HSBC card processing system down AGAIN

Sue · #1 (**permalink**) 21-04-2008, 09:46

For anyone left sticking it out with the HSBC (can't imagine there are many of us left!) the card processing system is down again.

I can't get through to them on the phone so I can't give you any specific details.

At least this time I've got Paypal ready in the wings and it took seconds to get up and running again.

Not a good start to Monday!

busy_af · #2 (**permalink**) 30-04-2008, 08:15

Actually, I haven't used that payment service and cannot say that they are not reliable at all. But over the net it seems to be considered to be better solution by some people, while the other merchants/customers complain about it.
But they offer most likely more secure service that helps to effectively protect yourself or your customers against any frauds.

Did you try to call them and clarify what the problem is?

willanfei · #3 (**permalink**) 22-05-2008, 03:10

Personal prefer using paypal

CPLTD · #4 (**permalink**) 22-05-2008, 07:39

and why is that Willy do please enlighten us buddy ,

openmind · #5 (**permalink**) 22-05-2008, 08:40

The HSBC gateway has been plagued by problems over the last twelve months. I was looking into it for OMC but considering the downtime issues and the convoluted API I won't be bothering.

Move to Protx or SecureTrading as they are much better options for you...

Sue · #6 (**permalink**) 22-05-2008, 10:42

Suprised to see this thread popping back up after so long

Have to say that we have started offering Paypal as an alternative when the HSBC are down and they are a nightmare to deal with.

It took ages to find a phone number and then the system asked me for a pin number which I thought I didn't have but turned out to be on the page that the phone number was on!

They have a voice activated telephone system that doesn't offer you an option to speak to a person ... although does respond to the voice command "Put me through to a b***** person!".

They won't give you a name so you can keep a record of who is supposed to be dealing with your problem ... apparently "It's not company policy".

And something which was supposed to take 24 hours to sort out took just over a full working week.

I have seriously thought about switching to Protx but as a small business we chose HSBC because the money you claim from your customer is available in your account the following working day which is quite useful when funds are tight.

Things were on the up and waiting for settlement wouldn't have been a problem a few months ago but now that people have stopped buying and sales are down I need all my funds to be accessable to pay the bills.

openmind · #7 (**permalink**) 22-05-2008, 11:11

To be honest I have used Protx for years and funds hit my merchant account every night at 3am and then hit my business bank account within three working days so settlement is really quick...

But then if the HSBC system is down then that's not really the problem

Sue · #8 (**permalink**) 22-05-2008, 13:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by openmind

To be honest I have used Protx for years and funds hit my merchant account every night at 3am and then hit my business bank account within three working days so settlement is really quick...

Apologies I have been told that Protx takes much longer than that, my mistake.

It's certainly getting to the point where I will have to look at alternatives ... time is the biggest issue at the moment but that's one of the joys of being a sole trader

openmind · #9 (**permalink**) 22-05-2008, 13:49

Time? Whats that then? Is that the bit when I'm asleep? ;-)

willanfei · #10 (**permalink**) 23-05-2008, 01:40

There are some reasons why people prefer using certain paygate way and others may not be clearly sensed. Like my using paypal experience, there is one reason of not having the time or energy to learn how to use others if your current one is at least not so bad. In fact my company does use paypal to deal the international business.