In other words, there are a lot of surfers out there who have credit cards but will never ever use them to buy online porn. Certainly not in today’s social atmosphere, where adult is vilified as being the root-of-all-evil online.

Wouldn’t it be swell if there were a billing solution that allows the user to pay at his/her convenience ­without a credit card- yet still manages to provide instant access to that surfer and guaranteed payment to you, the seller? In addition, wouldn’t it be grand if that same solution verified user age and identity as well as handled collections?

Sounds like a fucking miracle to me. But it’s no dream. Now we have that solution. It’s called 123bill. 123bill is brought you by Brad Mitchell, owner of MojoHost and one of the most reliable members of the online adult industry.

I could go on and on about this wonderful service but I’d rather let the folks at 123bill explain it themselves. I sent them some questions that any frogger would ask. They responded and here you go...

Titmowse: What’s the story behind the name 123bill? Is there a story? Is there a deeper meaning?

123Bill: Back in February 2000 Brad Mitchell registered the 123bill.com domain name. He knew then that online billing needed a better credit card alternative. He knew users needed something simple, memorable and easy to work with. What could be easier than “1, 2, 3?” The name was catchy, marketable and to-the-point.

Titmowse: Is 123bill an IPSP?

123Bill: 123bill is not an IPSP in any traditional sense of the word. We provide privately guaranteed merchant accounts and are completely independent of card service providers. 123bill stands on its own as the next industry standard in online billing alternatives.

"123bill stands on its own as the next industry standard in online billing alternatives."

Titmowse: How does 123bill work?

123Bill: 123Bill verifies customer identity through various credit reporting agencies. Once their information is verified, they receive both an e-invoice and a hardcopy invoice via postal mail, which they can pay by check or money order. At the same time, the customer receives immediate access to products or sites. 123Bill not only handles all of the details from invoicing to collections, but also assumes all of the risk to deliver guaranteed funds to merchants.

123Bill uses a driver’s license and social security information to verify customer identity. This qualifies 123Bill as a true age verification service. Unfortunately, this also means that 123Bill is only viable for US customers. However, merchants worldwide are able to use 123Bill to verify and to increase revenue, as this opportunity is available to all merchants.

Having 123Bill as an alternative payment option does not compromise your current operations and affiliate network. Our technology is setup to handle one-time payments, rebills, affiliate reporting, cancellations and more.

123Bill: 123bill absolutely guarantees payment to every merchant on every sale. Merchants receive a guaranteed 65% payout on gross regardless of refunds or non-collectibles. There are no worries about chargebacks or lost merchant accounts.

Titmowse: I’m a new paysite owner. What will it cost me to get started with 123bill?

123Bill: If you are a new paysite owner who is just breaking in to the business, there is a one-time setup fee of $249. However, as a special introductory offer, we’ve decided to waive the setup fee for any established merchant with existing business. Now is the perfect time to offer the perfect billing alternative. Merchants can monetize on otherwise lost sales using 123bill with absolutely no financial risk!

Titmowse: Should I still use an IPSP for my billing needs?

123Bill: 123bill is an online payment alternative. We understand that the majority of online sales are still done with credit cards and are not expecting to replace credit card billing online. Rather, we offer merchants the perfect opportunity to find lost sales from customers who don’t have a card, won’t use one online or who have already been declined. We certainly recommend that you offer credit card services if you are able, but give yourself the added advantage that 123bill offers.

Titmowse: What is ahead for 123bill and MojoHost?

123Bill: MojoHost has an established reputation as a 1st class provider and continues to show significant growth each month. By continuing to offer a good value and excellent service, we fully expect to become one of the largest providers in this increasingly narrow market.

As the future of online billing unfolds, 123bill is expected to become an industry standard. Our most pressing challenge is how to conservatively manage our growth, as we’re flooded with requests for integration. Especially with no setup fee, there are many merchants who want to take advantage of what 123bill offers. 123bill has limitless marketing potential and we fully expect to realize a client base of thousands of websites by the end of 2005. As we continue to grow we also plan on becoming increasingly more competitive with credit card merchant rates, furthering our popularity.

There you have it. 123bill is a real solution to VISA’s fluctuating dogma. If COPA passes the Supreme Court, it could also be a solution to the age-verification demands of that law. The cherry on top is that 123bill comes from a trusted member of our industry.