Anonymous
United States of America#2General Comment
Thu, January 14, 2010
I am nothing more than an individual/business owner who has dealt with several eCommerce sites and credit card processing companies/banks.
People never seem to release ALL of the information when they write one of these reports.
First, Merchant Warehouse doesn't require holds of any kind for processed transactions unless your credit is absolutely horrible (this is the first sign of a person who most likely shouldn't be in business, nor running somebody elses business).
Second, use your head... If the representative told you that your terminal had an old sticker representing the business that previously used the terminal, why would you simply go "OK!" and drop it there rather than inquiring for a new sticker and asking the representative to make sure everything was accurate on YOUR merchant account? (next sign of a person who shouldn't be in business, nor running somebody elses business). Hence, no deposits in your bank account from credit card transactions that had been processed 3 days prior.
Thirdly, Merchant Warehouse doesn't setup contracts with cancellation fees unless they feel that you're going to rip THEM off, which is based on your credit history, which also prompted them to withhold 5% of your transactions for the first 6 months. Aside from that, Ralph couldn't have charged a cancellation fee if it wasn't in the "contractual agreement" that was signed and dated by YOU.
Get a GRIP, tell the WHOLE truth, or don't say anything at all, and admit your faults.
You're probably the same person who sits around complaining about political matters that involve the very same people you voted for.
-Anonymous business owner - Palm Harbor, Florida
Meekmister
Queen Creek,#3UPDATE Employee
Mon, March 09, 2009
This is the funniest thing I have ever heard, Ralph Goldson is the shadyst character in Florida he gives money to the folks at the chamber of commerce in Florida to refer him all the new business in florida Cocoa beach and merit island area as far south as palm bay. If you were set up by him check your merchant statments they are known to steal from their merchants. Ralph thinks beacuse he is from Clemson he is smarter than anyone what he doesnt know is State senator Jeff Atwater is currently conducting an investigation, of his assets and anything he can find ... se what happens when you mess with the wrong person Ralph.. So if anyone has more information shady dealings with ralph or his company or his familys company " The Goldson Agency" please contact senator Jeff atwater as he will include in his investigation. So far there is clear dealings with the chamber of commerce and the local banks for information wich is clearly in violation of the patriot act this man is a serious threat to our community and I will personaly see to his removal from Florida! me and my uncle Jeff .. so watch out Florida he is a swindler and will try to take your $$$ Steve A Melbourne FL
Ralph
Melbourne,#4REBUTTAL Individual responds
Fri, March 07, 2008
I have just learned of this website and I typed my name to check. I must admit that I was surprised to find this complaint; however, I appreciate having the opportunity to set the record straight. Yes, the merchant was referred to me by a great financial institution because the customer did not meet their underwriting guidelines. I have handled successfully many merchants for this bank when the merchant wasn't able to qualify for a merchant services account. Normally, I can get merchant accounts established within 24 to 48 hours. However, when there is a credit or industry risk involved, the credit card processor has the obligation to be more dilligent and may require additional information. In this particaular case, the account was declined by the first (maybe two) processor, thus, I had to try a processor that will assume higher risk accounts. Now let's get a clear picture. The merchant's first processing choice could (a bank) not help and my first (or first and second) processor choice would not issue a merchant account for this merchant due to the merchant being viewed as a higher risk. After another attempt with a processor that assumes higher risk accounts, I was successfully able to place this account. This did take about 10 business days to complete. Now, for my error. Inadvertantly, when I programmed the merchant's terminal, I did program it incorrectly. If I recall correctly from nearly 2 years ago and 600+ new customers, this merchant was looking for the least expensive processing solution possible. The terminal that I sent may not have had a printer; therefore, I would have not been able to run a quick report to verify the information. This is no excuse, but it happened. As far as the merchant's money, did the merchant get his money from the processor? Yes he did. Was it as simple as the merchant or I would have liked it? Probably not. As I said before, there is no excuse and I accept the responsibilty for the initial error; however, it is nice to know that in nearly 7 years this is the only incident listed. Now on the other side of the table let's look at the whole picture. I have a long history in this industry. I process transactions for three Chambers of Commerce, have been embraced by our largest downtown merchant's association, serve on the Board of Directors for a 1900+ member Chamber of Commerce, have served as the Ambassador Chair for one of the Chambers, have been and continue to be a member of two Better Business Chamber Councils, former President and upcoming Education Coordinator of a local chapter of an international referral organization, have coached youth sports for over 14 years, etc., etc., etc. Thanks for the forum. My only regret is that I did not find out about this two years ago. Ralph
Ken
Waynesville,#5Consumer Comment
Wed, May 18, 2005
I am in this type of business (Merchant Services). I have run across these problems before. If your sales rep is not helping you then you need to go directly to YOUR bank that referred this company. They have the power to drop this salesmens company from their "Agent Bank" relationship. This will cost them thousands of dollars and they will do everything to save that relationship. You might need to go above the branch manager to the home office. Sending a letter to the States AG will get action as well. Hope this helps from one on the inside-