Card Processing Company

[rapmills]

Hi All
I have been approached by a company called Payment Card Industry Processing Ltd (PCIP). The rates they have offered are very very cheap. They want a 4 year contract. I have tried to research them and there was a bit if a thread on Elavon who are the merchant service they use.
The website on there literature has been suspended!?

Anyone use them and any opinions on them. The rep is calling back in tomorrow to collect documentation from me, but I have concerns especially now that I can not find any proof they exsist.

Any suggestions on other companies I should use. I have had a horrendous time with Cardsave and a company called Seymour Direct.

Thanks

 

[rupertlowery]

Hi All
I have been approached by a company called Payment Card Industry Processing Ltd (PCIP). The rates they have offered are very very cheap. They want a 4 year contract. I have tried to research them and there was a bit if a thread on Elavon who are the merchant service they use.
The website on there literature has been suspended!?

Anyone use them and any opinions on them. The rep is calling back in tomorrow to collect documentation from me, but I have concerns especially now that I can not find any proof they exsist.

Any suggestions on other companies I should use. I have had a horrendous time with Cardsave and a company called Seymour Direct.

Thanks

Hi,
I am sorry to hear you have had issues with Cardsave - we treat all issues seriously.
If you would care to reply or drop me a PM we will investigate this for you.
Thanks
Rupert

CEO | Cardsave Online

 

[EZRShelving]

Retail merchant services are another option they use Elavon too. I think you will find bad reviews for all the providers if you look hard enough.

 

[BenKirkwood]

Get a Quote from PaymentSense (gratuitous plug) ;-)

 

[willj87]

Retail merchant services are another option they use Elavon too. I think you will find bad reviews for all the providers if you look hard enough.

Very true... I think every company in the world probably has a bad review out there somewhere.

We use Elavon as our acquiring bank. If you'd like any information on them feel free to get in touch. I'm offering this as friendly advice, I won't make an attempt to win your business (I'm not saying you won't want me to though :redface: )

 

[MerchantServicesBDM]

I know exactly who they are. PM me for more and a quote.

 

[nanncy11]

If you are looking for secure and easy solutions for credit card processing we can help you find the most affordable payment processing solution.

 

[BenKirkwood]

If you are looking for secure and easy solutions for credit card processing we can help you find the most affordable payment processing solution.

nanncy11 We? who are we?

 

[Rosewood Farms]

Retail merchant services are another option they use Elavon too. I think you will find bad reviews for all the providers if you look hard enough.

You don't have to look very hard for bad reviews for RMS though - I'm finding it difficult to find a good one! Sadly I am one of the victims. Their rates seem cheap until you read the small print and relaise that they don't actually offer customer service - you just get people who will take your money. Beware though, their salespeople are very good at pressuring you into signing. I am normally the type of person who is very averse to cold callers!

 

[Retail Merchant Services]

Hi Rosewood Farms,

We're really sorry if you have had a bad experience with us. We never want a customer to feel anything less than special.

We can see from your customer record that we have been in recent communication with you and have made another attempt to contact you today. We have left a message for you.

We certainly don't condone high-pressure selling tactics - our three industry awards and growing membership list of over 30,000 customers is testament to our commitment to an unrivaled level of customer service.

Our customer services team are available every weekday from 08:45 until 21:00 and from 09:00 until 17:00 on Saturday's and you can always get in touch with us by dropping us an email to info{at sign}retailmerchantservices{dotcodotuk}.

Although we cannot discuss the precise details of individual accounts in an open forum, we will be able to help you with your account when you are able to make contact with us.

 

[white night]

I would try us at Koicoms

Koicoms Card Processing --- PM ME


No Set up Fee
Credit Card Rate - 1.3%
Debit Card Rate - 14p
No Maintenance Fee
No Authorisation Charges
Funds Transferred within 2-3 working days
Full Merchant Account Included
7 Day Help Desk
Personal Account Manager
Invited into the Koicoms Referral Scheme

 

[kelvin1950]

I would try us at Koicoms

Koicoms Card Processing --- PM ME


No Set up Fee
Credit Card Rate – 1.3%
Debit Card Rate – 14p
No Maintenance Fee
No Authorisation Charges
Funds Transferred within 2-3 working days
Full Merchant Account Included
7 Day Help Desk
Personal Account Manager
Invited into the Koicoms Referral Scheme

Are those rates for a start-up? Any requirements on minimum amount put through the machine?

 

[Ian Spielman]

Makes no difference if.you are start up or not or even what your turnover is. Card processing is a cut throat industry in case you haven't noticed. ;-) you will get good and bad reports about us all. You just have to find the right one for you.
I'm an independent agent for Fidelity Payment Processing, Im more then happy to have a no obligation chat should you wish. Either way good luck with finding the right solution, and don't sign up with anyone prior to reading small print and understanding the fees!

Sent from my GT-I9100 using UK Business Forums

 

[white night]

Koicoms would like to thank all the business owners on this site that have chosen Koicoms for their card processing. Great honest advice, service and rates.

If you are a start up or new business Koicoms card processing will protect your bottom line .

 

[white night]

Koicoms hiring

Business development managers
Business team regional managers

Salaried positions with benefits
Partner positions with benefits

All positions our company pays our people monthly residual revenue stream .
PM your CV

 

[Toughcookie]

First Data (ex Lloyds cardnet) are good, reasonable and we use realex as the PSP - DO NOT tie in for 4 years - suicide!!

 

[Simply Bedrooms]

Hi All
I have been approached by a company called Payment Card Industry Processing Ltd (PCIP). The rates they have offered are very very cheap. They want a 4 year contract. I have tried to research them and there was a bit if a thread on Elavon who are the merchant service they use.
The website on there literature has been suspended!?

Anyone use them and any opinions on them. The rep is calling back in tomorrow to collect documentation from me, but I have concerns especially now that I can not find any proof they exsist.

Any suggestions on other companies I should use. I have had a horrendous time with Cardsave and a company called Seymour Direct.

Thanks

I have been dealing with Cardsave for a couple of years now, what sort of trouble have you had with them. As for PCIP, never heard of this firm.

 

[Ian Spielman]

First Data (ex Lloyds cardnet) are good, reasonable and we use realex as the PSP - DO NOT tie in for 4 years - suicide!!

We at fidelity refer to both first data and realex

Sent from my GT-I9100 using UK Business Forums

 

[Toughcookie]

Never heard of Koicoms before - always wary, but as long as you are not signing yourlife away then give it a go

 

[Ian Spielman]

I have been dealing with Cardsave for a couple of years now, what sort of trouble have you had with them. As for PCIP, never heard of this firm.

Its worth finding out who the merchant bank is for pcip is then you will get a better idea. As mentioned we use first data as our merchant bank

Sent from my GT-I9100 using UK Business Forums

 

[Spartacus01]

Contact Koicoms Ltd

Cheap Rates and terminal rental
No Hidden costs
no authorisation Charges
no set up costs

 

[plimmer]

Some words of advice. Don't just look at the transaction and set-up fees investigate the cancellation fees too.

Retail Merchant Services have a very unpleasant one and it will require you to not only review the contract but dig into the terms and conditions documents to calculate the exact amount.

Customer service does not exist for these companies, as I used to work in a company with a similar contract sales focus I know that while they present low costs and service while they are trying to secure you signature once the contract begins there will be no service and the costs will mount up over the fixed term contract, once you have completed the contract that is just the start of the fun and games as they will hope you don't notice that you are still paying them or and if you happen to notice then all of a sudden they will become your friendliest supplier again in order to try and get a further long contract out of you.

These companies are getting squeezed by the death of high street and the emergence of real online competition. Their response to this has been to become more predatory rather than improve their services.

 

[Ian Spielman]

"Don't just look at the transaction and set-up fees investigate the cancellation fees too"

Plimmer, how right you are. im not going to get into a slagging match with any particular company, and what Im about to type is across the board in MS.

Having been in this industry since Nov 11, I have seen many an example of what you have said.

I am a self employed agent and my clients are my lively-hood.

Because of this, I have a moto, be open an honest with a potential merchant and tell them EVERYTHING!

I have lost a fair few potentials to the competition who will, a. not tell the merchant everything, or b. outright lie to them about the fees etc.

The reason for this is, that most of these guys have targets they have to reach on a monthly bases or they lose out BIG time! so they will try anything to get these people on board. i have seen one or two who have lost 10k or more as a result of mis-selling.
Again, this is not a slight on any company in particular.....

 

[ddraffan]

May I add that my experience of dealing with Retail Merchant Services has been a very, very negative one. I was cold called and pressurized into signing a contract for their credit and debit card processing service. The extent of their cancellation fees were not made clear to me, in fact I was darn right lied to! more fool me for trusting the commission motivated rep. It's true that most service providers will have a bad review out there but honestly, think twice before using this company's services. There are alternative service providers available who offer a more transparent and honest service. You have been warned!

 

[prjbicell]

Can I just ask. All these merchant services providers...they all claim, or damn most of them, not only are that they are the best thing since slice bread but are the cheapest, most competitive in the market place. Now come on, they can't be. One has to be cheaper in the long run or am I missing something.

I ask this because I am looking to find a provider that I can add to my portfolio of products selling to the SME market. Just as a previous poster pointed out these customers are my life blood so I am not looking for the one that offers the most commission. I want one that will offer my clients a competitive rate but also a great service. I basically want to sell this and walk away knowing I have done my customer a service and that I get on his Christmas card list.

If any of you out there can recommend a good one then it would be greatly appreciated. And no.. I don't want a pushy salesperson on here trying to sell me. I will do due diligence as my customers I wish to remain my customers

Thanks in advance for any imput

 

[willj87]

Can I just ask. All these merchant services providers...they all claim, or damn most of them, not only are that they are the best thing since slice bread but are the cheapest, most competitive in the market place. Now come on, they can't be. One has to be cheaper in the long run or am I missing something.

I ask this because I am looking to find a provider that I can add to my portfolio of products selling to the SME market. Just as a previous poster pointed out these customers are my life blood so I am not looking for the one that offers the most commission. I want one that will offer my clients a competitive rate but also a great service. I basically want to sell this and walk away knowing I have done my customer a service and that I get on his Christmas card list.

If any of you out there can recommend a good one then it would be greatly appreciated. And no.. I don't want a pushy salesperson on here trying to sell me. I will do due diligence as my customers I wish to remain my customers

Thanks in advance for any imput

I used to be in the Merchant Services business, I now work as an IT Recruitment Specialist. If you want honest and impartial advice, feel free to send me a PM.

And yes I do still have my sig but I've not logged on for over 9 months!

 

[ddraffan]

Hi, my advice would be to only ever into a 12 month contract and definitely not a 4 year agreement. Plus get the rep to clearly write down the cancellation fees involved to end the contract. Plus ask whether there is a minimum transaction fee. Unfortunately there are to many rogue company's offering this type of service. I got ripped off by one called Retail Merchant Services based in Milton Keynes and it cost me dearly. I'd also recommend taking a look at Cardsave. This company seems to be very transparent i.e. no cancellation fees etc. I hope this helps. Dave

 

[John_Orcus]

I've said it before on here, but I really don't think you can go wrong with Streamline, provided you are in an organisation such as the FSB, GA etc as you automatically qualify for preferential rates which are hard to beat.

Lots of our customers use them and for those that do experience problems, they are sorted out quickly. Their pricing/contracts are quite transparent and I think are from 12 months.

I have no affiliation to Streamline whatsoever, I just believe in recommending a company who provide good service and don't rip people off.

 

[wedesignlogos]

Having just gone through the process with Payment Sense however deciding to opt out at the end, they seem to have both great rates for SME's as well as an excellent team getting you set up within two weeks with no issues in most cases.

 

[LMDServicesUK]

As someone who has been in the industry a while, it is fair to say there are a few serious cowboys out there that you SHOULD AVOID AT ALL COSTS especially RMS & Handepay.. watch out for 12 month auto renewal clauses..

Make sure your provider guarantees CAPPED rates for the terminal rental and merchant fees for the duration of the contract..

If you need a virtual or ecomms solutions don't just sign up to Sage Pay there are a lot of good gateway providers who can also sort you out a Merchant account.

There are a lot of cowboys so ALWAYS ask questions, do not assume, and for your own piece of mind 95%% plus of the Merchants I have provided solutions to are still with us and are happy !

So hopefully we are doing something right !

We can even offer true PAYG, if you really do not want to commit to a contract as well !

 

[hg6591]

I was with Streamline for years and had never had any complaints but was cold called by someone from Payment Sense with offers of low charges, but who definitely missold me the contract, however the caller subsequently left as did his successor and the company washed their hands of the fact that they had wrongly sold me the contract.I was a complete fool to be taken in and not look at the small print including cancellation fees etc but I would not recommend ANYONE to go with this company. There were hidden fees and whats more even when I can finish with them at the end of the term, I didnt notice that the rental of the terminal is for longer than their term so I am committed to that terminal although it seems no other provider will let me have a contract using that terminal - yep I was an idiot but beware ask all the questions before entering in, dont listen to their promises on the phone, its total rubbish and whatever they say they wont be held liable for if the guy has left. Get it all in writing, absolutely every little thing they promise you at the outset because once it is up and running they dont give a monkeys!

 

[LMDServicesUK]

Really interested in what you have said.

What were the hidden fess that you were not told about ? and how long were you told the contract was for ? I thought as a sole trader you can leave after 18 m and just pay a restocking fee as per the Consumer Credit act 1974 ?

rgds

Mark

 

[hg6591]

Unfortunately I am a Ltd co. so that doesnt apply!
there were a few 'hidden' hits, one of which was a minimum turnover charge,(and we are seasonally very busy in the summer and not at all in Jan Feb so that kicked in) and yet I had asked them if there was one and was assured there wasnt.
I will dig out my notes on it, and post again when I find what my other gripes were! I threw them in a file when I realised Payment Sense couldnt give a damn and I hadnt got a leg to stand on!

 

[LMDServicesUK]

Hi

How long have you been with them now ?

If at least 6 - 9 months you can always request a rate review with their Customer services team, (020 8962 5445) especially if you are a seasonal business and thus affected by the Minimum Monthly Service Charge,which to be fair is levied by the Bank (FDMS) and not Paymentsense.

If your turnover is greater than when you switched to them, you will probably be able to get your rates reduced, got to be worth a try..

Also it is an industry norm for your terminal to be tied to a merchant service Provider, you cannot just switch Merchant account provider and take your existing terminal with you, as the terminal is nearly always provided on a lease basis.

Some companies will sell you a terminal out right but then if you have a problem or need to upgrade the terminal due to for example PCI compliance requirements, you cannot just get your Merchant service s provider to send you a new one.

Finally do not understand your comment re the terminal contract ( 3 , 4 or 5 years) being longer than that of the Merchant agreement normally they run in parallel and end at the same time ?

I look forward to your next post, and if I can help I will gladly do so.

Kind regards

Mark
LMD Services

 

[vchimp]

i am in trouble over my contract with RMS retail merchant services. Thru my experience after all dramas. Check out ELAVON, STREAMLINE, WORLDPAY etc. handling all services (technical, payment etc) A-Z under one roof.
There are many card processing company offers low rates up front but with many clauses in small print and they actually are co-op with other company. RMS uses ELAVON to clear payments . it takes 4working days to process a UK bank debit card. at the same time, Streamline does the same job in next working day

 

[picman]

Wonder if anyone can help? I was contacted by RMS and there salesman came out to be and recommended a card reader machine. I asked all the usual questions, contract, monthly costs, fees etc. To cut a long story short I was lied too, told there was no contract and as paying for it quarterly can opt out anytime, now told it's 3 years. Was told it was £25.00 per month plus vat in fact it's £31.94 plus vat. Was told PCI Compliant came with the company now told it's £100 minimum per year!

Person on help desk states I signed agreement (yet I do not have a copy of this). I signed an application form and bank form (the rep was going to fill out other details as he had to rush off to collect his daughter from school.

I now realise there's no fool like an old fool and this rep has blatantly lied to myself and my wife.

Is there anything I can do or report this sort of practice too?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ddraffan]

Hi

I'm really sorry to hear this has happened to you. The same sort of thing happened to me and I was so disgusted in the behavior with this company I decided to have a website built dedicated to exposing how this company in my opinion defrauds business owners of money. It maybe too late to have the contract revoked but my advice, contact the police, I believe a crime has been committed, contact your local MP and ask what he can do, contact the financial ombudsman, report this to Trading Standards. Send RMS a letter informing them that you believe you have been treated fraudulently and will not be making any payments or using their services until the outcome of these further investigations. Most importantly, cancel your Direct Debit and instruct your bank to not approved any further payments to RMS. You probably don't know yet but the Direct Debit mandate you signed allows RMS to re-instigate a cancelled Direct Debit without having to inform you!

Be under no other impression, this is how this company operates. They employ an army of commission motivated reps who do whatever they have to, to get a signed contract on the day they meet you.

Also, you're not a fool, I'm no mug but I fell for it to. I know what I'm suggesting seems daunting and will take time but I genuinely think it'll be worth it. The more victims of Retail Merchant Services underhanded tactics, who face up to them and take them on the better, and the quicker we can bring this disreputable company in to line. I have sent you a personal email with the address to the website I mentioned and would be grateful if you could spare the time to repeat this post on the blog. Good luck.

 

[Aceframer]

Cheapest isnt always the best. i went with handepay because they were the cheapest , but due to their nasty one sided contract, i'm paying for a machine i dont use for another two years. read the contract and watch out for the termination clauses, any that say they will roll you over arent worth going with, look for ones that will give you 30 days notice once you out of your initial contract. handepay require a years notice or you get stuck for another two years and they wont let you out as its a B2B contract you havent got a leg to stand on. they have to be the nastiest company ive ever dealt with

Rollover contracts need banning by law

 

[LMDServicesUK]

Hi Aceframer

I presume you have now given them 12 m notice so you do not get rolled over again ?

Also are you a Sole Trader or Ltd Company, if the former, you may be able to use the Consumer Credit act 1974 to exit the contract, as this limits your liability to 18m for the rental fees, however you may still have to pay a "restocking fee" or some such equivalent to HandePay.

Hope this helps

Mark

 

[ddraffan]

I'm really sorry to hear your troubles with another card processing company. I think it must be time that these businesses were brought into line and better regulations put in place to control how they operate. May I suggest you contact your local MP but also by way of a long shot, get in touch with BBC's Watch Dog programme. I've done this for my experience with a disgraceful company called Retail Merchant Services. Good luck.