eCommerce Tycoon

**seligman1** · 10-30-2006, 06:56 PM

To make a long story short, I am re-starting a business that was owned by my friend who recently died. I originally planned to use my bank's merchant processing services, but they pulled a fast one on me today, calling to say they wouldn't open the merchant account because of it being 90% internet sales. Of course, this comes after being assured that there wouldn't be any problems whatsoever. The manager was no help either.

We made an announcement that online sales would resume November 1st. Needless to say, this puts me in a difficult position. I called a couple of companies who said it would take 7-10 days for a credit check and processing time. What options do I have (if any) to get a merchant account and payment gateway up and running in the next couple of days?

**vangogh** · 10-30-2006, 07:50 PM

The quickest way would be paypal. Not necessarily the best payment gateway, but probably the only only one you can set up right away. Another option might be Google Checkout

I use Authorize.net, but it took a week or two to fill out all the forms and get approved.

**ADAM Web Design** · 10-30-2006, 07:57 PM

Depends on where you live. If you're in Canada, for example, you'd be completely screwed.

As a VERY short-term measure, you could put PayPal up. It's unprofessional, but at least it would "work".

http://www.goemerchant.com/ <--- these guys might...I don't know for sure.

http://www.coreybryant.org/ <--- the site doesn't reveal a **** thing about this guy (which is a shame) but he's one of the most knowledgeable people I've ever met when it comes to things like this (he posts a lot on WebProWorld if you want to learn more about him.)

I've got a few guys in my fantasy baseball league who might be able to help. I'll check with them.

**ADAM Web Design** · 10-30-2006, 07:58 PM

Oh for Christ's sake, dude. We gotta confer before we have the same thought.

**vangogh** · 10-30-2006, 08:01 PM

Corey posts a lot on some small business forums I belong too and I can say he's also really knowledeable about this stuff and is a pretty nice guy too.

**ADAM Web Design** · 10-30-2006, 08:11 PM

Yeah, that he is.

I just found someone who might be able to help you if you're in the States.

Carrie Leavenworth, Alliance Bankcard at 616-458-8889 .

Mention that Jeff Fortney (that's not me, but that's the friend of mine) told you to call. They'll take care of you.

**seligman1** · 10-31-2006, 03:30 AM

Thanks for all the advice, especially the contact information at Alliance Bankcard. I will call them in the morning.

What should I say if asked how I know Jeff Fortney?

**ADAM Web Design** · 10-31-2006, 11:06 AM

Friend of a friend works.

**jbladeus** · 11-01-2006, 04:18 AM

you could also get third-party merchant account services like 2Checkout.com or Worldpay.com, which actually accept credit cards/checks and dont look as "unprofessional" as paypal. You can set up your account with them in less than an hour and start selling, however the limiting factor may be their higher transaction charges which lie somewhere in the range of 5-6%.