Paying online can be frustrating especially when you've already spent so much time looking for the perfect gift or the cheapest gadget only to realize in the end that the website you're getting it from doesn't have the payment method that is most convenient for you. There is enough competition online so that if you don't offer enough payment methods, your customer will turn to the next retail site that offers a convenient way to pay. If a customer has established interest in your product and is willing to pay for it, you should be able to provide them a convenient way to pay.
The usual payment methods preferred online are credit cards and debit cards. To be able to handle these transactions, you need to open a merchant account through your bank or get the services of another company who can handle your payments. If you choose the latter then you will be paying that company a percentage from every online transaction. But whatever you choose, not having these payment methods can cost you sales.
Other online payment methods include checks, money orders and even e-check payments that are debited directly from the customer's bank account. Should you decide to allow check and money order payments, always remember to confirm if the payment has been cleared before sending out the product to the customer. Adding this in the terms and conditions is highly advisable.
It is necessary to pull all your resources in creating a website that is safe enough for customers to make online transactions. Once this has been established, it's important to let your customers know about it so that they feel safe enough to make purchases on your site. Should you decide on a third party to help you with your online transactions, do take the time to do a background check on the company and make sure they have a secure technology. After all cybercrimes that involve money happens a lot nowadays so it's best to invest on making your website safe,
There are some customers who don't feel safe enough to divulge credit card information and other such information online. For customer like these, give them options to make payments aside from using their credit cards. You can have them call you and order, fax a form or mail their request to order. Try to anticipate what the customer needs and give them solutions that will help them because by doing this you're keeping them loyal.
Payment methods are just part of what you should be considering because on the one hand there are also international customers to think about. Remember that not everyone decides to cater to international customers but it's important to have this information posted clearly on your website so that no one overseas wastes their time choosing what to buy.
Another factor to think about is shipping and shipping methods. Aside from this, will you consider shipping overseas? Will you be shipping through PO Box? These are just some of the things to consider if you want people to buy from your site. Either way, remember to always have your payment and shipping terms posted clearly in your website and provide your customers only safe shipping methods.
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