One of our Nurse Practitioner readers shared with me her horror story in getting her merchant account set up. She wanted to pass this information along to other NPs. We are not publishing her real name at this point, as she is working with the District Attorney’s office in California. The Better Business Bureau is also working on the issues as well.
This NP, contacted United Payment Services and set up a merchant account for her office. Because her office was just opening, she did not yet have her phone in place (many of the credit card machines conduct transactions take place over the phone lines). And in fact, she never did receive a machine. Nevertheless, United Payment Services (31186 La Bay Dr. Suite 100, Westlake Village, CA 1-888-464-0113) began deducting fees from her account to the tune of over $400.00 before she closed the account to stop the charges.
This NP wanted to get the word out now to other NPs that are considering opening merchant accounts for their practices.
There are many legit merchant account providers available. Keep your eyes open for some dos and don’t regarding merchant accounts.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
That sounds like a horror story. The BBB is a good place to start. It can actually cause them to lose a few sales here and there. I would also recommend trying to talk to a manager. Also, when dealing with this industry it is good to always call in a respectful manner to handle the situation. Many times they receive callers upset about situations like this and your being mild and respectful but still firm can make you stand out and can possibly help you to get a refund on these charges.
Have you considered doing directly through your bank? Or maybe even paypal? If you did paypal, you could pad your bill before identifying the charge to your client, with the 3% pinch that they (credit card companies too) hit you with.