Mainstream Merchant Services Review

Mainstream Merchant Services is a well-respected company in the payment processing industry, providing a range of solutions for businesses seeking to simplify their payment processes. Established in 2007, the company has expanded greatly and is based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Mainstream Merchant Services offers a complete range of payment processing options, such as credit card terminals, POS systems, and online payment gateways. The company’s goal is to provide affordable and safe services that assist businesses in improving their cash flow and expanding their customer base.

Company Overview

Mainstream Merchant Services has established a strong reputation in the industry since it was founded. Jerome Vignale, the current CEO, established the company. Under his direction, the company has increased its range of services and improved its position in the market. Mainstream Merchant Services was founded in Alpharetta, Georgia in the year 2007. The company was established to meet the increasing demand for trustworthy and effective payment processing options for businesses of any scale. Over time, its range of offerings has grown to encompass sophisticated POS systems, mobile payment solutions, and comprehensive fraud protection measures.

The mission of Mainstream Merchant Services is to provide businesses with secure, reliable, and cost-effective payment processing solutions. The company values integrity, customer satisfaction, and technological innovation, striving to deliver the best possible service to its clients. By focusing on these core values, Mainstream Merchant Services aims to build long-lasting relationships with its customers and help them achieve their business goals.

Services Offered by Mainstream Merchant Services

Mainstream Merchant Services provides a comprehensive suite of payment processing solutions tailored to meet the needs of various businesses. The company focuses on delivering high-speed, secure, and efficient services across different platforms.

Credit Card Processing

Mainstream Merchant Services supports the use of Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for credit and debit card payments. The company provides a variety of credit card terminals tailored for different types of businesses. The terminals range from high-speed choices like the Ingenico iCT220DC and VeriFone VX520DC to wireless options like the Dejavoo Z8 and Ingenico iWL255. These gadgets guarantee quick and safe transactions, improving the customer’s experience.

POS Solutions

The company offers a variety of POS systems to suit different business models. Some of the popular options include Mynt POS, Vital POS, and Poynt POS. Each system comes with unique features designed to streamline operations. For example, Linga POS offers online ordering, inventory management, a kitchen display system, and table-side ordering capabilities, making it ideal for restaurants. Vital POS and Poynt POS provide comprehensive back-office facilities, including mobile wallet integration, EMV chip card readers, cash drawers, and contactless payment options. These systems help businesses manage transactions efficiently and keep track of sales and inventory.

Mobile Payments

Mainstream Merchant Services provides robust mobile payment solutions, allowing businesses to accept payments on the go. The company offers devices like SwipeSimple and PAX handheld units, which can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth. These mobile solutions support both mega-stripe and chip card payments, enabling businesses to manage transactions from anywhere. The integration with smartphones and other devices ensures flexibility and convenience, particularly for businesses that operate in mobile environments.

Online Payment Processing

The company also demonstrates great proficiency in online payment processing with its virtual terminal, TSYS Web Pass. This platform enables merchants to accept payments from any internet-enabled device without the need for extra equipment. The main features consist of the ability to make recurring payments, multiple user functions, and comprehensive reporting dashboards. Merchants have the option to personalize invoices by adding their logo and design, access invoice history, and send payment reminders and links to customers. This system connects with different payment gateways like Authorize.net, eProcessingNetwork, and PayTrace, offering a smooth online shopping experience.

Mainstream Merchant Services aims to provide comprehensive and versatile payment solutions that cater to the needs of modern businesses, enhancing their ability to process transactions securely and efficiently.

Pricing and Fees for Mainstream Merchant Services

Understanding the pricing and fees associated with Mainstream Merchant Services is crucial for businesses considering their services. The company employs an interchange-plus pricing model, which is a transparent and fair approach widely used in the industry. This model involves a base rate (interchange fee) plus a small markup, providing merchants with predictable and often lower costs compared to other pricing models.

Pricing Model

The interchange-plus pricing model used by Mainstream Merchant Services includes various fees. For instance, merchants can expect a monthly payment gateway fee of $10 and a monthly virtual terminal fee of another $10. Additionally, there’s a regulatory fee of $3.95 per month and a PCI compliance fee of $6.95 per month. These fees cover essential services and compliance measures, ensuring businesses operate smoothly and securely.

Contract Terms

Usually, Mainstream Merchant Services demands a three-year agreement that will extend for another two years unless terminated. In the event that a merchant chooses to end the agreement prematurely, a $250 fee for early termination will apply. Nevertheless, the fee can be circumvented by submitting a written cancellation request a minimum of 30 days prior to the contract renewal date. These terms underscore the significance of comprehending the extended obligations and possible expenses linked to it.

Transparency and Hidden Fees

While Mainstream Merchant Services offers competitive rates, there are some concerns about transparency. The company does not publicly disclose all its pricing details, such as batch fees, gateway setup fees, and statement fees, which can be crucial for businesses to understand their total cost of ownership. Some reviews have noted instances of hidden fees, which can be a significant drawback for merchants who prefer clear and upfront pricing information.

Despite these concerns, Mainstream Merchant Services has received positive feedback for its overall reliability and customer support. Merchants are encouraged to conduct thorough research and compare Mainstream’s pricing and terms with other providers to ensure they select the best fit for their needs.

Customer Support and Service

Mainstream Merchant Services provides robust customer support through multiple channels to ensure that merchants receive timely and effective assistance. Their customer service framework is designed to handle a variety of issues and queries that merchants might face.

Support Channels

Mainstream Merchant Services provides various support alternatives for their customers. Merchants have the option to contact the support team through the live chat feature on their website for immediate help with problems. Moreover, merchants can opt for toll-free phone assistance or email support, ensuring they have access to the most convenient form of help. Having these support channels available aids in quickly and efficiently addressing time-sensitive issues.

The company also maintains an online knowledge base, which includes user manuals, guides, and FAQs. This resource is particularly useful for merchants who prefer self-service options or need to troubleshoot common problems outside of regular business hours.

Customer Service Quality

Customer service reviews for Mainstream Merchant Services are generally positive, highlighting the company’s commitment to resolving issues and providing support. According to various reviews, the customer support team is known for its professionalism and responsiveness. For example, some users have praised the support team for helping them navigate chargeback disputes effectively and providing clear guidance on compliance issues.

However, like any service provider, Mainstream Merchant Services has received some negative feedback. Common complaints include issues related to fund withholding and hidden fees. In one instance, a merchant reported difficulties in accessing funds due to a security block placed on their account. The support team worked to resolve the issue by clarifying the necessary steps to lift the block and release the funds.

Another common issue involves the early termination fees and contract terms. Some merchants have expressed frustration over automatic contract renewals and associated fees. The customer service team typically addresses these concerns by providing detailed explanations and, in some cases, negotiating the fees based on the merchant’s circumstances.

Overall, Mainstream Merchant Services appears to prioritize customer satisfaction and provides multiple channels to ensure merchants receive the support they need. While there are areas for improvement, the company’s proactive approach to customer service helps maintain a positive relationship with its clients.

Security and Compliance

Mainstream Merchant Services prioritizes security and compliance to ensure that merchants and their customers are protected from potential threats and breaches.

PCI Compliance

Mainstream Merchant Services provides strong resources and assistance to aid businesses in attaining PCI compliance. The PCI DSS is a collection of security standards created to safeguard card details before and after a financial transaction. Mainstream Merchant Services supports merchants in meeting these requirements by offering assistance and resources during the compliance process. This involves assisting with filling out the required Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) and providing continuous assistance to ensure compliance with evolving standards, like the shift to PCI DSS 4.0.

Additionally, Mainstream Merchant Services offers breach protection insurance, which provides significant benefits. This insurance helps cover the costs associated with a data breach, including forensic audits, notification expenses, and credit monitoring for affected customers. By mitigating these financial risks, merchants can focus on maintaining their business operations even in the event of a security incident.

Fraud Protection

To protect against fraud and data breaches, Mainstream Merchant Services implements several measures. The company partners with Aperia Solutions, a business intelligence provider, to enhance its fraud prevention capabilities. This partnership helps in monitoring transactions, identifying suspicious activities, and ensuring compliance with security protocols. The collaboration with Aperia Solutions enables Mainstream to offer comprehensive fraud protection tools, reducing the likelihood of data breaches and unauthorized transactions.

User Experience

Mainstream Merchant Services places a strong emphasis on user experience, ensuring their payment processing systems are intuitive and efficient for businesses of all sizes.

Ease of Use

The user interface of Mainstream Merchant Services’ POS systems and online platforms is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for businesses to manage transactions efficiently. The POS systems, including options like Mynt POS, Vital POS, and Poynt POS, are equipped with straightforward interfaces that simplify daily operations. These systems allow for quick setup and training, enabling staff to use the system with minimal downtime.

Customer feedback on the usability of Mainstream Merchant Services’ platforms is generally positive. Users appreciate the simplicity and functionality of the interfaces, which help streamline the checkout process and improve overall operational efficiency.

Integration Capabilities

Mainstream Merchant Services provides strong integration features with different software and platforms, increasing the adaptability of their solutions. Their systems have the ability to smoothly connect with e-commerce websites, accounting programs, and other tools for managing businesses. This integration makes it easy for businesses to coordinate sales data, handle inventory, and monitor financials on various platforms seamlessly.

The ability to integrate with popular e-commerce platforms and accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero ensures that businesses can maintain a cohesive and streamlined workflow. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to expand their operations online or simplify their accounting processes.

Pros and Cons

Mainstream Merchant Services offers a range of advantages and some drawbacks that potential users should be aware of.

Pros

Comprehensive Service Offerings: Mainstream Merchant Services provides a wide array of payment processing solutions, including credit card terminals, POS systems, mobile payments, and online payment gateways. This ensures that businesses of all types and sizes can find solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Strong Customer Support: The company is recognized for its efficient and skilled customer service team. This support is accessible through different methods like live chat, toll-free phone support, and email, aiding businesses in promptly solving any problems to ensure seamless operations.

Security and Compliance Measures: Mainstream Merchant Services prioritizes security and compliance. They offer robust tools to help businesses achieve PCI compliance and provide breach protection insurance. Additionally, the company partners with business intelligence providers like Aperia Solutions to enhance fraud prevention capabilities.

Cons

Lack of Pricing Transparency on the Website: One of the main drawbacks of Mainstream Merchant Services is the lack of detailed pricing information available on their website. Potential customers may find it challenging to compare costs without direct consultation with the company.

Early Termination Fees and Contract Length: The standard contract length is usually three years and will renew automatically unless terminated. Some businesses may find this long-term commitment to be a drawback. Furthermore, early termination fees of approximately $250 could discourage businesses from canceling early due to dissatisfaction with the service.

Overall, while Mainstream Merchant Services offers a robust set of features and excellent customer support, potential customers should carefully consider the contract terms and seek detailed pricing information before committing.

Market Reputation

Mainstream Merchant Services holds a solid position in the payment processing industry. The company has received an A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), indicating a positive standing in terms of reliability and trustworthiness. While the company is not BBB accredited, it has managed to maintain a good reputation with relatively few complaints recorded. This reflects well on their commitment to addressing customer issues promptly and effectively.

Mainstream Merchant Services is frequently recognized in industry evaluations for its extensive range of services and strong customer assistance. The company is known by its competitors for offering secure and efficient payment solutions to various businesses. The lack of significant controversies or legal problems continues to strengthen its image as a dependable service provider.

Customer reviews of Mainstream Merchant Services are mixed, but they generally lean towards the positive side. Positive reviews often highlight the company’s excellent customer support and the variety of services offered. Customers appreciate the responsive support channels, including live chat and phone support, which help in resolving issues quickly. Additionally, many users find the POS systems and payment processing solutions to be user-friendly and efficient, contributing to a smooth operational experience.

Some customers are worried about the absence of clear pricing and the inclusion of fees for ending the service early. Complaints frequently refer to unanticipated fees and the challenge of comprehending the entire fee schedule. Furthermore, some users have reported problems with fund withholding and contract terms, highlighting areas where the company could enhance its communication and policies.

Common themes in customer feedback include the high level of support provided and the effectiveness of the payment processing solutions, balanced by concerns about hidden fees and contract terms. Overall, while Mainstream Merchant Services has a generally positive reputation, potential customers are advised to thoroughly review the contract terms and seek detailed pricing information to avoid any surprises.

FAQs

What types of businesses can use Mainstream Merchant Services?

Mainstream Merchant Services caters to a wide range of businesses including B2B, non-profits, retail, online, MLM, MOTO, and wholesale businesses. They serve multiple industries such as healthcare, SAAS, movers, convenience stores, education, legal, electronics, and gas stations.

What are the contract terms for Mainstream Merchant Services?

Mainstream Merchant Services usually provides a three-year agreement with a $250 fee for canceling early. The monthly charges consist of a $10 payment gateway fee, a $6.95 PCI compliance fee, a $20 chargeback fee, a $20 monthly minimum fee, and a $3.95 regulatory fee.

How does Mainstream Merchant Services ensure PCI compliance?

Mainstream Merchant Services partners with Aperia Solutions to provide merchants with PCI compliance tools and support. They offer breach protection insurance to safeguard businesses from potential data breaches and cover expenses up to $100,000 for conducting forensic audits in case of a data breach suspicion.

Conclusion

Mainstream Merchant Services provides extensive payment solutions and robust customer assistance, despite its lack of transparent pricing and lengthy contract terms. In general, it is a trustworthy option for businesses looking for a variety of payment processing choices. Before making a commitment, potential users should thoroughly examine contract specifics and inquire about pricing details.