MERCHANT ACCOUNT OFFSHORE BULLETIN

Good connection for Online Gambling Merchants: Online Gambling Insider

2007-11-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

Having the right connections is one of the most determining factors that online gambling merchants need in succeeding in the risky yet rewarding world of online gambling. As an online gambling merchant, knowing the authoritative sites is a must. For these authoritative sites command respect and credibility. And one of the authoritative sites is Online Gambling Insider.

Online gambling merchants can greatly benefit once a positive article or review about them will come from this site. Online Gambling Insider provides reviews, recommendations, and now they offer guarantees deposits to online gambling sites amounting to $1,000 max. From an online gambling merchant's prospective, it is definitely plus points if you can get into the goody list of this site.

There's an advise out there to include customer reviews on your site in order to gain more credibility that will result to good online reputation and ultimately, to good profit.

Learn more about this site by reading the whole article:

Advise for Online gambling merchants: Get approval from Online Gambling Insider

Online Gambling Merchant Account Good News: Boost in Sales

2007-11-13T17:33:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more positive news to an online gambling merchant account holder than a boost in sales. And this is a perfect time to be thankful that you're in the world of online gambling. The numbers are up.

A recent study conducted a reputable and established company in Britain showed that there are more people making bets online, with the demographic composing more of males within the ages of 18-34. Seems more are becoming more adept in risking their money on online gambling sites. Definitely, if more are betting, more are using their credit card payments, more transactions for your online gambling merchant account.

But, take note, this study was conducted in Britain. A different story may be seen in the U.S. as there is an existing that banks U.S. banks from processing transactions from online gambling owners. This major setback makes one who has an online gambling merchant account turn offshore, where the acquiring banks are more than most willing to accommodate an online gambling merchant account.

To know more about the results of the study on the hike on online gambling players, read the whole article:

Online Gambling Merchant Account News: Sales are up

Big time online gambling owner arrested

2007-11-07T22:49:00.001-08:00

The arrest of French online gambling owner gave quite a scare to online gambling operators. Petter Nyllander, owner of Unibet, was arrested approximately two weeks ago for breach of French laws. laws which are unspecified as of press time. What message does this send to the online gambling world?

Online gambling in the European Union has been under a lot of changes. Trade leaders are becoming more open and embracing of the online gambling practices. But then again, even with more merchants plunging into the online gambling scene, the watchful eyes of the authorities are always open. The laws that govern online gambling are still quite vague, even with the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. That's why an online gambling owner is still pretty much in the dark on what to do.

There are different laws for online gambling in every country. Even in the U.S., every state still has different takes on online gambling. What an online gambling owner can do is to always keep abreast of the latest developments so that they'll know the things that they can and can't do.

Know more about the details of this arrest by reading the article in its entirety:

French online gambling mogul arrested

Online travel merchants get ahead of the game

2007-11-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

Online travel merchants have reasons to celebrate, in China, to say the least.

A recent survey conducted by a reputable travel group showed that more and more outbound travelers turn to online destination sites to research on information on travel bookings. The days of actually making calls and going to the travel agencies are going into oblivion, so to speak.

We can say that one of the reasons for the rise in online reservation is that people lean towards comfortability. Travelers are more comfortable in looking at their computers and browsing through the list of destinations and prices and the other services that both online travel merchants and physical travel agencies can bring to the table.

Another contributing factor is that online travel merchants tick the customers' sensibilities. Due to the dynamic visual presentation online travel websites bring, more are enticed to make bookings because they have can visualize themselves in those destinations.

Know more the edge of being one of the online travel merchants' edge by reading the whole article:

Online travel merchants outsmart the traditionals

Good things about a high risk offshore merchant account

2007-11-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

Most people associate a high risk offshore merchant account with anonymity and illegal activities. But in reality, a high risk offshore merchant account is just like any other merchant account, except for a few operational differences. Ultimately, it's not a bad thing that you have a high risk offshore merchant account.

Merchants engaged in adult, travel, online pharmacy, online gambling, telemarketing, dating service, escort service, lottery, multilevel marketing, and high volume are more applicable to get a high risk offshore merchant account. A high risk offshore merchant account lets a high risk merchant enjoy the following:

faster high risk offshore merchant account processing
faster account set up
reduction in tax liabilities... and so much more

Erase all your negative perceptions about a high risk offshore merchant account and know more about the benefits you can enjoy from a high risk offshore merchant account, read the whole article:

Perks of a high risk offshore merchant account

Dating Service Merchant Account Advisory: Lunch Out

2007-10-26T01:32:00.000-07:00

The dynamic world of dating keeps changing by the month. That's why as a dating service merchant account holder, who operates a dating service, be it online or offline, it is crucial to develop strategies to stay in shape.

This must have been the focus of the owners of It's Just A Date dating service when they developed setting up dates during the time that workers replenish themselves, lunch hour. At first glance, this may seem a senseless set up for most people bring their work to lunch. But it actually worked for them, financial tipsters point out that this company has made multi-million profits since starting the lunch dates.

From a dating service merchant account POV, if you can incorporate or rehash this strategy to your dating service business, it may spell success. The word may is emphasized for this doesn't guarantee that it'll work for you. Timing and all kinds of factors that only the richest businessmen may know affect your success.

Learn more about this success story in relation to gaining more funds for your dating service merchant account by reading the whole article:

Dating Service Merchant Account Advisory: Lunch Out

Guiding Light for Online Pharmacy Merchants: Lexi-Comp online

2007-10-26T01:03:00.000-07:00

Owning and running an online pharmacy gives more wall-banging headaches for online pharmacy merchants. Consumers are still skeptical in buying medicines online due to negative impressions of online pharmacies. Plus, they're most doubtful if the online pharmacy actually exists or just a dummy site created to sponge money out of them.

With these challenges in the table, online pharmacy merchants always have to be alert in knowing what and what not to do when it comes to selling medicines online. For those who have no brick-and-mortar counterparts, the challenge is double than the usual to prove that you are a legitimate online pharmacy.

Thanks to Lexi-Comp online, online pharmacy merchants can have a reference on the ins and outs of making pharmaceutical transactions, latest news, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updates. If you were to ask me, this has been over due, the online pharmacy industry has been under fire for quite time now.

For complete info on these breakthrough, feel free to read the full article:

Saving Grace for Online Pharmacy Merchants: Lexi-Comp Online

Pokers rally to let online gaming live on

2007-10-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

I've read a recent new that online gaming is in hot water at Capitol Hill. Almost a hundred poker enthusiasts of Poker Players Alliance (PPA) lobbied Wednesday to protest a legislation that puts stringent restrictions when it comes to online gaming.

An existing law already prohibits U.S. banks and processors to process credit card transactions made in the name of online gaming. Since then, the demand for an offshore online gaming merchant account has been on a steady rise.

Interestingly, there are three online gaming bills are pending in Congress, they include the The Skill Game Protection Act, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007, and the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2007, all includes clauses for banning online gaming.

If these bills push through, I can only imagine the unrest it would to do the world of online gaming, not disregarding the offline gaming folks. There are endless and many debates on the validity of online gaming, like if the "spirit" lives on when you play in front of the computer. If you're into online gaming, either an operator or a player, then,it's a though to ponder on.

Feel freest to read the whole article for more information:

A Call to let Online Gaming Live

Finding refuge in an offshore acquiring bank

2007-10-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

We all cling to things closest to home. As a high risk merchant, you go to your local bank for your merchant needs. But what if the place closest to comfort puts a wall between you and a high risk merchant account. What's a high risk merchant to do? Worry not, for an offshore acquiring bank is going to the rescue.

An offshore acquiring bank is a financial establishment outside of U.S. soil that provides processing of credit cards for merchants, low risk or high risk merchants alike. They process credit card transactions from customers and deposits the funds to the offshore merchant account. You can make contact with them directly or get the services of an offshore merchant account provider.

An offshore acquiring bank offers more flexible and less stringent conditions when it comes to dealing with high volumes of transactions. Volume caps and holdbacks are also almost non-existent in an offshore acquiring bank. What more could you ask for?

To better understand the nature of an offshore acquiring bank, feel freest to read the whole article:

How an offshore acquiring bank can be your BFF

The real deal on a free offshore merchant account

2007-10-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of a free offshore merchant account? This may sound ironic or misleading since the term offshore and free don't usually mix. An offshore merchant account is usually and wrongfully construed for high fees, so where's the FREE factor there?

A free offshore merchant account is real. It is considered as free owing to what a free offshore merchant account offers. With a free offshore merchant account, you can get a terminal with no charge, have a payment gateway set up with no fees, no upfront fees, and free software installations. The discount rate fee will always be there, because that is the fee the bank or the offshore merchant account provider gets for every transaction. Hey, they need to profit just as much as you do as well.

Nothing is absolute but death and taxes and a free offshore merchant account is one of those things that are not absolute and should be taken in a business-like context, not literally. If, as a high risk merchant, you're being offered a free offshore merchant account and the word free relays absolute zero fees, then, that's the time to let the skeptic in you prevail.

A legitimate free offshore merchant account will say that there will be fees, but only those which are necessary. For a better understanding of a free offshore merchant account, read the full article:

Free offshore merchant account: Real or Rumor

Adult Internet Merchant Account FAQ

2007-10-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

The online adult industry has faced some of the toughest critics and regulations than any other ecommerce site. There's the reputation of being a high risk business, the moral responsibility issue, and its uncensored reach to minors. A bit more challenge is demonstrated when it comes to getting an adult internet merchant account that will let you accept credit card payments, since adult websites are filed under the high risk category, meaning banks are somewhat paranoid in accommodating your merchant account demands.

So, to aid you more in deciphering the inner workings of an adult internet merchant account, which will be a good tool in running a profitable adult website, have compiled the most common questions about an adult internet merchant account.

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS AN ADULT INTERNET MERCHANT ACCOUNT?

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR ONE?

WHAT FEES ARE INCLUDED IN THIS MERCHANT ACCOUNT?

WILL YOU WAIT LIKE FOREVER TO GET ONE?

There are other questions, for sure. Read the whole article for answers to these questions:

Common Adult Internet Merchant Account Questions Answered

The Legality of Anonymous Offshore Merchant Accounts

2007-10-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't want their assets protected? This question is what I consider as the ultimate justification for anonymous offshore merchant accounts. For high risk merchants running high risk businesses, the need for setting up anonymous offshore merchant accounts is included in a two-fold part;

ONE, FOR PROTECTION OF ASSETS.

TWO, PROTECTION OF COMPANY'S INTEREST.

Some may have vested interests in hiding their offshore merchant accounts in account numbers or pseudonyms, not promoting any mischievous acts here. Just saying that the rationale for protection is based upon good intentions.

Read the whole article for more information on anonymous offshore merchant accounts:

Are Anonymous Offshore Merchant Accounts Legal?

Offshore Merchant Account Facts and Non-Fallacies

2007-10-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Upon hearing the term, offshore merchant account, first thing that comes to mind is a merchant account that's somewhat illegal and scrupulous nature. Also,that those who get an offshore merchant account are those who want to evade legalities, to get rich teh quick way. Well, everybody's entitled to their own POVs, but have made the move her to answer all the possible questions about an offshore merchant account.

WHAT is an offshore merchant account?

WHY get one?

HOW to have it?

WHERE to go for it?

Hopefully, after reading this post, you'll be on the enlightened list. :D

Offshore Merchant Account's Tips on Saving Your Online Reputation - Part Three

2007-10-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Numerous posts, not only in this blog, have emphasized on the importance of maintaining an online reputation. In this virtual world where your ecommerce business can be tainted with a single negative comment, it is vital to know damage control measures. A high risk business with an offshore merchant account is a no stranger to bad rumor.

I have researched on ways on how to keep your online reputation intact, and also provided tips if the unfortunate scenario has already come your way.

In the event that a bad rumor hits the blogosphere, here are ways to clear the skies:

make contact with the source of the rumor
address the issue
coordinate with the SEO damage control specialists
call in the men in gray suits

To know what to do when a rumor sets in, read the whole article:

Offshore Merchant Account's Guide for Guarding your Online Reputation - Part 3

Adult Website Merchant Account Policy: No Minors Allowed

2007-10-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

As a high risk business who owns an adult website merchant account, you have your target audience. You have a social responsibility to make sure that only those who should see your site's contents are the ones who ACTUALLY will view the site. As for your adult website, only those who are of legal age can gain access.

You might ask about how in the world could you filter the visitors in your site since basically you can't see them. The challenge is to come up with ways on how to verify their ages and prevent them from viewing your website's adult content.

There is this debate on the exact age of person who can visit adult websites. Who are more "mature" enough to understand the explicit contents?, those aged 18?, or those aged 21? But then again, the maturity of a person is a relative subject. There are 30 year old who act like they're 14 and vice-versa.

Moreover, how can you make sure that your adult website will not be viewed by children who may only know Hannah Montana or the watch the Disney channel.

Read the whole article on ways developed by adult website merchant account owners on how to prevent unauthorized visitors to your adult website.

Offshore Merchant Account Tip-Off:How to Legitimize Your Online Pharmacy

2007-10-04T02:32:00.002-07:00

If you're planning to open up an online pharmacy or already operating one, then you know that your business has been taking a lot of heat for quite some time now. This is due to the fact that most, if not all pharmacies operating online have unorthodox business practices that brick-and-mortar pharmacies do not normally do. This is one of the main reasons why domestic banks are quite hesitant to grant merchant accounts to owners of online pharmacies. The answer to this dilemma, an offshore merchant account.

Proving the legitimacy

As an owner of an online pharmacy and an pharmacy merchant account offshore, you know that your business' legitimacy is always questioned. So, you need to be vigilant and take the necessary steps in order to validate your business. Take note of the list and take time to consider them.

* Register your site in the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program under the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy is recognized and established regulatory board whose goal is to safeguard the welfare of patients.

* Require a physical exam from first-time customer asking for prescription drugs. You may request this either by email, snail mail or submitting a .dbf copy of the physical exam.

* Also require a copy of the doctor's prescription from the customer buying prescription medicines. Again, you can request this through the previously mentioned channels.

* Employ a licensed pharmacist to answer your customer's questions. You can either put the pharmacist on live chat or answer emails.

* Always display your pharmacy's physical address and phone number so that your customers will see that you are a real business.

* Take utmost care in advertising “medicinal breakthroughs” unless they have been validated and lab-tested by the FDA.

* If possible, provide snapshots of the medicines that are available so that they'll see that you actually have the drugs.

* Display a list of the health agencies that you are affiliated with. This gives more credibility.

Learn 'bout how to add credibility to your online pharmacy by reading the whole article:
Offshore Merchant Account Tip-Off:How to Legitimize Your Online Pharmacy

Telemarketing Merchant Account Offshore Alert: Six Key Points in Listening for Inbound Calls

2007-10-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Every telemarketing merchant account holder knows that operating a telemarketing business is not only a high risk business, but a notch more demanding than the average profit-oriented endeavor. You've got to make the most intelligent in your entire life in choosing who'll be on the front lines, the inbound telemarketers.

The keys

More than any other customer service tool, listening spells all the difference in the world. Listening in the inbound telemarketing arena is is affected by by a lot of factors. Your inbound telemarketers are bounded by time pressure. Time is money, right? But this also puts pressure on the way they handle the calls. Also, the metrics that you, as a telemarketing merchant account holder, have set also add to the competitive atmosphere on the floor. So, it will be beneficial train your agents on how to be effective listeners so that all the goals are met. Knowing the key points in listening will definitely make them be up to the challenge of inbound telemarketing.

Train them to..

> Make Up Their Minds
Tell each and every one of them to decide to be a better listener. Mushy as it may sound, but taking calls eight hours a day must be fueled by passion as well. Why is this so? The job can become boring for your agents, for it will turn as a routine to them. So, the passion should be in them, when they are passionate 'bout their job, they will decide that they will to every call.

>Use Welcome Words
As an owner of a telemarketing merchant account you know in your veins that words being spoken over the phone make or break your bond with the customer. Making the customer feel the welcoming mood can be done by saying “thank you” at the beginning of the call. This makes them feel that you appreciate that they took time to call. But this should be used in the right cues.

> Concentrate
Make them remember to don't interrupt the customer. Let the caller finish what they want to say. But, there is an exception, if they are already saying foul words and they have already aired their concern, then you can interject. Also, in order to concentrate, make your agents take note of what the customers are saying.

> Be Objective
Some customers, especially the frustrated ones, tend to talk a lot and end up saying other matters that are part of the other universe of the main concern. So, a substantial product knowledge of your agents is imperative so that they won't be swayed by other irrelevant issues.

> Let 'Em Hear You Listening
Since everything is done over the phone, customers will take whatever they hear. They won't see the agents' facial expressions, so tone and the choice of words are everything. Give feedback clues to signals that you're listening and use a variety of verbal clues to avoid sounding robot-like.

> Put In Their Hearts That Every Call is Note-Worthy
Make it a point that every inbound telemarketer has a paper and pen by every phone. Or better to have a NOTES tab on the system to make note-taking easier and more effective. Lastly, to make them feel that they were truly and fully understood, include in your call flow a step of repeating back to the customer a summary of the concern.

It isn't the easiest job to run a telemarketing business, but it can't be that hard as well. Learn how listening can make a great deal of positive difference by reading the whole article:

Telemarketing Merchant Account Offshore Alert: Six Key Points in Listening for Inbound Calls

Inbound telemarketing strategies in dealing with Irate Callers

2007-09-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

The business of inbound telemarketing poses quite a number of challenges. One of the challenges of every inbound telemarketer is dealing with irate customers. Crossing paths over the phone with this group of customers is inevitable. Reasons why they turn ballistic are varied. Some have valid demands, others are just easily angered, some unintentionally lash out their frustrations in life in general.

As a telemarketing merchant account holder, you will agree that to some extent, irate calls eat a large of percentage of the daily calls that come in. So, how do owners of telemarketing merchant accounts who run telemarketing businesses proceed in calming down this irate callers? Below are some of the ways you can take note and teach your agents.

Instill in your agents' minds that it's nothing personal. When a caller gets angry and goes on saying nasty things, it's not because they're angry at the person they're talking to, but at the situation. Tell your phone receptionists to not be rude, never hang up on the caller, and remember, it's not personal. They have to treat it in a business-like way.

Teach them the ASAP technique. This is a way to calm the angry caller's nerves. Apologize for the inconvenience, Sympathize with the feelings, Accept responsibility for the error, and Prepare to help.

Let them know that they can satisfy most people most of the time. Nobody can please everybody all the time. So, if after every effort has been done and still fails to calm down the angry caller, then that's it.

Make them use the swear stopper. The situation gets really heated up when the caller is already swearing non-stop. Your agents should not panic nor answer back. Once this ranting begins, teach the agents to interject immediately, calmly reassure the caller, address directly the main concern, and ask follow-up questions immediately.

Know how to calm your angry callers by reading the article in its entirety :
Inbound telemarketing strategies in dealing with Irate Callers

Offshore Merchant Account's Suggestions to Replace the Forbidden Phrases in Customer Service

2007-09-26T23:48:00.000-07:00

Even if we already have the knowledge on what not to do, we have tendencies to actually go against the rules, and enjoy the feeling of rebellion in the process. This is but normal. But we can't allow ourselves to succumb to doing the opposite of we ought to do.

Moreover in customer service, where everything is sensitive and every word you say can make or break your business relationships with your customers. Have come up with the five phrases that ticks the sensitive part of your customers aspired with offshore merchant accounts.

This post aims to let you know, as a telemarketing merchant account holder, to know what you shouldn't ever say to your customers. Because if you say these, you're in for a heated discussion that will lead to unsatisfied customers. You don't want that to happen in your business' lifetime,right?

The five forbidden phrases in customer service are as follows:

I don't know..
What should you say instead?
We can't do that..
What should you say instead?
You'll have to..
What should you say instead?
Just a second..
What should you say instead?
No.
What should you say instead?

Words matter the most

Your choice of words spells what your customer will feel. Especially if the response will be via a phone call or a snail mail, or an email. Hopefully the above-mentioned offshore merchant account suggestions will be effective tools in pursuing a smooth resolution to your customers' seemingly impossible demands.

Know what are the right words to say by reading the whole article: Offshore Merchant Account's Suggestions to Replace the Forbidden Phrases in Customer Service

Offshore Merchant Account's Cardinal Rules of Customer Service

2007-09-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

We're on a customer service mood this week, so, you'll be seeing a series of posts on offshore merchant account's take on all things imaginable related to customer service. Indulge.

Many articles have been written, so much tips have been offered on how to achieve on making your customers contented and satisfied over your product and services. If your satisfaction ratings are up, then your customer retention will be consistent. If your satisfaction rating are up, you can attract new customers through your regulars who'll speak only high praises of you.

The cardinal rules to live by

Well, these aren't actually rules. But tried and tested strategies on dealing with customers to make sure that the next time they'll visit will be to buy, not to argue. That the next time that they'll call for a supervisor will be to commend not to downgrade. As an offshore merchant account holder, you should be able to sink these all in.

I. PEOPLE COME BEFORE PAPERWORK. I know, we all have documents to prepare, presentations to draft, proposals to submit, and all other black and white forms to fill up. But the most important thing is your customers. Make them your first priority. Know you'll say that, obviously they have always been your number one on the list. But is this truly what you or your staff practice?. Give it a thought.

II. DON'T RUSH THE CUSTOMER. Talk about being physically present but not actually being there. This happens when you have another million things lined up at the back of your mind. Make it a point to make them feel like they are the customer of the day, that you're just fresh from opening every system. When they feel that you're rushing them, they'll think you don't want them around. Need to tell what happens next after that?

III. BE FRIENDLY BEFORE YOU KNOW WHO IT IS. Admittedly, there is a group of regulars, whom you truly adore in a business sense, who gets in our nerves due to their never-ending arguments regarding the same topic. No matter how hard you serve them the best way you can come up to, they'll still find something to put their finger on. But be careful in getting used to this for you may end up branding your customers ,that you will not end up making false assumptions in treating an incoming customer.

IV. DON'T BE TOO BUSY TO BE NICE. Even if you so many things to do with so little time, this is not an excuse for to be oblivious, to put it mildly, to your customer's inquiries. You basically work to give them a better service, not to keep files. Well, you also have to that, but get someone to that for you.

V. DON'T USE MILITARY LANGUAGE ON CIVILIANS. Use credit card instead of plastic. Visa or Mastercard instead of credit card processor. Talk to them using universal terms. Leave the company jargon between you and your staff.

VI. "THERE 'YA GO ISN'T "THANK YOU" AND "UH-UH" ISN'T "YOUR WELCOME"

. Now, this isn't opposing the previous rule, but just saying in another context. Being polite and friendly to your customers means treating them in a professional way. Using thank you and you're welcome is part of being professional. Again, leave this between your staff or close pals.

Learn more about getting your customer satisfaction ratings above the horizons, read the whole article:
Discover Offshore Merchant Account's Six Cardinal Rules of Customer Service

Escort Service Merchant Account Shoutout: Be (a)ware of Legit Escort Service's Provisions

2007-09-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

All businesses have rules to follow, same goes for high risk business such as the escort service business industry. Though controversial, the potential of it, being lucrative cannot in undeniable. That's why more and more low-risk business owners shift to high risk businesses and even more, an escort service business, which wil lead to getting an escort service merchant account.

Hey, they're just being practical, also, the thrill of trying out something new is irresistible.

Previous article dealt with getting a license for your escort business, and one of the steps you need to do is to sign a form saying that you have fully understood the escort service provisions. Strong recommendation is to really take these provisions seriously. Not taking your free-spirited personality away here, just making sure you're still in the loop.

Nature of escort business

As laid out in the article, Plunging into the world of escort service, this endeavor can be safely defined as a any person, who,for a standard fee, commission, profit, reward, payment or other monetary consideration furnishes, offers to provide or recommend escorts,introduce patrons to escorts, or arranges for escorts to accompany patrons to or about social affairs, places of entertainment or amusement, about any place of public resort or within any private quarters. Here are what you need to know:

1. File an application and submit all the necessary paperwork at the city's licensing department

2. A review of the information and documents will take place for a number of days depending on the city or state laws.

3. For every transaction, you, as an escort service merchant, shall provide every patron(customer) a written contract and a receipt of payment.

4. You should be located at the address indicated at the application form.

5. You will be responsible and liable for any unlawful acts of all your employees.

6. You should keep a daily register of all the transactions taking place.

7. Submit any policy changes you want to implement to the city clerk's office.

Read the whole article to take into the heart the whole information: Escort Service Merchant Account Shoutout: Be (a)ware of Legit Escort Service's Provisions

Flea Markets need a Merchant Account Offshore too

2007-09-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

Have you shifted to the flea market because it's getting too stuffy at the mall? If you're making money at the stalls, you may need to have a merchant account offshore.

A recent news has been flooding in the blogosphere shows the businesses that will no longer be accommodated by US processors. If this is the case, then where the flea markets turn to for credit card processing? It is but crucial to know the reasons why flea market owners need a merchant account to begin with and what they are exactly.

Assumptions of beginnings of Outdoor shopping

Well, there are three existing known assumptions of the origins of the flea market. They are just theories, no harm in naming them,right?

1. Paris suburbs theory
First, that flea markets are believed to have originated from the suburbs of Paris during the 17th century, with the word coming from the English translation of Marché aux Puces. Ok, google.com/translate confirms the linguistics.

2. Fleeing to fleaing theory
Second, they say that flea markets actually was a transition from the word flee market. Word of mouth says that it came a group of dealers of second-hand goods who are in the slums and alleys who consistently flee because of demolitions that were done. See the connection? FleE to fleA.

3. New York slang to Dutch translation theory
Third assumption is quite close to home, or at least, the beginning. There's this notion that the term came from New York City's 18th century Fly Market. Incidentally, the Dutch name for the market was vlie, meaning valley but pronounced as "flea."

Merchant Account Offshore Inevitable

As an flea market owner, you have a lot of merchants selling their stuff under your organization. The popular visualization of payments in flea market is the left to right hand cash exchange. But there is an emerging trend in the flea market industry, the non-physical currency form of payment, the credit card payment. This is owing to the fact that even those above those with average income people also flee to flea markets to buy stuff, who, carry credit cards in their wallets. In this case, a merchant account is the next step.

But we're not just talking about a domestic merchant account, a merchant account offshore is the most viable option owing to three major reasons:

Some items that are being sold are counterfeit

Flea markets have a possibility to dissolved overnight

US processors will not be servicing flea markets anymore.

To know more about flea markets, read the whole article :
Why Flea Market Owners Gotta Have a Merchant Account Offshore
Source: www.offshoremerchantexperts.com

License to Date: Offshore Escort Service Merchant Account's Saving Grace on Avoiding Trouble from the Feds

2007-09-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

If you are leaning towards running an escort business service, most people around you would tend to shy away or vigorously persuade you to not venture mainly because of one reason, you'll get in hot water with the police. But you have no need to worry your heart out, just have to do things the right way to not only legalize your business, but also your offshore escort service merchant account.

Have everything officially sealed and signed

It is imperative to know that operating an escort service business is an entirely within the bounds of the law. There are quite a number of escort businesses being maintained by highly-reputable businessmen who lead blameless lives and are active members of the community.

Your ticket to a worry-free operation of your escort business is to get a license from your city clerk office. Submitting all the paperwork will validate the fact that you are a professional business person, and that contrary to popular belief, operating an escort service is not a clandestine business,owing to the fact that your making your business workings a public record.

Leaving a paperwork trail

After hiring the staff and the escorts and before actually going live, make a that trip to the town hall and fall in line to get your license. Just treat the situation as a déjà vu of your driver's license application. Below are the steps to get your license to operate your escort business:

1.Obtain the application form from the city clerk's office.

2.Indicate all the particulars as asked from the application form.

3.Present your birth certificate proving you're 18.

4.Include at least two photographs in 2x2 inches of size.

5.Submit to a fingerprinting procedure.

6.If applicable, surrender any documentation stating any previous denied or suspended applications.

7.Sign a form validating that you have read and understand and will comply the escort services provisions.

8.Pay the required escort service license fee.

9.Comply with the safety regulations set by the city or the state.

Know how getting a business license can help your escort business and escort merchant acount get on the top by reading the whole article: License to Date: Offshore Escort Service Merchant Account's Saving Grace on Avoiding Trouble from the Feds

Does your Fortune Telling Business Need a Merchant Account?

2007-09-13T22:02:00.001-07:00

Don't leave your fortune telling business' success to what your crystal ball says. After doing much ado with ways to secure your profits, an offshore merchant account may be the light at the end of the tunnel.

The “gift”

No need to actually define what a fortune telling is, right? The word speaks for itself. We're not going to discuss if the ability to foresee the future actually exists, or how to determine if a person truly can tell what's going to happen when you turn 30 or something, or the forever debate if it's an art or a science. Safe to say, fortune tellers generally associate their “readings” with divination, a foretelling ritual practiced by pagans done in religious texts.

Know what the future holds for your fortune telling business by reading the whole article: Reasons why an Offshore Merchant Account is Ideal for your Fortune Telling Business

Mutate and Replicate with an Offshore Merchant Referral Program

2007-09-13T02:18:00.000-07:00

If you're an independent sales organizations (ISOs)/agent, an offshore service provider involved with business consulting firms, corporate services companies and legal firms, or a technology company involved with internet service providers, web developers, web Hosting Companies and other web service providers,or a third party processor and aggregator, then you surely want to increase clientèle, right? Then, if this is one of your goals, which I'm dead sure is, then an offshore merchant referral program is ideal move for you.

Distinct features

This type of merchant referral program lets you provide international credit card payment solutions and fraud management services, with a side bonus of earning extra income for your company. This referral program lets you build more contacts and build a positive reputation. Examining the attributes of this referral program will let you know what you need to tell your potential clients.

* Verified by Visa and MasterCard Secure Code Supported

* 3-D Secure™ bank hosting solutions

* VISA and MasterCard Regulations Compliant

* CISP and SDP Compliant

* Experience with Internet Payment Processing

* Offshore environment

* Virtual Corporation (VirtualCorp) Available

* Multi-currency Available

* Release of Funds to Merchant

* 24 x 7 technical support

* Personalized service

* Fast and easy integration

Know what's in store for you as you become a referral agent by reading the whole article:

Mutate and Replicate with an Offshore Merchant Referral Program

Eyeing Europe for an Offshore Merchant Account

2007-09-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Choosing the country where you want to set your offshore merchant account can be at most, tricky and confusing. With a lot of countries lining up at your doorstep, picking the “one” means closely examining their attributes and what they have to offer.

So, let me give you a good headstart on knowing the best possible choice to set up an offshore merchant account. Banks across Europe have the edge in accommodating merchant accounts, especially those who operate high risk businesses. We can categorize adult, travel, online pharmacy, online gambling, telemarketing, multilevel marketing, high volume, escort service, and dating service under the the high risk nature. Why Europe, you may ask. Europe boasts of their flexible terms applied with strict confidentiality yet bounded by law.

Best places in Europe

Now that you have a specific continent in mind, Europe, that is, it is more prudent to select from the countries in this continent to which you will have a fruitful business dealing with. Recommended are Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Cyprus. Tax jurisdictions in these countries range from 10-31%.

Multi-currency capability

Europe banks empowers merchants to settle and transact in multiple currencies which includes US Dollar, British Pound, Euro, Swedish Kroner and Swiss Francs to a direct merchant account. Also, aspiring offshore merchant account holders can have the luxury of using a payer authentication solution for Verified by Visa and MasterCard® SecureCode™ provided by merchant account providers setting up in Europe. You'll be able to enjoy this feature with these benefits:

* protection from fraudulent transactions

* safeguard from unauthorized payments

* offers a chargeback liability shift

Read the whole article for the criteria merchants need to fulfill:

Eyeing Europe for an Offshore Merchant Account

Why Panama is an Offshore Merchant Account Haven

2007-09-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

You need to go the distance for a reliable offshore merchant account. Going the extra mile can't be that faraway though, you have Panama to go to.

When offshore merchant account is the hot topic of the moment, we talk about a merchant account set up outside of US shores. Generally, this type of merchant account caters to high risk businesses such as adult, travel, telemarketing, online pharmacy, high volume, lottery,and multilevel marketing. This businesses are considered a few notches higher in terms of risk and therefore have encountered hard and unfortunately, unsuccessful times in getting merchant accounts in their local banks.

There are many countries that are also friendly and most willing to accommodate offshore merchant accounts, but what makes Panama so special? Here's the reasons why:

* Secrecy and anonymity is protected by the statute

* Zero requirements in revealing beneficial owners

* Zero requirements in filing financial statements

* Zero requirements on holding shareholders' or directors' meetings.

* 100% tax exemption of businesses having merchant accounts in Panama but actual operation on foreign country.

* Merchant-friendly and flexible charging of fees.

* Zero capital requirements

* Registration fees on capital are to a minimal rate.

* Businesses can issue bearer or registered shares.

* All nationalities are eligible to be shareholders, director and officer

But you don't have to go the distance in getting relevant information on offshore merchant accounts set up in Panama, read the whole article for more:

Why Panama is an Offshore Merchant Account Haven

Offshore Merchant Account Revelations on Credit Card Terminal Scams

2007-09-06T23:46:00.000-07:00

In order to have a smooth processing of your credit card payments for your offshore merchant account, you need a reliable and up-to-date credit card terminal. Now, with all the terminals being introduced almost every month, heck, every week, how would you know what to grab?

How it works

Credit card terminals are commonly seen in restaurant and retail businesses. Terminals appear in three versions; the traditional terminal, wireless credit card terminal, and the virtual terminal. The traditional terminal has a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The displays are usually measured line lines and columns: an 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text, 20 columns wide.

Wireless credit card terminals have built-in printers that enable you to carry it around. The factors you need to seriously consider are battery life, range, weight, and shock-resistance since it is going to be at arm's length during business hours.

When you talk about virtual terminals, it is a software that handles the credit card transaction, you simply type in the credit card number and the software handles the authorization.

Read for more details:

Offshore Merchant Account Revelations on Credit Card Terminal Scams

Online Pharmacy Guidelines that Every Pharmacy Merchant Account Holder Should Know

2007-09-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Opening up an online pharmacy business is considered high risk. Many are called but only a few take the plunge. Operating this business means abiding to a set of guidelines that pharmacy merchant account holders should have knowledge of.

Avoid pulling a Stallone

A lot of people turn to online pharmacies for non-commercial medicines and body supplements. It is important to know the rules in order to avoid any run-ins with the law. Strict guidelines are being imposed so that You don't want your customer to experience a Sylvester-Stallone-arrested-in-Australia kick, right?

Go with the FDA

What you must remember is to, as much as possible, side with the guardian of public health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Quoting from their mission statement, “The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health.”

Know their scope and the importation and shipping guidelines by reading the whole article:

Online Pharmacy Guidelines that Every Pharmacy Merchant Account Holder Should Know

Get Out of the Dark: Know the Hidden Offshore Merchant Account Fees

2007-09-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

When it comes to money matters, follow the golden rule: verify. The same goes with offshore merchant account fees , verify before you say yes and sign your name into any contract given to you.

Knowing if the fees can be really tricky. There are charges that go unnoticed or are deliberately hidden to lure you into a false sense of security. Knowledge of these “kept” fees is an effective way to spare you the shock of a high offshore merchant account monthly statement.

Dare to ask

When you're face to face with your offshore merchant account provider, never be afraid to throw in questions about the charges included in the contract. Don't let the meeting end if you still have bugs circling in your stomach, so to speak. Ask the four W's:

● What are these fees?
● When are they going to be charged?
● Why are they being charged?
● Where are they going to be put?

Asking will never hurt, better to have asked than knowing nothing at all. Check out the whole article for more information:

Get Out of the Dark: Know the Hidden Offshore Merchant Account Fees

Sources of Migraines of High Risk Businesses

2007-09-03T02:08:00.000-07:00

Owners of high risk businesses, such as adult website, online pharmacy, online gambling, travel, telemarketing, dating service, escort service, lottery ticket, and multilevel marketing, have more reasons to endure more hours of pouring over business challenges. Staying positive, they say is what makes a business survive longer. But, I see no reason on why we can't dwell on what we are actually having difficulties with.

Problems are inevitable in a high risk business' setting. You could see below what are the businesses that are considered high risk:

●High volume
●Online Pharmacy
●Online Gambling
●Travel
●Adult Website
●Telemarketing
●Dating Service
●Escort Service
●Lottery Ticket
●Multilevel marketing

They are labeled as high risk because of their reputation of having high returns of chargebacks and as fly-by night businesses. The owners encounters dark and difficult times just to get merchant accounts to be able to accept payments that will keep the business blood flowing. In the long run, they either end up with a high risk merchant account or an offshore merchant account.

Read the whole article to be enlightened:

Common Headaches of High Risk Businesses

What an Address Verification Service Can Do for your Offshore Merchant Account

2007-08-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

Accepting credit card payments has always involved risks. Be it in a physical storefront, Mail Order-Telephone Order (MOTO), or in what we are discussing, in an online setting, the possibility of encountering fraud and other scrupulous doings are waiting to happen but nevertheless can be avoided. Remember, credit card transactions will only have names and information, you just have the power to verify.

What AVS basically does is to verify the personal address information, plus the billing information given by the customer during the online credit card transaction, with the information filed on the credit card issuer. Sounds like a long process, considering if you have unlimited transactions on a daily basis.

That's why you need to get the Address Verification Service (AVS) to guard your offshore merchant account that will handle your credit card transactions.

Never will it hurt for you to read the whole article:

What an Address Verification Service Can Do for your Offshore Merchant Account

Shield Your Business: Offshore Merchant Account's Saving Guide to Preventing Online Credit Card Fraud

2007-08-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

Doctor's rule of thumb: Prevention is better than cure. Same goes with protecting your online business from fraud. And if your business encounters fraud, then your offshore merchant account is in hot water as well.

The vastness of the cyber world is incalculable. Makes a most feasible place to sell. On the other hand, you never know who's lurking behind the names, the addresses, the accounts. There is always the danger of fraud.

The fraud scare, even if we try to ignore, will be there to just lurking in the shadows, with fraudsters waiting to make their moves.

Worry before the problem comes

You have your ecommerce site, everything seems to be flawless. But, it pays to be cautious, since we're talking about your business, your investment, your bread and butter. Sad but true, we can only get hold of the problem when it actually exists. When a customer calls and let us know of a package that they paid for but never received or a wrong address on file, that's the only time we will know that something's not right.

Prevention vitamins

Before the bad comes to worst, you should be able to at least be prepared of how fraudsters can do damage to your online business. Remember, their first target is your credit card transactions.

Read the whole article for the complete information:

Shield Your Business: Offshore Merchant Account's Saving Guide to Preventing Online Credit Card Fraud

Delving into the Workings of a Virtual Terminal

2007-08-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

The benefits that a virtual terminal brings can be definitely felt.

One, you can have increased earnings because of recurring billing. You'll have a wider customer reach, the internet is accessed by everyone around the globe. You can also save on buying expensive equipment because the terminal that you'll use is a virtual one. Convenience is the third benefit for you can easily handle orders and less manpower is required. Your customer satisfaction will be notches higher for they can get fast processing, also, refunds are also made easier by a virtual terminal

Know everything about virtual terminals by reading the whole article:

Delving into the Workings of a Virtual Terminal

Adult Merchant Account Provider Clues - Practical Tips for Hiring a Good One

2007-08-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

You are a brave soul. You ventured into the challenging and controversial world of adult business. You have the bodies, you have the website. Now, what you need to decide is how to actually get the money to come in. Well, a credit card is always on every dick and jane's wallet, so, you need to have a merchant account to be able to get credit card payments. Next step, get an adult merchant account through an adult merchant account provider.

Know who you are

Now, before you go out and scout for a reliable adult merchant account provider, you should know what you want to achieve. You can do this by assessing your adult business' everyday workings. Assess what your business is all about:

● My business is a controversial one
● The law is always keeping a close watch
● Customers must be of legal age (at least 18)

Undoubtedly, your adult business is synonymous to porn, and porn has been a controversial topic since the time immemorial, so to speak. Criticisms and judgments are on every corner. You should be prepared to an inevitable saga of constant controversy.

The feds have your business under a microscopic leash. Any wrong move will have handling you a search warrant, so caution and alertness is the key to keep them at a safe distance.

You don't want the underage sector to feast on your latest offerings. Exposing children to porn is against the law. You have a specific market to cater to, stick to it.

Go all the way for information by reading the whole article :
Adult Merchant Account Provider Clues - Practical tips for hiring a Good One

Offshore Merchant Account's Guide for Guarding your Online Reputation - A Sequel

2007-08-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hey,if movies have sequels, my blog can have one as well, right?

The sum of all fears has happened. A negative buzz about your business brand has spread all over the cyber community. Even if it was true or not, it's out there, so, are you gonna wave the white flag? Hold your horses, you can get through this. My previous article talked about what you can do to keep your online reputation,how to keep things in a good place This time, we'll deal with the worst-case scenario, when your business has been put into a bad light. Hey, this is what-ifs and those who are experiencing the heat.

Assesing the damage

It can't be all that bad, can it? You may wonder that it's only in the internet, as if everyone alive has online access or a computer for that matter. You have a point, but the thing is, everyone who can get online is a potential customer. And they can spread the news to the physical realm. You should never underestimate the influence of the internet on your business. Doing business online is just as equally serious as running a physical business with cemented walls.

To control the situation, read the entire article:

Offshore Merchant Account's Guide for Guarding your Online Reputation - A Sequel

What an Offshore Merchant Account Recurring Billing Can Do to Keep the Money Comin' In

2007-08-14T23:58:00.000-07:00

It is an undeniable fact that recurring billing is one of the things that makes an offshore merchant account tempting to get.

Recurring billing is part and parcel of offshore merchant account services. A recurring billing occurs when a customer allows a merchant to periodically and automatically charge their credit card accounts for recurring products or services, such as subscriptions, installment plans, or membership fees.

Focal features
A recurring billing has to be created upon the agreement of the customer and the merchant. As a merchant, you should be able to create conditions so that the customers will feel that you are flexible to their needs and can adapt to any situation. Here's what you can incorporate to your recurring billing system. You should be able to :

● Manually set up the recurring billing for your customer.

● Incorporate the recurring billing to any payment method that any shop currently accepts.

● Set-up any number of billing installments.

● Setting the installment either on a weekly, monthly, yearly, or any number of days.

● Send the customer’s bill through e-mail and mail.

● Install an Address Verification Service (AVS) system into the recurring billing.

To know the benefits of recurring billing, read the article in its entirety:

What an Offshore Merchant Account Recurring Billing Can Do to Keep the Money Comin' In

Offshore Merchant Account's Guide to Protecting your Online Reputation

2007-08-14T01:24:00.000-07:00

If you have a high risk business that has an offshore merchant account, how the consumers see them is crucial to keep the money comin' in.

The internet can make or break your business. When you have a high risk business such as adult, escort service, telemarketing, travel, online pharmacy, multimarketing, or high level, and the like, the effort to make it look good is twice as compared to those belonging to the low-risk category.

Ironic as it may seem, but people tend to crowd more in a place when there is tragedy, drama, controversy,and the sense of the unknown. The exhilarating feeling of going to the unknown draws people to give it all their all. This can be seen as the case of customers who stay loyal to high-risk businesses.

Just the same, it feels better if you know that people are coming in because they know they rely on the good things of your product or service, not because of a scandal or a controversial notion.

Word of mouth perils

Before giving out what you can do to keep the goods coming in, it is beneficial to know what can lead to the downfall of your online reputation. The years of effort can be shattered by posts in a blog, bad comments on online message boards or in forums, and critic reviews. Your customers' views are affected by the words of their peers, webmasters, bloggers, and those self-proclaimed business authorities.

To know how to guard your online reputation, read the whole article :

Offshore Merchant Account's Guide to Protecting your Online Reputation

Exploring the Wonders of Internet Porn with an Offshore Adult Merchant Account

2007-08-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

Mum's the word when it comes to setting up an offshore adult merchant account.

Ironic as it may seem, even though the internet is continuously flocked by adult businesses, people generally are awkward to openly discuss about venturing into this kind of endeavor. Just like any other high risk business, adult businesses encounter hard times when getting merchant accounts from domestic banks or local processors. Reasons are summed up in one word, controversy.

Adult equals porn

You have to prepare yourself if you have a great deal of interest in the internet porn business. It's an open secret that they are perceived as malicious acts, but, hey, you have a large market out there. Though it is considered taboo, when people are at the comfort of their homes or confined in solitude, they look for porn sites, it is safe to say that looking for adult content is part of human nature.

Experience the thrill by reading the whole article:

Exploring the Wonders of Internet Porn with an Offshore Adult Merchant Account

E-tailers: The New Breed of Offshore Merchant Account Holders

2007-08-07T02:30:00.000-07:00

A recent news on MSNBC showed that more than half of US households regularly shop online. More shoppers spell more market for the growing number of e-tailers (electronic retailers) who flaunt their merchandise in the internet. And when you talk about internet purchases, you talk about paying with your credit card.

In order to accept credit card payments for your cyber store, you need to get a merchant account. But not just a merchant account, an offshore merchant account may be the ideal setup for your expanding online business.

Read on for more:

E-tailers: The New Breed of Offshore Merchant Account Holders

Offshore Merchant Account's Antidote for Ripoffs

2007-08-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

A smooth business is always the target of merchants. And a ripoff is definitely not included in the drawing board of offshore merchant account holders.

The term, ripoff, has bred familiarity among anyone who buys anything, even for those who consider the internet as the new Fifth Avenue.

A ripoff is basically paying more than the original price of a product or service. This is certain context synonymous to scam, whose main aim is to make you pay more, difference is that the product actually arrives. It is saddening to note that a lot of people have been ripped off because of limited information on how a ripoff takes place.

Avoid getting ripped off by reading more :

Offshore Merchant Account's Antidote for Ripoffs

Keeping the Money Pouring in with an Offshore Credit Card Merchant Account

2007-08-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

Venturing into the competitive yet challenging world of selling entails a lot of hardwork and strategies in order to achieve the ultimate goal, gain a large revenue, and one to achieve this is to set up an offshore credit card merchant account.

Sounds long to say isn't it? You may think that an offshore credit card merchant account is similar to the common definition of an offshore merchant account. Quite close, but the thing is, an offshore credit card merchant account is part of the services than an offshore merchant account offers.

Read the article in its entirety:

Keeping the Money Pouring in with an Offshore Credit Card Merchant Account

The Bahamas: the place to be for your offshore merchant account

2007-08-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

The Bahamas is not only a tropical country ideal for vacationers, but also for your offshore merchant account.

Having an merchant account in a Bahamas bank is practically combing business with pleasure. This country is coined as paradise haven for celebrities, high-powered business owners, moguls of different industries, and yes, offshore merchant account holders.

Cool drinks, blue waters, surfers, bikini-clad natives and vacationers, these are what comes to mind when you think of this paradise. Thing is, one of the lucrative attractions of this tropical island is the offshore banking.

Surf through the raging yet exhilarating offshore banking in the Bahamas by reading the whole article:

The Bahamas: The Place to be for your Offshore Merchant Account

Risking then losing : Reasons why your merchant account application was denied

2007-07-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

After all that's been said and done, your merchant account application at your local bank was stamped DENIED. Total bummer.

All of us feel bad when rejected, and more or less, go through moments of anger and sadness, especially if you really worked your hardest. You are already taking more than the usual risk if your business is already classified as high risk such as adult, travel, pharmacy, escort service, dating service, telemarketing, high volume, and multilevel marketing. But, there will come a time that you'll feel alive and again, and at that moment, how do you bounce back?

Practice resiliency here by reading the article full blast:

Risking then Losing : Reasons Why your Merchant Account Application was denied

Overcoming the stages of grief of denied merchant account applications with an offshore merchant account

2007-07-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

An offshore merchant account ends the days of sulking in misery over denied merchant account applications.

Getting turned down in every application is always kinda hard to take in, especially if you worked really hard for that endeavor. As just in the case of high risk businesses, such as adult, dating service, escort, escort service, telemarketing, travel, high volume, and multilevel marketing, reading the mark , “denied” on the merchant account application is totally unfortunate.

The Kübler-Ross model can be incorporated to the stages of grief after your merchant account application was denied. It isn't the end. Know how to bounce back by reading the whole article:

Overcoming the stages of grief of denied merchant account applications with an offshore merchant account

Factors that make offshore dating service merchant account tick

2007-07-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Meet your destiny with an offshore dating service merchant account.

All of us wake up in the morning with desires to be swept off our feet as we go out of the house. This universal hope is the main motivation for owners of dating service businesses to keep on going. Dating service has been around since the birth of technology.

The thrill of meeting someone new and experiencing new things with them is where the staying power of dating service businesses lie. Search the wide pool of this industry.

Read the whole article to know more:

Factors that Make Offshore Dating Service Merchant Account Tick

Raise to the counter: Internet bargains on display

2007-07-25T03:01:00.000-07:00

There's really no off-season when it comes to shopping.

The knack for shopping is a universal trait. Since the advent of ecommerce, the concept of shopping evolved to a whole new level, online shopping. Imagine, buying the things that you need and want, all in a simple click. Sounds like a blast.

The idea of selling things online gave birth to a batch of competitive e-tailers (electronic retailers). These e-tailers are composed of budding entrepreneurs established businesses. Starting businesses deem the internet as a good starting point to introduce their products, and established retailers see the WorldWideWeb (WWW) phenomenon as a way to reach more customers.

Shop till you drop for more information by reading the whole article on internet bargains:

Raise to the Counter: Internet Bargains on Display

What-to-do list for your Offshore Merchant Account Application

2007-07-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

When all else fails in your merchant account application, be brave to thread the waters of having an offshore merchant account.

Being rejected for your application is stressing. But you should stand firmer and hold your head up high for there is always a shining light at the end of the tunnel. The main concept of a merchant account is that this allows you to accept credit card payments from your customers. Merchant accounts are maintained by a bank. The payments go into the merchant bank account. With an offshore merchant account, a foreign bank will be the one to maintain the merchant account.

Avoid the hassle of falling in long lines by breezing the whole article:

What-to-do list for your Offshore Merchant Account Application

Playing with luck with your lottery merchant account

2007-07-19T00:20:00.000-07:00

Feeling lucky today?

With a lottery merchant account, the good fortune is a few steps closer to your doorstep.

Venturing into operating a lottery business seem ideally convenient, but when you go to a bank to apply for a lottery merchant account to be able to get bets through credit card payments, a different scenario comes in. Delving into the world of lottery is a good pale to start understanding the reasons why it's close to anything but perfect.

To begin, lottery is a form of gambling. Each ticket has a unique number or symbol corresponding to a individual lot. These lots are subjected to a draw, either by a person or a machine, if your lot is the one drawn, then you hit the jackpot.

Early sightings
Lottery first surfaced approximately 200 years before Christ was born. Main purpose was to raise funds for constructing dams, houses, temples, and significant landmarks, ultimately the Great Wall of China, which is now part of the prestigious Wonders of the World list. Leisure was the driving force of lottery existence in Europe during the Roman Empire. During this period, the elite were the only group of people who can participate in this game.

What happens in the tea parties is that each arriving guest receives a ticket, with impeccable dinnerware as the prize pot. Winning money became the main goal for the Dutch. Every participant had an average of four tickets with a probability of only one of those tickets hitting the prize money. The modern-day name of lottery came from their tongue, loterij, which came from lot meaning fate. It is interesting to note that their staatsloterij still exists and is considered as th e oldest existing lottery.

Don't leave it solely to chance.

Read the whole article:
Playing with Luck with your Lottery Merchant Account

Who am I?: Ways to avoid identity theft

2007-07-18T02:47:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what lies out there?

Well, think not too far, for somewhere out there in the not-so dim moonlight, someone might painstakingly trying to be you.

For many years now, we all have tried to secure our personal information, techy gurus have developed softwares to safeguard critical information that are electronically kept. Scrupulous persons in their state of solitude are creating ways to get in and steal the information for purposes God knows what.

Learn more about how to prevent identity theft by reading the whole article:

Who Am I?: Ways to Avoid Identity Theft

Clash of the titans: Offshore merchant account vs. domestic merchant account

2007-07-17T01:36:00.000-07:00

Introducing on the right corner, offshore merchant account, on the left corner, domestic merchant account.

There has been a discreet battle between offshore and local merchant accounts since high risk businesses are multiplying by more than a dozen on a daily basis. Also, debates on who has the edge have surfaced. Would it be a more peaceful world if we reconcile these two?

Learn more about the superseding qualities of these two by reading the whole article:

Clash of the Titans: Offshore Merchant Account vs. Domestic Merchant Account

Less is More: Achieving Quality with your Low-Cost Offshore Merchant Account

2007-07-11T00:40:00.000-07:00

So you thought you got the best deal in your offshore merchant account? Think again.

Hey, I'm not trying to spoil your fun here. Just making sure you're in good hands. Ok, your discount rates are lower, you have low minimum fees, you pay lower than the industry-dictated rates. That's good, right? Or, it isn't?

All or nothing

Let's start with the fees that you are required to pay when you set up your offshore merchant account. You have your:

Application Fee,
SetupFee,
Programming Fee,
Annual Fee,
Monthly Maintenance Fee,
Overlimit Fee,
GatewaySetup,
Transaction Fee,
Retail Swipe Software fees,
Check-by-phone/fax PC software fee,
Web Shopping Cart fee,
Discount Rate fee,
Address Verification (AVS) Fee,
Statement Fee

Whoa, that's a lot!

So these charges are in your bill. For the industry rates, see this recent article, Paying you offshore merchant account dues.

Ask yourself, what ultimate purposes do they serve?

To learn more about the significance of low cost offshore merchant accounts read the whole article :
Less is More: Achieving Quality with your Low-Cost Offshore Merchant Account

Landing on a win-win situation with a gaming merchant account

2007-07-06T01:41:00.000-07:00

In the high stakes world of gaming, be it online or in a casino,it takes a great amount of strategy to walk out with the money pot. The thrill and excitement of the possibility of taking home a lot of cash is the main reason why the the gaming business is flourishing, and even if there's no catastrophic event, enthusiasts play like there's no tomorrow.

With casinos opening up as frequent as pimples can appear when you don't get any sleep, online gaming merchant accounts are also set up in banks. But, just like any high risk business, domestic banks make things a little bit harder for those who own gaming businesses to open up gaming merchant accounts.

Learn more by reading the whole article:

Landing on a Win-Win situation with a Gaming Merchant Account

Skydiving to success with a travel merchant account

2007-07-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

The widely-used phrase when you're going out, “ Stay safe”, does not fully apply to travel merchant accounts.

Taking the risky waters of a travel agency business is considered challenging. This kind of endeavor is considered high risk generally because of the following:

● sky-high chargebacks
● legal repercussions
● negative publicity for the bank

A travel merchant account is categorized as high risk because of the high return of chargebacks. These returned funds stem from advanced bookings and payment installments that unfortunately, are never fully settled. Thus, this poses financial liability to the bank.

Go the distance and get more information on travel merchant account by reading the whole article:

Skydiving to Success with a Travel Merchant Account

International merchant accounts – Enabling you to hold to the world in the palm of your hand

2007-06-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Carry your credit transactions to a place close to utopia by taking advantage of an international merchant account.

At this day and age where online business transactions are done by swiping a credit card, it is vital for a merchant to be competitive and explore every feasible avenue increase and maintain a good momentum. One way to gain momentum is catering to foreign clients. If you are ready to accommodate this kind of customers, then opening up an international merchant account is the perfect road to travel to.

See the currencies you can accept through an offshore international merchant account by reading the whole article:

International Merchant Account – Enabling you to Hold the World in the Palm of your Hand

High Volume Merchant Accounts - Avoiding your Business to Blow Off into Nonsense Proportions

2007-06-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

Your monthly sales are up. The demand of is growing, so you produce more. You're on top of the world. What's next? A high volume merchant account.

If your business has monthly volumes costs more than $10,000, then your business is considered as high volume.

Normal dealings

Since you have a business that accepts credit card payments, standard procedure tells you to open up a merchant account. When you have a merchant account, you throw in a couple of cents per transaction that comes in. So the charge in the transaction fees section of your monthly statement depends on how many transactions come in. let's look at the pros and cons, on one side, it feels good to see that you have a high amount of transactions, which means business is doing great. But you will also pay a lot for the merchant account statement bill because of the per transaction fee charge.

Balancing act

Opening up a high volume merchant account can balance the situation. Through this kind, you will be able to acquire reasonable rates on mid and non-qualified sales, and alongside the other additional fees. What happens is you'll get lower rates for your per transaction charge, so even if you have a high volume sales, you won' get headaches over the transaction charges. Sadly, thus type of business is also considered as high risk because of the high percentage of chargebacks and refunds, so, where do you go to get stability and security, you go for an offshore merchant account.

Learn how to maximize your high volume business with a high volume merchant account by reading the whole article:

High Volume Merchant Accounts- Avoiding your Business to Blow Off into Nonsense Proportions

Prescribing offshore pharmacy merchant accounts for your medicine business

2007-06-29T03:23:00.000-07:00

If you're pharmaceutical business is in its early stages, then it's ideal for you to take advantage of an offshore merchant account. You may ask, what could be risky about a pharmaceutical business that it's better to be set up offshore?

Here's a rundown of why pharmaceutical business are consider high risk:

● sky-high amount of chargebacks

● shaky credit rating

● undetermined business life expectancy

Credit card processing companies are almost always nervous about accommodating pharmaceutical merchant accounts because of the high probability of chargebacks, unstable credit rating and the that the business may close sooner than never expected.

Get more information on pharmaceutical merchant accounts by reading the complete article:

Prescribing offshore pharmacy merchant accounts for your medicine business

Plunging into the world of escort service

2007-06-27T02:33:00.000-07:00

The business of escort service, just as having an offshore merchant account, has been put on a controversial light for quite sometime. The reason being that escort service has been undoubtedly linked to prostitution. Shedding light on this will be tricky, but definitely interesting.

Operating an escort service is already risky, negative public impression, run-ins with the law, and client privacy issues. Setting up is more tricky, for local banks are having a lot of second thoughts on entertaining these kind of merchant accounts.

It wouldn't hurt if you take a closer look to this risky yet prospering business. For the complete and juicy details,read the whole article:

Plunging into the world of escort service

The Era of Ecommerce

2007-06-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Applying for an offshore merchant account doesn't mean you have to fly an airplane to go offshore, literally.

Ecommerce is a good business avenue if properly used. Its origins date back to over 30 years ago and the benefits are endless. You just have to familiarize yourself with the basic inner workings. Offshore merchant accounts and ecommerce have an undeniable link.

The roots of doing business without actually standing in the conference room making a presentation, and then having coffee after and waiting for days for a mere yes or no.

Thanks to the birth of ecommerce.

Give in to the feeling of curiosity, for further concepts, read the whole article :

The Era of Ecommerce

Presenting the candidates for an offshore merchant account

2007-06-22T02:29:00.000-07:00

Offshore merchant accounts are still a distant concept to most people. Many have a preconceived notion that “scrupulous” businesses are the ones who jump in to the offshore merchant account ship. This is an overstatement in a certain sense. Given the basic premise, the idea of an offshore merchant account will be anything but “scrupulous”.

Here's an overview of business that normally opt for an offshore merchant account, just to give you a head start:

● online pharmacy

● online gambling

● travel

● adult website

● telemarketing

● dating service

● escort service

● multi-level marketing

For a comprehensive observations on these businesses, read the whole article:

Presenting the Candidates for an Offshore Merchant Account

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Third Party Processors

2007-06-15T00:38:00.000-07:00

If you're still in doubt who to turn to for a smooth integration of your offshore merchant account, then turning to a third- party processor is one of avenues you can seek for assistance.

Just for a quick overview, you set up an offshore merchant account in order to accept credit card payments over the internet. There are a couple of ways by which you can the setup:

● Contact a merchant account provider

● Contact a third- party processor

● Contact foreign banks through the internet or do overseas telephone inquiries

The role of a merchant account provider has been emphasized in recent articles. So, for this time, a ray of light will be shed on third-party processors and their role in an offshore merchant account.

Here are the main characteristics of a third party processor:

● Your business' processes will be under the name of the 3rd party processor.

● Your customer's credit card statements have the third party processors name on it.

● Disputes are made through the 3rd party processor and not the processing bank.

● Your business and customers have limited protection from being ripped off.

● You will be using the third party processors' checkout system

● There will be no fixed monthly fees.

● Some may have setup fees.

● Most have high processing costs

● No contracts involved

● Your business is partially liable for the transactions that the third party processors process.

Let me give you a run of the inner workings of a third party processor. First, after you have been approved and apaid your dues, you can now create the shopping carts containing your products and link in which your customers will click to make their purchases. These links are connected to the third-party processor's server, this is where they manage the product orders for you. Third party processors can process electronic checks and credit card payments, and even ordering over the phone.

After the purchase is confirmed, the sale is automatically credit to you, of course, which the third party processor's part has been collected. Confirmation of the purchase includes Address Verification Service (AVS) that matches the shipping address keyed in by the customer to the registered mailing addresses in their credit cards or checks.

Your profits are forwarded by the third party processor at a scheduled time that you agreed upon. It is appealing to note that they will only collect their part of the bargain when your business makes a sale. Seems like a fair deal, isn't it? But, of course, you will always want a sale, do you?

Just for a quick run down on third party integration, you create third party processor account, then you set up your business' website, then you integrate your website with the third party processor's system, then you do a test-drive and run a real transaction, lastly, when everything proves to be hassle-free, you go live.

It is safe to say that the process in dealing with third party processors has a less-complicated structure, but the difference is in the ordering. The things with them is, they handle the purchases first hand then gives you your part of the sale. Parting words, getting their services is a choice, you examine if you feel secured and comfortable. You always have choices, choose what best suits you.

Must-haves of an online store

2007-06-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

Your offshore merchant account is an invaluable tool making your business successful. Through an offshore merchant account, you'll be able to accept credit card payments online. But what does it actually take to set up one?

Just like any standard business setting, there are a number of requirements you need to comply in order to actualize your offshore merchant account.

Below are the requirements for setting up a website offshore merchant account:

● registered website on the application must be “live”

● “doing business as” (DBA) indicated on the application should be the same on website

● products, delivery method, delivery time frame and prices must be indicated

● prices should be in US currency

● business privacy policy should be published

● customer service hotline should be indicated

● shopping cart must be active and secured

● domain name should be legally registered under merchant

When you indicate in your application that “www...” is the corresponding website for your merchant account, it should be accessed real-time. The website should actually exist, not “under construction” or “will be coming soon”.

The DBA should be the same as well. There shouldn't be a different name on the website and on the application.
Not a single letter should be missed or added.

The actual images of the products that you sell should be published on the internet as well. If not, then what's the point in selling online, right?. Also bear in mind to indicate the price of the products, the price, the shipping method, and also the number of days that the shipping of the products will take to get to your customer.

Even though you have multinational target market, tag your products in US dollars. This is an indication that you are competitive, for the US dollar is the most widely-used currency in international transactions.

Your company's privacy policy should be indicated at the website as well. Admittedly, most people don't read it, but it is a requirement so that you let them know what are processes in ensuring that the website is secured, after all, it it being viewed by people on every corner of the earth with internet access. Also, this is showing both of your rights and obligations as a merchant and the rights of the customers and the viewers of the website.

As we all know, making sure that our customers are continuously extremely satisfied. But, let's face it, there will always be grievances and inconveniences that they will feel. So, having a 24-hour customer service telephone number will be a reflection that your business is serious and committed in serving your customers and potential customers. This is a requirement to protect and ensure the rights of your clients to a fair service.

A shopping cart is the main selling point of your website. Since you are a merchant, you must establish a shopping cart that displays your products with the corresponding prices. A shopping cart makes it convenient for your customers to purchase as the product is just a click away. Technically, not a click away, because they'll have to wait for the item or items to be delivered. But, it saves them the time and energy to go to the store and tirelessly choose on the displays on the racks.

Lastly, you should have a registered domain name for your website. The names should be assigned by domain name registrar duly licensed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) or by any other national ccTLD authority to register Internet domain names.

It is crucial that all of these have been meticulously set up and published on the internet. Once these are in up and running flawlessly, the probability of getting your application for an offshore merchant account approved will be higher.

Paying your Offshore Merchant Account Dues

2007-06-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

Setting up an offshore merchant account not only involves paperwork but also certain fees as well. It would be ideal if there is such a set up that is virtually free, which some merchant account providers do offer. But for offshore merchant accounts, there will always be fees involved.

There are a great deal of hesitation on merchants' minds to set up offshore, one of the reasons behind the doubts is the notion that there are ”hidden” fees in the contracts for offshore merchant accounts. What happens in this scenario is that you'll be introduced to a list of rates that you'll sign up for because you have found them to be reasonable. But once the bill comes in, you'll see a number of additional fees in small amounts but when added all together have actually eaten a considerable percentage of the amount you need to pay for the month. This can be really frustrating, isn't it?

So, to assist you in this setback, provided are standard fees that merchant account providers standardly offer in setting up an offshore merchant account:

●Application Fee

●Setup Fee

●Programming Fee

●Annual Fee

●Monthly Maintenance Fee

●Overlimit Fee

●Gateway Setup

●Transaction Fee

●Retail Swipe Software fees

●Check-by-phone/fax PC software fee

●Web Shopping Cart fee

●Discount Rate fee

●Address Verification (AVS) Fee

●Statement Fee

How you are charged

Application fees are rarely charged nowadays. This is so because of the growing competition among merchant account providers. Zero application fees are the one of the marketing strategies to attract clients. But, just to give you a head start, industry rate for application fees ranges from $75 - $125.

Setup fees are also a thing of the past. Most providers don't charge this anymore also as a part of the package to keep clients coming in. Industry rate is from $50 - $150.

Programming fees are applied when you want to install a software or terminal. Most providers don't charge this anymore as programming fees are considered to be part of the set up process. Industry rate is $50 - $95.

Annual fees serves as a membership fee in certain ways. By the book, purpose is for the maintenance of the account. But it's now also being taken out of the charges as part of attracting potential clients and keep the current ones in the circle. Industry rate is from maximum of $125.

Monthly maintenance fees can be regarded as the other option for annual fee. This is a choice of the merchant account holder if they want to pay the whole dues every year or divide the amount by 12. but in this day and age, monthly maintenance fees are also being taken out to promote client loyalty. Industry rate is up to $10.

Overlimit fees are charged when the account exceeds its limit. The industry rate varies because the overlimit amounts are grouped with the corresponding penalties. But this fee is also not charged anymore as part of efforts to boost client patronage.

Payment gateway setup fee if for the the installation of the payment gateway that is critical to your offshore merchant account. Payment gateway receives the credit card information of the your customers. This is also being taken out of the bill as it is regarded as part of the setup process. Industry rate is $99 - $299

Transaction fees are the fees charged by the processor for every credit card transaction. This is charged even if the transaction was approved or declined. 20 – 30 cents is the charged for every transaction made either by swiping, keying, over the internet or mail-order-telephone-order (MOTO).

Retail swipe software is a credt card processing software solution. This serves as an wireless terminal if you have a PC or a laptop with an internet connection. You can print out receipt real-time from top-of-the-line retail swipe softwares available in the market. For better client patronage, most merchant account providers are also charging zero for this service. Industry rate is $175 - $395.

Check-by-phone/fax PC software fee are charged when payments using a check are made over the phone, or send by fax or electronic check payments. This is still done, but rarely. For better efficiency and security, online credit card transactions are preferred. Plus, currently, there is no charge for this service as well. Just so you know, industry rate is $149 per month.

A web shopping cart fee is for the use and maintenance of your online shopping cart. Ofcourse, when you have an offshore merchant account, you can also enjoy the luxury of selling your products and services online, and with a shopping cart, you have global market. But this fee is also being charged free as well, for better client loyalty.

The discount rate fee is the percentage charged for each transaction that the processing company (merchant account provider) charges to manage the transactions for you, either swiped, over the internet and MOTO.

The Address Verification System is a technology that double-checks the validity of the address that your customers enter for product shipping. What this system does is verify and compare the address keyed in with the address registered in the customer's credit card issuer. Industry rate is from $5 to $10.

The statement fee is the charge for the production and mailing of your monthly statements. Your monthly bills as an offshore merchant account holder includes all the deposits in the account, total of volume sales, and other charges for the month. Now, this fee is also free of charge for improving customer service. But industry rate is $10- $15 per monthly statement.

What to look forward to

Most of the offshore merchant account fees are now taken out to attract prospective offshore merchant clients and for to keep the current ones happy and satisfied. Some even have risk-free trial periods or offer no fees at all at the initial setup, but charge little for the crucial services which is understandable considering that every business, no matter what nature it is, needs financial resources to stay afloat. Taking out some offshore merchant account fees is part and parcel of staying in the competitive arena. Just always know your options as an offshore merchant account holder, consult if you can' fully comprehend, and weigh all the factors. Lastly, there will always be fees, just know which ones are really worth paying for.

Customer Satisfaction:The Key to a Smooth Flow of Funds to your Offshore Merchant Account

2007-06-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Even if you 're operating your business offshore, you can never underestimate the power of customer satisfaction making a big impact on your business' success.

No matter how good your product is, customer loyalty can still be in peril if the people you hire to sell your products are not competent and friendly enough to make your customers leave your store smiling and satisfied. Customer loyalty leads to continuing business existence and success.

One of the ways to effectively prove to your customers your sincere service is establishing a customer service hotline ideally open for 24 hours. Through this system, you will be able to let them know that any concerns that may arise will be, at the least, addressed anytime. The customer service toll-free number has representatives on call to answer calls and as much as possible, solve the concerns of the clients.

Being a merchant myself, ( as I have a thriving antique store), and having worked at a merchant account provider firm, I discerned that it will be useful to dwell on tested customer service practices, which my former company strongly emphasized and I eventually adapted.

Try to make every call a good call

Many techniques have been formulated on how to make every call a positive call. A call can be considered a positive one if you were able to provide resolution to the caller's concerns. Or, if , you were able to “restrain” an angry caller and then provide resolution in the end.

Be friendly, but not friends

Projecting a friendly voice at the beginning of a call is the sets the mood of the conversation. One practical method is to smile while talking. The person at the other line can actually feel that you are smiling. But, you also have to match the pace of your caller, if their tone is business-like, you have to project a less jolly voice. Generally, callers are casual when they talk to you, taking the time to actually smile during the course of the call. Take note, sounding friendly is different from being friends, you have to know how much you can do for them. If what they're asking is beyond your capacity, it's either you connect them to someone who can do their request or maximize the options you have for them.

Cooling them off

Every customer call should be a good call. But in reality, this is not always the case. Sadly, almost 50% of the calls will be angry or upset callers who want immediate solution to their concerns. Handling these kind of calls requires patience, a lot. The most effective way is to just let them talk first. Listen attentively, focus on the problem connected to the product or service of the company. Most of the time, callers just want someone to listen, so let them feel that you're there to hear them out.

Leave a lasting positive impression

Ending the conversation in a positive light is considered better. The reason for this is first, the customer is most concern of the resolution of the problem rather than the assurance you made at the onset of the call. They will better appreciate the service given to them if you were able to satisfy their reasons for calling.

Empathy is one of the key factors, when dealing with your clients, try to put yourself in their situation so that you will be able to tell how to react. “ What if I was the one who hasn't received the package I ordered? Would I be satisfied by just mere waiting for it to appear at my doorstep?”, giving yourself a reality check at certain times will never hurt. When you have a consistent high rating for customer satisfaction, expect you'll be in business for quite sometime and your offshore merchant account will be alive and kicking as well.

The role of merchant account providers in an offshore merchant account

2007-06-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

How crucial is a merchant account provider to an offshore merchant account?

To discern their role, in this case, in an offshore merchant account, it's important to get a crystal-clear view of what a merchant account provider does. A merchant account provider is bank or a company that run merchant accounts. They own processing systems to process and validate transactions, but they also have reseller capabilities of third parties' processing systems.

Below are the main characteristics of a merchant account provider:

● Your business applies for an offshore merchant account on a direct basis with a merchant account provider

● Your business is personally liable for all the transactions that they process

● The customer's credit card statements contains the business name

● Merchant account providers use payment gateway

● Certain providers have fixed monthly fees exclusive of processing costs

● Can also have setup fees

● May provide long term contract requirements

Remember that an offshore merchant account allows you to accept credit card payments from your customers. You can also accept debit cards and electronic check payments depending on the merchant service you will opt for.

Since merchant account providers have a wide network of established banks internationally, you can be confident that you will have a quite a lot of banks to choose from. The list of contact banks range from those in the European banks, Carribean banking institutions, and yes, certain banks in the Asia Pacific region.

Now that you have information on what they do, how can you pick the right provider for your offshore merchant account needs? Presented are basic yet vital considerations:

● Analyze the fee setup thoroughly

● Contact their customer support to see of they are an established company.

● Check for the packages available. Always have options.

Take the time to do the math on the fee setup. If you feel you need accounting advise, never hesitate to do so. It may take long, painstaking hours to calculate but it's your hard-earned money on the line. Watch out for hidden fees. At the end of the day, if their costs suits your budget, then it's a first step.

It also always wise to call their customer service toll-free number. If they have competent and efficient phone representatives it signifies that they have the resources to actually setup your offshore merchant account. The customer support ideally should be open 24 hours everyday serving the clients' timezones for any concerns that may arise.

Merchant account providers for offshore merchant accounts have and will always offer programs set beforehand to suit your concerns. Know what you are signing up for. Ask if the program have upgraded levels. This is important so that you'll know what rewards, (if any), your offshore merchant account can enjoy once you go live.

Your offshore merchant account provider will setup a website with all the payment gateway programs and shopping cart options. They will also integrate the requirements such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate that is needed if you're setting up a payment gateway with an application program interface (API).

It is important to know what you are getting into. Your offshore merchant account is a valuable investment you need to look after with utmost care. Never settle, for there are quite a number of merchant account providers for you to choose from. Before putting your signature, be 101% confident. Your offshore merchant account, with your assets, is what's at stake.

Places for your Offshore Merchant Account to be Cradled

2007-06-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Getting into the wave of setting up an offshore merchant account requires critical thinking and effective strategies. Primarily, merchant accounts is a set up that allows you to accept credit card orders and payments from your customers. Adding offshore into the picture means that you will be able to accept payments using the services of an international bank.

Also, one of the reasons why you set up an offshore merchant account is if your business is considered high-risk. The businesses belonging in this range include but are not limited to travel, online pharmacy, adult website, outbound telemarketing, escort service, etc.

I bet, that one of the questions that's floating in your mind after absorbing the premise of an offshore merchant account is where in the world would you open one?. This is a very important factor to ponder upon considering we're thinking global here. Below are some of the widely-known offshore banks that are accepted as reputable institutions for you to set up a merchant account.

List the countries ideal for an offshore merchant account by reading the whole article:

Places for your Offshore Merchant Account to be Cradled

Lost and confused?: Ways to develop the payment gateway of your offshore merchant account

2007-06-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

The basic premise of a merchant account is you have a business that accepts orders using credit card payments. Of course, you always think of expanding, (who doesn't?), so you get into the growing trend of internet business. The more customers you attract, customers, the more credit card payments you will be processing.

In the midst of expansion of your business, you also need to upgrade your payment gateway, to ensure that the funds are securely processed to your offshore merchant account. It is always a good move to get the services of a Secure Payment Gateway company. These companies help other Processors conduct secure business on the internet using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. They provide a system that passes credit card data, authorization requests, and authorization responses over the internet using encryption technology.

Here's what happens, the transaction information is sent by the Payment Gateway secure server via leased line to the credit card network where the validity of the card is checked and the availability of funds on that account is verified. An authorization code is returned via leased line to the Payment Gateway; the authorization is encrypted by the Payment Gateway and transmitted in encrypted form to the web server of the merchant, which triggers fulfillment of the order.

For reputable and established banks, instead of trying to create their own Secure Web System, many Banks and Bank/Processor alliances will use a Secure Payment Gateway Provider to perform this task for them.

But if you have a genuinely competent, efficient and forward-thinking group of developers, you can incorporate the following simple yet economical practices in developing secured softwares for your offshore merchant account.

● initiate a comprehensive meeting between you ( offshore merchant accountholder) and the software vendor (or developer)

●foresee a reasonable budget allocation

●finalize the contract or agreement

●draw a constructive and attainable workflow – from creation to delivery

● develop and distribute the tasks in a close collaboration of both parties.

Some of the critical factors that should be considered in your talk with the software developers are maximum cost savings, time optimization and a pool of talented techno gurus. But mind you, there are always instances that present challenges such as communication gaps, lessened visibility to project status, unforeseen and roadblocks in budget allocation.

You need to keep in mind certain questions to fully come up with a reasonable budget.

●will the accepted rates be per project, per hour, or on a per month basis?

●what will be the risks involved in accomplishing the task?

●are you compromising the quality for an alluring price?

●are there any hidden costs?

The agreement that you have drafted should be solid as possible. Set due dates, with this comes a consultation with the actual group of people who'll be making the software. Ask them of their maximum capability. Avoid making impossible deadlines. Be realistic, match the number of manpower to their capability and the amount of work that they will be accomplishing.

Delegation of the tasks is truly vital. You have to know who matches the specific task in plan. But hindrances and surprise small problems will arise. But this can be solved by a consensus not eating a lot of work time.

Having a secured software for your payment gateway is a sure ingredient in securing your offshore merchant account. If the funds are settled accordingly, and hassle free, then rest assure that your business is in the best shape.

The unbreakable thread between offshore merchant account and payment gateway

2007-06-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

An offshore merchant account processes a business' credit card transactions through a non-domestic processing bank. Many foreign banks are not subject to the same regulations and restrictions as U.S. banks.

There exists this invisible yet unavoidable link between offshore merchant account and an internet payment gateway. When your offshore merchant account is finally in the works, this is the time when you'll start accepting credit card payments online as well. This is the time when payment gateway comes into the picture.

Here are the step by step process being done by payment gateway:

●credit card authorization

●settlement processing

●transaction recording

Internet payment gateway, by definition, is an lets you process credit card orders from your business' website in real time. For instance, you're running a gaming website, once the bets begun to kick in, there's a link providing your customers the channel to key in their credit card account number, then the internet payment gateway processes the transaction like a normal credit card terminal in a retail shop, the transactions goes through the credit card networks, in an average of two seconds, the payment gateway reflects the results, saying if there were sufficient funds in the card or not.

Real-Time Processing means that when a web site's customer conducts an online purchase, that the check or credit card information is conveyed to the Processor at that exact time so that an authorization can be requested and received at that moment. Real-Time Processing always implies that a Secure Payment Gateway is being utilized, whether proprietary or third party.

Once the day closes in, usually there is a specific time when your payment gateway updates, the payment gateway collects and groups all the transactions for the day in a single batch. After this, the grouped transactions are passed to your bank so that the payment will be received. When the funds settle in, it will take an average of two business days for it to be reflected in your bank account.

You won't be kept in the dark on your offshore merchant account. Through your payment gateway, you'll be able to view the transactions, with the transactions history depending on your settings, you can print or download the transactions for further review or just to have a copy in black and white. Certain payment gateways even have Quickbooks, a financial and taxation software, so the accounting task will not be so painstaking anymore.

Your offshore merchant account will be fully utilized by incorporating an internet payment gateway. Since offshore merchant accounts in reality arise from the fact that high risk businesses are at the bottom of the merchant account application accepted list of domestic banks, you can definitely monitor your business better, know your clients, and have a better footing on expanding globally. These two, go hand in hand, they complement each other, thus, you need to utilize them both to ensure success.

Myths about Offshore Merchant Accounts

2007-06-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

When you hear the term, Offshore merchant account, or just the word offshore, what initially comes to your mind? Suspicious. Somewhat mischievous. Sounds paranoid, isn't it? Don't worry. It's just but normal to be cynical about this. We have watched in movies businessmen being arrested because of having a “hidden” offshore merchant account. But in reality, an offshore merchant account isn't as bad as it seems.

First, let's get to the basic premise of an offshore merchant account. If you are engaged in an business that fall under the categories of travel, online gaming, online pharmacy, adult website, outbound telemarketing, escort service, etc., then, an offshore merchant account is a feasible option for you. But, actually, no matter what kind of business you have, setting it offshore is always a feasible option. Emphasis are given to the afore-mentioned types because they are considered high-risk businesses by domestic banks.

Talking about high risk, this is one of the myths surrounding offshore merchant account. Some say that opening up one is a risky step. One of the reasons seen is that you opt to make transactions with foreign banks. Foreign , being the operative word, smells like anonymity or hidden from the public eye. Clearing this, an offshore merchant account is not actually a secret account. You just have a privacy option. Domestic banks also have the same clause for you to check if you want to keep your account private in a certain level as well.

Another gray area regarding an offshore merchant account is that it is a way to escape tax obligations. In certain cases, you may be lured to the promise that there are super-low or virtually no U. S. taxes due on your account for the reason that you will use a separate offshore- company (your company) to handle your credit card transactions for you, or that you;'re not actually the owner, you just manage it, or that no taxes are owned on offshore trust incomes.

The reality is you may be be able to hold over taxes until you declare your offshore earnings, but the watchful eye of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is just computing on the shadows on how much you actually are liable to. You will not be able to legally set aside taxes without assuming an investment risk or make a total surrendering of your control over your assets. It is a complicated process that entails legal action from a legitimate financial consulting firm. Bottom line, taxes are an inevitable part of life. Every working citizen paid by the hour pays taxes.

Setting up an offshore merchant account may seem tricky to most, to get a better perspective, get the services of a merchant account provider. They have an established network of foreign and yes, domestic banks, to help you set up a merchant account. This move will help you be more knowledgeable of the inner workings of an offshore merchant account.

They say, what you don't know won't hurt you. But, at the end of the day, knowing what really happens makes you feel connected to the world, in the case of an offshore merchant account, what you know will not hurt you as well.

isn't as bad as it seems.

Maximizing your Tax Reduction Opportunities in an Offshore Merchant Account

2007-05-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Even in an offshore merchant account setting, the saying, “ nothing is permanent except death and taxes” applies. People would tend to ask, “ Why go for offshore?”. There are a couple of reasons and one of them is the tax reduction opportunities that an offshore merchant account brings. When you go offshore, you're money is subjected to foreign banking laws and policy.

Most offshore banks lean more into foreign investors. Tax incentives are their way of showing the appreciation. This means lower taxes. Since you don't invest on local operations, less or sometimes no tax at all is imposed at your account. This may sound scrupulous, but it's perfectly within the legal boundaries.

The kinds of taxes that offshore merchant accounts are less exposed to are:

●withholding tax

●stamp duties

●taxes for cheques issued or accepted

This reduction in taxes provide a healthy investment atmosphere. When you're in safe place, you'll be more confident and can concentrate more on making profit. You may wonder where you can actually set up sound offshore merchant accounts.

Read on for more information : Maximizing your Tax Reduction Opportunities in an Offshore Merchant Account

What's In Store for you in an Offshore Merchant Account?

2007-05-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Offshore is becoming the banking trend nowadays. Merchants are becoming more aware of the endless possibilities to reach a worldwide market. What lures them to divert from their local banks to opening up offshore merchant accounts?

●Hassle-free application
●Wide selection of banks
●Secured credit card processing
●Fast account update
●Global market reach
●Big savings on taxes

The benefits you can get from the offshore merchant account bandwagon are countless. Once you're in it, you'll realize that it's one of the best merchant strategies you ever ventured into.

To enjoy the benefits, read the whole article : What's In Store for you in an Offshore Merchant Account?

Skipping the Long and Winding Road to Setting Up your Offshore Merchant Account

2007-04-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

Expanding has always been every merchant's dream. Once the money comes in for your merchant account, you think of other ways to keep 'em coming.

But what if your business is something that the banking standards for approving merchant accounts are perceived as high risk such as:

●travel

●online gaming

●online pharmacy

●adult website

●outbound telemarketing

●escort service, etc.

Then, setting up an offshore merchant account is the next big thing for you to consider. If you want to have a global reach, then setting up an offshore merchant account is the most practical step.

Practical, being the operative word, spells how you also want your business to be known. When they see that you have the resources to venture out, it would be a plus sign for your offshore merchant account to be up and running.

So, you have the “merchant guts”, the “merchant resources”. Where do you go from there?

In the most normal possible way, you check out banks around the globe. You do this by researching for directories of foreign banks or over the internet. You call them up, if needed. Fax in, snail mail or email your application. Check their interest rates. Your offshore merchant account should enjoy flexible rates so you'll be in the competitive arena.

Take the road-less traveled by reading the whole article:
Skipping the Long and Winding Road to Setting Up your Offshore Merchant Account