Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose 1-web-development.com?

1-WEB-DEVELOPMENT.COM combines technical depth with business focus. We are a New York-based firm with expertise across the full spectrum of web development — from design and front-end scripting to server-side ASP development, database administration, and e-commerce integration. We use a fixed-bid project model so you always know your costs upfront, and we stand behind our work with ongoing technical support.

See our Why 1-web-development.com? page for a more detailed overview, or visit our Clients page to see examples of our work.

What is e-Business?

e-Business (electronic business) refers to the use of Internet technologies to conduct business processes and transactions. It is a broader concept than e-Commerce: while e-Commerce focuses specifically on buying and selling goods and services online, e-Business encompasses all digital business activities including supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM), online marketing, internal operations, and business-to-business (B2B) communication.

For a more in-depth explanation, see our What is e-Business? page.

What is an Internet Merchant Account?

In order for a merchant to accept credit cards for payment on the Internet, the merchant must have an Internet Merchant Account with an acquirer (usually a bank). The acquirer takes on the job of processing the card and making sure the funds are deposited into the merchant's bank account. PaymentNet acts as the channel to move the credit card transaction from the merchant's web site to the acquirer's processing network.

An Internet Merchant Account is different from a standard retail merchant account because it is specifically configured for card-not-present transactions, which carry a different risk profile and fee structure than in-person swipe transactions.

How do I get an Internet Merchant Account?

To qualify for an Internet Merchant Account, you must have a checking account with a US bank. You will need to complete a merchant application with your chosen acquirer or payment processor. The application typically asks for:

• Business legal name, address, and tax identification number
• Description of goods or services sold
• Estimated monthly sales volume and average transaction size
• US bank checking account information for fund settlement
• Business owner personal information (for credit review)

Approval typically takes 3–10 business days. Contact us at 1-877-WEB-7771 for guidance on selecting a payment processor compatible with your web application.

Can I use my existing Merchant Account with PaymentNet?

In many cases, yes — but it depends on whether your existing merchant account is configured for Internet (card-not-present) transactions and whether your acquirer is compatible with the PaymentNet gateway. Some retail merchant accounts are restricted to in-person, swiped transactions and cannot process online orders.

Contact your acquiring bank to confirm whether your current account supports Internet transactions. If it does not, we can help you set up a new Internet Merchant Account with a compatible acquirer.

What banks will work with me?

Many US banks and financial institutions offer Internet Merchant Accounts, including most major national banks and numerous regional banks. The specific banks available to you will depend on your business type, volume, and credit history. PaymentNet works with a wide range of acquirers.

If your current bank does not offer Internet merchant processing, we can provide referrals to acquirers that are well-suited for web-based businesses. Contact us for recommendations.

Can I still work with my bank if they cannot provide an Internet Merchant Account?

Yes. Your existing bank relationship does not need to change. You can maintain your regular business checking account at your preferred bank for day-to-day banking, and open a separate Internet Merchant Account with a different acquirer for processing online credit card transactions. Settlement funds from online sales will typically be deposited into the bank account you designate during the merchant application process, which can be your existing checking account.

What bank fees can I expect?

Fees vary by acquirer and business type, but typical Internet merchant account fees include:

Fee Type	Typical Range
Application / Setup Fee	$0 – $100 (one-time)
Monthly Statement Fee	$10 – $25 / month
Per-Transaction Fee	$0.20 – $0.35 per transaction
Discount Rate (% of sale)	2.0% – 3.5%
Monthly Minimum Fee	$15 – $25 / month
Chargeback Fee	$15 – $35 per incident

Rates are approximate and subject to change. Contact prospective acquirers for current pricing specific to your business.

How long does it take to get an Internet Merchant Account?

Approval timelines vary by acquirer, but in most cases you can expect:

• Application review: 3–7 business days
• Account setup and gateway configuration: 1–3 business days after approval
• Total time to first live transaction: Typically 5–10 business days

Some processors offer expedited approval for straightforward applications. We recommend beginning the merchant account application process at the same time as your e-commerce site development to avoid delays at launch.

Can international merchants use PaymentNet?

PaymentNet primarily serves US-based merchants with US bank accounts. International merchants (those without a US banking relationship) face additional requirements and restrictions. In some cases, international businesses can establish a US entity and banking relationship to qualify. Contact us to discuss options for your specific situation.

What currencies are supported?

Most US-based Internet Merchant Accounts process transactions and settle in US dollars (USD). If you need to accept payments in other currencies (Canadian dollars, Euros, British pounds, etc.), you will need to confirm that your payment gateway and acquirer support multi-currency processing. This is available from some providers but typically involves additional fees and configuration. Your web application can display prices in the customer's local currency while processing the charge in USD.

Are there restrictions for international merchants?

Yes. US acquirers generally require that the business owner and primary bank account be located in the United States. Certain high-risk business categories may face additional scrutiny regardless of location. International merchants should explore payment solutions offered by their local financial institutions or global payment processors that support their home country.

Why automate credit card acceptance?

Automating credit card acceptance on your web site provides significant advantages over manual or phone-based order taking:

• 24/7 sales capability — your store never closes
• Reduced labor costs — no staff needed to take phone orders
• Faster order processing — authorization happens in seconds
• Improved cash flow — funds settle quickly into your account
• Better customer experience — customers can complete purchases instantly at their convenience
• Detailed transaction records — automated systems provide clean, exportable transaction logs

What sales volumes are businesses achieving online?

Online sales volumes vary enormously by industry, audience, and marketing investment. Small businesses new to e-commerce often start with modest volumes but grow steadily as they build search engine visibility and a repeat customer base. Businesses that invest in their online presence, product photography, and digital marketing consistently outperform those that treat their web site as a static brochure.

Our clients have ranged from local retailers processing a few dozen orders per month to larger operations handling hundreds of transactions daily. Contact us to discuss realistic projections for your specific market.

Are there businesses like mine successfully accepting cards online?

Almost certainly yes. Online card acceptance has become standard across virtually every industry — retail, professional services, healthcare, hospitality, non-profits, and more. If your customers have money to spend and Internet access, there is a strong likelihood that a well-designed e-commerce experience will generate meaningful revenue.

Visit our Clients page to see examples of the types of businesses we have helped bring online. We are happy to provide references from clients in your industry upon request.

How do I attract customers to my site?

Driving traffic to a new web site requires a multi-channel approach:

• Search engine submission — Submit your site to major search engines (Google, Yahoo, AltaVista, etc.)
• Search engine optimization (SEO) — Use descriptive page titles, meta tags, and keyword-rich content to improve organic rankings
• Link building — Pursue reciprocal links with complementary businesses and industry directories
• Email marketing — Build and communicate with an opt-in customer list
• Online advertising — Banner advertising and pay-per-click campaigns targeted to your audience
• Offline promotion — Include your URL on all business cards, letterhead, packaging, and advertising materials
• Press releases — Announce your web site launch through industry publications and local media

We offer consulting on web site promotion as part of our consulting services. Contact us to discuss a promotion strategy for your site.

Still Have Questions?

If your question is not answered here, please contact us directly. We are happy to help.

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