When it comes to e-commerce, expanding into the U.S. isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.
If an international company wants to sell in the U.S., there are legal and tax requirements that require careful navigation and substantial investment.
So, if an international ecommerce merchant isn’t certain they're ready for full-scale expansion, they turn to merchant services companies to set up US sales on a trial basis.
These merchant services companies pair them with two necessary things:
✔ Advertising partners to drive sales
✔ Payment processors to handle transactions
Payment processing is where you come in.
Earnwell provides merchant services with a consistent flow of EBOs (entrepreneurial business owners) who will take on this managed contractor role, allowing businesses to test the market legally before making a long-term commitment.
Since this is an ongoing need for the limited trial duration, Earnwell’s Referral Program offers EBOs an additional earnings option through our uncapped referral bonus program.
Not only do you make your paycheck of $1,000 a month from your merchant services partner, you can also earn $1,000 per successful referral you bring in–upcapped.
Earnwell takes security seriously, and makes sure EBOs are fully qualified to manage their own compliant business structures, and that they meet the necessary requirements to operate legally and securely.
Earnwell’s process is built for stability, transparency, and compliance—but maintaining that standard starts with our entrepreneurial business owners (EBOs).
This means we make sure you meet the same criteria set by US merchant banks, state regulations, and merchant services providers as we assist you in the process of becoming an EBO.
Earnwell takes individuals interested in becoming entrepreneurial business owners and prepares them to step into a structured, compliant role supporting global e-commerce transactions. Once moving on to their merchant services partner, they become managed contractors, providing essential payment processing support while maintaining the flexibility of independent work—all within a system designed for stability, security, and long-term success.
Earnwell ensures that every EBO we connect with merchant services providers is fully vetted, qualified, and compliant with industry regulations.
Earnwell ensures every EBO is set up for success by guiding them through the full business formation process. This includes establishing an LLC, securing an EIN, setting up a business bank account, and ensuring all compliance requirements are met before connecting with merchant services.
Once an EBO has completed business formation, they are introduced to a merchant services provider to begin processing transactions.
Their application is submitted for underwriting, ensuring compliance and security before activation.
Upon approval, the EBO is connected with an advertising partner and e-commerce merchant, allowing them to facilitate secure payments and begin operations.
To ensure compliance, security, and approval for payment processing, Earnwell collects and submits required documents on behalf of EBOs. These are industry-standard requirements set by banks, state regulators, and merchant service providers. By handling this upfront, Earnwell makes the approval process easier and more efficient for both EBOs and their merchant partners.
Each document we request is standard for setting up a compliant business structure—nothing more, nothing less. If you were to create an LLC and apply for payment processing independently, you’d be required to submit the same information. Earnwell simply facilitates the process to ensure everything is structured correctly from the start.
You do—100%. You have full control, rights, and ownership over your LLC. However, when you’re referred to a merchant partner, your role transitions.
By signing a contract with your merchant services partner, you operate as a managed contractor under their merchant services agreement while maintaining ownership of your business.
This contract covers:
1. The merchant services provider, who represents the international e-commerce business.
2. How payments are processed from the products sold through the assigned advertising partner.
That’s entirely up to you! You now have experience in payment processing and e-commerce infrastructure, which opens doors to new business opportunities.
You can:
• Continue operating in the payment processing space
• Pivot your LLC into a new business venture
• Dissolve your LLC if you no longer need it
Have you ever seen trending products on TikTok? It’s likely one of those! Earnwell sets up businesses for moderate-volume commerce, with products that typically cost under $100.
You and your merchant partner will discuss specifics, but popular categories include:
• Kitchen gadgets
• Fitness gear & equipment
• CBD gummies & wellness products
No, you are not taxed on the total revenue flowing through your LLC. As a managed contractor, you are only responsible for paying taxes on what you personally receive as earnings.
Your merchant partner (not Earnwell) pays you directly, and you will receive a K1 or similar tax form for reporting your income. This is different from traditional LLC profit distributions, as your role is structured as an independent contractor under the merchant services agreement.
A U.S.-based accounting firm works with your merchant services provider to handle fund distribution and maintain regulatory compliance.
Extensive security measures are in place to ensure:
• Transactions remain compliant with tax nexus laws
• Financial transparency to prevent unauthorized activity
This is why monthly financial statements (with account numbers redacted) are required—they help ensure compliance and prevent issues like “skimming.”
Every business is required to maintain a reserve fund for this exact reason. This financial safeguard is in place to protect all parties involved—including EBOs like you. If a business cancels, the reserve ensures you are still paid according to the agreed terms.
International businesses use this phase to test market demand before committing to a full-scale U.S. expansion.
The trial allows them to:
• Gauge product viability in the U.S. market
• Navigate tax and compliance thresholds
• Assess operational costs before scaling up
One of the biggest factors is U.S. tax laws—once a business meets certain revenue thresholds, they may be required to:
• Register as a U.S. business entity
• File and pay U.S. taxes on their earnings
By running a structured trial first, businesses can determine if and when they need to take those next steps. This approach ensures they don’t overcommit too early, making it a sustainable, ongoing opportunity for EBOs.
Merchant partners require a minimum of 5 months, but the average duration is 9-12 months. This gives businesses enough time to collect data, adjust strategies, and determine their next move.
Earnwell does not manage merchant partner availability. If you wish to continue beyond the initial trial, you’ll need to discuss options directly with your merchant partner once your program is approaching its wind-down period.
Yes! In addition to earning as an EBO, you can increase your earnings through Earnwell’s referral network. By referring new entrepreneurial business owners, you can generate ongoing, passive income while helping others access the same opportunity.
Your network can be your greatest asset. With Earnwell’s referral program, you can earn additional income just by introducing new entrepreneurial business owners (EBOs) to the opportunity.
How It Works:
1. interested in becoming an EBO.
3. The more referrals you bring in, the more you earn—with no cap on potential earnings.
Earnwell’s referral program allows you to build passive income while helping others access the same opportunity that worked for you.
Know someone looking for a flexible way to generate income? Send them our way and start earning!