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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Paid Connections?

Paid Connections is a pay-per-minute phone and web chat platform designed for professionals to offer services such as advice, counseling, or entertainment via phone, chat, or video sessions. Whether you’re a life coach, counselor, or advisor, Paid Connections offers scalable solutions for professionals and companies of all sizes.

How does Paid Connections work?

Professionals create custom profiles with specific pricing for their services. Clients are charged based on the time spent on calls or chats, and the platform automatically processes payments. Paid Connections offers three plans: Basic, Professional, and Unlimited, each with unique features.

What plans do you offer?

– Basic Plan: $20 setup fee, $20 monthly maintenance, and 80% payout on transactions.
– Professional Plan: $300 setup fee, $50 monthly maintenance, and advanced control panel features with an 800 number.
– Unlimited Plan: $600 setup fee, $150 monthly maintenance, with complete control over extensions, phone, and web chat setup.

Each plan comes with its own management control panel, helping you track transactions, manage call durations, and set up the appearance of your site.

Can I use my own merchant account?

Yes, you can integrate your own merchant account using providers like Payflow Pro, Stripe, or Authorize.net. If you use Paid Connections’ merchant account, the platform retains 20% of the transaction fee.

How do I get started?

To get started, choose a service plan that fits your needs and complete the setup process. Depending on the plan, setup can be quick, taking anywhere from a few minutes (for Basic) to up to three days for Unlimited accounts. You will also need a domain name and SSL certificate for custom branding.

What are the requirements for setup?

To set up your account, you’ll need:

– A credit card for payments

– An internet connection

– A web host and domain name with SSL encryption

– A merchant/business bank account for processing.

How secure is my information?

Paid Connections uses advanced encryption and secure data storage in compliance with PCI and HIPAA standards. All sensitive data, such as member and advisor information, is protected to ensure your privacy.

How long does it take to activate services?

For Basic and Professional accounts, activation is immediate once you complete your order. The Unlimited plan may take up to three weeks for full customization and setup.

Do I need to pay for software updates?

No, software updates are free and are implemented in the background, ensuring no downtime for your system.

How do I get paid?

Payments are processed automatically based on the duration of the calls or chat sessions. For Basic and Professional plans, payouts are made on the 25th of every month. Unlimited plans offer daily payouts.

How do I manage refunds?

If you’re using your own merchant account, you can issue refunds directly through your Admin Dashboard. If you’re using Paid Connections’ merchant account, refund requests are processed through the support system.

Are there transaction fees?

Yes, if you use Paid Connections’ merchant account, the platform charges a 20% fee on all transactions. There’s also a $0.10 per minute fee for all calls.


Onboarding with Your Own Merchant Account


1. What are the payment gateways supported by the platform?

We support integrations with:

  • Stripe
  • Authorize.net
  • PayPal Payflow Pro


2. How do I get my API credentials for Stripe?

To integrate Stripe with your account:

  1. Log in to your Stripe Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to the Developers section and select API Keys.
  3. Copy your Live Mode Secret Key and Live Mode Publishable Key for production use.
  4. Use Test Mode keys if you’re testing the integration.

Important: Keep your secret keys private as they grant full access to your Stripe account.

Learn more


3. How do I get my API credentials for Authorize.net?

For Authorize.net integration:

  1. Log in to the Authorize.net Merchant Interface.
  2. Navigate to Account > Settings > API Credentials & Keys.
  3. Copy your API Login ID and generate a Transaction Key.

Ensure these credentials are stored securely.

Learn more


4. How do I create API credentials for PayPal Payflow Pro?

To set up Payflow Pro credentials:

  1. Log in to your PayPal account and go to Account Settings.
  2. Under “Account and Security,” select Account access.
  3. Click Update next to “API access.”
  4. Follow the instructions to set up Payflow Pro access and create a new API user.

You’ll need the following credentials:

  • Partner
  • Vendor
  • User
  • Password

Learn more


5. How does Paid Communications handle security?

We do not store sensitive card data. All transactions are processed directly through your merchant gateway, and we store only the transaction ID for customer account recharges.


6. What should I do if I need assistance?

If you encounter issues during setup, feel free to contact your payment gateway’s support team:

Our team is also available to guide you through the process. Developer assistance is available at $50/hour if needed.

Let me know if you’d like to refine this further or add additional questions!

Can clients leave messages when I’m unavailable?

Yes, clients can leave voice messages, and they can also join a call-back queue if you’re offline. They can opt in for a scheduled call-back at a convenient time.

Can I test the system without using my credit card?

Yes, you can set the cost per minute to $0 temporarily to test the system without processing real transactions.

Can clients schedule calls in advance?

Yes, clients can book calls based on your availability, which is managed through your control panel.

 

What should I do if I encounter a busy signal?

Busy signals can occur due to network issues or phone system delays. If you experience persistent issues, contact customer service at (888) 439-8984 for technical support. Our system is monitored 24/7 to address any potential problems.

How do I troubleshoot international caller issues?

If international callers are experiencing problems, such as incorrect zip code prompts, please contact support for troubleshooting assistance.

How can I send messages to members or advisors?

Paid Connections has a built-in internal messaging system that allows you to communicate with both members and advisors easily. All conversations are stored for future reference, and you can send messages from the admin dashboard.