Paynet systems has a policy of charging a setup fee to process your application, as do some of the other companies offering merchant services for internet payment systems.

If you get denied or decide not to go forward with the package the company offers, they keep your money for five business days.

"This company policy is neither written in any documentation, nor are they spoken to you when you initially apply."

These words are a snippet of the conversation I just had with Sharon, who is the office manager of the accounting department at Paynet Systems 1.800.809.1989.

This is the only retribution I may have, and I am posting this in the hopes that someone else may learn from my experience.

Please stay away from this policy, no matter which company you decide to apply to for merchant services. Ask about the refunds of your deposits BEFORE you give them your banking information.

In my dealings with Paynet systems up until this point, the representatives of this company have been very helpful and considerate.

Thanks for listening,

Deborah