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Choosing the Best eCommerce Solution
If you plan to operate a successful ecommerce website, you simply must
have an ecommerce solution that enables you to accept credit cards.
Statistics repeatedly show that the ability to accept credit cards increases
sales. Once upon a time consumers were timid about placing orders online
using a credit card; however, with improvement to ecommerce solutions
including the availability of encrypted SSL (Secure Socket Layer) which
provides security for web-based transactions, the fears of having credit
card information intercepted in transit have been eliminated. An ecommerce
solution should feature a secure server which uses encryption to keep your
customers' personal information and credit card numbers safe and secure so
they don't have to be concerned about being subjected to fraud. |
There
are a few basic ecommerce solution options for accepting credit cards
online. You can open a merchant account through your bank, use an
internet-based broker, use a fulfillment house to process your orders, or
use a third party merchant account provider. Things to consider when
choosing an ecommerce solution for your merchant account are the monthly
fees, the discount rate (the percent you are charged per transaction), the
ease and speed of processing, and the method for accessing your money.
You also should consider the types of cards your ecommerce solution allows
you to accept through your merchant account. The major credit cards that you
should accept include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.
Since ecommerce enables you to sell your products or services worldwide, an
ecommerce solution that empowers you to accept credit cards internationally
and in different currencies can also be important.
Next to accepting
credit cards through your ecommerce solution, you may want to consider
offering other payment options. Some options to consider include the
acceptance of PayPal payments, debit cards, online checks, and digital cash.
Of course, for those who are still leery about ordering online, a toll free
phone number and a form for fax or mail orders should be provided as an
alternative to ordering online. At any rate, your ecommerce solution should
provide plenty of options to meet the unique needs of every customer who may
want to buy from your company and the ecommerce solution should make the
customers feel that placing an order with you is completely free from risk.
So, what is the best ecommerce solution for you? That is up to you to
decide. The features to compare before selecting an ecommerce solution
include:
1. Security
2. Cost
3. Speed of processing
4. Variety of
options for the consumer
5. Ability to access your money
When you choose an ecommerce solution compare these features. Keep in mind
that your ecommerce solution simply must give your customers a sense of security
so they will have confidence when placing an online order with your company.
Also remember that even though there are costs associated with accepting credit
cards, the increase in sales that your company experiences when adding an
ecommerce solution for accepting credit cards is well worth the expense.
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