Zomaron Merchant Services Review: Fees, Complaints & Lawsuits
Note: On November 11, 2019, Zomaron Merchant Services announced its acquisition of DataCandy, a Montreal-based software company. Zomaron has assimilated its acquisition into their own services and rebranded themselves as Paystone. As such, this review will no longer be updated but reflects all available information from the time of the company's announcement of its rebrand.
A Canada-Based Elavon Reseller
Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Zomaron Merchant Services is a merchant account provider that offers in-person, wireless, fundraising and online payment solutions. The company was founded in 2008 and is partnered with Elavon of Canada for its processing network. The company also advertises Clover and Poynt as POS solutions.
Zomaron Location and Ownership
Zomaron is a registered MSP/ISO of U.S. Bank National Association and of Elavon, and its headquarters can be found at 3200 Wonderland Rd S, London, Ontario N6L 1R4, Canada. Tarique Al-Ansari is the president, CEO, and co-founder of Zomaron.
Zomaron Merchant Services Review Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Zomaron appears to offer a multi-year contract through Elavon with an associated equipment lease.
- Complaints & Service: Zomaron has received fewer than 10 public complaints.
- BBB Rating: Zomaron (as Paystone) has an “A+” rating and has received 3 complaints in the past 3 years. The company has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2010.
- Sales & Marketing: Zomaron appears to hire independent sales agents and has received a few complaints about its sales practices.
- Rates & Fees: How Merchants Got The Best Rates With Zomaron
Zomaron Merchant Services Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Total Online Complaints | <10 |
---|---|
Live Customer Support | Yes |
Most Common Complaint | N/A |
Low Complaint Total
We have found only a few negative Zomaron reviews, but at least one of these complaints explicitly accuses the company of ripping off merchants. Merchant complaints tend to focus on billing errors and costs related to long-term equipment leases, while one employee complainant mentions nonpayment of commissions, poor training, and expensive long-term contracts as the primary issues at Zomaron. The company’s complaint total remains low enough at this time to earn an “A” in this category, but merchants should be aware of the highly negative content of these complaints.
Zomaron Lawsuits
We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Zomaron. Dissatisfied merchants who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.
Zomaron Customer Support Options
Zomaron appears to offer live phone support to all of its merchants and claims that its customer service team is available 24/7. However, the content of the available complaints suggests that these options do not perform at the level of top payment processors for great customer service.
Zomaron Merchant Services Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
Product & Service Complaints | 2 |
---|---|
Billing & Collection Complaints | 1 |
Advertising & Sales Complaints | 0 |
Guarantee & Warranty Complaints | 0 |
Delivery Complaints | 0 |
Under 10 Complaints
The Better Business Bureau currently awards Zomaron (as Paystone) an “A+” rating overall and is showing accreditation for the company since 2010. Zomaron’s BBB profile has received 3 complaints in the last three years. One complaint was due to billing or collection disputes, and the other 2 were over product or service disputes. All 3 complaints were resolved to the merchant’s satisfaction.
An “A” Performance
In light of the company’s complaint record and resolution ratio, we agree with the BBB’s rating.
Zomaron Merchant Services Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Swiped Rate (Credit Cards) | 2.6% + $0.05 |
---|---|
Keyed-in Rate (Credit Cards) | 2.9% + $0.25 |
Debit Card Rate | $0.05 - $0.085 |
Virtual Terminal Rate | 2.9% + $0.25 |
Payment Gateway Fee | $25 Per Month |
Lite Fundraising Plan Fee | None |
Lite Fundraising Plan Rate | 3.9% + $0.25 |
Solo Fundraising Plan Fee | $249 Per Month |
Solo Fundraising Plan Rate | 3.9% + $0.25 |
Terminal Rental Cost | $30 Per Month |
POS Rental Cost | $40 Per Month |
Terminal Purchase Cost | $995+ |
POS Purchase Cost | $1,295+ |
Equipment Lease Terms | 60 Month (locked) |
Different Rates for Debit or Credit Transactions
The Zomaron website advertises two different rates for credit and debit transactions. Credit cards are charged a swipe rate of 2.60% plus $0.05 and a keyed-in rate of 2.90% plus $0.25 per transaction. Meanwhile, debit cards are only $0.05 per swiped debit transaction, $0.085 per tapped transaction.
Fundraising Rates and Fees
Zomaron also dictates different rates and fees for fundraising platforms. The company advertises 2 plans, the Lite Plan which has no monthly fee associated with it and the Solo Plan which charges a fee of $249 per month. Both plans charge a rate of 3.9% plus $0.25 per transaction. Additionally, the company provides fundraising groups with kiosks, which allows donors to make donations through a self-service platform. The company provides an online platform for donations as well.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Zomaron also dedicates a portion of its website that advertises its virtual terminal and payment gateway. A rate of 2.9% plus $0.25 applies to all transactions made through the virtual terminal as well as a $25 monthly payment gateway fee. Additional rates and fees, including technical support fees and batch fees may apply to these e-commerce services.
Zomaron Equipment Leases
A few public complaints filed against Zomaron describe a four-to five-year non-cancellable equipment lease with undisclosed fees, but the monthly costs of this lease are not provided. Terminals cost $30 or more per month while POS systems are costs begin at $40 per month. The website also states that merchants can purchase terminals for $995 or more while pricing for POS systems through Zomaron begins at $1,295.
Given the fact that Zomaron’s backend processor is Elavon, it is likely that the standard Zomaron contract is similar to the standard Elavon contract. Elavon offers a wide range of potential pricing options for its merchant accounts, but it is known to provide expensive, long-term equipment leasing through Ladco Leasing. For this reason, merchants are cautioned to check their contracts for dangerous terms and to ensure that they understand the full terms of any leasing agreement they sign.
Share Your Zomaron Terms
Zomaron’s available pricing appears to be roughly average for the industry, but we will not lower its rating beyond a “B” without additional documentation. If you have any knowledge of the standard Zomaron contract (including any early termination fees or PCI compliance fees), please share that information with other merchants in the comment section below this review.
Zomaron Merchant Services Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
Employs Independent Resellers | Yes |
---|---|
Advertises Deceptive Rates | No |
Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Inside/Outside Sales Team
Zomaron appears to utilize a combination of full-time sales reps and independent, commission-based sales reps to market its services. We are currently able to locate one Zomaron complaint filed by a former employee of the company, and this complaint more or less accuses the company of being a hiring mill. Specifically, the former agent alleges that Zomaron’s sales staff is not properly educated on the company’s pricing, and that it is common for representatives to unknowingly sign merchants up for five-year leases with undisclosed fees attached. This is corroborated by a merchant complaint below this review stating that the company’s lease cancellation policy was not properly disclosed.
Zomaron Lease Quotes
The Zomaron website lists a number of fees and prices, some of which do not appear to be misleadingly quoted. However, the company does advertise terminal rentals “[a]s low as $30/month,” POS rentals “[a]s low as $40/month,” terminal purchases “[a]s low as $995,” and POS purchase “[a]s low as $1295.” If merchant reports are to be believed, the rental agreements are in fact non-cancellable leases for up to five years. Moreover, Zomaron’s basic countertop terminal, the Ingenico iCT250, currently retails for under $300. This suggests an extravagant markup if this is the equipment being sold for $995.
Some Troubling Reports
A few complaints of undisclosed lease agreements have inclined us to assign Zomaron a “B” rating in this category for the time being. If you suspect that Zomaron has misrepresented your pricing, you can double-check your contract with a third-party statement audit.
Our Zomaron Merchant Services Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
A Solid Choice, But Beware Leases
Zomaron rates as a reliable merchant account provider according to all available information. The company is showing a low complaint total across all websites, but the only available details about its contract terms do not suggest especially competitive pricing. Merchants are encouraged to inquire about all contract terms and compare them to top-rated credit card processors.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Gerry
The sales people will say whatever you need to hear in order to get you to sign. Once you sign they slam you with hidden fees while removing services claiming ” that was a free trial, now you have to pay $$$”
They have now changed their name to paystone.com
BUYER BEWARE!!!!
G G
s***** company. deceive customers. Clint service is s***. send debit machines are not safe. with ripped off security stickers.
Debbie
This company is shady. The sales rep who is no longer with the company told me that if I closed my business that I would no longer be required to pay the lease payments on the equipment. Not only should he have not spoken for the leasing company since it is a different company but what he told me was false. The company does not stand behind their representative and refused to even look into it. Stay away from this company.
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: Top-Rated Merchant Accounts
Sam kassem
Very poor communication from this company. I am an ex client. Was forced to maintain a four year lease on their terminal even after cancelling their services. Emails and messages remain unanswered. Stay away, or read your fine print before signing.