EZ-NetTools has formed an alliance with two organizations who provide merchant accounts and credit card gateways. Now it is even easier to complete the e-commerce puzzle. This is great news for anyone just getting started or wants to change their merchant account or gateway service provider.

In order to have an e-commerce website you need to have a merchant account. Additionally, if you want automated fund transfers, a credit card gateway is also necessary. While we provide the integration of web page building and shopping cart, we have never provided the merchant accounts nor the credit card gateway. Yet, this is an integral part of an e-commerce website which, after researching a number of firms, we have settled on two that provide great service with competitive fees. We have allied with two organizations so that you can have a choice.

What are merchant accounts and credit card gateways and why do I need one?

If you are selling something on your website, you need a way to collect money. Some possible payment options are checks, PayPal, purchase orders, or credit cards. While it is not a requirement to process credit cards, you will severely limit your potential clientele if you do not. To accept credit cards, you need a merchant account and probably a credit card gateway. Let me explain both of these services.

Merchant accounts. A merchant account is a special account for processing credit cards that you set up with a financial organization like your local bank. It is through this account that you will receive the funds from your customers credit cards. Usually, you arrange to have your bank deposit these funds into your company checking account. The financial institution will charge you a set up fee, a monthly fee, a discount fee (a percentage of each charge), and sometimes a charge for each transaction you process. There is a monthly minimum charge, usually less than $50.00, even if there are no transactions.

Credit Card Gateways. To process your customer's credit card at the same time you collect the customer's credit card information online, you need to sign up for a credit card gateway. You have the choice of only collecting the credit card information online, then processing the credit card directly through your bank. In this later case, you do not need a credit card gateway service and can avoid additional fees. However, most websites choose to process credit cards online. As a result, they save themselves some steps and the customer finds out immediately if there is a problem with their credit card. Credit card gateways usually charge a sign up fee, a monthly minimum fee, and a per transaction fee. EZ-NetTools can only process transactions with Authorize.net, the largest gateway.

Merchant accounts and/or credit card gateways through EZ-NetTools

If you do not currently have a merchant account or gateway, or it is time to renew your existing accounts, you can use one of the two affiliates of EZ-Nettools. Over the last year we have been searching for service provides who were reasonably priced and supported their customers well. We have identified two providers who have had a good track record with their existing clients.

Zions Bank

We have been working with Laurel Kristofferson of Zions Bank for several years. She has provided very good service to her customers. She would be a very good choice to help you get your accounts set up. Click here to send Laurel an e-mail.

eCom Merchant Solutions

eCom Merchant Solutions has been providing merchant accounts and gateway services since 1997. Kristie Smith has been working with small to very large clients. She is new to us but we have contacted a number of her customers who speak very highly of her support. Click here to learn more.

Conclusion

We are aware that some of our customers had a less than satisfactory experience with some service providers in the past. EZ-NetTools had nothing to do with the selection of nor a financial interest with these companies. However, these services are essential for an e-commerce website. We wanted to give you a choice of several organizations in whom we had confidence. Through our research or past experience we have good indicators that they are helpful, cost effective, and responsive. Our goal is to make it easy to get into the e-commerce business. Through these two affiliates, EZ-NetTools has provided another piece of the puzzle that will make it quick and painless to set up your business on the Internet. After all, getting a business on the Internet should be child's play.

P.S. EZ-NetTools will receive a small reimbursement from these providers for any accounts referred. Regardless, I think you will find that the services competitively priced.