Receive occassional credit card payments

[johnG]

We used to have a merchant account but find that most people pay us by direct debit, so we no longer have the merchant account.

Occassionally people insist on paying by card, especially overseas clients. I just need to know if there's a way to process these ad hoc credit card payments.

It seems crazy to set up another merchant account with a minimum monthly cost of about $80 when most of the time it's not used.

What would be the alternatives?

many thanks
JohnG

[Misty]

you should be about to get one of those new manual merchant accounts. you will have to pay for it but i don't think you can process charges on credit cards without a proper merchant account, but i am not 100% sure on that.
Trudy

[nightrider]

Hi JohnG,

Misty is correct. In order to process credit cards you will need a merchant account with a bank (in Australia).

If it is only an occasional need you could consider Pay Pal or other similar services where your customers is, essentially, paying them not you.

Funds are remitted to you at a later time. Generally these 'all in one' services (gateway plus merchant account services) are more expensive and they are all controlling but there is little doubt they are a popular alternative for reasons not unlike what you have described.

For those who are unable to obtain a merchant account from a bank for whatever reason, Pay Pal is a great choice.

Good luck

[eway]

JohnG I hear what you are saying but...

The other thing to consider that is how taking payments online can be a way to grow your business. We have seen many businesses boom over the last 10 years, and a key factor is the automation of their online payments.

Make it easier for your customers to pay can only be a good thing!

On average our merchants saw an increase in revenue of 74% over two years since going online. Your business could see this increase too by automating your online payments with eWAY. Please see..
http://www.eway.com.au/Business/Getting ... rowth.aspx?

Here you find some case studies on business taking payments..
http://www.eway.com.au/About/SuccessSto ... e-Studies/

This link provides feedback on what customers think of the eWAY service...
http://www.eway.com.au/About/SuccessSto ... nials.aspx

Any questions, let us know or call on our toll free number 1800 10 65 65 or visit www.eway.com.au