Merchant Transaction Services
Merchants, from the smallest on-line storefront to a large "brick and mortar" retailer, who accept and process credit cards need an Internet Merchant Account. A merchant account enables merchants to accept and clear credit card transactions. This is one option, another would be to have an order securely emailed to you or reside in an area on your server where you can securely extract the order.

In the case of an Internet merchant, two options exist. If the merchant already has a "brick and mortar" business, he or she may be able to use their existing credit card processing method to handle Internet transactions. If the merchant wants to process credit cards in real time or is a new merchant, then he or she needs to apply for an Internet enabled merchant.

On-line Payment Status
One of the first things you need to do is obtain an Internet Merchant Account from your bank. The second part will be to build your web site with the added code to enable clearing of the electronic transactions. SiteWarehouse can help with process.

United States of America
If you are located in the USA we have several relationships with leading banks and can assist you to achieve merchant status. It is quite simple to process provided you meet the criteria. SiteWarehouse can assist in helping you meet the requirements.

Canada
If you are located in Canada, achieving a Merchant Account is often very difficult. Then, if you are successful you may have to do it several times depending on the type of credit cards you wish to accept. The Canadian bank industry does not provide the extent of services and ease of startup that the United States has adopted. The first step would be to talk to your bank to apply for an Internet Merchant Account, preferably one that deals with an electronic banking gateway company such as CyberCash. There are costs associated with startup that the bank will require.

SiteWarehouse also provides an alternative, should you not have success with your bank. We have partnered with a company that provides "shared" merchant accounts for Canadian companies with a simple process to get started. The charges for setup range from $600-$1,000. You will then face transaction fees for each transaction ranging from 3%-5%. The transaction fees are higher than most companies in this business, but a good solution compared to the level of service and flexibility you will receive. SiteWarehouse can help you implement your solutions.

International Orders
If you are located outside of North America we can offer you ecommerce packages through our affiliates in various countries. We recommend and email to our ecommerce department to help you get started

For all inquiries regarding ecommerce, shopping basket functionality and electronic banking, please contact our Sales department at 416-410-9115 or by email at ecommerce@sitewarehouse.net