Merchant's FAQs

• General FAQ
  
  
• Merchant Account FAQ
  
  
• Payment Gateway FAQ
  
  
• International Merchants FAQ
  

1. Why do I need a Merchant Account?
2. What will Apelles do for me?
3. In a nutshell, what are Apelles's services? Do I have to use them all?
4. How does Apelles's process work?
5. Why should I use Apelles?
6. How long is Apelles in business and how is your customer service?
7. Does Apelles provide check services?
8. Does Apelles perform address verification (AVS)?
9. Does Apelles provide ATM Machines, Debit, and Private label or Gift Cards ?

Merchant Account FAQ

1. What is an Acquiring Bank or Merchant Bank ?
2. Can my Merchant Account be used for two companies / Can I order the goods from a third party when I receive my orders, then ship them when they arrive?
   
3. How do I accept credit cards online?
4. What credit cards will I be able to accept?
5. What will apear on my customer's credit card statement?
6. What documents are required in order to open a Merchant Account?
   
7. Will I need to open a U.S. bank account?
8. How much will this cost me?
9. What are Merchant rates for e-commerce payment processing services?
10. What is a discount rate?
11. What is a per transaction fee?
12. What is a chargeback?
13. How often will I receive payment?
14. Once I have completed the Application & Document Requirements, how long will it take to start processing transactions?
    
15. I already have a merchant account. Do I need a new one?
16. How will this work with my web site?
17. How do I (the merchant) get paid?
18. Do customers need to belong to an online bank to use our system?
19. What information do my customers provide for order processing?
20. How do I become a Apelles customer?

Payment Gateway FAQ

1. How do my customers keep track of the transaction?
2. Will my order forms need to reside on Apelles's server?
3. What fields are required in my order form for the process to work?
4. What prevents the interception of account information on Internet?
5. What about my customers who aren't on the Internet?
6. Do I need a credit card terminal or processing software?
7. How do I integrate my website with the Payment Gateway for realtime processing ?
8. What shopping cart should I use?
9. Can I post a credit to a customer's card?
10. Do I need to have SSL?
11. Can I void transactions online?
    

International Merchants FAQ

1. My business is based outside the United States. Can Apelles help?
2. Will I need US Incorporation and to open a U.S. bank account?
3. What currencies will I be able to accept?
4. In what currencies will I be able to price my goods and accept payment?
5. What are “acceptance” and “settlement” currencies?
6. Can I add more processing currencies to my account after my site has launched?
7. How often will I receive payment?
8. How much will it cost?
9. How can I apply for International Merchant Account?

GENERAL FAQs

Why do I need a Merchant Account ?

A merchant account is required to accept all major credit cards including Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover. Our office provides a merchant account with every payment solutions. To get started simply complete our online application.

What will Apelles do for me?

Apelles provides credit card merchant accounts for all business types. If you have a storefront, Service Company, or own a web site and shipping your products - Apelles can accommodate your needs by issuing your company a merchant number to accept all card types. We provide credit card terminals, PC software or provide your company with a "real time secured payment gateway via the Internet".

In a nutshell, what are Apelles's services? Do I have to use them all?

You can ask Apelles for any or all of the following services:

• Merchant Services : Merchant Accounts and Real-time credit card acceptance.
• eChecks: Check payment acceptance (via Electronic Funds Transfer)
• Shopping Carts: Robust website shopping cart service
• US Incorporation: US Business Incorporation Service
• Corporate Services: Establish your office with telephone and Secretary in Empire State Building, NY.
• Web Hosting: Secured and E-Commerce Ready Hosting
• WebPromo: Professional website promotion services
• Domain: Domain Registration Service
• Dedicated Servers : Managed and Co-Located Servers

How does Apelles's process work?

Please see this brief summary.

Why should I use Apelles?

More Sales. With the explosive growth of Internet shopping, you can't afford not to accept payments online. Apelles allows you to give your customers multiple payment options; whether they choose to pay with a credit card or a checking account, they can make their payments immediately--and securely--at your website.

Simplicity. Apelles provides hands-off payment acceptance. Though you are welcome to enter your customers' orders manually, Apelles is designed to spare you that effort. You don't need to handle any transactions yourself. Your customers can enter their own information--24 hours a day--and Apelles will automatically do the rest.

Speed. Your customers' orders are processed in real-time (immediately). Each transaction takes only 5-30 seconds, depending on Internet traffic and the speed of your processor. This enables you to allow access to member-only areas, allow instant downloads, etc.

Quick Payment. With Apelles, it takes very little time to receive payment for the orders placed on your site. Funds can be deposited directly into your account.

Flexibility. Your customers can place and pay for their orders online--automatically--or you can take their orders by phone, by fax, or in person.

Security. The fact that you never have to handle your customers' payment information greatly increases its security. All orders are placed via Apelles's secure server, eliminating the risk of information theft. Your web site can be hosted on any server without compromising the security of your customers' data.

Price. Apelles's prices are exceptionally competitive. (See Pricing.)

How long is Apelles in business and how is your customer service?

The predecessor to Apelles, was launched in 1994. Apelles started Internet operations in 1997. Since that time, the company has setup many US Incorporations, Websites and online Storefronts who processed many millions of dollars in transactions. We offer 24 hours a day 7 days a week Email, Chat and MSN (MSN ID: apelles@hotmail.com) Support to our customers around the world.

Does Apelles provide check services?

Yes we provide electronic check services, check guarantee, check represent, and "e" check via the Internet.

Does Apelles perform address verification (AVS)?

All of the major credit card processors will accept transactions that do not pass AVS. The fact that processors do not reject non-AVS transactions is a great concern of ours.

Does Apelles provide ATM Machines, Debit, and Private label or Gift Cards?

Yes! Apelles is a full service processor providing all the latest state of the art technology.

MERCHANT ACCOUNT FAQs

What is an Acquiring Bank or Merchant Bank ?

The acquiring bank is the bank in which the merchant's credit card acceptance account is held, and from which funds are transferred into the merchant's local bank account twice monthly.

Can my Merchant Account be used for two companies / Can I order the goods from a third party when I receive my orders, then ship them when they arrive?

No, the customer must own the goods that are advertised for sale on their web site.

How do I accept credit cards online?

Register with Apelles.

Once you have completed the registration, we can set you up with our Credit Card service within 2 to 3 business day.

What credit cards will I be able to accept?

We are currently able to process Visa® and MasterCard® credit card transactions in all regions as well as American Express® in USD only. Discover, JCB, Diners Club and ATM/Debit Visa Mastercards.

What will appear on my customer’s credit card statement?

Your company / domain name will appear on your customer’s credit card statement.

What documents are required in order to open a Merchant Account?

1. Copies of US Incorporation Documents
2. Employer's Tax Identification Number (EIN)
3. US Business Address
4. US Bank Account's Voided Check
5. Copy of your valid passport
6. Copy of your National ID Card or Driving License
7. Utility Bill (e.g. telephone bill) mentioning your name and address.

You can also email us the scans at incteam@apelles.com

Will I need to open a U.S. bank account?

To apply as US Merchant you need to be incorporated in USA with US Business Checking Bank Acount. Apelles do every thing for you. Please click here to Incorporate now!

How much will this cost me?

Apelles will provide your company with a comprehensive quote depending on your business type, method of card acceptance, and volume as well as your average sale amount. Please checkout US Incorporation Fees and Merchant Soution Fees online.

What are Merchant rates for e-commerce payment processing services?

Please visit here for transation fees and discount rates etc.

What is a discount rate?

The discount rate is the processing fee associated with your credit card acceptance account. It is a percentage of your gross sales.

What is a per transaction fee?

The per transaction fee is a nominal amount charged on each transaction, which is associated with the processing of each transaction through the payment gateway and the credit card acceptance account.

What is a chargeback?

A chargeback occurs when a cardholder informs their credit card issuer that a particular charge was not authorized, or that goods were not delivered as promised. If a customer alleges the goods or services paid for were not delivered, the merchant has 7 days to produce evidence that the goods were received or that the cardholder's account was credited.

How often will I receive payment?

Apelles transfers funds from your credit card acceptance account into your US Checking Bank Account you designate for settlement of funds in 48 to 72 hours.

Once I have completed the Application & Document Requirements, how long will it take to start processing transactions?

We cannot approve your Merchant Application until you have completed the Online Application Form and we have received your complete required documentation and Payment Wire. So it, depends on you, how quickly you do these two steps. Upon receipt of your completed information and the payment, the time frame for Merchant Account approval and setup by Apelles will be within 3-5 business days including Payment Gateway Setup.

I already have merchant account. Do I need a new one?

No. Any merchant account will work, provided that it utilizes one of the main processing networks. Click here for a complete list of compatbile Technologies.

If you don't have a merchant account, we can help you obtain one.

How will this work with my web site?

If you are selling products and services you will need "shopping cart" software. This is your virtual cash register. This software does the same functions as a typical register at a check out counter at your local store. Visa / Mastercard or any credit card must have a total amount to authorize. The shopping cart will provide this total by calculating your selected items and combined shipping costs. Apelles will encrypt or (scramble that credit card number) on the shopping cart servers (your ISP, or web designers, computer servers) and then route that data to the issuing card bank for verification in "real time". The approval will only take approx. 3 seconds, which will notify the end user of their purchase, the Web site owner of a sale, and the fulfillment center to ship the product. In 48 to 72 hours your company will receive those funds from that and all sales made that day.

How do I (the merchant) get paid?

Funds are deposited into your bank account according to your agreement with your merchant credit card processor (generally within 48-72 hours).

Do customers need to belong to an online bank to use Apelles?

No!

What information do my customers provide for order processing?

For Credit Card Processing:

Information as listed on the customer's credit card statement, including name, address, phone number, credit card number, and expiration date.

For eCheck Tranasctions:

Information shown on one of the customer's checks, including name, address, phone number, and the routing number on the bottom of the check. In all cases, the customer is also asked for an email address.

How do I become a Apelles customer?

Click here to apply online. Acceptance of your application is dependent upon the information submitted.

PAYMENT GATEWAY FAQs

How do my customers keep track of the transaction?

With each order, an email notification is sent to the customer with complete order details. The transaction then appears on the customer's monthly credit card or checking account statement.

Will my order forms need to reside on Apelles's server? If so, how will I get access to change them when necessary?

Your order pages can reside wherever you'd like, giving you complete control. You simply "post" your order form to Apelles's secure server. After your customers place orders, Apelles redirects them to the URL of your choice. (The URL can also be a CGI.). If like we can also host your website on our Secured Servers.

What fields are required in my order form for the process to work?

When you are registered with Apelles, we will send you a list of required and non-required fields.

What prevents the interception of account information on the Internet?

Apelles's security standards are unsurpassed. Since account information is never transmitted unencrypted or stored on the Internet, there is no danger of interception.

What about my customers who aren't on the Internet?

Apelles's services are not limited to Internet transactions. As long as you have an Internet connection, we can also process transactions you receive via phone, fax, or in person.

Do I need a credit card terminal or processing software?

No. Apelles eliminates your need to lease or buy credit card processing hardware or software.

How do I integrate my website with the Payment gateway for realtime processing ?

Integration is simple; it typically takes a qualified programmer less than 30 minutes. We will provide Hyper-Links and integration codes that you need to use with your 'Buy Now / Order Now' button.

What shopping cart should I use?

The only software which must be compatible with our payment gateway is the shopping cart software you choose, if you decide you need a shopping cart for your web site. All other software is optional. For a list of compatible shopping carts please click here. If you do not see the shopping cart you are interested in on that list, please feel free to contact our technical support to see whether they are planning on adding your desired cart onto the list of compatible shopping carts in the near future.

Can I post a credit to a customer's card?

Yes. Apelles's Credit Card Service is a fully-functional Point-of-Sale (POS) service. Merchants can post credits to customers' cards. This function is performed on Apelles's secure server in a password-protected environment.

Do I need to have SSL?

In order to ensure that your customers are protected when they enter their credit card information onto your buy page, the Payment Gateway utilizes Secure Socket Layers (SSL) to encrypt sensitive personal information, including credit card numbers, when transmitted to the payment gateway. If your server does not support SSL, your buy page can be hosted on our gateway's server at no extra cost.

Can I void transactions online?
Yes. This can be done in real-time in a secure, password-protected environment.

INTERNATIONAL MERCHANT FAQs

My business is based outside the United States. Can Apelles help?

Yes. There are some limitations, however. Please contact us for details.

Will I need to US Incorporation and to open U.S. bank account?

Unlike most other Internet payment processing solutions, Apelles does NOT require that you Incorporate in USA or open a U.S. bank account or have a U.S. presence of any kind in order to use our services. But it is always recommended that you do it if you can.

What currencies will I be able to accept?

Another unique aspect of Apelles Payment's services is that it is a multi-currency payment processing solution. International Merchants can accept payment in up to 130 currencies, and funds can be settled into the merchant's local bank account in most major currencies of the world.

In what currencies will I be able to price my goods and accept payment?

International Merchants can accept payment in over 130 different currencies, and funds can be settled into US Dollars or any of the other major currencies. An International merchant can price goods and receive settlement in the currency of his choice, whether the currencies are the same (e.g.: Sterling to Sterling) or different (e.g.: Singapore Dollar to Sterling or US Dollar).

What are “acceptance” and “settlement” currencies?

The acceptance currency is that in which you wish to enable your customers to view prices and charge their credit cards. The settlement currency is that in which you wish to receive payment for transactions completed on your website. Acceptance and settlement currencies can be different from each other.

Can I add more processing currencies to my account after my site has launched?

If you are processing using Apelles.com Merchant Solution, you may add more currencies at any time.

How often will I receive payment?

Apelles transfers funds from your credit card acceptance account into the local bank account you designate for settlement of funds twice monthly, on the 10th and 25rd day of each month. Payment on the 10th is for funds settled into your company's bank account through the last day of the prior month; and payment on the 25th is for funds settled to your bank account through the 15th. A wire transfer fee will be charged to you each time we transfer funds to your bank account.

How much will it cost?

Please contact us for a quick price quote.

How can I apply for International Merchant Account?

Please contact us for application form and other details.