East Commerce Solutions Review: Unpacking Transactions

Overview

Established in 1994, East Commerce Solutions (ECS) is a CCP company renowned for its solutions catering to businesses of all sizes. Headquartered in East Providence, Rhode Island, They offer various merchant services, including POS systems, EMV card readers, payroll services, and industry-specific CCP solutions. Their dedication shines through in their commitment to personalized service, consistently ranking in the top 1% of MSP/ISOs in the U.S. In 2022, ECS was acquired by Payroc, an Elavon payment partner and registered ISO of Elavon, Inc., changing their future in the evolving landscape of CCP.

Service Offerings

East Commerce Solutions stands out with diverse services tailored for businesses of all sizes, from 24/7 customer support to innovative programs like the Intelligent Rate Program.

24/7 customer support: ECS aims to provide consistently exceptional customer service and technical support. Businesses can rely on round-the-clock assistance, ensuring that any queries or issues are promptly addressed, contributing to a seamless payment processing experience.

Customer gift card: Building brand awareness isn't simple; however, ECS has gift cards and loyalty programs to do just that. This service provides many advantages, such as attracting and gaining new customers, boosting the volume of transactions, and increasing profit.

Remote deposit capture: By streamlining payment acceptance, the remote deposit capture empowers businesses to deposit checks remotely instead of physically going to a local bank or credit union.

Integration: East Commerce Solutions' commitment to seamless operation is reflected in their offerings' ability to integrate effortlessly with various systems and e-commerce platforms. This ensures that businesses can be compatible with ever-evolving payment methods and online merchants.

Streamlined deposits: Businesses benefit from the efficiency of East Commerce Solutions' streamlined deposit processes. With funds electronically deposited into their accounts within 24-48 hours, this feature enhances financial workflow, providing timely access to funds.

Diverse payment methods: ECS supports a variety of payment methods, ensuring businesses can cater to a wide range of customer preferences. This versatility enhances the customer experience, making transactions convenient and accessible.

Top Features & Unique Selling Points

ECS provides diverse features to streamline electronic transactions for businesses, ensuring efficiency and flexibility. From chargeback services to proprietary POS systems, their offerings cater to the unique needs of companies in the realm of digital transactions.

No setup, application, or reprogramming fees: The company's emphasis on simplicity and cost-effectiveness is evident in its pricing structure. ECS distinguishes itself by eliminating additional setup, application, or reprogramming fees, providing businesses with transparent and straightforward financial arrangements.

Chargeback & retrieval services: Recognizing the challenges associated with payment disputes, East Commerce Solutions provides comprehensive chargeback and retrieval services. Businesses can navigate and resolve issues effectively, fostering trust and reliability in their payment processing.

On-site training for hardware and software: ECS goes beyond just providing tools; they offer on-site training for both hardware and software. This hands-on approach empowers businesses to maximize the benefits of their payment processing solutions, ensuring smooth integration and optimal utilization.

Intelligent rate program: Many institutions choose to leave the processing fee to the cardholders, resulting in additional costs. The Intelligent Rate Program is designed to give institutions, colleges, and municipalities the ability to calculate the exact fee needed on the actual cost of each transaction. This PCI level 1 certified program calculates rates based on card type, effectively reducing transaction costs while transparently reflecting the genuine expense of card acceptance.

Proprietary POS: East Commerce Solutions provides unique POS systems tailored to businesses' specific needs. Provided through Write Touch POS, These systems are designed to offer advanced features, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the point-of-sale experience.

Disadvantages & Cons

While East Commerce Solutions offers robust features, it's important to note some potential drawbacks businesses should consider before committing to the platform.

Lack of transparency: The company lacks transparency in pricing, limitations, and transaction fees. This is evident in their reference to the "Merchant Club Program," which lacks a comprehensive explanation. Its description mentions $6.95/month equipment upgrades, raising questions about whether you’re provided up-to-date equipment unless you subscribe to this service.

Poor customer support: ECS has faced criticism for its customer support, with customers highlighting instances of unfriendly and unhelpful service. Additionally, concerns about the lack of transparency regarding fees and rates have been raised.

May not support multi-currency transactions: East Commerce Solutions may pose limitations for businesses dealing with international transactions, as they do not explicitly mention multi-currency support on their website. The absence of information regarding their international operations leaves clients uncertain about the system's compatibility with international payments, impacting businesses with global reach.

Pricing Structure

Details regarding East Commerce Solutions' pricing structure, fee breakdowns, and transparency are not available without having to contact them directly. However, reaching out may expose you to potential sales pressure. Before making that call, it's crucial to conduct thorough research on credit card processing rates and fees. This will help you steer clear of unethical business practices.

Security & Compliance 

East Commerce emphasizes PCI compliance for both hardware and software solutions. This commitment aligns with industry standards, providing businesses with a secure foundation for payment processing. However, the company does not explicitly detail additional fraud prevention measures or security features. Businesses seeking a comprehensive understanding of East Commerce Solutions' approach to cybersecurity must contact ECS directly and ask relevant questions for more information.

East Commerce Solutions Reviews & Testimonials

East Commerce Solutions has received mixed user feedback, evidenced by its A+ rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 2.9 overall rating on Google Reviews. Despite the positive outlook reflected in the A+ rating, the numerical BBB rating is only 1/5 stars. While some customers have praised the company for its seamless setup process and excellent customer support, numerous complaints highlight significant issues.

Several customers voiced concerns about persistent spam calls, unhelpful customer representatives, misleading sales tactics, and hidden fees. One frustrated customer reported ongoing subscription charges even after closing their business. Another customer expressed dismay over their credit being run without permission, impacting their credit score and disrupting their house purchase plans.

Positive reviews highlight the company's strengths in streamlining the setup process and delivering exceptional support. A satisfied customer who switched to ECS after facing challenges with their previous payment processor had nothing but praise for the company. Another client testimonial commended their incredible support and low rates, ultimately saving them thousands of dollars.

ECS has taken steps to address customer complaints by responding to several on the BBB, although some of their responses weren't very professional. While customer reviews offer valuable insights, it's crucial not to depend solely on them when making your final decision. It's a good idea to conduct thorough research on the company or even reach out directly to previous customers for a more comprehensive understanding.

How Do I Contact East Commerce Solutions?

For assistance or inquiries with East Commerce Solutions, you can reach out via email at [email protected] or by calling 800-527-5395. You can also complete a quick application on their website to register in no time. Lastly, you can follow them on their social media pages on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Takeaway

East Commerce Solutions (ECS) is a robust Credit Card Processing company (CCP) showcasing a comprehensive suite of services tailored for businesses of all sizes. With strengths like 24/7 customer support, innovative programs such as the Intelligent Rate Program, and proprietary POS systems, ECS strives to maximize accessibility by eliminating setup fees and providing chargeback services. However, potential drawbacks include a lack of transparency in pricing details, concerns about the Merchant Club Program, and uncertainties surrounding closure fee reimbursements. 

To ensure you make an informed choice, take a look at our curated list of top Credit Card Processing Companies. If you're uncertain about the best fit for you, our user-friendly comparison tool is available for a personalized assessment.

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