Will ANYONE let us accept credit cards?

[sexytoyboxaustralia]

Hi all,
We've been looking for a good while now, and cannot find ANYONE will let us accept credit card payments online (except for ones with ridiculous fees, ie $66p/m plus 6% commission, and even then its not guaranteed). Basically, we're a new store, we're online-only, and we sell adult-related products (not pornographic or illegal, just adult oriented), so many places are cautious. Does anyone have any ideas on how on earth we can accept credit card payments? Are manual systems easier to get accepted for? We've noticed most small adult site use paypal or paymate, but on examining their terms and conditions this is violating their policies and means serious legal trouble if its discovered, which is the last thing we need. Any suggestions would be great - the thought of sinking many, many thousands of dollars into setting up a store and purchasing stock, then having no means of accepting payments is at least a worrying one.

[dferguson]

Hi

What banks have you spoken to?

[memories]

Have a chat with the Bendigo Bank.

That will make you smile. :D

[sexytoyboxaustralia]

Bank West, NAB and ANZ were all said they couldn't for various reasons upfront, Commonwealth said they could, then changed their mind after we opened a business account, and St. George hasn't committed to anything but we know which way they're leaning, as they've already said IF accepted we'd be charged top rates all round. I emailed bendigo (fast response, good start) and they've sent me an application form despite knowing our industry, so we'll see how it goes. Just to check, a MOTO account that works with secure email will be fine for ezimerc, right?
Cheers

[memories]

We started with a terminal system, dirt cheap and I mean cheap...about $19 per month plus low fees. We have since moved to a web based system that allows us to run our business from anywhere (well plus laptop and Telstra NextG card).

The fee for that is a little bit more, but worth it. Still a bargain for what you get.

We has Stg before that. When they told us our web based fee was going to to $98 per month...well yea and well no....well bye bye Stg!

Bendigo has been brilliant and most helpful. It reminds me of the good old days before all the bank mergers, when customer service actually meant something.

Thats our story. Others may have different experiences. Having spent 20 years working for big banks, my opinion of them is typically soured (I hate corporates anyway).

Best of luck mate. Let us know how you go. Just remember for every one person posting on here, there are probably another 100 reading and wanting answers. ;)

Greg
Shared Memories Gifts Australia
www.sharedmemories.com.au/shop

[sexytoyboxaustralia]

Well I like the sound of bendigo, but when you see the application forms you always begin to doubt your chances. It says they usually only give MOTO access to people who've been using merchant facilities with bendigo for 6+ months, which obviously isn't an option as none of the gateways support bendigo (i've heard bendigo is related to st. george - could this mean that the gateways could work with them, seeing as they work with bendigo? What might have made it easier for you was that you had a merchant history - we're new, young, and adult-related which could well scare them off before they even look at your business plan or anything like that. Any tips on what they want to see on the app forms, in terms of projections, policies, etc.?

Andrew

[niko]

I am using Bendigo Bank and the only way around the 6 months was to let them know I understood online fraud. However, it didn't help when the thief broke into my house and took a laptop with a copy of Creditcard details. Although the machine was broken it was still a risk not to inform mastercard and Visa etc.

I would write up a brief to them saying you are aware of online fraud and tell them what precautions you would take, ie. anti-virus, anti-spyware, that as soon as the order is printed you will delete it from the PC that ezimerchant has 124bit SSL etc etc.

They like to tho think you will not setup a web site that someone in Russia can access etc, that you are online fraud savvy and respectful of the security needed for having card holder's details on your PC.

Once you do that you should be fine, and I suggest you contact the nearest branch with that info and speak to the manager directly.

Oh and also do not have an automatic process, use manual, meaning if someone orders using their credit card then it doesn't automatically go to the bank and into your bank account, have the manual option so that you can choose who you feel is legit.

If still no success you can always use Paypal, accept direct deposit or bank money order. Never ever send goods until you see the money not when they say on the order it is being paid to paypal or direct deposit you have to check those accounts first. Personal cheques should wait until the cheque clears and most importantly request at least two out of three solid personal details, such as a landline and physical address.

I accept PO Boxes. RMB etc if to be delivered to rural areas etc but even then they must supply a proper landline. Because Ezimerchant also has fraud data checking (limited) it will help you to decide who is and isn't legit. There is plenty of threads about this here but you can email me about my experiences if you wish. Go to my web site and you will see the email under the about us tab. Let them know you are using Ezimerchant too, plus I use spybot search and destroy and also free version of Grisoft AVG

[sexytoyboxaustralia]

Mmm we went to see them today. Not suprisingly, adult sites are in the highest risk bracket and they're pretty wary of online adult stores, full stop. I've told them all the ways we plan to minimise fraud, which is pretty extensive, but it just isn't reassuring enough for them, even for a manual system. They just don't want to hear anything about online, basically. Their only 'advice' on how to get the facility was to a) have a home loan, credit card, etc., with them so they know we can be trusted (I thought it was fraudsters they didn't trust?) or b) Run a fixed-address store for a few years, then apply again (not an option). PayPal and Paymate are out too - I signed on with them both and was sent emails saying that it violates their agreement to sell "obscene or adult products" - its only allowed in the U.S. So, how many people are happy to pay by cheque/bank transfer/money order? We'll try again in a few months time if we can get off of the ground without credit cards.

Thanks all,
Andrew

[dferguson]

You might also think about starting your online venture in somthing a little less risky - Say Womens clothing. Then, maybe change your mind a few months down the track :-P

[niko]

Maybe even tell a bank it's women's accessories rather sex toys ;)

[sexytoyboxaustralia]

Well after much confusion it seems that you CAN use PayPal so long as you abide by certain rules, so we're open and trading now, and hopefully nobody'll change their rules :) I can't say it wasn't tempting to sell 'womens accessories', but thankfully it won't come to that.
Thanks guys

[dferguson]

Hi

This is great news! At least for the first 12 months, you can build some business history, then go back to the banks!

[adultworks]

i HAVE AN ONLINE ADULT STORE AND AM HAVING NO PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER WITH ANY BANK. I have received very good Merchant rates from CBA. Although have stuck with Paypal atm. Paymates Fee's are enough to call crimestoppers about.

[discountpumps]

I come from that kind of site and went through the same dramas your having.
Pm me if you like.
MAYBE I can help you to get c/c online. there are a few ways,
Also I am very keen to know who does the "except for ones with ridiculous fees, ie $66p/m plus 6% commission, and even then its not guaranteed"
I would like to see their site and rates if that is ok?
Many thanks
MT

[sexytoyboxaustralia]

Well all is running and all is well, we'll try for the banks down the track when we've got a good track record. I'm happy for anybody who has been accepted by banks for online trading (adult or not), but most banks told us straight out "We don't accept adult oriented businesses". The $66 p/m were St. George, but the 6% was an estimate because they only told us we'd be on the highest fee because of "our industry", and wouldn't say any more (they publish fees as "from" $33 pm). Sorry replies took so long, been flatout recently (thats a good thing!). Its odd that Paymate accepted Adultworks (good for you though), as they emailed me the same day telling me to forget it.