High-Risk E-commerce Payment Integration

Job Description:
We operate a US LLC that runs an e-commerce site selling research peptides (for research use only / RUO — not for human consumption). We need to accept payments from customers in Colombia, specifically Nequi (and ideally PSE, cards, and other common local methods), while receiving the settled funds in USD to our US bank account.
Important context:
dLocal already denied our application. We understand this product category is considered high-risk by many processors due to regulatory status in both the US and Colombia. We need someone who has real experience navigating underwriting for restricted or high-risk categories (peptides, research chemicals, supplements, etc.) and can propose realistic paths forward.
What we need done:
• Research and recommend viable processors or strategies that support Nequi (and other Colombian local methods) with settlement to a US bank in USD. This may include cross-border PSPs (e.g., EBANX, Kushki, Nuvei, TransFi, or others) or a local Colombian entity + gateway approach (Wompi, ePayco, Bold, etc.) followed by international transfer.
• Help prepare and submit merchant account applications with the strongest possible underwriting package for our product category.
• Handle technical integration into our existing e-commerce site (please confirm platform compatibility — currently open to Shopify, WooCommerce, or custom).
• Set up testing, webhooks/order status updates, and go-live support.
• Provide clear documentation on fees, FX spreads, settlement timelines, chargeback handling, and any compliance requirements.
• Advise on realistic approval odds, timeline, and backup options if primary paths are declined.
Ideal freelancer has:
• Proven experience integrating Nequi and/or PSE for merchants outside Colombia.
• Track record working with high-risk or restricted product categories (peptides, research chemicals, nutraceuticals, etc.).
• Familiarity with both local Colombian gateways and cross-border payment providers that settle to the US.
• Ability to communicate clearly about underwriting realities, costs, and risks (no guarantees, but practical guidance).
• Experience with Shopify, WooCommerce, or custom API integrations.
Please include in your proposal:
• Relevant examples of Nequi/Colombian payment integrations you’ve completed (especially for international or high-risk merchants).
• Your recommended approach(es) given that dLocal has already denied us.
• Estimated timeline and high-level cost structure.
• Any questions you have about our platform, product labeling, or current setup.
We are looking for a practical, experienced partner who understands the constraints of this category and can help us get Colombian customers paying with Nequi while funds land in the US. Strong proposals that show real prior work in this space will be prioritized.
Budget / Timeline: Open — please propose based on scope.