Credit card processing over the phone?

**mrshowtime3** · 12-16-2008 08:30 PM

Has anyone ever used the merchant accounts that you use a telephone to process the payment?

Im starting a pool service company and have been looking for which way to go as far as cards are concerned. This seems like it would be perfect for my situation. Just curious if anyone has experience with this.

Touchpay and Accept by Phone are the two big companies doing this.

**YoungNFocused08** · 12-17-2008 12:19 AM

I believe you can do this with just about ANY credit card processor as long as you have the software. I've seen Merchant Warehouse provide software that you can install on your P.C. and all you need is an internet connection.

Basically, the only method I can understand is that you'd setup the software to link to your bank account. Then whenever someone calls, you'd use the software, input the credit/debit card information or check information or whatever into the software. Then just process it.

That's the best I can tell you. Maybe contacting of these companies via telephone will result in better results. Do keep me posted though as I'm interested myself.

**mrshowtime3** · 12-17-2008 10:11 AM

I dont think this is what your thinking of. With these two companies you dont use a PC at all.

When out at someones house you get their credit card if they are making a payment. You call a number this company gives you which links you to your merchant account. You then just put the card number and ammount in using your phone.

**IntelliCollect** · 12-18-2008 01:32 PM

Yes, many reputable merchant account providers offer this service. After opening up a "dial pay" program, the merchant just calls a toll-free number and keys in the customers' credit card information, typically following voice prompts.

In conjunction with a dial pay process, some merchant account providers also offer a virtual terminal so that the business owner can input payment information using a secure web-based interface.

Best Regards,
Andy Lax
IntelliCollect, Account Manager

**Fanatik** · 12-18-2008 04:44 PM

I've used Touchpay for various businesses in the past, and I absolutely love them. I used Thompson Merchant Services w/ Touchpay and was extremely pleased with their rates and level of support. If I ever had an issue, I just hit 0 to talk to a service rep and I'm done. I'd highly recommend touchpay. There are a couple of ways to cut the rate (use the Cvv2 number) and you'll be on your way. This was especially useful at automotive events I participated in. People would come by the booth, want a product, I'd sell it to them right there as I called Touchpay. Very simple and easy.

J

**mrshowtime3** · 12-18-2008 10:01 PM

Thanks alot for sharing. I think Touchpay upped their service fees because I dont remember them being so high.

You now have to pay for monthly statements. Accept by Phone seems cheaper but never heard any reviews of them. Is there a contract with Touchpay? If I break the contract early is there a penalty?

**YoungNFocused08** · 12-19-2008 02:40 AM

Oh ok, well my idea can always be used as an alternative. If its even possible I mean... but this is definitely worth looking into, however, what would you do about chargebacks should any come from a user paying using an automated phone service.\?

**Fanatik** · 12-19-2008 04:56 PM

They do have monthly statement fees, which sucks but I think it was like $10-$15 per month. The thing with touchpay, is they send you a transaction sheet at the end of the month w/ all your transactions. You'd have to manually keep track of those transactions. I used Quick Books for mine, which was great. I think Thompson Merchant Svcs has a linkable program that will auto-link QuickBooks and their merchant software; all while using Touchpay.

And no - I never signed a contract agreement; I was able to do it month-by-month, which I loved... I was never 'locked' into a contract. That is definitely one of the things I liked about it, esp when I sold the business.

If you want more info, just shoot me a PM and I'll help ya out.

Chargebacks -- I had one with them, and you don't need to worry about it unless you and the customer are head-butting; in which case, Touchpay/Thompson Merchant worked with me to resolve it... You usually get a heads up though; chargebacks just can't be avoided no matter what. Some customers are just mean

haha

**IntelliCollect** · 12-20-2008 07:42 PM

Yes, it is beneficial to get the customer's Cvv2 code. Moreover, it's important to get your customer's address so that the transaction does not automatically downgrade to a non-qualified transaction. (Address verification compares the customer's billing address with what is listed on the credit card.)

In addition, it's worthwhile to get an imprint of your customer's card should you have face-to-face contact with the customer when you an employ a dial pay service. This will protect you should a customer initiate a chargeback.

Best Regards,
Andy Lax
IntelliCollect, Account Manager