Charge.com vs Yahoo

In order to accept and process payment and affectively manage ecommerce, every online store should have a merchant service provider. When shopping for merchant services, there are many options available. Charge.com and Yahoo are both reputable companies and provide a variety of features and benefits at competitive prices. However, all merchant service providers vary in their charges, the types of payments they allow you to accept, the quality of technical support they provide, and other related features. The following information is an outline of Charge.com and Yahoo merchant services, providing a comparison for both companies.

Charge.com

Accept credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover.

Competitive Rates*
Free Application
Free Setup
Free Technical Support
Free Online Payment Processing Software
Free eCommerce Shopping Cart
Free Web Based Terminal for manual Processing
Online Reporting and Management of Transactions
SSL Secure Transactions


Yahoo Merchant Services

Accept: Visa Master Card, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Checks, PO's, COD's, and Money Orders.

Competitive Rates*
Free Application
$50 Setup Fee
Free Technical Support
User Friendly Yahoo Shopping Cart
Advanced Tracking Statistics
Sales and Inventory Reports
SSL Security and Fraud Protection
Search Engine Submission / Discounts on Yahoo Advertising

*Monthly fees and transaction rates are based on sales volume, average ticket amount, and the types of products and services being sold. Charge.com provides rate information upon completion of their free application, while Yahoo offers some information about fees on their website - according to sales volume.

Both Charge.com and Yahoo are highly ranked for fast set up and easy use. In addition, they both have excellent approval rating and a friendly, professional support staff. Visit Charge.com and Yahoo on the web for more details. Choosing a merchant account provider should be based on the needs of your individual business.

Charge.com

Yahoo Merchant Solutions

Protecting Your Merchant Account

A substantial part of protecting merchant accounts is securing them from online fraud. At present, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. While online shopping allows for the ambiguity of a persons identity, it is highly targeted for the purpose of completing fraudulent activity. In other words, since no one really knows who they are selling to online, it is easy for a person to pose as someone else. However, there are security measure that should take place to minimize your chances of becoming a victim and reduce the risks of credit card chargebacks with your merchant account.

First of all, choose your merchant account provider based on the security features they offer. Many companies have their own screening measures that work to combat identity theft. One of the most important features you will need to implement is the verification of the card validation code. The card validation code, also referred to as the CVC, CVV, and CVV2, is the 3 to 4 digit number located on the back of each physical credit card. By verifying this code, it ensures that the card user has possession of the physical credit card, and has not just acquired the card number by hacking or some other illegal means. Often, when a credit card number is stolen for online use, the thief will not be able to provide this code for verification.

In addition to requiring the card validation code at your point of check out, it is a good idea to verify that the address provided matches the billing address of the credit card. Many internet merchant accounts provide services that run this verification process for you. This process is fast and often efficient at warding off fraudulent card users. In addition, be aware of anyone who requests international shipping or needs a large order overnighted. These are both red flags for fraud that is about to occur.

Sometimes chargebacks are not the result of fraud and can be avoided by effective communication. Be sure that the terms of your return policy are clearly stated on your website. It may also be a good idea to include them on paper with the product you are shipping. This should alleviate any frustrations your customer may experience that could lead to chargebacks.

In addition, know how your company name will appear on your consumer's credit card statement. Sometimes consumers will dispute charges if they cannot identify their purchase on their monthly bill. Make sure they will be able to recognize you.

Finally, present your phone number wherever possible. Consumers who can easily contact your business to settle problems are less likely to dispute them with their credit card company. Therefore, by taking this measure, you will experience fewer chargebacks and protect your merchant account.