Hassles getting an online processor

Exclusivity clause?

[Sunshyn]

We have had ridiculous problems with our Authorize.net processor. Indeed, we're extremely close to resigning ourselves to staying just with our very expensive, but at least trustworthy, off-line account. We've looked for a new processor to change the Authorize.net account to, but I'm getting fed up with that as well. We're spending too much money on an account that's just sitting there unused.

We had hopes that MerchantPlus might not ruin our reputation with our customers like the last place and might even have the ability provide documentation of what they're doing to the point where I have a chance of figuring out our books (no one at the last place knows anything about what they did to our account). However, now that we've finished with the application and paperwork and could finally read the contract, we've found it to have a 3 year duration with an exclusivity clause. I haven't heard of the latter before and need to know how unusual that is. It would prevent us from entering into an agreement with any other entity that provides card processing services similar to theirs. I still have faint hopes that we might someday find someone who could handle some of our anti-fraud screening, which might end out requiring another processor. I'm also very concerned with the fact that we have no assurance that MerchantPlus is any better than the last one, though I doubt anyone could be much worse.

Should I just give up and finish off the Authorize.net account? Does anyone have any recommendations?

[Corey Bryant]

Three years is a very long time to be with any company. Normally, you are looking at 6 months. Heaven forbid, but if yor business comes on hard times & you have to shut down in a year, you will have to still pay them. And the exclusivity clause is ridiculous to say the least.

Usually all you need to do is complete an app - a couple of pages, give them a deposit slip & that is it. It is very easy & it should not be that complicated.

-Corey