Sterling Payment Technologies Reviews & Complaints
Overview
In this comprehensive analysis of Sterling Payment Technologies, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of their service offerings and operational practices. Our article examines a broad range of topics crucial to understanding Sterling's place in the market. We'll explore their rates and fees, providing insights into the costs associated with their services. The contract terms are scrutinized to highlight key elements and potential concerns for clients.
A critical look at common complaints and industry ratings offers a balanced view of the company’s reputation. Employee reviews shed light on the internal workings and company culture, while an evaluation of their marketing tactics reveals their approach to gaining and retaining customers. User reviews are dissected to understand the real-world experiences of their clientele.
Additionally, we delve into the details of Sterling Payment Technologies' payment processing capabilities, discussing the technology and solutions they offer across various business sectors. We also address the legal landscape, covering any recent lawsuits or fines, and evaluate Sterling's customer support efficiency. Finally, our article culminates with a detailed look at Sterling Payment Technologies' online ratings and an overall review summary, providing a well-rounded perspective on their performance in the credit card processing industry.
About Sterling Payment Technologies
Sterling Payment Technologies is a merchant account provider based in Tampa, Florida, that has been in the credit card processing industry since 2001. Sterling was acquired by EVO Payments International in January 2017 and is now a seller of EVO contracts and services.
Sterling Payment Technologies Payment Processing
Sterling Payment Technologies provides one payment solution for all major credit and debit cards, EMV, high-speed, dial and wireless systems, eCommerce gateways, gift, fleet, and Electronic Benefits Card processing. Sterling supports custom applications for every size and type of business, including retail, restaurant, B2B, internet, service, mail and telephone order, lodging, and petroleum. They have multiple solutions for EMV payments, P2P encryption, tokenization, out-of-scope solutions, mobile solutions, and cloud-based POS reporting platforms. They also feature point-to-point encryption and the new SHA-2 security certificate.
Location & Ownership
The company is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, California. The company is located at 1111 N Westshore Blvd Ste 500, Tampa, Florida 33607-4713. The Sterling website also lists P.O. Box 20427, Tampa, FL 33633-1403 as a mailing address. Paul L Hunter is listed as the president and CEO of Sterling Payment Technologies.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Strong security standards. | High early termination fee. |
| Upfront pricing, no hidden fees. | Poor customer service experience. |
| Competitive rates for multiple card types. | Deceptive business practices. |
| Electronic check services. | Unexpected charges reported. |
| Fast deposits and clear statements. | Inconvenient for West Coast hours. |
Sterling Payment Technologies Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Total Online Complaints | 30+ |
|---|---|
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Hidden Fees |
| Recent Lawsuits | No |
Evaluating Sterling Payment Technologies Feedback
Our research has identified over 30 negative reviews for Sterling Payment Technologies across various consumer platforms, with a small fraction labeling the company as fraudulent or deceptive. Predominant issues in these Sterling Payment Technologies complaints encompass non-disclosed fees, substandard customer service, and unwarranted charges post-cancellation of service. Although a company representative has addressed many of these complaints on the day of posting, it appears that these efforts did not fully satisfy the concerns of some merchants. We encourage you to share your experiences with Sterling Payment Technologies in the comments section below.
Legal Background of Sterling Payment Technologies
To date, no major class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against Sterling Payment Technologies have been discovered. Those looking for non-legal avenues to address grievances with the company are advised to report their issues to appropriate regulatory entities.
Sterling Payment Technologies Customer Support Overview
Sterling Payment Technologies provides a comprehensive customer support system, including a telephone number for direct assistance and an online contact form. Customer service is accessible 24/7, with specific hours for B2B merchant services from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm CT.
Contact Details for Sterling Payment Technologies
- (800) 383-0561 – Toll-Free General Customer Service
- (888) 564-9564 – B2B Merchant Services
- (800) 591-6098 – Sales and Partner Relations
- (813) 369-6085 – Media Relations (Anton Wurr)
Additional Customer Support
- Online support form available on the website
Considering the company’s scale and operational tenure, the complaint volume for Sterling Payment Technologies is deemed low-to-moderate. Consequently, a “B” rating is awarded in this category. This updated content integrates SEO-optimized terms such as “reviews,” “complaints,” and “customer service” to enhance discoverability for individuals seeking insights into the company. Original links are maintained to ensure direct access to further information and resources.
Sterling Payment Technologies Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
Merged Profile
As of this update, the Better Business Bureau has merged the Sterling Payment profile on its site with that of EVO Payments and is reporting an “A+” rating. Previously, Sterling had its own profile with 9 complaints filed in the previous 36 months.
Since the larger EVO profile does not necessarily reflect the activities of its subsidiary Sterling Payments, we will not include the BBB’s rating in our score at this time.
Sterling Payment Technologies Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Cancellation Penalties | Yes |
|---|---|
| Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
| Processing Rates | Variable |
| Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Sterling Payment Technologies Contract Terms
The standard Sterling Payment Technologies agreement entails a three-year commitment through Chase Paymentech, automatically renewing for one year. It includes an early termination fee of $395, a PCI Compliance fee (also known as an annual fee), which may reach up to $150, an undisclosed monthly minimum fee, and a tiered pricing structure. It seems that certain Sterling Payment Technologies fees may vary based on the agent setting up the account and the business’s size, type, and tenure. While the Sterling Payment Technologies contract terms may have changed following its acquisition by EVO Payments International, we have not found information regarding its updated contract.
Comparative Pricing
Primarily, negative Sterling Payment Technologies reviews highlight dissatisfaction with the company’s early termination fee and contract duration. These contract terms appear slightly costlier than industry averages, leading us to assign Sterling a “C” grade in this aspect. For more details, refer to the Sterling Payment Technologies Merchant Agreement.
Sterling Payment Technologies Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Users Independent Resellers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Telemarketing | Possible |
| Misleading Marketing | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Outside Sales Team
Sterling Payment Technologies appears to utilize ISOs and independent sales agents to market its services. These practices often result in an elevated complaint rate for a company, as it is difficult for any business to monitor the conduct of independent sales entities. In this case, we are able to locate multiple Sterling Payment Technologies reviews that report nondisclosure of contract terms at the point of signing, specifically with respect to the company’s early termination fee. A company representative has responded to many of these negative Sterling Payment Technologies reviews, claiming that it is company policy to disclose this fee upfront. The company does not appear to engage in any deceptive advertising strategies in its official materials.
Our Sterling Payment Technologies Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Sterling Payment Technologies rates as an average credit card processing provider according to our criteria. The company appears to engage in standard hiring practices and offers slightly less-than-competitive contract terms, but its low complaint rate both outside of the BBB raises its score considerably. The company can improve its overall rating by continuing to lower its complaint rate and making more of an effort when responding to public complaints.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Benjamin Shumaker
We are a Nonprofit Organization that had been with Sterling Payments Systems, or EVO, since 2016. We unfortunately got caught in a bate in switch scheme. Even after disconnecting the device used with Sterling, we were being charges a large Non Compliance Fee. We attempted to resolve the issue on numerous calls. We finally closed our account and did not receive any disclosure of fees. We did locate an old contract back in 2016 that discussed early termination fees. Our contact would have expired in June and it would have cost us much less just to keep the account active with no transactions. I feel this was misleading to our organization and terms for an early termination fee should be excluded after a number of years. I will be working with management to try to get credited. I certainly hope management will see we attempted to resolve the issue in good faith. Respectfully Submitted, Benjamin Shumaker, President of Indian Rivers Humane Society, West Point, VA
Sam
After processing for 5 years with this company, I requested a gift card liability report from Sterling 2 weeks ago. I have yet to see it. I have been told at least 3 lies directly about how the process works and when to expect the report that takes less than 5 minutes to run. They kept blaming the third party vendor. We were told the truth on a conference call with the third party vendor yesterday who ran the report for me while on the phone but Sterling will not give it to me! (The call ended rather quickly) I would not recommend this company for ANY service! They are full of deceit!
From The Editor
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Vasileios Dimitroulas
This by far the worst company and representatives it can be, the hold our processing CC money for a week now and nobody have a answer we have to hire a lawyer in order to get our money. We trust them with our money and now they act like they do us a favor. STAY AWAY
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: How to Make Your Payment Processor Release Your Money
Jay Tav
As you can see from all the previous reviews, there is a $400 early termination fee, so I kept my account until the contract was up. I was very clear in my communication to Sterling that my business was closed and I would not be renewing my account. I filled out and submitted all appropriate paperwork that they asked of me. They told me I could not cancel before 9/1 or I would be charged the fee. So I canceled my account on 9/1 to make sure I would not get the fee. As per emails from customer service, I need to put the date 9/1 on the paperwork so as to not get debited the fee. I did as so. What no one bothered to mention was that I would be charged for the day of 9/1 as if I was using the the precessing. So if I cancel before 9/1 I get charged a fee. If I cancel on 9/1, I get charged. either way I get charged. What a deceiving business practice. At least make your client aware of these ridiculous charges before hand. Wish I would have read these reviews before. And they don’t care about customer service at all. Look at these responses they are giving? They just will nickel and dime you. Oh and they also locked me out of my online account and did not send me an invoice for my 1 day of service on 9/1. So I have no access and no account, but I still get charged? If my cancel date was 9/1 I should not get charged for 9/1 of service. No other company does this. Stay away people!
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee
Joanna Ahearn
Not a helpful Processing company. They promise lots and deliver little.
Reports are more for management then back office; CSR team most common response is “It is working for us”; not a promising answer if you are on the other end trying to get a report.
If there is a problem with their Pay Trace and/or SNAP program, you are given the general troubleshooting techniques that most everyone knows and most try before calling.
As the calls continue you will have a response of “we will contact our technical support team” unfortunately, no one contacts you back, you have to keep trying to get your reports until it works.
Office Hours are only til 6:00 pm eastern time; after hours no one available – call goes to voicemail then someone will get back at later time-not very helpful for those on the West Coast.
Very sad was very excited about this Processor at the beginning, now have to find more ways not to use their system to get work done.
Jean
As a Sterling customer, I would say Stay Away from this credit card processing company. They showed you low rates when you sign the contract with them then you will receive whole a lot unexpected charges every month. I got charged about 8% every month with several different fees. I’m glad I cancelled their service. Do your research, there are no contract, no hidden costs credit card processing companies out there, Stay AWay from Sterling.
Dino
Bad customer service
Long wait time
Only one agent working at nights when assistance needed.
Many mistakes and double charging customers
Funds missing
Michael
We started with Sterling in September of 2016 and closed our business in May of 2017. We notified them and moved on. Checking our account in August I discovered that they were still charging us. Customer service is terrible….no calls back. We eventually got a cancellation form from them in October and returned it. They continued to hit our account, so I stopped payment…..only to be hit with a $395 early termination fee!
We were promised the moon on signing up….gift cards, low rates, etc. None of it happened…..
We are opening a new business…..needless to say we are staying far away from Sterling.
Ijaz Khan
We used Sterling for over one year we were told that they would match any rate offered to us, we were offered a much lower rate and sterling would not match it. I was told there was less than a year remaining on the contract (turned out to be a lie) so we kept the service and didnt use it then thay stared charging an inactivity fee finally we canceled at the end of the term only to find out Sterling hit us with the $395 fee for terminating them saying there was more time on the contract.
The company that sold me the service was based out of South carolina told me there are no cancelation fees and that this was a 1 year contract.
A very dishonest company. Shady sales people. STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
I can’ believe this is legal!!
ash
this credit-card-processing company sterling payments …is terrible! I have cancelled service over 2 months ago – and AM STILL GETTING CHARGED for services I do not use! This company has deceptive business practices and uses every sales technique to screw you into staying with them — out of fear of losing money — not out of a desire to stay a client. This company needs to be overhauled – and my next step is simply to file a lawsuit
Michele German
Ash,
We’re sorry to hear that your experience with Sterling has not been a positive one. If you would like to provide your contact phone number we will call you to discuss the specifics of your issue and work with you toward a resolution. All of our customers are important to us and we strive to provide the best products and services possible.
David Yale
I would never use this company again. They were very misleading and fees were not what I was promised.
Linda S
FINALIZATION OF STERLING 3-YR CONTRACT – FINAL FEES/CORRESPONDENCE
Businesses may consider these issues/fees for themselves. NOTE: my Sterling contract included equipment, a personal rep and help/repair if needed. This is a sizeable, cost-effective benefit for a busy business.
From: Olivia Nunez [mailto: email address]
Sent: TH, December 05, 2013 9:42 AM
To: Linda S
Cc: Brandon Potter (Retention MGR)
Subject: RE: Merchant ID: *** – Annual Regulatory Admin Fee Inquiry
TO: Olivia Nunez
DATE: DEC 5, 2013 – Email receipt of Sterling Merchant Statement for NOV 2013: Annual Regulatory Admin Fee Inquiry
RE Merchant ID ***: Request for written YES/NO answers
Ms. Nunez,
My Request #1:
Quote from my Sterling NOV 2013 Statement advising of the DEC 31, 2013 fee assessment: We sincerely appreciate your business and will do everything in our power to minimize the impact to your business. Perhaps a waiver of this fee would be both amenable and appropriate to best serve each of our businesses.
“Is Sterling Merchant Services in fact going to debit my business account THE DAY BEFORE my 3-YR contract ends with this $49.95 Annual Regulatory Fee? a specific one-word-answer is requested, i.e., YES or NO?” Please respond here: …(response from Ms. Nunez) You will be charged $49.95 12/31/13, your account will close 1/2/14.
My Request #2:
My 3-YR contract OFFICIALLY ends JAN 1, 2014, a date that Sterling itself set. Will Sterling Merchant Services Credit-Card Processing Specialist electronically close this contract ON its termination date? “a specific one-word-answer is requested, i.e., YES or NO?” Please respond here: …(response from Ms. Nunez) Your contract ends 1/21/2014, as a courtesy we are closing it at the beginning of the month 1/2/14 to avoid month end fees for 21 days of non usage in Jan.
A timely response is appreciated.
Linda S
________________________________________
From: Olivia Nunez [mailto: email address]
Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2013 5:52 PM
To: Linda S
Cc: Brandon Potter (Retention MGR)
Subject: RE: Merchant ID: *** – Annual Regulatory Admin Fee Inquiry
Good afternoon,
Sterling Payment Technologies advised all of their merchants of the Annual Regulatory Fee of $49.95 on their November month end statements. This information was advised to my department on the same day the month end statements were sent out to our merchants. No information was held or not given to you at the time of our correspondence. Your account is set up for a future close dated 01/02/2014 per your request and per our correspondence.
If you would like to review the Terms & Conditions of your contract you will see the earliest day we are able to close your account without charging an early termination fee (ETF) is 01/02/2014/. Our offices are closed on 01/01/2014. If you would like to close the account prior to the end of the 36 month contract term that you agreed to we can close it and charge the account the ETF of $395.
The Annual Regulatory Fee is billed for services rendered for the closing year, not the year in advance.
Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Olivia Nuñez | Retention Dept
Sterling Payment Technologies
1111 N. Westshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33607
Office (800) 383-0561 ext 5452
Fax (866) 827-3648
email address|www.sterlingpayment.com
From: Linda S [mailto: email address]
Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 12:53 PM
To: Olivia Nunez
Subject: Merchant ID: *** – Annual Regulatory Admin Fee Inquiry
TO: Olivia Nunez
DATE: DEC 3, 2013 – Email receipt of Sterling Merchant Statement for NOV 2013
RE Merchant ID: ***: MY NOV 2013 MERCHANT STATEMENT advisement of DEC 31, 2013 collection of ANNUAL REGULATORY FEE OF $49.95
Ms. Nunez,
Perhaps you recall on your to-do-list, this 3-year account closes 1/1/2014.
While a merchant processing company processes millions of transactions on every day of the year, Sterling (correspondence with Olivia Nunez) insists that the only way to close this 3-YR contract is the day after it has ended. As a reputable service-business owner, I find this response irrational, unreasonable, and dishonorable. However, not as much as finding a DEC 31, 2013, $49.95 FEE on my NOV 2013 Statement to be debited from my business account the day before the 3-YR contract ends.
Sterling has been asked repeatedly for assurance that this account will close amenably without any unexpected or additional fees. Today’s receipt of my November 2013 statement includes the following notice:
On December 31, 2013, Sterling will bill an Annual Regulatory Administrative fee in the amount of $49.95. This cost is associated with offsetting significant ongoing regulatory costs and security enhancements imposed by the Card Brands. We sincerely appreciate your business and will do everything in our power to minimize the impact to your business.
Is Sterling Merchant Services in fact going to debit my business account the day before my 3-YR contract ends with this $49.95 Annual Regulatory Fee?
Whatever your response – a specific one-word-answer is requested, i.e., YES or NO… it will be published on a merchant customer review website.
The public can evaluate your business services/fees for themselves, as other Sterling customers have done with their various pro/con published experiences.
The Credit Card Merchant Review Website gives Sterling an overall grade of “B.” It gives a BBB rating of “A” According to its own guidelines, it downgraded the actual BBB grade as it reserves “A+” for complaint-free companies; Sterling has 11 filed BBB complaints in the last 3 years. The REVIEW is dated 10/8/2013. Congratulations. This reflects the Review’s position that Sterling genuinely worked to resolve the issues and in all cases showed good faith effort (3 were not resolved to the merchants’ satisfaction).
The Review also gives Sterling a “C” for Sales/Marketing Tactics and “C-“ for Costs/Contract Terms.
A timely response is appreciated.
Linda. S
Linda S
RE the end of a 36-month contract, an “INTENT NOT TO RENEW” (Merchant Guide P13) letter (BELOW) was sent to Sterling 90-days prior to the contract termination date of 1-1-2014, along with the signed/dated MERCHANT ACCOUNT STATUS CHANGE REQUEST (close form required by Sterling):
THIS LETTER WAS FAXED TO THE NUMBER ON THE STERLING CLOSE FORM on 9/30/2013.
The letter quoted the Merchant Guide P13 “INTENT NOT TO RENEW.” It stated the contractual dates of 01/01/2011 to close on 01/01/2014. (Note that the contract began/closes on New Years Day.) The letter stated Merchant Guide Page 13 compliance in that 1) our bank account would be open for 9 months after the close (“We expect no fees to be deducted from our account other than the customary monthly fee of $17.50 reflecting our contract through December 2013”) and 2) “Furthermore, we have complied with our contract regarding competitive offers; there are no competitive offers for processing services.” My letter ended with “Thank you” and “Kind regards.”
48 HOURS LATER I REQUESTED A CLOSE CONFIRMATION THROUGH THE EMAIL ADDRESS ON THE STERLING CLOSE FORM and received this reply (copied from my email):
“From: Olivia Nunez [mailto: email address]
Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2013 5:23 PM
To: (my email address); Retention
Subject: RE: (Merchant Name) Merchant ID: (#)
Good afternoon,
We have received the account closure request and will process it 1/2/2014 per your request. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Olivia Nuñez | Retention Dept
Sterling Payment Technologies
1111 N. Westshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33607
Office (800) 383-0561 ext 5452
Fax (866) 827-3648
email address|www.sterlingpayment.com”
PUZZLED BY 1) NOT CLOSING THE CONTRACT ON THE CONTRACT-END DATE but on 1/2/2014 AND 2) STATING THAT THIS WAS “PER MY REQUEST,” I SENT THE FOLLOWING RESPONSE EMAIL TO STERLING (copied from my email):
“From: (my email address) [mailto:email address]
Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2013 12:37 AM
To: Olivia Nunez
Subject: RE: my business name Merchant ID: #
My request, dated 9/30/2013 (Sterling’s required 90-DAY NOTICE OF “INTENT NOT TO RENEW AGREEMENT”), is quite clear per the contract agreement:
Sterling will process whatever they need to do to see that our account is CLOSED on 1/1/2014, the final day of our 36-month agreement (no unexpected/additional fees).
Thank you.”
I RECEIVED THIS REPLY (copied from my email):
“Thank you again Ms S (my name),
Our offices will be closed on 1/1/2014, your account will be closed first thing 1/2/2014.
Have a good day,
Olivia Nuñez | Retention Dept
Sterling Payment Technologies
1111 N. Westshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33607
Office (800) 383-0561 ext 5452
Fax (866) 827-3648
(email address)|www.sterlingpayment.com”
HOW SHOULD A MRECHANT RESPOND TO THIS KIND OF OFFICIAL BUSINESS-CLOSE OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT? How can a major credit-card processing firm which processes transactions every day of the year not amenably close a contractual agreement on its close date? i.e… how can a contract closure be processed the day AFTER it ends?
ANY EXPERIENCE OR THOUGHTS FROM OTHER MERCHANTS?
Roch Eshleman
The customer service is terrible! I have cancelled service over 18 months ago – and AM STILL GETTING CHARGED for services I do not use! This company has deceptive business practices and uses every sales technique to screw you into staying with them — out of fear of losing money — not out of a desire to stay a client. This company needs to be overhauled – and my next step is simply to file a lawsuit
Alice
At Sterling we have a standard process for merchants to close their accounts. This is to ensure that an account is not closed erroneously. Mr. Eschleman did not use this process or submit anything to us in writing until a year after he claimed to have requested his accounts be closed. When we received his four closure forms, we closed three of his accounts. We refunded his account for the one that was closed after his request.
D Clark
At this point, I am totally in agreement with you. The concern and care for a merchant is not an attribute of Sterling. It’s sad, but one person positioned in a company can destroy the reputation of a busy. Yes in this case for me, it is a “Team Leader” named Jackie Sanderson by way of Iyanna Reeves. To thrust your authority and decision upon a customer as she did, in my case, is just all out bad business. To make a long story short, this all stemmed from the PCI compliance fee (that Sterling mandates by passing the fee onto their customers). It’s appears that they are not absorbing any of the charges that Security Metrics bill them. I don’t see how this could be all lawful. I foresee one day the government cracking down of this type of abuse from companies. Anyway, with being a long standing customer as we have been and to be handled in a non-caring manner as we have, is just inconsiderate. Maybe this is the reason Sterling preys on small business, because they know big retailers won’t be allow themselves to be such easy targets. Sad but true, I dislike this company now because of their non-concern and unwillingness to assist properly. Maybe we are a small business, but my mouth is not small. So if I am ever asked would I recommend Sterling, my answer would be no; unless you desire a company with poor customer concern. Thank you Ms. Sanderson. Yes, you did make an big impact for your company.
Mark Barnett
My company has been using Sterling for the past 5 years and we have never had a problem. Their customer service is excellent and always very prompt in resolving an issue if any. After being overcharged by our local bank’s processing service, we switched to Sterling and saved 3k per year. We look forward to saving more in 2013.
TJ Andersen
I had an account for two years with Sterling. They charged me a termination fee of $395 upon termination, which I was not made aware of. Sterling presents itself as a trustworthy company, however, they engage in some interesting extra fees. For example, in Dec they charge a stealth $49.99 “office” fee. Their PCI Compliance annual fee is $150 for high speed and their monthly penalty fee for non-compliance is $19.95. Their customer service does answer quickly to. Their system had two outages last year for approx 1/2 day.
Alice
Like most phone companies, there are early termination fees when a contract is ended before its completion date. Most processors have this agreement and Sterling discloses this when a merchant signs their contract with us. It is also clearly displayed on the closing request form signed and submitted by TJ Andersen.
All fees are clearly shown on the merchant’s monthly statement. Our Merchant Services team is always willing to address any questions about fees and pricing. This is reflected in our A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.
PCI [Processing Card Industry] compliance is mandated by the card industry to ensure that cardholder data is not put at risk. Anyone using a credit card today will appreciate the fraud protection these standards provide. All merchants processing with Sterling receive an explanation of this important program in their Sterling Welcome Kits, and may select to pay the fee on an annual or monthly basis.
We take our company motto very seriously when we say, “At Sterling, Our Name is Our Reputation.” Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
rk daniels
My wireless machine went down 5 months before my contact ended. Two months later these clowns close my account and debit it for $395 “due to inactivity”…
I had two accounts running at the same time and these ” Thieves” tried scamming me every year
with the PCI fees. Now they close my account on a military installation and charge me $395 !!! If i did this i”d be in jail !!
Don’t listen to the hype or other “sales pitches” from these modern day snake oil salesman of this company…they hide behind small print to steal your money !!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!
Alice
Sterling refunded Mr. Daniel’s account for the majority of the early termination fee in early May of 2012. We also had adjusted his PCI fees in 2010, as soon as we were notified that we could reduce the fees on his second account with us. These actions area a part of our continuing effort to work with our customers.
bill gillette
Just found out that a $5400 transaction was put on hold for 5 days and they didn’t even tell us. Sterling now tells me that all merchandise has to be delivered in 30 days. The customer service rep my wife talked to literally said ‘that’s not my problem’. That is the one phrase a customer never wants to hear. We make bikes, sometimes with lead times of 8 weeks. We almost lost this $8100 sale when we went back to the customer and told them we needed a check. I can’t find this ’30 day clause’ anywhere in my Sterling contract. The nature of our business means we could get $20,000 in two or three transactions and still not deliver for 8 to 12 weeks since we make to order. If Sterling can’t handle the way we do business, then it is time to find another merchant account provider.
Alice
Our risk and fraud systems are set to alert us if a card is processed beyond the parameters set for a given merchant. This system serves to protect both the merchant and the card holder from fraudulent activities. When Mr. Gillette’s account was approved it was with the understanding that he had a set dollar limit per card. He signed a document agreeing to this limit. The $5,400 processed by Mr. Gillette’s business was outside of the parameters to which he agreed. We were able to resolve the issue with him and he continues to process with Sterling. We appreciate his business and are glad we could work through this issue.
darryl
I was with sterling for over 3 years. I cancelled to get lower rates but they keep making auto withdraw from my bank. Since I have called them many times and seem to only get hung up on after doing everything else to correct the problem I have called my bank. They say I have to come down to them to file a dispute and have my banking account changed so they cannot steal any more money, then they will file a dispute which I can take to small claims court.I definitely will recommend to anyone I know not to use this company.
Alice
Sterling’s merchant contract is for a 36-month initial term. It renews for successive 12-month terms, unless the merchant provides Sterling with a notice of intent not to renew 90 days prior to the expiration of the current term. If a merchant stops processing with us and fails to provide this notice, an early termination fee is assessed.
Our Merchant Services team makes every attempt to work with a merchant to ensure that any issues they may have are resolved , and enable them to avoid terminating their contract early.
Steve m.
After using sterling for 7 years I decided to cancel my contract because they were charging a lot more than they did when I original started. I never thought i would have a contract after 7 years, or that they would just take $395 out of my account with out any kind of WARNING!!! But that’s what they did!!’ I give my banking information to Sterling to put money in to my account. But they went into the back door to take my money without asking.
Why not it’s in that contract I signed 7 years ago. The same contract they changed many times to increase my monthly fees. You never expect a company to practice this way. Truly very very disappointed !!!
Alice
Sterling’s merchant contract is for a 36-month initial term. It renews for successive 12-month terms, unless the merchant provides Sterling with a notice of intent not to renew 90 days prior to the expiration of the current term. If a merchant stops processing with us and fails to provide this notice, an early termination fee is assessed.
Our Merchant Services team makes every attempt to work with a merchant to ensure that any issues they may have are resolved , and enable them to avoid terminating their contract early.
Alice
At Sterling we have a standard process for merchants to close their accounts. This is to ensure that an account is not closed erroneously. We sent Darryl a closure form three times before it was completed by him and returned to us. We closed his account as soon as we received Darryl’s closure form.
Brian Phillips
Sterling hit me with the $395 fee after my company went out of business. But first, they charged me $80 a month for two months for “non-use” even though I notified them of my business closing. The company that sold me the service based out of Texas told me there are no cancelation fees if my company goes under, but would be if I just changed to a new processor.
I can’ believe this is legal!!
jo miglino
Like most phone companies, there are early termination fees when a contract is ended before its completion date. Most processors have this agreement and Sterling discloses this when a merchant signs their contract with us. We focus on our relationship with our merchants seriously and our merchant service representatives work very hard to resolve any issues our merchants may have quickly and successfully. In this case, we refunded half the fee back to the merchant. We’re proud of our A rating with the Better Business Bureau. We do our best to provide outstanding service and support to our customers and believe that an open, honest relationship is the key to keeping our merchants with us. We take our company motto very seriously when we say, “At Sterling, Our Name is Our Reputation.” Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
Alice
We regretted that Mr. Phillips went out of business before the full term of his contract with us, and therefore was assessed an early termination fee. Most processors have this agreement and Sterling discloses this when a merchant signs their contract with us. When he called us to request we close his account, we asked him for a signed closure form. This form also includes information about the early termination fee. Sterling pro-rated his fee for the half of his contract term and credited his account for the balance.