opinion

NOT 'Just another Biller'

For those of you who attended the XbizLA Conference in Los Angeles this month, you know that this was one first-class corporate event signaling a dynamic change in the perception and conduct of business at such gatherings, and likely to herald a new professionalism throughout the industry. The Phoenix Forum, always the focused networking KING, will be the next test.

One thing we've all observed over the past year or so, is that many banks have sought to bolster earnings through this economic recession by loosening requirements for merchant accounts for adult enterprises, in many situations. The result has been a proliferation of high-risk merchant provision entrants into the adult space and the adult event space in heretofore unseen numbers. I expect to see a tightening of this marketplace this year, but in the meantime I sense a growing frustration among both merchants and established historical adult billing leaders in withstanding the barrage. The new glut of competition among credit card processing providers combined with the inherent established distrust of new 'processing names' in the industry has created a climate where merchants are starting to resist an approach by 'another biller' -- period.

This was especially evident at the speed networking sessions in LA. Obviously my business cards designate me as a representative of Webbilling.com - and that card elicited way too many 'Oh, another biller' responses this time out. Fortunately, all the established branding work of past years makes my job easy in terms of pre-setting appointments and moving through an event, but this overt resistance to a billing discussion in a fresh introduction is a new phenomenon and needs some clarification!

Webbilling does NOT provide merchant accounts. Webbilling does NOT enable credit card services. All of you seeking to add cash flow to your bottom line on existing European traffic should speak with me about what we DO provide – preferred local payment solutions for Europeans that do not cannibalize - but complement - credit cards and everything else in your present cascade.

We’re an easy implementation in both NATS3 and NATS4, MPA3, and we offer a straightforward API for proprietary systems as you seek to access the additional joins in your current traffic that the Webbilling solutions can provide. We offer you unique capability for European billing – Don’t touch your credit cards! Keep your existing credit card processing in place.

The 2010 XBIZ Award provides acknowledgment that Webbilling is unique in the processing vertical. Don’t assume you are already covered with your current solutions because you can’t view your EU join pages. If you geo-target and want to see how your payment options present to site visitors in the Webbilling countries, ask me for a free-of-charge proxy test. Investigate what makes Webbilling the single best EU alternative to complement all your 'other billers.' There is no European business entity required and no European bank account is required. No set-up or monthly fees. Trials, Free Trials, Recurring billing, One-click Joins/Upsells, Pay-per-Anything, Cross sales – all are possible – along with Customizable Currency Conversion Capabilities, Cancellation Packages, and Effective Risk Management that can be customized for each country.

If you would like to access unique solutions and capability, great people, and consistent performance, ask me for an introduction to the Webbilling solutions.

Next stop, ThePhoenixForum.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Lessons From Decades of Building the Adult Internet

After my first year of college, I needed a job. So I did what people did back then: I opened the newspaper and started scanning the classifieds. One listing stood out: “Image Librarian.” I had no idea what that meant, but I applied, and got the job.

Tanguy ·
opinion

Tips for Building a Pleasure Brand That Lasts

Each year, promising new indie brands enter the pleasure industry with fresh, creative designs meant to enhance intimacy, wellness and self-discovery. Some are embraced by retailers and shoppers, while others fade quietly.

Ian Kulp ·
opinion

How to Build a Cross-Border Payment Strategy

Pull up your analytics and you’ll likely find that international traffic is already on your site. Some of those visitors convert, but a lot more bounced at checkout — and a meaningful chunk tried to pay but were declined.

Joe Fredricks ·
opinion

Why Brand Loyalty Starts With Adult Retail Staff Values

Brand loyalty is often discussed in terms of customers, but rarely in terms of the people working behind the counter or deciding what makes it onto the shelves.

Loretta Goodling ·
opinion

The KPIs That Keep Payment Processing Humming While You're Away

I always look forward to the summer as my kids are home and I can plan little trips with them to reconnect and have some fun. If you’re like me, however, you probably never go on vacation without your laptop, so you can check in or lurk in the background to make sure all systems remain go.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Building an Ecommerce Engine That Bridges Online and Retail Sales

Most independent retailers couldn't afford to build, host and manage a real ecommerce site well, so we leaned on the distributor's site and accepted the friction.

Zondre Watson ·
opinion

What Utah's SB 73 Means for Compliance Requirements

Utah has once again positioned itself at the center of the national battle over online age verification and adult-content regulation.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Experiential Spaces Help Adult Retailers Drive Engagement, Sales

E-commerce made adult retail accessible, efficient and discreet. But it also made it distant. For years, the industry has leaned heavily on convenience as the primary driver of growth. To be clear, it works.

Chelsea Mani ·
opinion

How to Convert Creator Income Into Real-World Assets

Buying a home is a big step for anyone, but for adult performers, it can feel especially rewarding after years of building a career around nontraditional income.

Anastasia Pierce ·
profile

Drea Walker Leads With Passion at North Carolina Boutique Up4Drea

Drea Walker is the face, name and vibrant personality behind Up4Drea, an adult retail boutique co-founded in eastern North Carolina. Blending clothing and pleasure products, the store is built on a clear mission: to create a space where everyone feels seen, supported and welcome.

Women In Adult ·
Show More