Been a few weeks since my last post… sorry about that.
Like many of you, I am way too busy around the holidays for casual blog-reading anyway, right… lol
This morning I am posting about an incredible occurrence (at least I think it is incredible).
Many of you have heard about AlertPay’s problems, that have plagued them for a few months now.
Here is my “quick take” on the situation:
It started with a complaint that AlertPay allowed purchases of products and services (pharmaceuticals, adult materials, etc.), that were not allowed in the US.
Of course, AlertPay is a Canadian company, so where’s the beef?
Anyway, Mastercard and Visa received so much pressure that they canceled all credit card processing… until such time as AlertPay came into compliance.
Sounds to me as though MC and Visa were changing horses in the middle of the stream (but, I cannot find enough information to know for certain).
Nonetheless, this nasty bit of business, was devastating to many, many online entrepreneurs.
Webmasters and admins have lost tons of revenue (some much more so than others).
Many marketers with subscriptions to various online services, had subscriptions canceled when this all first began (as their cc payments were not honored by MC and Visa).
AlertPay eventually managed to delay cancellation for many, but for an unknown period of time.
Even at my Instant Splash site, I witnessed long-time members apparently canceling subscriptions… only to resubscribe shortly afterwards.
Confusing and frustrating for everybody.
I found it necessary to edit my site script, delaying cancellations and locked accounts… as I did not want any “innocent” members to suffer from AlertPay’s problems.
As a result, many members have continued to receive upgraded status, even though their payments have not been forwarded from AlertPay for several months.
Of course, there are those folks who only “send” email (and do not “read” email… lol).
Consequently, many members have remained happily ignorant of the situation affecting their own payment processor accounts.
UNTIL NOW!
Just recently, I have received a couple “less than polite” inquiries, as to why I am billing them more than once for their subscription fees… “insisting” that I cease “cheating” them… and return that money to their accounts IMMEDIATELY!
Of course, other admins (and marketers who have been around for more than a few days) know that it simply does not work that way.
MEMBERSHIP SITES DO NOT BILL MEMBERS… PERIOD.
Members make a subscription arrangement with a payment processor to cover their obligation… there is “no need” and “no way” for a membership site to bill anybody!
What happens in, around and about a member’s payment processor accounts, is solely the responsibility of that member.
CHECK YOUR PAYMENT PROCESSOR ACCOUNTS REGULARLY…
It seems that AlertPay has now started to process those unpaid credit card payments (on accounts that were not canceled by themselves or the member).
It is not, however, clear to me whether these “catchup” payments are being processed via credit card or… from a member’s balance!
Be that as it may, I have seen 2,3 and 4 subscription payments arrive within days… from the same member!
Of course, it takes only a moment to confirm that these are payments that had been due for services rendered, but not yet paid.
Many folks seem all too eager to assume the worst.
Damned admins… “cheating” them AGAIN!
I for one have received virtually no information from AlertPay throughout this entire ordeal.
If any of you have similar stories or additional information…
Please, leave us your comment.
