We use Authorize.Net as our gateway processor. On August the 3rd, we received an email stating that our account was going to be terminated on August the 28th for violation of the Authorize.Net terms of service. Specifically, it would be terminated for selling firearms. The only problem: we don't sell firearms online.

In the email there was a "respond to" address that we could write to if we felt that we had received this notice in error, so... we sent them an email, fully expecting to never hear a thing. We waited. Then we sent them another email. Then waited.

The we used their online Live Help system, in an attempt to expedite the situation, only to be told that it was our merchant provider and that Authorize.Net did not terminate accounts. The only problem: That was completely wrong. Our merchant provider is extremely pro-gun and gun friendly so if we WERE selling firearms through Authorize.Net, our MP would have absolutely zero problem with it.

So then we called.

After giving the details, the nice lady on the other end puts us on hold, then goes off to ask someone else what to do. She comes back and says, "We don't handle that sort of thing and we are unable to help you with it. We also don't have a phone number for anyone that you can talk to. You will have to use the email address."

Me (a little stunned): "Uh... as I just explained, we tried that. Nobody will respond."
Her: "Sorry but we can't help you with that."
Me: "Amazing... simply amazing."
Her: "Sir?"
Me: "Well, you do work for Authorize.Net, right?"
Her (getting annoyed): "Yes sir."
Me: "And my business is most likely going to be disrupted by Authorize.Net - the company that you work for -  due to violating your Terms of Service, which isn't actually being violated. I can't get anyone to respond to my emails and now you're telling me that you can't even give me a phone number, so that I can talk to someone who CAN help!?!"
Her: "Yes sir. That's correct."
Me: "So what do I do when nobody responds to the emails and I get shut off?"
H
Her: "[long pause] ... Then, uh... you call us. But I'm sure they will be responding shortly."
Me: "How can you know 'they' will be responding if you don't even know who 'they' are?"
Her: "[very long pause] ... Yes sir, like I said, we're unable to help you with that. You'll have to send another email. Good luck and have a nice day. *click*"

So we are being completely stonewalled because some idiot probably looked at our domain (LONG after we initially went on-line with Authorize.Net) and decided that the word "guns" was in it and we must therefore sell the icky things on-line. Again, the only problem being that they got it completely wrong.

So please be aware that we are trying to resolve this problem but it doesn't look good. There is a likelihood that on or around Aug 28th, we will experience a temporary disruption in our service. Hopefully, we can find a more customer friendly gateway provider between now and then. Suggestions for other gateway providers are welcome.

After we thought this situation had been resolved, Authorize.net has now turned off our gateway processing.

We are trying to rapidly find and implement an alternative payment gateway for internet sales. Meanwhile, we would be happy to assist or accept orders via telephone: (318).946.8079

Apologies if this causes anyone an inconvenience. We know some orders have already been unable to complete.

Not... happy.

I will tell you my hard learned lesson- set your website up so that you collect the info, and then run the cards through your in store terminal.

A little more of a PITA? Yes, but it opens you up to a whole new option of processors, and gives you more control. It also means that if something like this happens, you can still take orders online, and just process and ship them in a few days when it all gets fixed.

I can suggest a great company for an in store terminal if you need one.