Fundly is an online crowdfunding platform designed specifically for nonprofits. Similar to popular platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, Fundly allows nonprofits to create profiles and connect with potential donors to raise funds. Since its launch in 2010, Fundly has facilitated over 50,000 successful campaigns, raising over $325 million for various charitable causes. In 2015, Fundly was acquired by NonProfitEasy, a well-known data management company. Fundly is headquartered in the United States.
This article will explore the complaints, lawsuits, and other issues surrounding Fundly credit card processing.
Fundly Credit Card Processing: An Overview
Introduction to Fundly Credit Card Processing Services
Fundly offers credit card processing services to facilitate seamless and secure transactions for nonprofit organizations using its crowdfunding platform. By incorporating credit card processing capabilities, Fundly aims to provide a convenient and efficient way for nonprofits to collect donations from supporters.
Explanation of How Fundly Works as a Credit Card Processor
When nonprofits create fundraising campaigns on Fundly’s platform, they can utilize credit card processing services to accept donations from donors via credit or debit cards. Fundly partners with reputable payment processors like Stripe and WePay to handle the actual processing of these transactions.
To initiate a donation, donors can visit the landing page or the dedicated Facebook donation campaign set up by the nonprofit on Fundly. Through these channels, donors can securely enter their payment information, including credit card details, to contribute to the campaign.
Fundly collaborates with Stripe and WePay to ensure the secure transfer of funds from the donor’s credit card to the nonprofit’s designated account. These payment processors adhere to industry-standard security measures, such as encryption and tokenization, to safeguard sensitive financial information and protect against unauthorized access.
Fundly’s credit card processing services streamline the donation process, enabling nonprofits to receive funds efficiently and promptly. By integrating these services into its platform, Fundly aims to remove any potential barriers or complexities associated with accepting credit card donations, providing nonprofits with a user-friendly and secure solution for fundraising.
Common Complaints Associated with Fundly Credit Card Processing
Overview of Common Complaints Reported by Users
While Fundly generally receives positive reviews from nonprofit organizations, there are a few common complaints that have been reported by users. These complaints provide insights into areas where users have encountered issues or challenges when using Fundly’s credit card processing services. It’s important to note that the number of complaints found online is relatively low, indicating that the majority of users are satisfied with the platform. However, it’s still essential to address these concerns.
Analysis of the Nature and Frequency of These Complaints
- Unauthorized Charges: Some users have mentioned unauthorized charges associated with their Fundly campaigns. Although this issue seems to be infrequent, it raises concerns about the security measures in place to protect donors’ payment information.
- Poor Customer Service: A few users have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of customer support provided by Fundly. Complaints about slow response times, unaddressed concerns, and difficulties in resolving have been mentioned.
- Data Reporting Issues: A handful of users have reported issues related to data reporting on the Fundly platform. These issues include misalignment of pages, videos not playing properly, and difficulties in syncing campaign updates to social media platforms like Facebook.
Real-Life Customer Experiences and Testimonials
- Negative Experience with Customer Service: One user shared their frustration with Fundly’s customer service, describing it as “horrible” and expressing disappointment in the lack of response to their concerns. They mentioned difficulties in resolving platform errors and the denial of the opportunity to speak with a supervisor.
- Glitches and Donation Setup Issues: Another user mentioned recurring glitches in Fundly’s system, particularly related to setting up monthly donations. They expressed frustration with the inability to forward date monthly donations and the platform consistently registering donations as one-time gifts instead of monthly contributions.
- Challenges with Reporting and Communication: A user noted that while Fundly is a powerful tool, there is a learning curve when it comes to running reports and creating communications. They mentioned difficulties in achieving desired outcomes in these areas.
While these complaints highlight areas where Fundly could improve its services, it’s important to consider that they represent a small fraction of users’ experiences. The majority of reviews are positive, praising Fundly’s functionality and ease of use for nonprofits of all sizes.
Potential users should weigh these complaints alongside positive reviews and make an informed decision based on their specific needs and priorities. Additionally, Fundly should address these concerns to enhance customer satisfaction and further improve its credit card processing services.
Lawsuits and Legal Issues Involving Fundly Credit Card Processing
There have been no outstanding class-action lawsuits or complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against Fundly regarding their credit card processing services. This indicates that there are no major legal disputes involving Fundly’s credit card processing platform at this time.
Fundly strives to maintain a positive reputation and provide reliable credit card processing services to its clients. In the absence of any reported lawsuits or significant legal issues, users can generally rely on Fundly as a crowdfunding platform that adheres to legal standards and regulations in its operations.
Fundly Credit Card Processing Fees and Rates
Fundly offers a transparent pricing structure for its credit card processing services. Here is an explanation of the various types of fees associated with Fundly and a comparison of these fees with other credit card processors. We will also analyze the impact of fees on businesses and consumers.
Fundly’s Pricing Structure
Fundly combines a flat platform fee with a per-transaction fee charged by their payment partners, WePay or Stripe. The platform fee for Fundly is 4.9% per transaction. In addition, WePay charges a flat per-transaction fee of 3%, while Stripe charges a per-transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30. This means that the effective rate for using Fundly will be either 7.9% or 7.8% plus $0.30 per transaction.
International Pricing
Fundly offers specialized pricing rates for international fundraising campaigns. In the United Kingdom (UK), campaigns are subject to a rate of 2.40% plus £0.20. For campaigns based in Australia, different rates are depending on the nature of the donation. Domestic donations made to Australia-based campaigns incur a fee of 1.75% plus $0.30. However, for international contributions to these campaigns, Stripe’s standard rate of 2.90% plus $0.30 applies. The standard Stripe rate is also applicable to campaigns based in the United States and Canada. By tailoring their rates to specific regions, Fundly aims to provide fair and suitable pricing options for international fundraising endeavors.
Comparison with Other Credit Card Processors
Fundly’s per-transaction fees may appear higher compared to other payment processors and donor management systems. However, it’s important to note that Fundly does not charge any additional fees such as monthly minimum fees, PCI compliance fees, early termination fees, or long-term equipment leases. This flat percentage fee structure may be appealing to nonprofits of all sizes, despite the higher transaction fees.
Impact on Businesses and Consumers
The impact of fees on businesses and consumers depends on various factors. While Fundly’s transaction fees may be higher than those of low-cost merchant account providers, the absence of other fees can make Fundly an attractive option for organizations seeking a predictable fee structure. Businesses and nonprofits should carefully consider their specific needs and fundraising goals to determine if Fundly’s pricing model aligns with their requirements.
Fundly’s Credit Card Processing Rates
Fundly offers a straightforward credit card processing rate. The platform itself has no fees for organizers, relying on donor generosity to support its services. Stripe, Fundly’s payment partner, charges a fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction for credit card processing.
Factors Affecting Credit Card Processing Rates
The rates offered by Fundly and other credit card processors can be influenced by various factors, including the volume of transactions, average transaction size, industry type, and processing history. Businesses with higher transaction volumes or larger average transaction sizes may negotiate lower rates based on their specific needs.
Comparison with Industry Standards
When comparing Fundly’s rates with industry standards, it’s essential to consider the unique pricing structure and features offered by Fundly. While the per-transaction fees may seem higher, the absence of additional fees could potentially offset these costs for certain organizations. It’s advisable to research and compare multiple credit card processors to ensure the best fit for specific business requirements.
Evaluating Fundly’s Customer Support and Service
When it comes to customer support and service, Fundly offers several options to assist its users. These include a knowledge base, email support, phone numbers for different services, and live customer support. Users can access the knowledge base to find helpful resources and information about using Fundly. For direct assistance, they can reach out to the support team via email at [email protected] or through the customer support form available on the platform.
Fundly also provides phone numbers for specific services: (707) 929-3563 for Fundly Connect and (855) 978-6336 for Fundly Pro. This allows users to contact the appropriate department for their specific needs. The availability of live customer support ensures that users can engage with a representative in real time for immediate assistance.
Overall, Fundly appears to prioritize customer support by offering various channels for assistance, enabling users to seek help and resolve any issues they may encounter during their fundraising campaigns.
Resolving Issues with Fundly Credit Card Processing
If you encounter any complaints or disputes regarding Fundly’s credit card processing, there are steps you can take to address and resolve these issues:
Resolving Complaints or Disputes with Fundly
- Contact Fundly Support: Begin by reaching out to Fundly’s customer support team. You can do this through their provided channels, such as email or phone, to explain the nature of your complaint or dispute. Communicate the specific issue you are facing and provide any relevant details or evidence.
- Document Communication: Keep a record of all interactions with Fundly’s customer support, including dates, names of representatives you speak with, and the content of your conversations. This documentation will be useful if you need to escalate the issue further.
- Escalate the Issue: If your initial contact with customer support does not result in a satisfactory resolution, consider escalating your complaint. Request to speak with a supervisor or a higher-level representative who may have more authority to address your concerns.
- Research and Utilize External Resources: If you are unable to resolve the issue directly with Fundly, you can explore other options. Look for relevant consumer protection organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau or consumer advocacy groups, where you can file a complaint or seek guidance.
Negotiating Lower Fees and Rates with Fundly
- Understand Fundly’s Pricing Structure: Familiarize yourself with Fundly’s pricing model and fee breakdown. This knowledge will enable you to have a more informed discussion when negotiating fees and rates.
- Highlight Your Value as a Customer: If you have a strong fundraising track record or anticipate significant fundraising volume, emphasize the value you bring to Fundly as a customer. Use this as leverage to negotiate lower fees or more favorable terms.
- Request Customized Pricing: Reach out to Fundly’s sales or customer support team and inquire about the possibility of negotiating customized pricing that aligns more closely with your organization’s needs. Discuss your specific requirements and fundraising goals to explore potential options.
Alternative Credit Card Processors to Consider
While evaluating your options, you may also consider alternative credit card processors to determine which best suits your needs. Some reputable processors that you could explore include:
- Stripe: Stripe is a widely used and trusted payment processor known for its user-friendly interface, developer-friendly features, and competitive pricing.
- PayPal: PayPal offers a range of payment solutions and is recognized for its ease of use and extensive global reach. They provide different options suitable for both nonprofit organizations and businesses.
- Square: Square offers comprehensive payment processing solutions, including hardware for in-person transactions and online payment options. They are known for their transparent pricing and user-friendly tools.
Bottom Line
Fundly’s credit card processing has not been associated with any outstanding complaints or lawsuits. While their transaction fees may appear higher compared to other processors, Fundly stands out by offering a transparent fee structure with no additional monthly or annual fees. Their customer support options are available through a knowledge base, email, and phone, ensuring assistance when needed. Consider exploring alternative processors and negotiating customized pricing based on your organization’s needs.
