Requirements for Processing Credit Cards on Small Business Web Sites

Melanie James — Thu, 21 May 2009 23:48:47 +0000

A business that accepts credit card payments online definitely has the edge over its competitors. As more and more consumers today prefer to shop from the internet, you just can’t afford not to have an online order option and online payment system on your website. Yes, even if it’s just a small business, having a credit card payment system will make a big difference in your marketing performance.

The first step you need to do is apply for a merchant account. You can contact your bank and apply for a merchant account so you can get started with your e-commerce site.

But what does it take to be able to accept online credit card payments? And what are the requirements needed in a credit card processing system?

Preparing Your Website

Secured Web Site. The primary factor you need to ensure is the security of your customers. See to it that your website is encrypted with at least 128-but SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate.
PGP Encryption. PGP encryption is used for protecting e-mails from getting hacked. If a customer chooses to place his order via e-mail, a PGP encryption will ensure that the contents of the e-mail will have some protection.

Firewall. Since you will be handling credit card details and personal information from your customers, it is crucial to do all the necessary steps to protect their privacy. Another way to do so is to set-up a firewall on your website.

Shopping Cart The right shopping cart application. Find a shopping cart that is not only safe and secured but one that is dependable.

There are several e-commerce software providers in the market so you’ll want to take your time in researching and looking for the best one. Make sure that it is able to accept different payment gateways.

Remember that you prospective customers will not be using only one type of credit card. A shopping cart application that accepts Visa and MasterCard is great but if you can find one that accepts a wider range of gateways, then the better it is.

Also, you’ll want to get a shopping cart that is easy to use and efficient. Test if your shopping cart really lives up to its promises. Usually, a customer who intends to buy can lose interest if he can’t figure out how to use your shopping cart. Find a shopping cart provider that will give you a 24/7 customer support in case you need assistance.

Privacy Protection Statement. Assure your online customers that their privacy is respected and duly protected. A Privacy Protect statement should be posted on your website. More importantly, stay true to your promises. Don’t sell the information you collect from your customers to marketing companies or brokers.

Register with legal organizations. Being registered with trusted organizations in the business industry like the Better Business Bureau will give your business more credibility. Posting official logos from prominent organizations will give your customers more confidence in buying from your website.

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About the Author:

Melanie James has spent the last 14 years working with businesses to implement quick, effective and inexpensive changes to their businesses to increase productivity and their bottom line.

Accepting Credit Cards Online – the Possible Options

Melanie James — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:38:23 +0000

If you have started to introduce your business in the internet, then it’s about time your business should accept credit cards online. If you’re having second thoughts about accepting credit cards from your customers, you should be happy to know that it’s not really that complicated.

In fact, once you’ve accepted credit card payments, you may be surprised to find that this new system payment actually works to your advantage.

Why Accept Online Payments?

Accepting credit cards online is a great opportunity to widen out your market.

People who cannot go out of their way to visit your establishment, but would like to buy your products or avail your services can conveniently do so through the internet.

Since, more and more people today prefer to make their purchases online, think about the earning potential your business will enjoy simply by accepting credit card payments.

Third Party Provider

In order to be able to accept credit card payments, a business must first establish itself as a legitimate merchant. This will allow a business to be accepted as a partner with one of the business merchant services. A business merchant service is a company that processes credit card payment or credit card transactions of your business.

One of your options for a merchant credit service is a third party provider. A third party provider handles all your credit card transactions which mean all information regarding all credit card payments to your business are managed on your behalf. With this kind of arrangement it is very important to ensure that the third party provider you do business with is reputable and legitimate.

Internet Merchant Account

Another option is by applying for an Internet merchant account. This way, you will be handling your own account and process all credit card payments you receive through the internet.

For most business owners, this is the option they prefer because they do not have to entrust their finances with a separate company. Also, many businesses find that an Internet merchant account is one of the cheapest options they can avail.

What About Security?

If you already have set up your own Internet merchant account, then you’re ready to accept credit card payments. However, make sure that your customers can do their online transactions safely.

A website that uses SSL or Secure Socket Layers is the best way to ensure that all information that is entered by your customers will not be hacked or stolen. A secured website has a padlock icon which your customers can find at the bottom right corner of their browsers.

Providing security to your customers is very important when it comes to accepting credit cards online. Customers will not be taking any chances in purchasing from you or doing business with you if they are not one hundred percent sure that their credit card information is safe with you.

If you’re aiming for an increase in your sales and your customer base, then accepting credits is indeed the right move for your business. As long as you do all the necessary steps to ensure that all credit card processing will be done securely, you should be seeing the positive results instantly.