bet is usually to get a 3PP & they can handle some of the risks / liability

StevenAllen · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 10:21 PM

If your website is outside of the US and is Adult in content corey is correct.

fruehling · #7 (**permalink**) 08-19-2004, 09:20 AM

well i am in the US but I ship out of prague. It's not adult, but alcohol. I assume it will be high risk after the research that I have now been doing. Now I need to find a 3rd party processor that is reliable and doesn't require my customers to sign up with them in order to pay me with a credit card.

StevenAllen · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2004, 03:30 PM

I still may be able to assist you if you care to drop me a line.

fruehling · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2004, 04:16 PM

ok. private message sent