The ISO Quandary

Could you send me a definition of an ISO? Is it different than a merchant acquirer? What are the roles and functions of each? Can you name any major players and provide examples of each? Tony Seto

Tony:

There are no short answers to your questions; however, several of our previously published GSQs are specific reports on the ISO Channel and bankcard acquiring market. These reports are available in PDF format at no charge. Please visit our Web site and register to read GSQ Online: http://www.greensheet.com/gsq/index.html Specifically, check out these issues: -- 2002: Vol. 5, No. 1 & Vol. 5, No. 3 -- 2001: Vol. 4, No. 4

Good Selling!^SM The Green Sheet Staff

Merchant: We Hardly Knew Ye

Where would I find statistics concerning how long the typical merchant stays with their processor? It seems nowadays that quite a few processors are making more money on early termination fees than on actually processing the transactions.

Thank you, Steven Thorin

Steven:

We have found that merchant attrition rates are the most closely guarded secret of our industry. We have not been able to quantify any data on this.

(Anyone who has any information or perspective on this subject can reach Steven at sthorin@orionps.com.)

Good Selling!^SM The Green Sheet Staff

Risky Business ... Until You Use Search Engine

I am a subscriber to The Green Sheet and appreciate the informative articles. Are there past articles that address the details of risk assessment and management for ISOs?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Larry Clifton e-check resources, LLC

Larry:

Our recently improved search engine at Green Sheet Online is just the tool you need. http://www.greensheet.com/search.cgi?query= A query using "risk management" returns 84 total matches in 3 seconds within 66 pages. Numerous company profiles published in the Green Sheet were identified.

The search provides hyperlinks directly to the stories in our archive. The articles are available in HTML text version (with the query terms highlighted) and PDF version in addition to the link to the original article.

Good Selling!^SM The Green Sheet Staff