PayByWeb Has Been Providing Merchant Accounts for 20 Years.

2012 will mark PayByWeb's 20th year in business.  Before there was PayPal, there was PayByWeb.  Before many of the merchant account providers you see online, there was PayByWeb.  Since 1992, we have been providing companies with the ability to accept credit cards for their business with a merchant account.   Our Check By Phone has been wildly popular as well.  Over the years, our merchants have included Olan Mills, Glamour Shots, PBS, Jenny Craig, Allstate Motor Club, AAA Motor Club, Nightingale Conant, Montgomery Wards, and thousands of others.  Today, PayByWeb merchants process over 1 Billion dollars annually in credit card and check transactions.  We work with the world's leading processors such as: First Data, PowerPay, iPayment, MerchantFocus, and e-Online Data to bring you the best possible program to fit your specific needs.  Whether you want to accept credit cards for your mobile, retail store, website, or just need a virtual terminal, PayByWeb can have you setup for credit card processing in just one day. 

Look, there are tons of companies from which to choose.  We post dozens of testimonials on our site, not just 2 or 3.  Our testimonials don't use names like, "J. B" or "Joe. B".  We use merchant's REAL NAMES and even include company names because WE DON'T MAKE THEM UP!!  

Want to know what our competition charges for a merchant account?  Good luck!  Complete a form on their site and they'll get back with you.  Not with PayByWeb.  Our fees are posted for each account we provide.  You will KNOW what you are being charged before you apply.  We make searching easy because we don't waste your time.  Check out the different accounts we have to offer here. 

So...thank you to all of our merchants who have helped make PayByWeb the industry leader for the last 20 years.  We appreciate your trust!  We appreciate you!  If you have the need to accept checks or credit cards in the future, whether long term, or for a one-time event, we hope you will let us show you what sets PayByWeb apart from the rest.  Thanks for 20 great years!

Want to Accept Credit Cards for your fundraiser or short term event? Now you can!

There are very few fundraising programs that would not benefit by accepting credit cards.  The problem has always been that merchant account providers, those who setup fundraisers or those needing to accept credit cards for a short term project such as trade-shows, flea markets, garage sales, etc, require multi-year agreements, such as 2 or 3 yrs.  This requirement has left most fundraisers scrambling for other methods of collecting funds...until now!

PayByWeb now offers a short-term/one-time event merchant account program.  The service includes use of a wireless credit card terminal with printer and provides for acceptance of Visa/MasterCard, Discover, and even American Express.  Best part, there is NO long term contract.  You can use the terminal for a day, week, month, or as long as you like.  The fees are a bit more than merchant accounts with long term agreements, but just barely.  Funds are paid out to the merchant in 3 business days, directly to their checking account.  This service is perfect for any short-term event that requires credit card acceptance. 

Complete the easy online application found HERE, Pay a small rental fee and deposit (refundable once the terminal/printer are returned)

Merchant Account -
A merchant account is an account with a bank that is used to process credit card transactions.  It is a virtual account that is not accessible by a merchant.  Rather, the funds accumulated from credit card transactions are deposit directly to the merchant's bank account, typically within a few days.

Visit PayByWeb's FAQ for answers to many questions about accepting credit cards.

Selling For The Holidays? Start Accepting Credit Cards NOW!

If you are preparing to sell during the Holiday Season, the time to get setup to accept credit cards is NOW!  Seasoned marketing experts will tell you that you should have your preparations completed early to make sure that you are ready for the sales frenzy that occurs this month each year. 

PayByWeb has been providing merchant accounts, and check services to companies from Fortune 500 to start-ups, since 1992, far longer than most in the industry.  Our service is second to none, and we will make sure that you have every tool in your arsenal in order to make that sale.  WE PROVIDE FREE TERMINALS...YES, FREE!

How do we differ from other merchant account providers?  Simple!

1.  We post Fees/Rates
If you search merchant service providers, you find that virtually all of them require you to submit a form in order for them to contact you back with the fees you will be charged.  Why do you think they do that?  Perhaps they adjust the fees up/down based on your information, or what they believe they can get away with charging you?  Of course!  Why would anyone trust a company that does not post their fees?  For every type of merchant account PayByWeb offers, our fees are clearly posted.  You know what you will pay, without having to ask.  That's how we save you time and we understand your time is valuable. 

2.  We post DOZENS of REAL Testimonials
While many merchant account companies do not provide any testimonials on their website, or require you to request them in writing, PayByWeb provides them on our site, accessible by one click from any page.  We don't just enter names like R. S. or Tom.  Our testimonials incude the full name and business name.  More importantly, we don't have just 2 or 3.  We provide dozens of testimonials and include survey results so you can see how our merchants rate our service.

We can have you setup with a merchant account to accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover in just 1 day.  So, visit us at www.paybyweb.com and watch your Holiday Sales increase with a merchant processing company that cares about you. 

BTW, accept our free gift regardless of where you setup your merchant processing.  Download  our free guide to understanding merchant accounts.

   

Credit Card Problems Plague NFL During Pre-Season

If you are a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, and went to last week's opening game against the Detroit Lions, you probably got more of a show than you expected, and I am not referring to the Fly-over, 911 tribute, or salute to the first and greatest Buccanneer, Mr. Leroy Selmon. 

A Bucs pre-season game caused major grumbling with tremendously long concession lines and very poor quality food.  To make things worst, after waiting in these lines, fans were told that the credit card machines were not functioning.  Imagine waiting in a food line for 45 minutes to find out that the cashless society was not welcome at this game.  No cash...no food.  Talk radio was a abuzz.  "They had 9 months to prepare and make sure everything at Raymond James was ready."  The stadium was less than half full.  Imagine if a big crowd showed up.  Levy foods, the concessionaire, took full blame for the fiasco.   The Buccaneers responded by offering HALF OFF on all concessions for the opening day game.

If you are not familiar with Tampa, FL in late August and early September (October, November, too), the word HOT is an understatement.  The heat in a stadium is considerably more unbearable as the temperature on the field can be well over 100 degrees.  How do the players deal with the heat?  Lots of Water, Gatorade, and even IV's to rehydrate.  How do the fans deal with the heat?  BEER...and that's where the trouble starts!

Most everyone knows that beer, while the commercials make it seem refreshing, is NOT a method of rehydrating your body.  That takes water...and plenty of it.  While most parents teach their kids the importance of drinking lots of water and staying hydraded in the heat, thousands of those parents seem to forget about it during game time, at the stadium.  You can become dehydrated in just minutes while sitting in a 100 plus degree stadium, screaming, and expending lots of energy. There were numerous reports of faintings and heat related illnesses.  While standing at a concession stand, the man next to me grabbed his female companion as her legs buckled beneath her.  We sat her down,  fanned her, and gave her small sips of water (Not Miller Lite) while waiting for the paramedics.  While the football teams may have done the most running, the paramedic and support staff ran a very close 2nd assisting the many who got ill.   During the game, Vendors carrying their boxes filled with beverages were up and down the aisles.  While they had several varieties of ice cold beer...NO WATER!  "Sorry, I'm Out", was what I kept hearing.  Truth is, they don't want to sell you water.  These guys and gals are working for tips and lets face it, they can sell a $4 bottle of water or $9+ bottle of beer.  Beer customers will always tip better, too.  So, they keep stocked with beer and skip the water, doing the fans a MAJOR dis-service.

The most troubling thing to me, is much of this could have been easily prevented.  The NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Organization, and  Food Vendors need to work together on a strategy to reduce or prevent this from happening.   

1. During the summer and early fall games, especially a 1pm kickoff, WATER SHOULD BE FREE!  Yes...FREE!  Fans need to keep hydrated and it is brutally hot, even in the breezeways and concession areas.  Rather than hand you a complimentary eye glass cloth, or other promo item, EVERYONE WALKING IN THE STADIUM SHOULD BE HANDED A BOTTLE OF WATER, FREE.   That is the first step towards fan safety. 

2. Next, provide HYDRATION STATIONS, like the colleges do, so you can re-fill the bottles with COLD water throughout the day.  Refilling stations reduce the waste from plastic bottles as they promote re-use.  If the stadium can't provide refilling stations, water should be free at all concession areas on game day.  
3. Signs should clearly posted throughout the stadiums warning of the possiblity of heat related health issues, showing where first aid stations are provided, and detailing possible warning signs to get help early to those becoming ill.
4. All Concession vendors working the stadium rows selling beverages should be required to carry plenty of water. 
5. Finally, while it's wonderful that this is America and everyone deserves to profit, how about NOT profiting on something like WATER.  Fans have already paid hefty prices to attend the games.  What is so terrible about charging $1 for a bottle of water?  Why should we EVER have to pay $3 - $5 for WATER??  Charge $20 for a beer!  Charge $100 for a hot dog!  Don't rip off your own customers for something we need to EXIST!

Of course, that's just my opinion...I may be wrong.

Where Have All The Legitmate Companies Gone?

Yes, there are plenty of legitimate companies.  I know this.  But...

PayByWeb is one of the very few merchant account providers to offer a total online experience.  For example, when you apply, there is nothing to print, fax, sign, or mail.  Our entire application process for Internet, mail order, and phone order merchant accounts is online.  This makes the application process fast and simple.  Unfortunately, it brings out every schemer in existence to see if they can get setup.

While PayByWeb provides a list of unacceptable merchant types, nothing seems to dissuade those selling medical marijuana, credit repair, loan modification, travel, gaming, tobacco, firearms, and adult related services, from applying...knowing that they will be declined.  Will they get approved?  Not a chance!  But, what it does do is cost a fortune.  When using PPC to market our services, it seems like that more than 80% of those applying for a merchant account to accept credit cards via the Internet are unacceptable merchants.   Huge expense...NO income!  Not to mention the resources involved in the underwriting process.  Merchant Service Providers spend a tremendous amount of their resources to review each application to determine the associated risk.

Is this issue specific to PayByWeb?  From what we are told, No.  From other ISO/Agents in the merchant account industry, we hear the same thing.  Tons of unqualified merchants applying.  Merchants from outside the U.S. filling out applications knowing they will be declined.  Even more, merchants who are TMF'd (on the terminated merchant file - Match File) and are for the most part BLACK-BALLED, still apply.  What are they thinking?  No...you're not suddenly going to be approved.  

Pulling a Fast One -
In some cases, fraudulent merchants get an account approved and begin processing.  However, in most cases, these accounts are quickly flagged, closed, and those merchants never receive any funds.  It does cost more money for ISO/Agents who take the time to board these merchants only to have the accounts immediately closed. 

We need more of the hard-working legitimate merchants applying to accept credit cards.   So...come out, come out...wherever you are!

PayByWeb Honored By The American Red Cross

PayByWeb was recently honored at the Annual Meeting for the American Red Cross's Tampa Bay chapter. 

One hundred fifty folks gathered in Tampa, Florida last week for the annual meeting of the American Red Cross's Tampa Bay Chapter.  Among those honored was PayByWeb, "In Grateful Appreciation for your deep impact on The American Red Cross and for saving lives across the Tampa Bay Area." 

During the first quarter of 2011, PayByWeb raised approx $1.4 million to aid victims of Japan Relief and for those impacted by the Southern U.S. Storms, by accepting credit card donations on behalf of American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  PayByWeb has been partnering with the Red Cross since the aftermath of 911.  For over 10 yrs, PayByWeb has raised in excess of four million dollars in donations, via their credit card acceptance program.

PayByWeb, located in Pinellas Park, Florida has been providing merchant accounts for companies to accept credit cards, since 1992.

FREE - Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts





While merchant accounts and accepting credit cards may not require a degree from M.I.T, it can be very tricky.  There are many terms, policies, and procedures that can make the application process anywhere from a bit daunting to an outright nightmare.  Upon approval, the activation process can be complicated as well.  Desktop Terminal?  Pin Debit?  Payment Gateway?  API?  There are many choices available and again, confusion is not that uncommon.  Finally, keeping the account working.   Not getting terminated.  What to do and what NEVER to do.  Again...there is a lot to know.

PayByWeb is here to help make the process more simple.  Announcing PayByWeb's "Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts", a FREE book that you can download anytime from our website.   The guide features

• Tips to Getting Approved
• Glossary of Merchant Account Terms
• Things you should NEVER do
• How to avoid your merchant account ending up in the Security Department
• What is the Terminated Merchant File
• Frequently Asked Questions, and much more!

We go in-depth and in simple language explain the world of merchant accounts, from top to bottom.  Regardless of where you setup your merchant account or process credit cards, you will find the Free "Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts" an invaluable tool. 

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY HERE

Wireless Terminals for FREE

Accepting Credit Cards On The Go is Finally Affordable

Mobile and other portable credit card terminals have been around for many years.  But, have they been affordable?  To many, not really.  Expensive hardware, leases, long term contracts, and high fees have priced credit card acceptance away from the front desk, out of the ball park.  However, much of that has changed. 

Today, more and more merchants need to be able to accept credit cards while on the road or at off-site locations.  There are many wireless/mobile credit card terminals on the market.  You can expect to pay anywhere from $199 - $1000 for a wireless credit card terminal.   Some terminals have integrated printers while some have printers optional.  Monthly wireless service fees vary but are generally around $20 per month.   Many credit card processors are now offering shorter term contracts.  Some have no contracts at all.

One of the most popular, and fastest growing segment in this industry, is the short-term or single event usage account.  This merchant account offers great flexibility for fundraisers.  For example, a school PTA or other group is holding a one night fundraiser and wants to accept credit cards.  Now they can.  Many charitable groups holding silent auctions or other fundraisers can sign up, rent the terminal, process their transactions, and return the terminal once their event is over.  These types of services are finally being offered to a large group of merchants who until very recently, were stuck accepting cash and personal checks.  Statistics have proven that buyers are apt to spend more money on a credit card than by check and who carries cash anymore? 

PayByWeb makes the process simple by providing a FREE wireless credit card terminal to all new merchants applying for a wireless/mobile merchant account.  Rates are 1.74% plus .25 per transaction.  Merchants with short term events needing credit card acceptance can rent the terminals at a very low cost. As the demand for mobile and wireless technology increases, merchant account providers must keep up and offer the solutions to supply that demand, while keeping those merchants happy. 

The Future of Credit Card Processing is Mobility

Processing transactions electronically is not just for online and traditional businesses anymore. There is a new movement in technology that now allows retailers the ability to process electronic payments on the go. Mobile merchant accounts are now providing an increased convenience for consumers and higher sales for businesses that incorporate such mobility. Such technology has now introduced devices such as the Square, which allows a merchant to process payments directly through an iPhone or iPad. There are several advantages for mobile merchant accounts. First, a device such as the Square does not require any merchant account setup. Another advantage for the mobile merchant is that utilizing mobile merchant accounts will ultimately replace the need for credit card terminals.

Before a business can accept credit cards, your business must be licensed through the appropriate agencies. Transferring payments on the go is particularly proposed for small businesses. Mobile payments are moveable, flexible and have radically lower setup costs than more traditional merchant account services. Once your business is established and licensed, establishing a merchant account, payment gateway, and a mobile device will be required to accept credit card payments.

A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments by debit or credit cards. A merchant account also serves as an agreement between a retailer, a merchant bank and payment processor for the settlement of credit card and/or debit card transactions. This type of account provides convenience for your customers and allows your business to accept electronic transactions from the either a brick and mortar storefront or e-business. Moreover, offers credit card transactions from your mobile phone or tablet. Merchant service providers are in abundance, and it will take some research to determine which company best suits your business needs. Another option is to apply for an account through your bank; however, this isn’t always the most cost-effective method.

Merchant accounts can be provided by a mobile credit card processing service and process your electronic transactions. With some banks, they will actually outsource the electronic processing. Extra fees will apply to merchant accounts for each transaction, thus you will want to research these companies and do the math to find the best rates that meet your specific business demands. Once this established, setting up a payment gateway follows.

A payment gateway is an e-commerce application service provider service that authorizes payments for e-businesses, online retailers, or traditional brick and mortar companies. It is the equivalent of a physical point of sale terminal located in most retail outlets. Payment gateways protect credit card details by encrypting sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, to make certain that information is transferred securely between the customer and the merchant and also between merchant and the payment processor. Every retailer requires a merchant account, however, only e-commerce and mobile commerce businesses have to establish a payment gateway. Today’s standard is that mobile electronic transaction services employ an integrated payment gateway or are partnered with online payment gateway companies such as Authorize.net or the very popular PayPal. This demonstrates how electronic transactions have become a transparent part of online transactions.

There are several advantages to utilizing mobile electronic payments. First, if you already have a smartphone or tablet, you already have most the equipment in the palm of your hand. If not, these devices are so common, that you can purchase a smartphone or ipad at low costs. There are also Mobile Commerce solutions that are compatible with almost any phone that has web and Java ME applications. Also, not all mCommerce services require Java to be functional. Secondly, incorporating your business mobile phone for processing credit cards is countless. The savings in equipment and instant credit card processing alone should give you reason for optimism. Thirdly, no matter if you’re working an event at the fair or a trade show, all your transactions can be processed instantly from the palm of your hand.


Another savings is that a portable card reader is no longer required. Just key-in the credit card numbers. Transactions are immediate and you can get the advantage of lower transaction fees since the verification of the card is instant. With the combination of Bluetooth card readers for swiping credit cards and Bluetooth printers for printing receipts, your business is more portable than the terminals of the past. Not to mention the fact that you are saving your money by reducing costs.

Establish a mobile merchant account that allows your business to accept credit cards on the go. It is the future of credit card processing and the future is now.

Selecting A Merchant Account Provider: Choose Wisely

Merchant accounts are a necessary requirement for your business to accept credit cards online. It is also an agreement involving the retailer, a merchant or account provider and a payment processor who facilitates the payment transactions. For processing to be completed successfully over the web through merchant accounts, necessary solutions should be set up.

At this time, for organizations to be able to keep up with competing firms, these merchant accounts are very important as it provides opportunism both on the company along with the consumers. Getting started on an e-business is definitely suitable for most people, since this particular enterprise accepts credit cards; plus utilizing charge cards as payments is preferred by the majority of the customers. As a result, making use of credit cards for procuring online transactions is simpler and more secure.

Countless people consider this type of payment exchange more convenient. Matters become simpler and all you need to know is the best company that can ensure that you get what you require. Working with a tight budget is understandable especially during these times, however you don't have to stress since many organizations want to aid you. The truth is, today, several merchant providers provide free solutions to customers. Unfortunately free merchant accounts can be appealing, and those that are actually paid have more functions.

Once you start your internet business, there are a few points that you should think about. First on your list is determining the appropriate online firm that is going to be with you all the way. Therefore, you need to select a company that you can depend on and can supply you with all your needs. Visiting their website and browsing through their terms and conditions would be the next thing that you should take into consideration. Lastly, it is important to verify your account to get activated. You are able to do this by logging in to your account and following the sequence of instructions that can be found on your display screen. After completing all the actions, your account is now activated and you are now ready to accept online payments through your site.

Internet businesses that employ merchant accounts, of course, enjoy more benefits than those that don't. Understand that consumers that buy from the Internet anticipate paying online. Therefore, losing potential sales is unavoidable in the event you don't have the ability to accept credit cards online. Not only are you distressing those who would have bought goods or services from your site, you are also creating a reputation that very few online shoppers will be pleased about. When this happens, the future of your company is in grave jeopardy.

Cyber Spies: Not Your Typical 007

Purchasing goods and services online is more convenient than ever. Whether you are going to buy a book, a home, musical equipment or if you are booking a flight or a reservation at your favorite resort or restaurant, people are doing all their shopping via the Internet. A credit or debit card is required when shopping online. There are other forms of electronic payments; however, charge cards are the most popular mode of payment that many consumers use in shopping online.


Credit cards allow the cardholder to purchase goods and other services not exceeding a predetermined amount better known as a credit limit. When a customer swipes their card or enters their card information on a secure, online form, several technological wonders occur. Within a matter of seconds, the merchant receives the cardholder’s information; the bank that issued the plastic card pays the merchant for the product or service. At some point, usually within thirty days, the card holder repays the bank on a designated date. All though this sounds easier said than done, unfortunately, many people take advantage of the system in malevolent ways.

Credit card and identity fraud has increased at an alarming rate. This can be accomplished in many ways. Spies have been portrayed as cunning and mysterious. The same applies to cyber spies. A common way cyber spies take advantage of a cardholder is by sending spyware to an unsuspicious Internet consumer. Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Once a spyware is able to find your personal data about your card, it then transmits it to the distributor of the spyware. Now that the distributor of the spyware has your personal data, they either sell your information to the highest bidder or impersonate you. Now, that the distributor has your information, they can approve themselves as the owner of your account. Then, they can request a new pin number and extra credit cards. At this point, they can purchase items or take out cash advances on your account.

Credit card holders need to always be ultra-conscious of their accounts. Guard your credit card data by making sure you are shopping at legitimate sites who utilize secure servers during the check out process. Install anti-spyware programs on your systems to eliminate potential threats. Don’t just give out your personal information when making purchases at a store or online. It is worth being prepared with all the knowledge and tools necessary to avoid being a victim of credit card fraud or identity theft.

Help protect your customer’s personal data and keep up with the competition by establishing a merchant account to accept credit card payments. You will be glad you did, and so will your customers.

Protecting your customer’s personal information is a great liability and responsibility for a business once a merchant account to accept credit cards for your business is established.

The question is, “Where does my responsibility begin and how is my business liable? In 2006, to make sure that businesses are complying with security standards, the major credit card companies, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, collaborated and established security guidelines. PCI DSS, which is an acronym for the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, envelops everything from the physical security of credentials to making digital files indecipherable to potential crooks. These rules remain just as relevant today, as cyber criminals incessantly search for new ways to embezzle credit card information.

When taking steps to protect consumer’s data and prevent security breaches, merchants must at least meet the minimum requirements set forth by PCI DSS. Merchants that accept electronic payments must be fully aware of these security guidelines. Whether it’s Wall Street or Main Street, the guidelines that were created by PCI DSS apply to all businesses globally. Below is an overview of the PCI DSS standards:

1. Build and maintain a secure network

• Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.

• Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.


2. Protect cardholder data

• Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.

• Protect stored cardholder data.


3. Maintain a vulnerability management program

• Use and regularly update anti-virus software or programs.

• Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.


4. Implement strong access control measures

• Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know.

• Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access.

• Restrict physical access to cardholder data.


5. Regularly monitor and test networks

• Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.

• Regularly test security systems and processes.


6. Maintain an information security policy

• Maintain a policy that addresses information security for employees and contractors.


Please refer to www.pcisecuritystandards.org for more information.


Merchants that break these rules can be fined. Upon such a security breach, fines are originally charged to the merchant's bank. At that point, the bank will pass on those charges to the merchant.

A larger concern is if the merchant loses a cardholder’s information. Under the state data breach notification laws, businesses that fail to guard their customers' information must admit the theft. The fines are going to be the least of your worries. Now, because it’s a good possibility your customer will not return, the damage is done and you have just lost business.

Whether it’s at the airport or at your home, security is a top priority. To stay competitive, businesses must establish a merchant account for credit card processing. Protect your customers and your business and secure your electronic transactions.

Hollywood...Enough With The Remakes!

Every time we turn around, Hollywood spits out another remake of a film they have no business remaking. Now, its ARTHUR. Russell Brand should be ashamed. Whether this movie amuses or not, it is repulsive to me that the lack of creativity in California promotes filmmakers to delve into what has already been done. Arthur was a classic and nobody could do it like Dudley Moore. Producers of this film should be ridiculed. They would have better served the community by taking their money and donating it to the American Red Cross for relief to Japan, than to piss it away in this fashion.


Whether a movie could be done better or not a second time around, it shouldn’t! Hey, I have an idea, come up with something NEW! Next thing you know, there will be a remake of Star Wars or the Exorcist. Yes, Titanic (a remake) was one of the most financially profitable films made…EVER, but how often do these stupid remakes really create anything more enjoyable or better produced, than the original that they are replacing. Keep in mind that Titanic is a true story. Original movies like Arthur, Stepford Wives, 12 Angry Men, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Guess Who’s Coming Dinner, etc are classics that should never have been remade.


Sure, young people, with no idea that there is an original, will go see it, if not just to see the newest R.B. film. Me, I will gather the wife and kids, make a big popcorn, and put the original on the big screen at home. Hollywood…Cop a CLUE! Rent some creativity! Get some writers who have a great concept and make films that inspire the art. Until then, I’ll stick with Showtime.

April Special

Why on earth would you want to pay $350+ or $35 per month for a credit card terminal, when we give you one FREE? YES...FREE!

This is a retail/Face to Face merchant account - Perfect for: Restaurants, Trade Shows, Retail Stores, Home Parties, Flea Markets, and more.

• NO FEE TO APPLY
• INSTANT APPROVAL
• TERMINAL SHIPPED WITHIN 24 HOURS
• TERMINAL PRE-PROGRAMMED. START SWIPING OUT OF THE BOX!
• THOUSANDS OF SATISIFED MERCHANTS
• FUNDS AUTOMATICALLY DEPOSITED RIGHT INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
• YOUR BUSINESS NAME ON YOUR CUSTOMER'S STATEMENT
• ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS: VISA/MASTERCARD/AMEX/DISCOVER
• PIN DEBIT AVAILABLE WITH OPTIONAL PIN DEBIT PAD

Merchant Account Rates

• Application - FREE
• Activation - FREE
• Setup Fee - NONE
• Annual Fee - NONE
• Credit Card Terminal - $399 FREE

To accept credit cards online, apply today at Pay By Web.

Charlie Sheen and Two and a Half Men

I have to admit that I am probably one of the only people alive in the U.S. that has never watched this show.  As a 40 something person who grew up watching (and loving) shows like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mash, All in the Family, etc., I just can't stomach today's network tv programming with the laugh tracks. 

However, on a flight home from Vermont, the in-flight entertainment (so they say) featured the Charlie Sheen program.   While I did not plug in my headphones to listen, I did make an interesting observation.

Most opening credits to tv shows feature a producer or two, and perhaps an exec producer.  The opening credits to T 1/2 M, ran for over 5 minutes.  There was one producer after another.   There must have been around 10 producers, including all the exec's.  Producer is little more than excuse for someone to pay.  Their contributions in many cases are minimal.   Perhaps there are too many producers with their hands in that pie.  Of course, that's just my opinion. 

It’s not ALL about the Money!

In the merchant services, it seems to be all about the money. Pretty much every request generates a fee to the merchant. In many cases, it makes sense. What many merchants don’t understand is that a simple request like changing their banking information, while as simple for them as going online and filling out an application for a new bank account, requires significantly more for a merchant service company. That little requests could involve upwards of 5 or more departments at different companies all making their changes. Everything Costs! The question…what about giving BACK?


Does your merchant service company give back to the community? In the Jewish community, “Tzedekah”, or charity is right out of the Bible. How involved are our competitors and giving back? To know how they compare, first you have to know what PayByWeb has done to give back.

Yes, we donated 1,000 turkeys (and gravy) to Metropolitan Ministries feed the hungry, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Beginning in 2001, PayByWeb began a mutually beneficial relationship with the American Red Cross. We raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to aid victims families of 911. From there, we began raising money for Disaster Relief efforts including Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, as well as Earthquake efforts such as Chile and Haiti. For Haiti, Paybyweb raised over 1 Million Dollars.

Once again, we are raising money for those in need. PayByWeb has been working with the American Red Cross to raise money to help those affected by the Earthquake in Japan. We have already raised tens of thousands of dollars.

Something to consider when you shop a merchant acct provider! How do THEY give back to the community, whether locally or globally. Do they care at all…or is it all about the Money?

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Help Support Japan Earthquake Victims

In the wake of 911, millions of Americans were making online donations to the American Red Cross. Their website was so busy that many who wanted to donate, were unable to do so. The American Red Cross asked PayByWeb, a leading payment processing company in business since 1992, to assist in processing online donations for the overflow. The program was such a success that subsequent requests were made for us to assist in Hurricane Ike and Katrina efforts. Within the last two months, PayByWeb provided over ONE MILLION DOLLARS in donations to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief.

PayByWeb is assisting again to provide online donations for victims of the Japan earthquake. By visiting us at PayByWeb, you will find links to a letter of verification from the American Red Cross, as well as media information and current news.

Making your online donation via credit card or electronic check is simple and fast. To make your online contribution by check or credit card, to those in need, simply fill out the form at PayByWeb.

Thank You for your Support!

David Weiss
President/CEO
PayByWeb, Inc

Online businesses are becoming a great alternative to the traditional “brick and mortar” businesses today. These e-stores, depending on the goods and services offered, accept credit cards, e-checks and other methods of cash delivery. However, these payment methods present some risks.

Fraudulent transactions occur and unfortunately the consumers and businesses are the ones who reap the consequences. Fortunately, merchant account providers have pioneered more secure and prompt online payments. This is accomplished by verifying a credit card before the transaction is processed. Merchant accounts allow the merchant to deposit the funds directly to their bank account. Although there are fees involved, a minimal amount is required from those who apply.

It is imperative for e-businesses to accept online credit card payments if they want to compete in today’s market. So, how does an online business start the process of getting a merchant account? Initially, you need to choose an internet provider that can make all transactions online secure. Your customers will enter their private details when they purchase from you.

The next step is to research your merchant account options. There are many merchant account providers to choose from today. Their services and charges vary from each other. Some include Point of Sale (POS) services. This service includes information of the sale and the purchase process. Its function in the entire operation is to serve as a voucher. The advantage of these accounts is the option for the merchant to refund the consumer, in cases of disputed transactions. Due to the amount of fraudulent transactions, accepting credit cards online should include an anti fraud measure to protect customer’s safety.

Another factor in choosing a merchant account is the participating bank. Some providers are not compatible with local banks or the provider is not available in the country. It may be cheaper and easier to use, however, how will you be able to receive your money if it is not affiliated with any banks in which the fund transfers can occur? Remember, you get what you pay for, as the saying goes.

Give your customers a high level of service satisfaction, accept credit cards online so they can purchase from your store and feel that their transactions are secure. Moreover, keep your customers coming back for more.

Wireless/Mobile - Accepting Credit Cards on the Go

It was not that long ago that accepting credit cards outside of a store was a major pain. Lugging around a knuckle buster with a metal plate, sales slips, and other supplies was not terribly complicated...but could be a hassle. Let's not forget that you needed to call in to get an authorization, or you might be dealing with stolen or declined credit cards.

Today, that has all changed. With Wireless/Mobile credit card terminals that you can carry in your hand, wireless printers the size of a cigarette pack, and the ability to accept (and even swipe) cards into your iPhone or other smart phone, there is virtually nothing to carry around and the process takes seconds. It is also more secure. No sales slips with credit card numbers. Everything processed securely via SSL connections. All PCI compliant. Safety and ease for your customers, security and easy technology for you, the merchant. But, which method is best?

There are many options available to accept credit cards on the go. If you have a smart phone, that may be the most simple and efficient method. With a merchant account, app from your favorite app store, and optional swiper, you can literally be setup within a day or two. Many processors run special pricing. For example, Paybyweb covers the $50 cost of the app and the $79 cost of the swiper that fits over the iPhone. The newest apps even provide an area for the customer to sign their name, right on the phone. This may not seem like a big deal...but it is! Swiping and obtaining a signature provides a merchant with a retail/swipe fees which are considerably less than the fees for an Internet/Phone type acct. Fees for the retail acct range from 1.7% rather than the Internet average of 2.2%. For the smaller merchant, this may not seem like much. For merchants with high volumes, the savings can be significant.

For those not using smart phones, wireless credit card terminals, such as the Way Systems (now VeriFone) MTT 1510, 1581, and 5000 offer great features in a very compact pkg. Simply swipe the card into the phone, aim the phone at the wireless printer, and print the receipts.

A question that we get all the time..."How can we accept credit cards for our fundraiser?" We get this a LOT! The issue is generally that merchant accounts have a term commitment, usually 2 yrs. This is almost always the case. We at Paybyweb are the only provider that I know of that has answered the call. We now offer a special merchant account for one-time or short term events, such as fundraisers, trade shows, garage sales, auctions, etc. We setup the merchant account and provide the wireless terminal for use during the event, all with no fee to cancel once the event is over.

Regardless of the device or method you use, just get out there and make your sale!