Squarespace Credit Card Processing Reviews & Complaints

Name: Squarespace
Item: Squarespace
Rating: 4
Author: Phillip Parker

Phillip Parker

Updated: September 9, 2024

Maintained Since: February 27, 2014

▼ 1 User Reviews

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Pros:	Cons:
Various payment options.	Limited advanced features.
Easy integration with website.	Higher transaction fees.
User-friendly interface.	Limited customization options.
Secure transactions.	Potential for delayed payouts.
24/7 customer support.	Restricted to Squarespace sites.

Overview

In this review of Squarespace, we will provide a detailed overview of the company’s credit card processing and e-commerce services. We will cover the range of services they offer, including website building, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and mobile payment solutions. The review will identify the types of businesses that might benefit from these services. Additionally, we will examine client and customer reviews to highlight common trends and potential concerns. The article will also address the company’s pricing structure, contract terms, and specific features provided. By the end of this review, you will understand whether Squarespace meets your payment processing and e-commerce needs.

About Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder with a focus on e-commerce businesses, although it also provides hosting for blogs or occasion-specific websites. Like BigCommerce or Volusion, Squarespace allows users to design, build, and launch a functional web store that can accept credit card payments online using the merchant account services of Stripe or PayPal.

Screen Capture of SquareSpace Homepage — Squarespace Homepage

Squarespace Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints	15+
Live Customer Support	Yes
Most Common Complaint	Customer Service

Low-to-Moderate Complaint Total

While Squarespace is known more for its web hosting services than e-commerce solutions, its overall reputation does not suggest a high volume of scam or rip-off allegations. Most reviews come from users engaged with its content creation aspect rather than merchants specifically. However, recent trends indicate an increase in negative feedback. Common issues raised by users include poor customer service, technical glitches, unexpected charges, difficulties with SEO, and subpar website integration. Additionally, there are claims regarding the non-availability of an advertised $100 Google AdWords credit.

Squarespace Lawsuits and Fines

No significant class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints against Squarespace have been uncovered. Merchants considering non-litigious means to address grievances are advised to report their experiences to appropriate regulatory bodies, as suggested here.

Squarespace Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
Product & Service Complaints	59
Billing & Collection Complaints	31
Advertising & Sales Complaints	3
Guarantee & Warranty Complaints	0
Delivery Complaints	5

Nearly 100 Complaints

Squarespace is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau and currently shows an “A+” rating based on 98 complaints filed in the last 36 months. 59 of the complaints were due to a problem with a product or service, 31 were billing or collections issues, 3 were due to advertising or sales problems, and 5 were issues with delivery. Only 26 of these 98 complaints were resolved by the company to the satisfaction of the merchant. The remaining 72 were resolved to the dissatisfaction of the merchant or received no final response.

What Merchants Say

In addition to the 96 complaints posted to Squarespace’s BBB profile, the company has also received 22 informal reviews. All of those reviews are negative in tone. One unanswered review filed against the company expresses concern about Squarespace’s lack of customer support:

Horrible customer service! I’ve been emailing all day because they won’t call you because squarespace can’t find my email account. They dont care if you pay them for services. They won’t help at all and they don’t care if your locked out of your account. Pretty much happy to make you pay for an account that they won’t let you back in and they will run you around all day and do nothing. Worse that calling insurance companies.

Merchants in this situation would benefit from learning how to cancel their service without paying a fee. Early Termination fees are typically the most expensive term in a merchant agreement.

A “D” Rating

In light of the company’s complaint total and resolution ratio, and the lack of any dedicated customer support number, we have adjusted the BBB’s rating to a “D” for our purposes.

Squarespace Fees, Rates & Contract

Rates & Fees Summary
Flat Rate	2.9% + $0.30
Squarespace Transaction Fee	3.00%
Personal Website Plan	$16 Per Month
Business Website Plan	$26 Per Month
Basic Commerce Plan	$30 Per Month
Advanced Commerce Plan	$46 Per Month
Early Termination Fee	$0
PCI Compliance Fee	$0
Equipment Lease Terms	None

Stripe and PayPal Integration

Squarespace incorporates Stripe and PayPal for online payment processing, aligning Squarespace’s contract terms closely with those of Stripe and PayPal. Both Stripe and PayPal typically charge a transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 for all transactions. Additionally, Squarespace imposes a 3% transaction fee under its Website plan for businesses, while its Online Store plans do not include additional transaction fees. Notably, Stripe has been highlighted for its policy on holding funds, with numerous complaints regarding abrupt fund holds and challenges in resolving these issues swiftly, partly due to limited live customer support.

Squarespace Pricing Plans

Squarespace’s subscription plans are categorized into “Websites” and “Online Stores,” with options for monthly payments or annual billing at a discounted rate. The “Personal” and “Business” packages fall under Website plans, while “Basic” and “Advanced” packages are classified as Commerce plans. The pricing is as follows: the Personal Website plan at $16 monthly ($12 annually), the Business Website plan at $26 monthly ($18 annually), the Basic Commerce plan at $30 monthly ($26 annually), and the Advanced Commerce plan at $46 monthly ($40 annually).

Additional Plan Features

Despite the challenges associated with Stripe, particularly in customer support and fund holds, Squarespace is recognized for offering extensive features beyond basic payment processing. Merchants can access a variety of services including a custom online store, hosting, SEO tools, customer analytics, inventory and shipping management, and integrated accounting solutions. Starting with a free trial, the plans are flexible with month-to-month billing, allowing merchants the option to cancel at any time. This comprehensive offering positions Squarespace as a valuable platform, offering significant utility beyond what Stripe alone provides.

Squarespace Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

Jobs & Marketing Summary
Employs Independent Resellers	No
Advertises Deceptive Rates	No
Discloses All Important Terms	Yes

No Widespread Sales Issue

Squarespace appears to primarily market its services through its website and traditional advertising methods. There is no indication at this time that the company employs independent sales agents or engages in telemarketing, and we are currently unable to locate any negative Squarespace reviews that accuse the company’s sales staff of deceptive or aggressive tactics. One complaint filed against Squarespace cited confusion over the company’s 14-day free trial offer, claiming that it was deceptively promoted, but this appears to be an isolated incident.

This compares favorably to our list of best credit card processors.

No Deceptive Marketing

Additionally, the Squarespace website does not appear to quote misleading rates or selectively disclose terms. That said, we always recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate any hidden fees that are suspected.

Squarespace Review Summary

Squarespace rates as a reliable e-commerce solution for merchants, earning its place among the top e-commerce platforms available today. Its seamless integration with Stripe, a leading payment processor, has not significantly impacted its overall rating. Despite some concerns about Stripe’s reliability, Squarespace’s robust service offerings, low commitment requirements, and competitive pricing have bolstered its reputation. The platform’s user-friendly design tools and comprehensive e-commerce features make it an attractive option for both new and established businesses looking to create and manage their online stores with ease.

However, it is important to note that Squarespace has seen a rise in complaint totals filed against the company. These complaints primarily revolve around customer service and technical support issues. While these factors are not uncommon in the industry, they highlight areas where Squarespace could improve to maintain its favorable standing. Despite these concerns, the company’s overall rating remains strong, and it continues to compare favorably to other leading e-commerce platforms. As we continue to receive comments and feedback on this review, Squarespace’s rating may evolve, but for now, it remains a reliable and competitive choice for merchants seeking a low-cost, low-commitment e-commerce solution.

Contact Squarespace

Contact & Customer Support
Founder and CEO	Anthony Casalena
Headquarters	8 Clarkson St New York, NY 10014
Support	Live Chat
Website	squarespace.com

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Please note that we only suggest providers that adhere to strict ethical standards and offer top performing support at extremely competitive pricing. We may earn revenue if choose one of our recommendations.

About The Author

Phillip Parker

Phillip Parker is the founder, creator and author of this website. He is a payments industry expert, business consultant, and web developer. Since 2009, he has researched over 1,000 merchant services providers and published hundreds of payment education-related articles. His work has received national recognition and his expertise is regularly sought by large media outlets such as CNN, MSN, and INC Magazine among dozens of others. Learn more...

How Phillip Can Help You

Schedule a call with Phillip to get answers to your payment processing questions. Please note that Phillip's expertise focuses on merchant services within the U.S.

Credit card processing costs are complex and often difficult to understand. Hire Phillip to help you optimize your processing costs to the lowest possible rates without switching processors, trading out payment acceptance equipment, or modifying your processes.

Starting a new business or ready to find a new processor? Selecting the right merchant services provider is a crucial component of running successful business. Check out Phillip's processor picks see which companies offer the best services at the lowest costs or schedule a call today to learn how to get custom recommendations for you payment needs.

Reader Comments, Testimonials & Complaints

1 User Reviews

MM

January 25, 2016

Caution! Scam! Squarespce web site didn’t give you the 100$ Google Adwords credit you sign for when you purposing a year subscription. You enter your “credit code” on the Google Adword site and they will charge you anyway the amount in your credit card!! You haven’t any change to get a refound!!

Attention!! Fraude! Le site web de Scarespace ne donne pas réellement le crédit de 100$ de Google Adwords prévu dans le contrat d’un an. Vous entrez le code dans Google et ils vous chargent quand même sur votre carte de credit. Vous avez aucune chance d’avoir un remboursement après!!

—
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