Empyrean Merchant Services Reviews & Complaints
Overview
In this article, we explore Empyrean Merchant Services, an Ontario-based provider of payment processing solutions in the U.S. and Canada. We'll cover their wide range of services, including credit and debit card processing, online and in-person payments, and specialized industry solutions. Key features like customizable point-of-sale systems, mobile payment options, e-commerce integrations, and virtual terminal services are also discussed.
We will look into Empyrean's security measures, their role as a reseller of Chase Merchant Services products, and their customer support effectiveness. This article assesses customer reviews, rates, fees, and contract terms, providing a succinct overview of Empyrean's financial aspects. We also touch on the company's sales tactics and overall market reputation. This review aims to offer a concise yet comprehensive insight into Empyrean Merchant Services, guiding businesses in understanding their services and value proposition.
About Empryean Merchant Services
Founded in 2010, Empyrean Merchant Services is an Ontario-based merchant account provider that serves merchants in the U.S. and Canada. The company appears to specialize in gift card solutions. Empyrean Merchant Services appears to be a reseller of Chase Merchant Services products and services.
Empyrean Merchant Services Payment Processing
Empyrean Merchant Services processes all major debit and credit cards through primarily online payment options, though they also offer in-person payments. Their services include industry-specific services such as CannaPoint for the cannabis industry and POS Velocity for the transportation industry. They also offer POS systems, wireless solutions, gift cards, business loans, access to virtual gateways, and a range of e-commerce solutions.
Customizable Point-of-Sale Systems
Empyrean Merchant Services offers customizable point-of-sale (POS) systems designed to meet the needs of various industries, including retail, hospitality, and healthcare. These systems aim to be user-friendly and come with features such as inventory management and integration with accounting software.
Mobile Payment Processing
The mobile payment processing service provided by Empyrean Merchant Services enables businesses to accept payments using a smartphone or tablet. This feature can be especially useful for businesses operating outside traditional brick-and-mortar settings or those looking to offer more convenient payment options for their customers.
E-Commerce Payment Gateway Integration
Empyrean Merchant Services' e-commerce payment gateway integration is designed to give businesses a seamless online payment experience. The company claims to provide easy integration with popular shopping carts and e-commerce platforms, streamlining the online transaction process for businesses.
Virtual Terminal Services
Empyrean Merchant Services offers a virtual terminal service for processing phone and mail orders. This service enables businesses to handle remote transactions securely through an internet-connected device, providing a solution for businesses that need to process payments without a physical card reader.
Security Measures and Fraud Prevention
Empyrean Merchant Services prioritizes security and fraud prevention by adhering to industry standards such as PCI compliance and implementing advanced security measures. This approach helps protect sensitive data and minimize the risk of fraud, ensuring a secure transaction process for both businesses and their customers.
Location & Ownership
Empyrean is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Canadian Branch, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Better Business Bureau lists Empyrean's headquarters at 1881 Steeles Ave. West, Suite 177, Toronto, Ontario, M3H 0A1, but this address is also close to a UPS Store that could function as the company's mailing address. The Better Business Bureau previously listed Mike Haley as the principal for Empyrean Merchant Services, but feedback in the comment section below this review suggests he was merely a sales rep. Roman Poberezkine is listed as the current CEO, while LinkedIn has Stanislav Gakhov as the president. According to a comment we have received on our Axxess Payments review, Mike Haley is a former employee of Axxess Payments.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Employs knowledgeable agents. | Aggressive sales tactics reported. |
| Reduces fees with increased volume. | Insufficient support options. |
| Receives low complaint totals. | Complaints about customer service. |
| Offers a variety of payment solutions. | Issues with equipment compatibility. |
| Generally positive online ratings. | Long-term equipment leases. |
Empyrean Merchant Services Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Total Online Complaints | <10 |
|---|---|
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | N/A |
| Recent Lawsuits | No |
Low Complaint Volume
Our research has identified fewer than three negative Empyrean Merchant Services reviews. Notably, none of these reviews label the company as a scam or ripoff. The complaints primarily focus on sales practices, including undisclosed fees and misrepresented contract terms. A particular concern arises if Mike Haley is confirmed as the principal, given a specific complaint addressing his conduct. Nevertheless, for a company potentially operating for eight years, Empyrean Merchant Services exhibits a surprisingly low complaint volume. We encourage individuals with experiences regarding Empyrean Merchant Services to share their reviews or complaints below.
Empyrean Merchant Services Legal and Regulatory Actions
As of our latest update, there are no records of class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against Empyrean Merchant Services. Customers looking for non-litigious resolutions are advised to report their concerns to appropriate regulatory bodies, facilitating accountability and potential resolution.
Empyrean Merchant Services Customer Support Overview
Empyrean Merchant Services provides several customer support channels, including a contact form, live chat, and a toll-free phone number. While it remains unclear whether support is managed in-house or outsourced, these options suggest a commitment to accessible service. The direct phone number ensures customers can reach support for immediate assistance.
Empyrean Merchant Services Contact Information
- (877) 773-1001 – Toll-Free Customer Support
Additional Support Channels
- Live chat for real-time assistance
- Customer support form for inquiries and service requests
In recognition of its low complaint volume and the support options provided, we assign Empyrean Merchant Services a “B” rating. However, potential and current clients should note the need for enhanced clarity and expansion of support channels to better serve customer needs. This update aims to offer a balanced perspective, highlighting both the commendable low complaint volume and areas for improvement in customer support, enhancing SEO performance for Empyrean Merchant Services reviews and customer complaints.
Empyrean Merchant Services Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| BBB Reports | 1 |
|---|
Note: We have adjusted this company’s BBB rating according to our own standards. To better understand why we adjust BBB ratings, please see our Rating Criteria.
Under 5 Complaints
Empyrean Merchant Services currently has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and is not BBB-accredited. The company has received 0 complaints in the past 36 months.
What Merchants Say
In addition to the 1 complaint, Empyrean Merchant Services has received 1 informal review in the last 36 months, which was negative. The negative review mentions equipment issues and poor customer support:
************* Michael H. from Empyrean will ************** sell you on a machine that doesn’t even work while you’ll be stuck with the machine loan of $3000. He’ll ignore your calls and tell you to do something about it. I was told and convinced to have one low interest for getting their payment system and processing for cards. The system belong to ********* in the US. I am currently using a POS system which isn’t compatible with the payment system given by them. I was ******* that it is compatible with our POS and that someone within couple of days will come to set it up. We were made to sign a loan for the system which is a whopping $2800, or $80/Month for 48 months among other charges. But because no one showed up even after a month, I tried calling Michael again to return or fix the Machine. Instead he turned his back on me and started ignoring my calls. After a year we’re still stuck with the machine which haven’t been used since it’s not compatible with our system.
Rates, customer service, and a straightforward application process are all important aspects of merchant services. Nevertheless, the company does not rank as one of our best merchant account providers.
An “A” Performance Overall
In light of the low number of complaints, we will not adjust the BBB’s rating at this time.
Empyrean Merchant Services Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Cancellation Penalties | Yes |
|---|---|
| Processing Rates | Variable |
| Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
| Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Few Contract Complaints
Currently, there is limited public information available about the standard Empyrean Merchant Services contract. The company’s website lacks details regarding pricing or terms, and there are minimal client complaints outlining specific terms and fees. One business owner alleges they were assured of $30 per month in fixed Empyrean Merchant Services fees by their sales agent but were invoiced $162 for their initial month of processing. Furthermore, upon cancellation, they incurred a $1,800 early termination fee, seemingly tied to a lengthy equipment lease. Two additional reviews mention non-cancellable five-year equipment leases.
Long-Term Equipment Leases
While a $1,800 cancellation fee might appear steep, it falls within the lower range for a four-year equipment lease. Nonetheless, it’s advisable for business owners to opt for equipment purchase whenever feasible, considering most credit card terminals are available for $500 or less. Empyrean Merchant Services’ minimal complaint count is a positive aspect. However, its sale of long-term equipment leases has marginally impacted its rating, resulting in a “D” grade and hindering its competitiveness against the most cost-effective merchant accounts. For those familiar with the standard Empyrean Merchant Services contract, your insights in the comment section below are valued. Additionally, we recommend exploring our list of the top merchant accounts.
Empyrean Merchant Services Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Telemarketing | Yes |
| Misleading Marketing | Yes |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Outside Agents and Resellers
Empyrean Merchant Services appears to rely on resellers and independently contracted sales agents to market its services. Generally speaking, a sales force composed of commission-only independent sales agents is more likely to receive complaints than one composed of W-2 employed inside sales representatives. In this case, we are able to locate a handful of negative Empyrean Merchant Services reviews that describe nondisclosure of fees, misrepresentation of the seller’s identity, and aggressive sales tactics. Two of these Empyrean Merchant Services complaints (found in the comment section below) specifically mention an employee of Empyrean Merchant Services, Mike Haley, as the agent who misrepresented the business’ monthly cost. This echoes the Empyrean Merchant Services complaint regarding Mr. Haley’s conduct as an employee of Axxess Payments. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
No Deceptive Quotes
To its credit, Empyrean’s website does not list any misleading rate quotes or unrealistic guarantees. However, the site’s meta description states that “Our rates can be as low as 1% on Credit Card Processing,” which isn’t substantiated by any information on the actual site. If you suspect that Empyrean Merchant Services is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.
Our Empyrean Merchant Services Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Empyrean Merchant Services rates as a decent credit card processing provider according to all available information. The company has received very few complaints in all of its years of operation, but these complaints suggest that the company could make some improvements to its sales process. We still have yet to obtain detailed information about Empyrean’s pricing and fees, so we will continue to monitor client feedback about the company and adjust our rating as necessary. Business owners are for now encouraged to read all documentation carefully before signing up with the company and to compare its costs to those of top-rated credit card processors.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Olga
I recently had the pleasure of working with Empyrean Merchant Services, and I must say that the experience was truly exceptional. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to providing outstanding service truly set them apart in the industry.
Val demonstrated an impressive understanding of my business needs and went above and beyond to find the perfect solution for my merchant service requirements.
Their personalized approach and attention to detail made me feel valued and confident in their ability to meet my needs.
They were well-versed in the latest technologies, industry regulations, and best practices.
Val patiently explained every aspect of the process, ensuring that I fully understood the benefits and implications. Their ability to simplify complex concepts was greatly appreciated.
In conclusion, working with Empyrean Merchant Services was a fantastic experience. Their exceptional service, expertise, and dedication exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for a reliable and knowledgeable merchant services provider, I highly recommend Empyrean Merchant Services.
Thank you, Val, for your outstanding support and commitment to excellence!
Phillip CPO
Hi Olga, to authenticate your testimonial, please reply with your website or business address and contact information.
Oleg
Michael Haley is the worst sale person and on the planet. I got scammed and for months was paying for two accounts. Stay away from this person. Worst experience ever. Rates always different. BEWARE ITS A SCAM
This post will help: Find and Eliminate Hidden Fees From Your Monthly Bill
-Phillip
Narayanasamy Venugopal
Mr Michael Haley is a worst sale person and Worst customer service in the planet. Be careful dealing with Michael Haley.he got sign for payment systems and after 2 weeks when i called him,he told your application was rejected because of bad credit score then i said OK to to cancel but they withdraw amount from my account and many i called him but he doesn’t respond. I sent email to their office to stop payment otherwise i will take legal action. Even though they didn’t stop taking amount from my account and finally called him 3 times in the morning 9 am then he returned call and shouted me about calling 3 times and use F**words many times while speaking.
when i check with this website about this company reviews, they are doing same thing everywhere. no one can stop these kind of fraud people
This post will help: Best Merchant Accounts for Bad Credit
-Phillip
Nicole Wilson
*****PLEASE DISREGARD REVIEW POSTED MAY 28, 2019*****
*****PLEASE REMOVE POSTED REVIEW FROM MAY 28, 2019*****
CPO
Hi Nicole,
It is against our policy to remove reviews that may be helpful to merchants. Has Empyrean asked you to remove your comment?
Nicole Wilson
They don’t pay their independents…. I worked there for 4 days, made a sale and they don’t want to pay me.
I tried to contact them and was told the person who hired me no longer works there. That’s when I was advised to contact Michael Haley because he is the supposed owner.
He doesn’t respond to emails or phone calls and now I cannot reach anyone from that office…..
I might need to take higher steps to solve this issue.
This post will help: How to Report Bad Credit Card Processors
-Phillip
Amelie
I’m so impressed! Serge visited my salon a week ago and provided me with really great rates. I also had a very good experience interacting with their customer support team. A big thanks to Serge and Empyrean Merchant Services. What a remarkable person and company! Now they have a customer for life!
CPO
Hi Amelie,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
MP
Sales person was extremely rude and called back 6 times in a row after I told him I wasn’t interested and not to call again.
This post will help: How to Shut Down Sales Calls
-Phillip
Iris
Worst customer service in the planet. Be careful dealing with Michael Haley. It’s all about the sale with every promise in the world. with Mr. Haley offered us better rates. I have sent many emails, texts and phone calls and he has never responded to any. I got emails from his wife and another lady. I told them that nothing was cancelled as they were still taking money out of my account. I asked them to send me the documents showing they cancelled the contract and the lease. Well they have never sent me anything. I ended up calling my previous merchant and they told me no one every called to cancel. I ended up cancelling it and it cost me thousands of dollars. I am still paying for the lease. To this day they still have not reply back to me. This is the worst company Empyrean and the people. We have no choice but to take legal action against them as they did not do what they said and this is fraud to me.
This post will help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Contract Without Paying a Fee
– Phillip
Bob Petrov
Worst customer service in the planet. Be careful dealing with Micael Haley. It’s all about the sale with every promise in the world. We were and still are with Moneris. Mr. Haley offered us better rates verbally and a promise that contract is month to month. We advised him that if next day deposits are not the same as Moneris we will not change providers. He said they will be and we reluctantly signed an application. First day of usage funds were not deposited to our account until after 10am. Our bank charged us multiple NSF fees as a result. Moneris funds are deposited directly early morning at the same time cheques are processed. This was the first issue. Second issue there are no Saturday deposits. Moneris does Saturday deposit and we have provided multiple times proof of this to Empyrean.
A couple of weeks later we get in the mail a contract for a five year lease on a terminal we never signed for. We have asked for a copy of signed lease and to this day nothing has been provided.
Service is not as promised and from day one we complained and Empyrean has totally ignored all issues. Mike arranged two meetings to meet with us and didn’t show up for both meetings. Has not responded to any of my e-mails since. We have no choice but to take legal action.
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee
Gil
I was approached by Michael Haley, a fast talking salesman working at Empyrean Merchant Services. I got scammed into signing up with him. My rates are now higher than they were before in spite of all the promises he made. If you get approached by him don’t believe a word he says.
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: Best Canadian Merchant Accounts
ms right
Hello Mr. Parker,
Am just wanted to clarify Mike Haley was not the principal of Empyrean merchant services. He was just one of the sales rep for the company. An aggressive sales person who just not care about the company reputation- just someone who wants to make quick money and left all the problems behind for the company to deal with…to make it short- a suggestion to good merchants ” do not deal with this guy if you get approach by him – simply visit Empyrean website and there is a self filled online application – am sure someone will get back to all enquiries.