I remember seeing that someone on this board posted a link to a merchant account comparison site where you enter in how much you plan to process, and it calculates the cost for a few different providers. Does anyone know have the url to this?

I searched for the link, but I had no luck. I think this existed as a spreadsheet a while ago, and I would appreciate any help in finding the site or excel file.

thanks,

I don't know what site are you asking about but
there is short list:

http://www.digitalpoint.com/products/merchant.html .



Also you can check these sites:

http://cdgcommerce.com/

http://www.merchantaccounts4less.com/ .

:) And here is one more: http://www.merchantcompare.com/

Yep - http://www.merchantcompare.com/ is the new spreadsheet from DigitallyJustified.

One caveat - keep in mind that most spreadsheets do NOT account for one of the most significant costs in merchant processing under most programs - and these are the "downgrade" costs.

You may have heard of terms like "mid-qualified" and "non-qualified". These describe surcharges that various processors charge depending on the type of transaction that is run through.

Some processors cluster types of transactions into the mid-qual or non-qual categories differently than others. So even if you get a qualified rate that may seem lower on paper - it is important to ask exactly what criteria is used for downgrading transactions and to confirm what any mid or non-qualified surcharges are.

I've seen this vary quite a bit. For instance, the same set of sales with one processor may result in 40-60% of the transactions being downgraded to a much higher %... but with another processor only a small portion (maybe 5%) of the very same transactions would be downgraded.

Some processors downgrade based upon the AVS match result, others do not. Some processors auto-downgrade all international card sales to the non-qual level and others do not.

So this is definitely something to ask about in any company that you interview for merchant processing. You'll also want to ask about any separate AVS or WATTS fees - or even "interchange pass-through" fees that may apply... as well asking if the rates provided are bundled in or if there is any separate Interchange fees.

The other big area to ask about are fees like Monthly Minimums (which can add up to $25/month in extra cost when you are just getting started), Annual Fees and Cancellation Fees. The last one, in particular, can be very concerning and if you get an offer to waive it from a processor - make sure its in writing and reflected on your contract.

Best of luck in your search, Wonkmedia! And thanks for the mention in this thread, Artvision. :)

Thanks for all of your help. I am always amazed at how nice everyone on the board is.

Thanks for the link Chris.

Wonkmedia - Hope you find the information useful. Best of luck searching for your provider.

This is also a good site

http://www.electronic-payments.co.uk/product_data.jsp

I think you may have to register now though.

DH

http://www.mgoldmine.com/ if this helps, he is a poster in WHT