So what's the easiest/cheapest way to get this merchant account setup on my OSCommerce web site? Are there any automated programs available for OSC? "Self install" programs?
Help please. PP hasn't got me yet, but I'm sure that's only a matter of time.
Besides, if they are booting everyone, I want to boot them!
I'm not a big fan of OSCommerce my self, preferring ZenCart. Zen was originally based on OSC but has evolved on it's own. I'd imaging though that OSC should have processing
through Authorize.net built in, or at least available as a add-on. It's not difficult to set up (at least not on zen). Find out what processing gateway options are available for your cart and search for a processor that uses one of those options.
Most merchant accounts use Authorize.net or Quantum Gateway for their internet processing gateway. You can't get set up directly
through Authorize.net. They are only a gateway. You have to go through a third party reseller. I took a look at the site that Ryle is sending people to and they don't provide much of anything for information on their site. The site doesn't mention their fees, who they use for a processing gateway or anything.
The site that I have used in all of my e-commerce stores as well as for retail sales is
Truth in Processing. They are very open about the fees they charge, set up fees, etc and have a BBB Rating of A, the second highest rating available. I have used them for years and haven't had any problems with them yet. Discover however has been a different issue and I won't use them, but that's a different topic.
CDGcommerce is one of the highest rated processors out there with a BBB excellent "A+" rating and is BBB accredited. That is almost unheard of in the credit processing industry. They use Authorize.net for their internet gateway, so should be compatible with most online shopping carts. If I were looking for a credit card processing company today, this is the one that I'd most likely go with.
Check sites like
BBB RipOffReport.com,
Complaints.com,
ComplaintsBoard.com,
Trustlink and others to verify the reputation of the company BEFORE signing up. Also google their name and you'll usually find useful information about almost any company.
Google "
merchant account" and you'll find there are literally thousands of processors out there. A great many of them are total rip-offs. Others are less than desirable. Do your research and find one that you actually trust with YOUR MONEY and business. Don't go blindly for the lowest rate. That can often be negotiated. A low rate isn't going to do you any good if you can't get customer service to go with it. If you really want a paypal replacement instead of a full merchant account, then try googling "
paypal replacement", or "
paypal alternative"
Make sure you understand all fees and charges associated with your account. The internet processing gateway, Mastercard, Vesa and others all have their fees. This sounds like it's going to get expensive, but it's really not. You've already been paying those expenses with the high processing fees with paypal anyhow. You just didn't know it. With a true merchant account, you will be much more aware of where your money is going than ever before.
Once your signed up watch your account closely. Some of the less reputable companies sign you up with a low rate, then raise it on you without notice or explanation or add additional charges and fees. Good research can help avoid that to begin with.
I could write a book on the subject, but hopefully, I've covered the basics enough that all of you can get your selves set up with a good company. What ever you do, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! It takes a little effort, but you'll find a processor that is good and will treat you right. There are a lot of good ones out there to choose from.
gotta start a 
