Ok so here is the difference:
Epoch is an IPSP. So what they basically do is this: They pool all the merchants in one pot and then go to the banks and say: "This is the pot please underwrite this as a whole".
The bank then tries to determine the risk of the pot as a whole.
Advantage for the bank: No hassle with single merchant accounts. Also they will always play safe and rather put a premium on top of the true risk just to be on the safe side. For the merchant this means higher fees.
Disadvantage for the merchant: none if your risk profile is above the average of the pot but considerable if you are less risky. Then you basically subsidize the others.
Epoch works with simple redirect/iframe. This means you have no flexibility on multiple dimensions: e.g. you do not host the form which means you have no control. If epoch is down, you are down. Or, you have no possibility to analyze the data in the context of the payment form as you have no access to it.
Needless to say that Epoch is an amazing service nevertheless!
Re signup process: It is literally 1 document to be signed.
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Tom - Getting shit done at ENJORA.com
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