Total Merchant Services Payment Review: A Comprehensive Guide
Total Merchant Services (North), a leading payment processor in North America, has established itself as a prominent player in the merchant services industry. Founded in 1992, North has grown significantly over the years, solidifying its position as the sixth-largest independent, non-bank merchant acquirer in the region. This review delves into the company's comprehensive offerings, exploring its payment processing solutions, merchant services, security features, pricing structure, customer support, and more. We will examine the pros and cons of using Total Merchant Services to determine whether it aligns with your business needs.
Overview
North was founded in 1992 by Marc Gardner, and since then, it has achieved several milestones. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recognized its potential in 2008 by recommending a $21.5 million state tax credit. This fueled North's growth, leading to the relocation of its headquarters to a 105,000-square-foot building in Troy, MI in 2009. North's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction has contributed to its success, making it a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.
Regulatory Compliance and Licenses
North is subject to regulatory oversight by various financial and payment processing authorities. The company operates under strict compliance guidelines to ensure security and transparency. A key aspect of this is its PCI DSS validation, a certification that confirms North's adherence to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This ensures that sensitive customer data is handled securely, minimizing the risk of fraud and data breaches.
Services and Products
Payment Processing Solutions
North provides a wide range of payment processing solutions designed to cater to the needs of diverse businesses. From credit and debit card payments to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), check conversion and guarantee, ATM services, gift and loyalty programs, and online payments, North offers a comprehensive suite of options. The company processes more than $100 billion per year in electronic transactions across America, demonstrating its robust infrastructure and capacity to handle a high volume of transactions efficiently.
North supports various payment methods and currencies, ensuring that merchants can accept payments from customers around the world. This broad acceptance ensures accessibility for customers, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Merchant Services
North understands the unique requirements of various businesses and provides tailored merchant services designed to simplify operations and enhance customer experience. They offer multiple point of sale (POS) systems, including advanced solutions like PayProTec and Sekure Payment Experts, which are customized for specific industries, such as restaurants, retail stores, and others.
North's commitment to providing solutions that empower merchants is evident in their popular PayAnywhere platform. PayAnywhere is a versatile POS software that offers multiple free equipment options, including terminals and receipt printers. The platform is designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and provide valuable insights through real-time reporting and inventory management features. This empowers businesses to make informed decisions and optimize their operations.
The benefits of utilizing North's merchant services are substantial. Reduced credit card fees, streamlined operations, and enhanced customer experience are just a few advantages. The integrated POS systems facilitate efficient order processing, inventory management, and customer engagement, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Digital Wallet and Mobile App
While North does not currently offer a dedicated digital wallet or mobile app for users, they provide innovative mobile credit card processing solutions through PayAnywhere and cellular terminals with receipt printers. These options enable merchants to accept payments on the go, offering convenience and flexibility for businesses of all sizes. This flexibility and adaptability demonstrate North's commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the modern business landscape.
Key Features
Security and Fraud Protection
North prioritizes the security of transactions and employs robust measures to protect sensitive data. Their commitment to security is evident in their PCI DSS-validated security protocols, which include certified point-to-point encryption and tokenization. This ensures that customer data is encrypted during transmission and storage, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
In addition to these protocols, North utilizes robust anti-fraud measures to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions. They comply with PCI-DSS standards, ensuring that they implement the highest security practices to protect customer data and minimize the risk of fraud. This comprehensive approach to security builds trust among customers and fosters a secure environment for transactions.
Integration and Compatibility
North understands the importance of seamless integration with existing systems and offers a Payments Hub Developers Portal to facilitate this. The portal provides merchants, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), and Value Added Resellers (VARs) with the tools and documentation to seamlessly integrate North's payment solutions with various e-commerce platforms and third-party services. This compatibility ensures a smooth transition for businesses and eliminates the need for complex integration processes.
Speed and Reliability
North's infrastructure is designed to support seamless operations with real-time reporting, fast transaction processing, and reliable customer support. Their commitment to efficiency is crucial for businesses that rely on quick and reliable transactions. The fast processing speeds minimize wait times for customers, enhancing their overall experience. The reliable customer support ensures that merchants receive prompt assistance in case of any issues or concerns.
Pricing Structure and Fees
Transaction Fees
North offers a program called EDGE, which aims to significantly reduce transaction fees for merchants. However, specific transaction fee details are not readily available in the provided sources. To determine the exact fee structure, it is recommended to contact North directly to receive a personalized quote based on your specific business needs and transaction volume.
While the EDGE program aims to reduce fees, it's important to consider potential additional fees, such as setup costs, monthly subscriptions, or withdrawal fees. These fees can vary depending on the chosen payment processing plan and services. It is crucial to thoroughly understand all associated fees to make informed decisions and choose a plan that best suits your budget.
Customer Support
Contact Methods
North offers multiple contact methods to ensure that merchants receive prompt assistance. They have a dedicated sales team direct line (833.50.NORTH) for inquiries and a contact form on their website for general inquiries. This accessibility ensures that merchants can easily connect with the support team for any questions or concerns.
North's commitment to customer service is evident in their 24/7 customer support availability. This means that merchants can access support anytime, day or night, with real human beings ready to assist. Multilingual assistance is also available, further enhancing their reach and catering to a diverse customer base.
Pros and Cons of Total Merchant Services Payment
Pros
- Reduced credit card fees through the EDGE program: North aims to significantly reduce transaction fees for merchants, potentially leading to cost savings and increased profitability.
- Streamlined operations with advanced POS systems like PayAnywhere: North's POS systems simplify order processing, inventory management, and customer engagement, enhancing efficiency and providing valuable insights.
- Robust security measures compliant with PCI-DSS standards: North prioritizes security with PCI DSS-validated protocols and robust anti-fraud measures, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and customer trust.
- Free credit card terminals and free time clock software for employee management: This can further reduce costs and streamline operations for businesses.
- Integration with team management solutions like Homebase: This allows for seamless integration with other essential business tools, promoting a unified and efficient workflow.
Cons
- Lack of transparency in transaction fees: Specific details regarding transaction fees are not readily available, making it difficult to compare pricing with other providers.
- Potential need to navigate various funding options for working capital: The process of securing working capital can be complex and overwhelming for some merchants, especially those with limited financial experience.
- No dedicated digital wallet or mobile app: This may be a limitation for businesses seeking a comprehensive mobile solution for payments and customer engagement.
Conclusion
Total Merchant Services (North) offers a comprehensive range of payment processing solutions, merchant services, and digital payment technologies designed to empower businesses of all sizes. The company prioritizes security with PCI DSS validation and employs robust anti-fraud measures to ensure secure and reliable transactions. With 24/7 customer support and multiple contact methods, North provides responsive and efficient assistance to its clients.
Businesses seeking to significantly reduce credit card fees, streamline operations, and enhance customer experience through advanced POS systems and robust security measures would find North's services beneficial. However, it is essential to thoroughly understand the specific transaction fee structure and associated fees before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions about Total Merchant Services Payment
Here are some frequently asked questions about Total Merchant Services Payment:
How do I sign up for Total Merchant Services Payment?
You can sign up for Total Merchant Services Payment by visiting their website, filling out a contact form, or calling their sales team directly at 833.50.NORTH. Their team will assist you in choosing the right plan based on your business needs.
What payment methods are supported by Total Merchant Services Payment?
Total Merchant Services supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, EBT, check conversion and guarantee, ATM transactions, gift cards, loyalty programs, and online payments. They aim to ensure broad acceptance for merchants, maximizing their revenue potential.
How can I reduce transaction fees with the EDGE program?
To learn more about the EDGE program and its benefits, contact Total Merchant Services directly. They will provide you with specific information about the program and its potential cost savings.
What are the customer support options available?
Total Merchant Services provides 24/7 customer support with real human beings available around the clock. You can reach them by phone at 833.50.NORTH or through their website's contact form. Multilingual assistance is also available.
This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Total Merchant Services Payment, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. It's essential to conduct thorough research and compare different payment processors to find the best fit for your specific business needs.
