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Community Profile - 10 Questions for Mitch |
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How long have you worked in the adult industry?
My wife and I partnered with a friend of mine on a few small sites in early '97. We were very hesitant at first, but the money was a wonderful source of extra income, and I wanted to do something Internet related, so it was the perfect opportunity for me.
What did you do before you got on the 'Net?
I worked as a Macintosh Support tech at an ISP, and did some outside Mac tech consulting - and occasionally some basic site development.
What is the one question that webmasters should ask first, when trying to choose a processing company?
I'd say there are two questions, both of equal importance. Is the system customizable, and will you have complete control? With Netbilling, our system is entirely customizable to meet the needs of every webmaster, and we give our merchants total control over their processing and customer information. Your money is one of the most important aspects of your business, and making sure that you have the power and flexibility to make a system work for you, the way you want it to, is essential.
What is the biggest mistake that you see webmasters make when they open up a paysite?
I personally think one of the biggest mistakes that I see new webmasters making is getting into situations that will be costly to them later, like starting with a third party processor. At some point down the line, you will realize you are spending twice as much as you should, and have not even half the control. When you do decide it would be favorable to open your own merchant account, and take control of your processing, you find that you don't even own your re-bills, and if you want to keep your current members, you are stuck with that processor. Opening your own merchant account and using a gateway like Netbilling from day one is the only way to go for sustained growth, better sign-up conversions, and cost reduction.
Why should webmasters attend industry events and conferences?
Not only are they excellent networking opportunities, but they are also the best places to learn more about topics you're concerned with, or share and educate others in what you are knowledgeable about. I attend as many industry events as possible, and speak at conferences as often as I can. I like to be involved, and make sure that webmasters know the various details of credit card processing and all of the options available to them.
As a frequent speaker at industry events, how important do you feel it is for industry companies to become involved in the education of webmasters?
It is very important to me, as I feel it should be to anyone in this industry. Share what you are informed about, so that everyone can learn and grow. One of the most important and powerful things that I can offer to my merchants is information. The more they know, the wiser decisions they can make, and the more likely they are to succeed, in whatever venture they are undertaking.
What is the most inexpensive processing solution for a newbie on a budget?
Being on a budget, you are going to want the most profitable return on your investment. That means spending the least on your overhead, and collecting the most revenue possible. By owning your own merchant account and processing through Netbilling, you're fees are going to cost less, your money will start coming sooner, and you're going to be set up quickly, with all the assistance you need to start accepting payments on your site as soon as possible. There is no waiting for payouts or checks to arrive, and you'll see a substantial return.
What types of services does Netbilling offer its customers that other processors do not?
Netbilling is a full service gateway, meaning we provide more than just processing. Netbilling provides merchants with numerous real-time reports, an abundance of fraud defense tools, recurring billing, a free, Web-based shopping cart, 24/7 system monitoring and unsurpassed technical support. We can provide the merchants with 24/7/365 telephone and e-mail support for their customers as well as a call verification center for order verification of tangible products.
How beneficial do you believe Netbilling is to webmasters opposed to other processors?
The benefits are huge. Besides the constant savings, accommodating reports, fraud tools, and unsurpassed service, there are too many additional advantages to list in such a short space. I often encourage merchants to check out other systems first, before analyzing our system and admin area, so they can truly see all of the benefits of Netbilling. Call us, visit our Web site, and demo our system. Once you experience the comprehensiveness of the Netbilling gateway you will understand how lucrative and rewarding it can be for you.
What processing solutions are available to webmasters with less-than-perfect credit?
It is a common myth that you and your business have to have perfect credit to obtain a merchant account. That just simply isn't true. As long as you have a checking account, no bankruptcies, a legitimate product or service to sell, and are not on the "TMF" list or "MATCH" file, you should have no problems getting an approval. The fallacy that it is difficult to obtain a merchant account is now beginning to become quite outdated, and for good reason.
Mitch Farber is the President of NetBilling Services, a leader in billing and processing solutions within the adult industry. On the 'Net as a webmaster himself, since 1997, Mitch understands the needs of today's adult entrepreneur. Involved in the support and education of adult webmasters through his participation in industry events, seminars and educational workshops, Mitch Farber is definitely a leader within the community, and NetBilling.com is definitely a company to watch!
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