Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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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Thursday, March 24, 2011

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

Friday, March 18, 2011

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.

Friday, January 28, 2011

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!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Happy Holidays - Reflection

As another year ends (and they seem to pass quicker and quicker) I like to take some time to reflect on accomplishments, as well areas needing improvement.


Paybyweb's greatest accomplishment this year came early. Last January, we assisted the American Red Cross in their Disaster Relief efforts to help Haiti. Paybyweb raised over One Million Dollars. Not a small feat. We were featured in the news (VIEW INFO HERE)

This industry is VERY competitive.  There are many companies out there trying to gain your merchant account business.   We want to be the company you choose to accept payments online or take credit cards at your business...however, Paybyweb strives to be different.  Whether we are donating 1,000 turkeys to Metropolitan Ministry's during the Holiday Season, or helping to raise money to help those in need, we believe that it is important to GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

Yes, you want to make money!  So do we.  However, it is our belief that there is a bigger picture than just making money.  We will continue to find ways to assist those in need.  If you want to partner with a company like that...we're certainly okay with that.

From all of us Paybyweb, Have a Safe and Wonderful Holiday Season! 

Friday, December 17, 2010

Great Revenue Potential!

If you have a database of customers, that list may be worth thousands of dollars or more. Paybyweb has partnered with a data management company that pays up to $2 for each name.

How does it work? It's simple. First, contact Paybyweb and let us know that you have a list file of your customer database available. Your file should have at least 5k records. We will discuss how the file is generated and other details and arrange to test the file with our partners. Testing generall takes a few days for a phone test. If the file works, we will contact you to make arrangements to pay you and obtain the data.

It's that simple! Your customer data may be worth a lot of money...money that may be just sitting there. If you are generating a customer list, contact us and let's talk about how that list can start paying you money.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Tips For Merchant Account Setup

Setting up a merchant account to accept credit cards is not rocket science, but it can be very confusing.   Here's a tip to help simplify the process.

Make sure you know the difference between requesting information and completing a merchant account application.  Many merchant service providers have forms on their site requesting information such as your business name, type of business, how much you process, etc.  They use these forms to gather data so that they can contact you back to go over merchant account rates fees and other information.   Some forms are actually merchant account applications to accept credit cards.  While you may think you may be completing the form just to get information back, you may be completing an application, which is a legal contract with the bank.  Once you digitally sign the application, you're bound by those terms and conditions to which you agreed by submitting the application.  Some sites, such as PayByWeb notify you that you are applying for a merchant account, just to make sure there is no confusion.

The merchant account application process can be simplified by making sure you take the time to read the information provided, before completing any forms or applications.