Setting up Merchant Account...HELP!

[Bubzeebub]

I'm in the process of setting up a merchant account fo the first time. I am thinking of going with one of the more reliable providers. I've read in some of the other posts on WW that:

1) Avoid long term leases (One post went so far as to say never agree to anything over 6 months)

2) Negotiate setup fee (or avoid it altogether by refusing to pay it)

Is this true? Can this be done or does a wanna-be merchant have to just accept their terms?

[Phillyrich]

Bubzeebub, I work for an e-commerce provider. If you look around you can find a Merchant Account Provider that does not commit you to a term and has no set-up fee.

[DaveAtIFG]

This thread [webmasterworld.com] discusses a good comparison resource.

[JonR28]

Look at authorize.net's reseller list to find a great company. And in most cases you can tell them you won't pay the setup fee and they won't make you.

[Bubzeebub]

Thanks Jon and to the other poster. I was hoping to get some first hand information from you guys on the setup fees and the contract length since you already had a merchant account. I'll keep my eye here just in case others wish to post their personal experience on this subject.

Thanks!

[aleatrix]

Have you tried your local bank? That's how I got our merchant's account, and while their fees aren't the lowest in the world, their customer service is good and there are no strings attached. I've been with them 5 years now and can't complain.