Requirements For Processing Credit Cards On Small Business Web Sites

Accepting credit card payments from the internet is surely a great advantage for any seller. Today, the number of consumers who shop online continue to increase. In response to this trend, more small business owners introduce their products and services on the internet to reach out to a wider market.

If you have a shop or a home business, setting up an online shop is the best way to expand your market. How do you this? First, you must apply for a merchant account. You can turn to banks or merchant account providers for help in getting started with an online shop. In this article, let's discuss the basic requirements for processing credit card payments:

Preparing Your Website

Secured Web Site. If you're going to put up a business website, you need to make sure that you're using a secured server with at least 128-but SSL (Secure Socket Layer) data encryption. This encryption will prevent hackers and ID thieves from reading the actual credit card numbers on your website.

PGP Encryption. PGP encryption is also important to prevent hackers and ID thieves from invading your e-mails account. Customers who send in orders via e-mail need to make sure that their personal details are hidden and protected from hackers.

Firewall. You need to install a reliable firewall system in your computer to secure the files in your system. Malicious programs and spyware can be screened and prevented from invading your system.

Shopping Cart - The right shopping cart application. Before accepting credit card payments online, you need to find a reliable shopping cart. Take note that not all online shopping cart providers offer a safe and secured system. Do extensive research before signing up with a shopping cart provider.

Aside from the security of the shopping cart, choose one that offers versatility and ease of use. See to it that you'll be able to accept not just one, but various payment gateways. Customers often use different credit card issuers so you want to be able to cater to all kinds of gateways. Although Visa and Mastercard are two most popular gateways used by credit card holders, it would be an advantage if you can find a shopping cart that accepts a wider range of gateways.

Run an actual test before making a choice. Make sure that the shopping cart is user friendly as customers will often lose interest if he/she can't figure out how the shopping cart works. GO for a company that offers reliable customer support 24/7.

Privacy Protection Statement. Give your customers the assurance that their personal details won't be abused or sold to list brokers. A Privacy Protect statement should be posted where customers can easily see it. Of course, stay true to your promises. Don't sell the information you collect from your customers to marketing companies or brokers to make extra money.

Register with legal organizations. Register your business with trusted organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. Such memberships and accreditation will give your company more credibility especially if you are a new business online.


Copyright (c) 2009 Melanie James