The Feds have seized the profitable porn and review website “The Review Board”. While the adult workers and their reviewers are livid, the Feds claim that this site was promoting prostitution. While the site and its adult workers deny this, the Feds ultimately have the say as to who and what can hot a website. While the Feds are an issue for all adult merchants, there are bigger issues that can derail a company – even if they operate within the boundaries of the law.
One of the issues that can cause a problem is payment processing. While some adult workers prefer “cash only” transactions, the reality is that online transactions are plastic card-based. While many companies can accept plastic card payments without issue, adult merchants need a specialized adult merchant account to do so. Even then, some merchant account processors charge higher processing fees and have the companies on a tight leash. One too many chargebacks can cost these companies their merchant account, which leaves them without the ability to accept payments. All adult merchants need the best merchant account they can find, because lacking the ability to safely process payments can leave your company without its customers.
One of the great things about “The Review Board” was the review aspect to it. Like Yelp for those wanting to share their experiences with their, well, experiences, these reviews helped many adult business operators gain business. This is a great tool to implement if you have an online site for your business, and it allows for a more personalized experience. The Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Nevada has a similar board, and their customers relish the ability to give reviews and ask questions.
There is a fine line between what is perceived as human trafficking and an adult operating their own business. The Feds, along with the public, confuse these boundaries at times, which can lead to issues. Merchant account processors also confuse these boundaries, and it is up to responsible adult merchants to educate them and enforce the idea that these merchants are just that: merchants.