I am just wondering if you have AWBS why you would need a merchant account.
Wouldn't AWBS take care of all billing? I'm asking because I'm about to buy AWBS.
Also I would love to hear your experiences using AWBS.

Thanks for your help in advance.

AWBS is only the billing software component. In order to process credit card transactions, you will also need to obtain a merchant account as well as a payment gateway.

The way the process flows is that customers order via the AWBS ordering system. AWBS then transmits the transaction request to your gateway and it routes it through your merchant account. (Specifically, there is more to the process "behind the scenes" but the above is a concise version of the process)

Would I need a merchant account if I was just to use Paypal?

If You were to just use, paypal, you wouldnt need anything else. you do need to have your carts configured.

Thanks guys!