Merchant Focus Review

Merchant Focus, a payment processing company established in 2004, has been catering to businesses for many years. The company provides a variety of services tailored to fulfill the payment processing requirements of different types of businesses, such as retail, e-commerce, and mobile businesses. This review offers a thorough examination of Merchant Focus, covering its background, management, branches, and offerings. Let’s delve deeper into the Merchant Focus Review.

Company Overview

Merchant Focus was established in the year 2004 with the goal of offering dependable and affordable payment processing options for businesses of any size. As time has passed, the company has expanded and established a strong reputation in the payment processing sector, collaborating with popular firms like Authorize.Net to offer powerful e-commerce solutions. The company values providing excellent service and focusing on the needs of their customers.

The leadership team at Merchant Focus is headed by John Waldron, the CEO, and Jason McLeod, the President. Under their guidance, the company has developed a strong reputation for transparency and reliability in the payment processing industry. The leadership team is dedicated to constant enhancement and creativity, making sure that Merchant Focus stays competitive and adaptable to the changing demands of its customers.

Merchant Focus is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, with an additional office located in Portland, Maine. The company’s strategic locations allow it to serve a wide range of customers across the United States efficiently. By maintaining these offices, Merchant Focus ensures that it can provide localized support and services to its diverse client base.

Merchant Focus is known for its commitment to offering top-notch service, along with its effective leadership and strategic locations, making it a trusted ally for companies looking for thorough payment processing options. The company’s track record of expansion and dedication to creativity continue to solidify its position as a top player in the field

Services Offered by Merchant Focus

Merchant Focus provides a wide array of services to meet different business requirements, guaranteeing smooth and secure payment processing on numerous platforms.

E-Commerce Payment Solutions

Merchant Focus, through its partnership with Authorize.Net, provides robust e-commerce payment solutions. This partnership allows businesses to utilize a reliable payment gateway for processing online transactions securely. Key features include:

Recurring Billing Options: Automated Recurring Billing (ARB) from Authorize.Net allows businesses to set up and manage subscription-based or installment payments efficiently. This feature helps improve billing efficiency and customer retention by automating the billing process.

Virtual POS and USB Card Readers: Businesses have the ability to transform their computers into virtual POS systems, which allows them to process payments, generate receipts, and handle transactions remotely. Moreover, there are USB card readers that can help with in-person payments.

QuickBooks Integration: Integration with QuickBooks streamlines accounting processes by synchronizing payment data directly with the accounting software, simplifying financial management for businesses.

Retail Payment Solutions

Merchant Focus also caters to retail businesses by providing several tailored solutions:

Free Terminals for New Retail Accounts: New customers receive free terminals for their brick-and-mortar stores, allowing them to process credit and debit card transactions smoothly.

Credit and Debit Card Transaction Processing: Retailers are able to process different types of card payments, such as major credit card companies, in order to cater to a diverse range of customers.

Reprogramming of Existing Equipment: Businesses can reprogram their existing payment terminals to work with Merchant Focus’s systems, making the transition seamless and cost-effective.

Surcharge Program

The program provided by Merchant Focus enables merchants in 42 states to cover their credit card processing costs by imposing a surcharge on transactions. This program offers great advantages.

Cost Savings: By passing on the processing fees to customers, merchants can save on operational costs, which can be substantial over time.

Eligibility and Benefits: The program is compliant with state regulations and provides merchants with a straightforward way to manage processing costs, enhancing their profitability.

Mobile Payment Processing

Merchant Focus provides mobile payment solutions to help busy businesses on the move.

TakeCharge Mobile Features: This service allows businesses to receive payments through smartphones, which is perfect for those that don’t have traditional physical stores, like at events or markets.

Remote Transaction Capabilities: Mobile payment processing allows businesses to accept payments from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.

Security Features and Tech Support: Secure transactions are guaranteed through strong security measures such as SSL encryption and address verification. Furthermore, round-the-clock technical support is accessible to help with any problems, guaranteeing seamless operations.

Merchant Focus’s comprehensive suite of services, combined with its partnerships and advanced features, make it a strong contender in the payment processing industry, capable of meeting the diverse needs of modern businesses.

Products and Features of Merchant Focus

Merchant Focus provides a wide range of products and features aimed at catering to businesses’ various needs, guaranteeing safe and effective payment processing.

Multi-Currency Acceptance: Merchant Focus supports multi-currency acceptance, allowing businesses to process payments in various currencies. This feature is crucial for businesses operating in international markets, as it simplifies transactions for global customers by allowing them to pay in their local currency. This reduces the complexity of foreign exchange and enhances the customer experience.

Online Invoicing: Merchant Focus offers a tool for online invoicing that allows businesses to send electronic invoices to their customers. This service offers automated reminders and recurring billing choices, streamlining the invoicing process for businesses and ensuring timely payment collection.

E-Check Services: E-check services offered by Merchant Focus allow businesses to accept electronic checks from their customers. This service is beneficial for businesses that prefer to offer an alternative payment method to credit cards. E-checks are electronically handled, offering customers a secure and convenient method of payment, while enabling businesses to receive payments quicker than with traditional paper checks.

Gift Cards and Mobile Payment Apps: Merchant Focus supports the issuance and processing of gift cards, enabling businesses to offer a popular payment option that can help increase customer loyalty and drive sales. Additionally, the company provides mobile payment apps that allow businesses to accept payments through smartphones and tablets, making it convenient for mobile and remote transactions.

EMV Processing and Mobile Card Readers: In order to secure transactions, Merchant Focus provides EMV processing, which utilizes chip-enabled cards from Europay, MasterCard, and Visa to minimize fraud. Businesses can also use mobile card readers to accept payments while they are away. These readers work with different mobile devices, allowing businesses to easily conduct transactions from any location.

POS Equipment and Virtual POS: Merchant Focus offers a variety of POS equipment, including classic terminals and virtual POS systems. Virtual POS systems transform computers into terminals for processing payments, enabling businesses to receive payments, issue receipts, and oversee transactions via one interface. This adaptability is perfect for traditional and digital retail settings.

Contactless NFC: The adoption of contactless NFC (Near Field Communication) technology by Merchant Focus allows businesses to accept payments made through contactless cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This aspect improves the checkout process with a rapid, safe, and contactless payment option, especially beneficial in the current health-conscious climate.

Merchant Focus’s diverse product offerings and advanced features make it a versatile and reliable payment processing partner for businesses looking to streamline their operations and provide a seamless payment experience to their customers.

Pricing and Fees of Merchant Focus

Merchant Focus provides two main pricing structures: interchange plus and tiered pricing. Having a thorough grasp of these models is essential for businesses to efficiently control their payment processing expenses.

Insight into Pricing and Contract Details: Merchant Focus provides clear contract terms, but the specific details can vary depending on the business type and transaction volume. Typically, merchants will encounter various fees such as credit card terminal rental fees, PCI compliance fees, and gateway fees. These fees can be essential for maintaining the processing infrastructure and ensuring security compliance.

Interchange Plus vs. Tiered Pricing Model: Interchange Plus Pricing: This model is known for its transparency and fairness. It involves two components: the interchange fee set by the card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and a fixed markup by the processor. If the interchange fee is 1.5% and the processor’s markup is 0.3%, the total fee would be 1.8% along with a minor fee per transaction. This model enables businesses to clearly observe the cost of each transaction, simplifying the process of cost comparison and understanding.

Tiered Pricing: Tiered pricing categorizes transactions into qualified, mid-qualified, and non-qualified tiers, each with different rates. While this model simplifies billing, it is often less transparent and can result in higher overall costs, as the merchant may not fully understand how transactions are categorized and charged.

Per-Transaction Fees and Monthly Fees: In interchange plus pricing, transaction fees usually consist of the interchange rate and a small flat fee, typically ranging from $0.10 to $0.30 per transaction. Monthly charges may consist of a gateway fee (approximately $25), PCI compliance expenses, and maybe additional charges for service, depending on the needed level of support.

Cancellation Policies: Merchant Focus’s cancellation policies are straightforward. Merchants generally need to provide a written notice to cancel their contract without incurring early termination fees. However, it is essential to review the specific terms of the contract, as conditions may vary.

By offering both interchange plus and tiered pricing models, Merchant Focus caters to different business needs and transaction volumes, ensuring flexibility and cost-efficiency for a variety of merchants. This approach, combined with transparent fee structures and supportive cancellation policies, makes Merchant Focus a competitive choice for payment processing solutions.

Contract Terms of Merchant Focus

Merchant Focus provides a range of contract options ideal to suit many business requirements. Having knowledge of these terms can assist businesses in making well-informed decisions and efficiently managing their payment processing agreements.

Types of Contracts Offered: Merchant Focus typically offers contracts that outline the services provided, fees, and terms of use. These contracts may contain specific terms for various services like e-commerce, retail payment options, and mobile payment processing. The contracts are designed to cover all aspects of the payment processing relationship, ensuring that both parties are clear on their responsibilities and expectations.

Duration and Renewal Terms: The standard duration for Merchant Focus contracts is often three years, which aligns with industry norms.Typically, these agreements have automatic renewal terms that extend the contract unless one party gives written notice to end it before the current term expires. This automatic renewal ensures continuity of service but requires merchants to be proactive if they wish to avoid unwanted renewals.

Cancellation Process and Early Termination Fees: Canceling a contract with Merchant Focus requires careful attention to the terms specified in the agreement. Usually, merchants are required to give written notice of their intention to end the contract within a specific time frame before the contract expires. ETFs are an important factor to consider and may differ in amount. These charges are intended to pay for the expenses Merchant Focus faces when establishing and managing the merchant’s account. ETFs can be a flat fee, usually ranging from $295 to $495, or calculated based on liquidated damages, which consider the remaining contract term and average monthly fees. Understanding these fees is crucial for businesses planning to switch processors or terminate their agreements early.

Transparency and Disclosure of Terms

Merchant Focus emphasizes transparency in its contract terms, providing detailed documentation that outlines all fees, conditions, and the responsibilities of both parties. Businesses must carefully examine these documents and understand the consequences of each term. Key elements such as early termination clauses, automatic renewal terms, and any additional service fees should be clearly disclosed to avoid any surprises.

Merchant Focus has contract terms that are thorough and clear to help businesses fully understand their obligations and efficiently handle their payment processing requirements. By carefully reviewing and understanding these terms, businesses can avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth payment processing experience.

Customer Support and Marketing Strategies of Merchant Focus

Merchant Focus aims to offer thorough assistance and successful marketing tactics to guarantee a smooth experience for its customers. This part delves into the different support channels offered, the marketing strategies of the company, and concerns regarding sales transparency.

Customer Support Channels: Merchant Focus provides several channels for customer support, ensuring that businesses can receive assistance promptly and efficiently. The main channels for getting support are phone, email, and live chat. These choices are offered to help merchants manage their business smoothly by resolving technical problems or addressing account questions. The company’s commitment to accessible support is evident in its provision of 24/7 service, allowing customers to resolve issues outside of standard business hours.

Marketing Strategies and Use of Independent Sales Representatives: Merchant Focus employs a variety of marketing strategies to attract and retain clients. A notable aspect of their approach is the use of independent sales representatives. These representatives have a vital role in broadening the company’s market reach and customizing the sales approach. By leveraging the networks and local expertise of independent agents, Merchant Focus can effectively market its services to a broader audience.

However, the use of independent sales agents does come with potential challenges. Though this approach enables tailored interactions with customers and reaching local markets, it necessitates close monitoring to maintain consistent communication and ethical standards. Merchant Focus has been able to uphold a mostly positive image in this area, receiving minimal complaints about unethical actions by its sales team. Nonetheless, transparency in marketing practices remains an area for continuous improvement.

Issues Related to Sales Tactics and Information Transparency: Transparency in marketing and sales tactics is critical for building trust with customers. Merchant Focus has faced some criticism regarding the disclosure of pricing details and contract terms. Specifically, there have been concerns about the clarity of rate structures and the potential for hidden fees. Some merchants have reported that initial quotes do not always reflect the true costs, leading to discrepancies once services are in use.

In order to address these problems, Merchant Focus could improve its communication tactics by offering thorough and transparent information from the start. This involves specifying every potential fee, explaining contract conditions clearly, and steering clear of aggressive sales methods. The company can promote higher trust and satisfaction with its customers by implementing a more open strategy.

Merchant Focus offers robust customer support and employs effective marketing strategies through independent sales representatives. However, the company should continue to focus on transparency and ethical practices in its sales tactics to maintain and enhance its reputation in the competitive payment processing industry.

Reviews and Complaints of Merchant Focus

Merchant Focus has established a good reputation in the payment processing sector, although it has also received both positive and negative feedback, like any other business. This part examines customer feedback, typical issues raised, and the firm’s accreditation and rating by the BBB.

Merchant Focus generally receives mixed reviews from its customers. Many clients appreciate the company’s comprehensive payment processing services and competitive pricing. Positive feedback often highlights the ease of use of their systems, the range of services offered, and the efficiency of customer support. Clients often point out that the flexibility of month-to-month contracts and the lack of early termination fees are important benefits.

Common Complaints

The most common complaints about Merchant Focus revolve around three main areas:

Customer Service: Some users have reported difficulties in reaching customer support, citing long wait times and unresponsive service representatives. These issues can hinder businesses when they encounter urgent problems that need immediate resolution.

Withholding of Funds: Some customers have encountered problems with funds being held. At times, there have been delays in funds without transparent communication from the company. This may cause difficulties with cash flow for businesses that depend on prompt access to their funds.

Contract Canceling: While Merchant Focus offers month-to-month contracts with no cancellation fees, some customers have reported challenges when attempting to cancel their services. Complaints include confusion about the cancellation process and unexpected charges post-cancellation.

BBB Accreditation and Rating

Merchant Focus is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating. This accreditation indicates a commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining high ethical standards. The BBB rating reflects the company’s efforts to address and resolve issues promptly, contributing to a relatively positive reputation in the industry.

While Merchant Focus provides robust payment processing solutions appreciated by many customers, it also faces criticism regarding customer service and transparency in fee structures. The company’s BBB accreditation and A+ rating demonstrate its commitment to resolving these issues and maintaining a trustworthy business relationship with its clients.

Pros and Cons of Merchant Focus

Merchant Focus offers a variety of services that cater to different business needs in the payment processing industry. This section highlights the key advantages and disadvantages of using Merchant Focus to help businesses make informed decisions.

Pros of Using Merchant Focus

Competitive Pricing: Merchant Focus provides competitive rates, including interchange-plus pricing for larger businesses, which can be more transparent and cost-effective compared to tiered pricing models. This helps businesses manage their payment processing costs more effectively.

Month-to-Month Contracts: Unlike many payment processors that lock clients into long-term contracts, Merchant Focus offers month-to-month agreements. This flexibility allows businesses to switch services without facing hefty early termination fees, making it an attractive option for those wary of long-term commitments.

Comprehensive Service Offerings: The company supports a wide range of payment solutions, including e-commerce, retail, and mobile payments. This versatility ensures that businesses of all sizes and types can find suitable solutions for their specific needs.

Good Customer Support: Merchant Focus is known for providing robust customer support through multiple channels such as phone, email, and live chat. This ensures that businesses can get timely assistance with any issues that arise, helping to maintain smooth operations.

Cons and Areas for Improvement

Customer Service Issues: Some customers have reported difficulties in reaching customer support, with complaints about long wait times and unresponsive service representatives. Improving the responsiveness and availability of support staff could enhance the overall customer experience.

Withholding of Funds: There have been instances where customers experienced delays in fund transfers, which can disrupt cash flow for businesses. Clear communication and faster processing times would help mitigate this issue.

Fee Transparency: While the company provides detailed information on fees, some clients have found discrepancies between quoted and actual costs. Greater transparency and upfront disclosure of all potential fees can help build trust and avoid misunderstandings.

Sales Tactics: Merchant Focus uses independent sales representatives, which has led to concerns about inconsistent sales practices and the potential for misleading information. Ensuring all sales agents adhere to ethical practices and providing thorough training could improve client satisfaction.

Merchant Focus offers several advantages, including competitive pricing, flexible contracts, and comprehensive service offerings. However, addressing issues related to customer service, fund withholding, fee transparency, and sales tactics could further enhance its reputation and customer satisfaction.

Comparison with Competitors

Merchant Focus competes with several major credit card processors, each offering unique features and advantages. This section compares Merchant Focus with some of the leading credit card processors, highlighting its unique selling points. When comparing Merchant Focus to competitors such as Square, PayPal, and Stripe, several distinctions become apparent. Competitors like Square and PayPal are renowned for their all-in-one solutions that integrate point-of-sale systems with payment processing and additional business tools.

Pros of Competitors:

Square: Known for its easy-to-use hardware and comprehensive POS systems, Square offers a seamless integration of sales, inventory management, and business analytics, which appeals to small to medium-sized businesses.

PayPal: Popular for its extensive online payment capabilities, PayPal provides a trusted and globally recognized platform, making it a preferred choice for e-commerce businesses.

Stripe: Favored by developers, Stripe offers powerful APIs that enable customized payment solutions and support for various currencies, which is ideal for tech-savvy businesses and startups.

Unique Selling Points of Merchant Focus

Merchant Focus distinguishes itself through several key features:

Flexible Contracts: Unlike many competitors, Merchant Focus offers month-to-month contracts without early termination fees, providing businesses with greater flexibility and reducing long-term commitments.

Comprehensive Service Offerings: The company provides a wide range of payment solutions, including e-commerce, retail, and mobile payments, catering to diverse business needs.

Partnership with Authorize.Net: This partnership improves Merchant Focus’s e-commerce features by providing strong payment gateways and recurring billing options, which are essential for online businesses.

Dedicated Customer Support: Merchant Focus is known for its reliable customer service, available through various channels such as phone, email, and live chat, ensuring businesses receive timely assistance.

While competitors like Square, PayPal, and Stripe offer integrated solutions and robust online payment systems, Merchant Focus stands out with its flexible contract terms, comprehensive service offerings, and strong customer support, making it a competitive choice in the payment processing industry.

Conclusion

Merchant Focus provides adaptable agreements, competitive rates, and inclusive payment options. It is a great option for companies looking for dependable payment processing with strong customer assistance. Nevertheless, it is important for businesses to take into account their unique requirements and thoroughly examine all conditions before making a commitment. Merchant Focus is a great choice for e-commerce and retail companies seeking versatile and expandable payment choices.