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Stripe Tutorials

How To Accept iDEAL Payments Through Stripe: A Guide

Online Payment Gateway

Ever since it was first used as an experimental addition in the transaction flows of small Netherlands-based businesses, iDEAL has become one of the frontrunners of European online payments.

With its simplistic system that seeks to quickly complete transactions through an authenticated bank debit, iDEAL makes online payments easy. Thanks to its user intuitive system and immediate payment confirmation, iDEAL has managed to become the most popular online payment method among the Dutch. This is evident in its 55 percent market share! 

Seen as the Dutch counterpart of other popular payment methods such as Giropay and Bancontact, it’s clear that this tool has become highly sought-after for the right reasons. 

If you’re an online seller looking to offer as many European payment options as possible, this Dutch-developed payment system is a must. Fortunately, integrating it is as easy as accepting iDEAL payments via Stripe!

A Step-By-Step Guide To Accepting Payments Through Stripe

Although it may seem quite complex, fine-tuning your website’s payment pages to accept iDEAL payments doesn’t have to be as difficult because Stripe has streamlined the process through its Sources tool.

With the help of this single integration path that seeks to create payments using any supported method, Stripe users in the United States (and Europe, as well) can quickly accept payments from Dutch customers. This tool is set to help ease up the process because a Source object can be created so that a customer is redirected to their bank’s website to make a charge request— thereby completing the payment. 

Let’s go over each crucial step that you’ll need to follow so that you can use Stripe (and the Payment Page builder tool integrated with it) to start accepting iDEAL payments: 

Step #1: Create a Source object that will start accepting payments

The first step you’ll have to take is to create a Source object on the client-side—a process that can be found in the iDEAL Bank Element Quickstart. With this step, you can help your customers streamline the payment process by selecting their bank online instead of browsing the interstitial bank selection page.

Step #2: Have your customer authorize the payment

Once you’ve set up the source object that will be responsible for accepting payments from the most popular method in the Netherlands, the next step is to have your customer authorize them.

When you create a source, its status is initially set to “pending”, meaning that it cannot be used to make a charge request. This is where your customer will have to authorize an iDEAL payment to make the source object chargeable— which can be done by linking them to the URL provided within the Source object’s “redirect[URL]” attribute. 

Step #3: Start charging the Source

After following the two steps mentioned above, you’ll notice that your assigned Source object’s status is now “chargeable” and no longer “pending”. This allows it to be used to make charge requests. To make a charge request using the allotted source, you can proceed with making a charge request by accessing the webhook handler and using the source ID as a value in the source parameter so you can complete the payment. 

Step #4: Make the confirmation that the charge has succeeded

By the time everything falls into place and the Charge in question succeeds (which will show in the form of a “charge.succeeded” webhook event, the final step that you’ll need to take is to notify your customer of the successful transaction. 

(For a more in-depth guide to integrating iDEAL payments using Payment Page’s integrated payment method, check out Stripe’s official guide here.)

Conclusion

Trying to meet the needs of consumers in the Netherlands entails giving them payment options that make completing a purchase easy. If you see Dutch customers visiting, yet to bounce and abandon their cart in the latter stages of a purchase, your payment options could very much be the reason. With the help of this guide, however, you can quickly and successfully tap into the Dutch market by accepting the country’s leading payment method through Stripe!


If you’re looking to accept iDEAL payments through Stripe with an appealing and effective form on your website, then Payment Page is for you. You can easily build a custom payment form or we can help you set it up, to help your business achieve more profit right away with our tools at your disposal. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

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eCommerce

A Guide to Setting up an Online Payment Form Using an Outsourced Solution

client screenshot

North America spends over $25 billion in check processing costs each year. Every single check a company writes costs an additional $10. Switching to electronic payments helps reduce the paper, printing, mailing, and processing costs for these checks.

Making the shift, though, is easier said than done. It can be challenging to convert in-house processing systems, and not all vendors and contractors are willing to let go of physical check payments. A happy medium would be to set up an online payment processing option.

The benefits of having an online payment form

Online payment helps you save money. Employees who process checks can work on other tasks. What’s more, outsourcing means doing away with having to update payment processing systems onsite.

Moreover, securing financial data requires stringent protocols, and it makes your financial department responsible for managing incredible amounts of risk. Outsourcing takes the worry for cyber theft off your hands and gives it to a team specializing in it.

In addition to theft, check fraud is another thing that sellers and retailers should monitor. This type of fraud can come from inside the company or from people posing as vendors. An adequately certified external team will have the resources to prevent fraud.

What options are available for my company?

Online modes of payment have evolved beyond bank transfers and credit card purchases. Here are some of the most common payment methods you can access online in 2020.

Via debit and credit cards

This method is the most basic way you can accept payments through the internet. You should choose between enabling a dedicated merchant account or using an intermediary holding account, and these have different business processes and funding times. 

A dedicated merchant account is like an internet-based account expressly for receiving payments for your online offerings. Meanwhile, an intermediary account acts as a clearinghouse for cash, mainly from transactions involving foreign currency.

Electronic checks through ACH Processing

You could also include payments through electronic checks, which are direct debits of bank accounts. With ACH or automated clearing house processing, the customer inputs their information on an online check interface. After this, the software processes the payment and sends it through the ACH network for clearing.

Payments through mobile apps

If you have a combination of physical and online stores, you can set up a mobile app system that allows you to receive payments by dipping a chip card, swiping a credit card, or keying in a number. Paying through mobile apps is convenient for many people, since they do not need to bother with physical notes, coins, and sometimes even cards.

Through online payment gateways

If you have an e-commerce store, adding a hosted payment page allows customers to pay directly on your website. You can even have returning browsers create accounts. It lets them save their delivery and payment information and speed through billing and ordering.

With online payment forms, you can offer various methods like credit, debit, or e-check. This method also integrates well with your social media marketing strategy, since you can link your page through email newsletters or social posts.

Using click-to-pay invoicing and recurring billing

Email invoicing allows people to pay bills without leaving their inbox. Instead of asking them to open your app or visit your website, you can send the invoice to your customers through e-mail and give them a receipt right after completing the transaction.

You can pair this with recurring billing, a popular way for customers to settle monthly dues for subscriptions. This is convenient for both the customer and the vendor; they do not forget to pay their bill, and you get your payments on time.

Conclusion

More and more payment options for your business are coming out online. While you should offer more than one payment method, you should not provide all of the options discussed. Study your core audience and learn what they use in their everyday life. Responding with two or three tailored solutions is better than offering five ill-fitting ones.

With Payment Page, you can customize your payment solutions for your audience. Our WordPress plugin allows you to integrate a Stripe checkout or other payment gateways into your website. Join us today or contact us for more information!

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Stripe Tutorials

ACH Payments: How to Have This Payment Processing

Payment Online

If you’ve made an electronic payment through Venmo, PayPal, or directly through your bank account, you’ve likely participated in ACH payments as a consumer. However, not every eCommerce manager will have a strong grasp of its intricacies. If you’re thinking about accepting ACH deposits as a small business owner, understanding how it functions as an alternative to cash, credit cards, debit cards, and checks will determine whether or not you should stake your claim in this rising network. 

What is an ACH Payment?

An Automated Clearing House is a U.S. financial network that facilitates automatic transfers between banks. The network is regulated by the federal government and the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA). 

ACH payments function in the form of:

  • Individuals making electronic deposits to other individuals via online banking, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle
  • Individuals paying service providers (cable, electric, gas, etc) online
  • Direct payroll deposits
  • Fund transfers between bank accounts
  • Direct tax refund deposits
  • Business transfer funds

The 2 Types of ACH Transactions

The two main types of ACH transactions differ based on the directionality of the processing. These encompass: 

  • Direct ACH deposits, in which deposit transactions made by consumers, businesses, or other entities are made directly to other bank accounts—whether their own or between individuals. 
  • Direct ACH payments, in which individuals, businesses, or other entities pull money from these accounts. This method is commonly used for recurring payments. 

How ACH Payments Work

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how ACH payment processing occurs. 

  1. Originators, such as individuals, banks, or businesses, initiate an ACH transaction through a payment form that is differentiated as a direct payment or deposit. 
  2. The originating bank or payment processor, known as an Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI) submits the entry. 
  3. The ODFI sends entry batches to an ACH operator according to a predetermined schedule.
  4. The operator sorts through batches of entries to determine whether they are deposits or payments.
  5. The operator then transmits these entries to their respective Receiving Depository Financial Institutions (RDFI).
  6. If the transaction involves pulling funds, the receiving bank ensures that there is a sufficient amount of funds in the ODFI. 
  7. The RDFI will then debit or credit the receiver’s account depending on whether the transaction is a deposit or payment. 

How Safe are ACH Transactions?

For an ACH payment to be transmitted, it will require the exchange of sensitive bank information such as routing numbers, bank account numbers, and the type of account involved. Recurring payments will require the exchange of business bank account details as well. 

However, as previously stated, this information is regulated and protected by the federal government and NACHA, under which financial institutions, businesses, credit unions, industry providers, and government agencies must abide by strict guidelines. Hence, the safest payment processors are those that comply with NACHA regulations. 

ACH Payment Processing Times

ACH transactions are usually processed in batches three times a day during business hours. If your business accepts these types of payments, it may take a few days for the funds to be delivered to your business bank account. To be eligible for same-day payment processing, you may need to fund an expedited service. 

The Pros and Cons of ACH Payments

If you’re considering an ACH payment processor for your small business, consider the following advantages and drawbacks. 

Pros

  • Lower processing fees determined as a flat rate or percentage of the transaction
  • Easy to accept from paying customers across the country
  • Transactions are automatically recorded and can be easily accessed through an online portal

Cons

  • Accepts only domestic transactions
  • Not every provider offers same-day fund processing

Conclusion

On the whole, integrating an ACH payment processor into your transaction scheme is a simple process. However, it’s important to consider whether the costs of this transaction method outweigh the benefits it guarantees to  your business . Note whether your customers are willing to provide their bank information and if  payments for your products and services are easier facilitated using cash or credit. 

If you’re accepting online payments, Payment Page caters to clients from all around the world. Create a more seamless payment process for easier purchases with a hosted payment page that is as stunning as it is functional.

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Business

Contactless Payments: How Exactly Do They Work?

Person Paying Using Mobile phone

While contactless payments have been around since as early as 2007, their ease of use and tap-feature is more important today than ever before. It first started with credit cards having a chip that works by transferring data to a terminal that has a proper reader, removing the need for a swipe or a pin-input. Nowadays, technology has evolved significantly that even digital wallets and payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay require nothing more than your phone for transactions. 

Not only is this convenient, but 2020 has found this feature especially useful to avoid unnecessary contact with items that can transmit the COVID-19 virus. Thanks to the radio frequency identification technology, or also known as RFID, these signals can be picked up from a set range for ease of use. 

Contactless Payments

As mentioned above, contactless payments work through chips that have RFID technology to transmit radio waves to a reader. If you are using a credit card, make sure it has the chip for contactless transactions, such as Visa’s payWave and other similar markings on a credit card. When utilizing mobile device-specific payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay, your phone must have what is called near-field communication (NFC) to transmit data. 

When paying for items, the POS system will usually display an option to tap your card or phone, which should be just as easy as holding it nearby the screen of the terminal. This technology is often not perfect either, meaning it can fail and require you to input your pin instead. 

How This RFID Technology Is Used

Contactless payments are usable with many devices, as it is slowly becoming a standard for all technologies. While the most common are credit cards and mobile devices; fitness trackers, watches, key fobs, and stickers are also now utilizing RFID technology. These cards are also often used to open doors and gates, as security passes, and other kinds of payment areas. 

Where Can This Be Used?

This technology is great because it is now being recognized by places all around the world. Contactless payment can be used at retail stores, restaurants, bars, cafes, and other automated services for ease of transaction. In some countries, these have even been integrated with public transportation to expedite the riding process. 

What Are The Advantages Of Using Contactless Payment Systems?

Using this system saves a significant amount of time and effort you would normally be using to punch in your pin number. Having your phone set up to be your wallet means carrying less cash and cards all the time while also saving you the trouble of fishing around your bag. 

Nowadays, COVID-19 is serious, and the fact that you can pay with your credit card or even Apple Pay and avoid touching money makes going out much safer. It is known that the virus can be spread through money due to its fabric material, so going down the route of cashless transactions using contactless payment will expedite everything. 

What Are The Risks Of Using Contactless Payment Systems?

The issue with contactless payments is that if someone else gets a hold of your card, or your wallet or phone is stolen, they can use it to make purchases without any need for a pin input. The fraud activity due to RFID technology is high, so be sure to report any missing cards as soon as possible and check your credit card statements on a regular basis. Report any suspicious and unrecognizable transactions to your bank whenever you see them. 

Conclusion

This technology has proven to be extremely effective and efficient not only for payments and transactions, but also for other aspects of business such as security and identification. Thanks to RFID technology, there have been many advancements towards the ease of business, but has also come with risks due to fraud and safety concerns. 

Creating an easier way for your business to accept payments has never been easier with Payment Page, wherein our WordPress plugin can create a hosted payment page with ease. Sign up for our services on our website to be at the forefront when we launch our products. 

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Business

How to Receive Payments for Your Online Teaching Job

Online Teacher

Being an online teacher nowadays is an exciting venture now that more homebound students are looking for virtual classes this 2020. According to Freelancers Union, the boom in online work only proves this, with almost 57 million Americans doing freelance work in 2019 alone.

So if you want to jumpstart your freelance teaching career, there are several things you have to consider, and perhaps one of the most important ones is how you get paid. If you’re confused about the new ways of transaction nowadays, don’t worry because receiving payments is now made easy and efficient with technology.

Here are some modes of payment you can choose from to help you find the most accommodating transfer for you.

Exploring Different Payment Options For Freelancers

1. Checks

The classic bank check deposit has always been the norm for many. With no additional fees, you are assured that you get the full payment you deserve. The downside, though, is that there are possible delays in its mail transfer as it arrives and clears into your bank account.

2. Electronic Transfer

If you’re in for innovative modes, you can choose to get paid via Electronic Funds Transfer or EFT. It works by directly moving your funds from bank to bank without involving apps or credit card processors. However, funds can take around two to four business days, but at least you don’t have to transfer it again to yours, just like how PayPal works. 

3. PayPal

Most commonly used by freelancers because it’s easy. Clients transfer funds to your account electronically, and once you receive them in your PayPal account, the amount instantly appears. But, transfers to your bank account may take more time, so if you’re in immediate need, you may pay additional fees. There’s also an option for a PayPal debit card if you want to spend using your PayPal balance instantly.

Sign-up is free, but you lose 2.9% of it to transaction fees based on the amount you expect to receive for PayPal payments you receive. While it seems only a fraction, if you consider PayPal for a long time with multiple transactions, the sum amount can pile up, therefore, losing significant money on fees instead of it all ending up yours in full.

4. Credit Cards

Payments via credit cards are processed through PayPal as well or any other online payment system.

Some freelancers take the extra step by getting their credit card processing equipment to receive payments. It requires wireless credit card terminals, processing software, or a merchant account. Others even get hardware that works with mobile devices to cut the need for bulky terminals at checkout counters.

The Bottom Line: Getting The Moolah Freelancers Deserve As Seamless As Possible 

It’s important to consider that most freelance teachers who use this mode of payment use apps or other service providers to get paid. Some of these options include Google Wallet, Square, or Quickbooks. Nonetheless, the list above explores some of the most reliable gateway options that offer both credibility and convenience for freelancers across the world. 

How Can We Help?

If you’re looking for more different online payment methods that you can integrate into your business, Payment Page is your best option! We aim to make it easier for you to implement, making it possible to receive global payment support in just a few clicks with our WordPress plugin that helps create a hosted payment page seamlessly. 

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eCommerce

Chargebacks: What Are They and How Can My Business Handle Them?

Online Checkout Illustration

Your business is running smoothly, sending out product after product. You finally begin reaping the benefits of years of hard work. All is well—until you receive yet another barrier to success: a chargeback. Chargebacks are one of the most detrimental occurrences to any business, and as an entrepreneur, you need to be wary about this especially in online platforms. 

When you allow chargebacks to get out of control, your business suffers huge losses not just in profit, but reputation. If you wish to operate in the most profitable way possible, you need to ensure that your chargeback history remains untarnished. 

To learn more about chargebacks and how to protect your business from their damaging effects, here is a quick guide to follow:

What are chargebacks?

Chargebacks are basically transactions that are disputed by the customers. Customers can dispute an item on their transaction reports or credit cards. When an item is successfully disputed, the seller can reverse the transaction and return the customer’s money.

Chargebacks are designed to protect customers from fraudulent transactions, but chargebacks can also be subject to abuse. Some customers relentlessly make use of chargebacks and cause losses to the company, which can especially hurt small businesses. Other times, clerical errors can also lead to chargebacks. These errors may seem inevitable, but there are ways for businesses to reduce the likelihood of having to deal with chargebacks.

How can I protect my business from chargebacks?

Given the detrimental costs associated with chargebacks, you need to ensure that your business remains protected from untoward chargebacks. Here’s what you can do:

1 – Ensure that your customer service remains topnotch

Your customers serve as your business’s source of life, so ensuring that they are satisfied with every aspect of your business is paramount to your survival. That said, ensure that they always have access to quality customer service. This includes making sure that return policies are clear during the transaction. Bear in mind that customers raising disputes are likely looking for solutions—most are prompted to initiate chargebacks due to unsatisfactory services. 

2 – Enlist the help of an Address Verification Service (AVS)

Address Verification Services (AVS) can work to reduce fraudulent transactions. An AVS can identify suspicious transactions by checking for discrepancies in a customer’s name and address used in the transaction. It compares the customer’s details with the given data at the credit card company. 

Should the AVS detect any discrepancy, it could be a sign for you to proceed with caution and ask for further information, or perhaps decline the transaction. If the information matches, however, it is likely that the transaction is valid. 

3 – Always ask for CVV/CVC codes

Chargebacks are heavily shrouded in fraud, so to ensure that your business does not fall victim to such practices, require your customers to input CVV/CVC codes. These pertain to the 3 digital security codes on the backside of credit cards, which is particularly important for online shopping. By doing so, you ensure that the person using the card is indeed the owner, and not someone who has stolen the account number. 

Keeping Your Business Secure

There’s no other way to place it—chargebacks can lead to major losses. If you own a relatively young business, this could lead to dire consequences, especially if you get caught in the chaos of fraudulent sellers. That said, you need to ensure that you protect not only revenue but your reputation. Make sure to keep this guide in mind when dealing with customers and remember that chargebacks are much better off prevented. 

If you wish to build a payment system that delivers and protects, Payment Page is the place to go. We offer you a WordPress plugin that creates a hosted payment page, integrated heavily with the ever-reliable Stripe. Build and protect your business by offering better payment options—reach out today. 

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Business

3 Tools Your Business Needs to Prevent Fraud

Credit Card Security

Credit cards are becoming the option of choice for most shoppers online due to their ease of use and accessibility. Hosted payment forms should include credit card sale options to increase the number of people who buy from their sites. 

While this option is becoming increasingly popular, credit card sales are still quite risky for both sellers and buyers. Fraud and phishing schemes are still at large online, which makes putting information online dangerous at times.

Fortunately, the internet wouldn’t be what it is if the good people out there didn’t come up with solutions to deter the actions of the bad ones. There are three amazing tools that can be used for almost all credit card sale processors available for any business to use. 

If your business is new to sales via credit cards, take these into account with your payment page builder for safer transacting:

Card Verification Value (CVV)

The CVV code is normally a three or four-digit code printed at the back of a credit card. This is an extra piece of information that can prevent fraud, as even if a picture of the front of your card is taken, it will likely need the CVV to complete a purchase. This number proves that the customer indeed has a physical credit card when making their purchase. Unauthorized users of a card will likely only have the card number, which means that including the CVV option will deter a lot of fraudulent purchases. 

This basic layer of defense is a must for all online sales, as it is ensured that the buyer has the physical card and is not using stolen card numbers. A CVV number cannot be stored by businesses, which is why it makes for the best first line of defense. 

Address Verification Service (AVS)

AVS is another common anti-fraud system that must be used by online businesses. Almost all credit cards support this and can assist in spotting fraudulent activities. 

This service compares the accuracy of the address provided with the one on file with the credit card company. A letter code indicates the information to see if it matches, doesn’t match, or partially matches. The list of letter AVS codes in full can be found here.

Utilizing AVS appropriately may even give your business lower processing costs and can help if you receive a chargeback. Businesses using this have been found to be better protected than those who didn’t use the service. Additionally, fees for this service generally range from just one cent to ten cents—but the value ultimately depends on the processor chosen. 

3D Secure

3D Secure is a fraud prevention tool that works through three parties as part and parcel of the authentication process. This is somewhat like an extra layer of defense against someone who has unauthorized access to a credit card with the card number and the CVV. 

It works by sending a verification code to the card owner when a purchase is about to be made. It is likely that only the cardholder has access to this code—which means a better and more secure transaction for your consumers! This way, even if someone with a stolen card tries to make a purchase, a code will be asked to be input to ensure that the purchase being made is truly by the card owner. 

Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode are carriers of this feature and ensure that purchases made online are safer. A plugin by a provider can be provided to add this additional safety feature with your payment page.

Conclusion

Having added lines of defense when creating a payment page is important to remove the risks of fraud. Fraudulent actions and purchases can be potentially damaging to both the seller and the buyers, which is why investing in proper plugins and protective services can go a long way. 

Payment Page aims to assist international businesses of any scale craft simple and highly customizable payment pages that support credit cards and other forms of transactions. If you want a better way to run online payment pages, sign up for our services to be notified when we launch!

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Business

Why Multi-Currency Support Is Crucial for Businesses

Various Currency Symbols

As more and more people shift to online shopping, businesses strive to keep up with the demand and satisfy the market. Customers today are not confined to stores in their location; you can quickly develop a customer base and a following for your brand in another country. That is if your website has the right structures in place.

Customers are more likely to use credit cards in their transactions online, and they will be more eager to complete a sale if a website supports their preferred payment method, currency, and language. It is why you must have an e-commerce solution that offers multi-currency support.

The value of multi-currency support

Having multi-currency support enables you to provide payment options that your shoppers use locally. Customers in other nations usually have to pay in U.S. Dollars or Euros, which could deter them if they do not normally transact with these currencies.

Some payment solutions offer shoppers the ability to pay in Australian or Canadian Dollars, Swiss Francs, Danish Krone, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, and many others, on top of USD and Euros. Providing this to your customers also gives you additional benefits.

1. Supporting multiple currencies fosters customer loyalty

When you use multi-currency support, you help customers avoid the extra fees they incur from currency conversion. When they see these additional charges, it might cause them to issue a chargeback or request a refund. Transparent pricing will help you get repeat sales, and eliminating additional charges will make your products an attractive option.

Being consistent in your pricing will help you win the trust of your customers. A rounded number is more convincing; if your customers see 25.00 USD instead of 24.79, they are more likely to complete the sale.

2. Multi-currency support is convenient for both parties

Besides giving customers the ability to pay in various currencies, you also provide them with various payment methods. In countries like China, where WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most widely-used payment channels, this is invaluable. 

Multi-currency pricing is also convenient for the retailer. You won’t have to worry about complicating your store; a payment page builder lets you do this through a simple, intuitive interface.

3. Multi-currency solutions ensure purchase completion

Shopping cart abandonment goes hand-in-hand with customer retention. A multi-currency platform minimizes chargeback rates and refunds since they display and charge the same prices. Furthermore, customers will appreciate the effort you’re taking to show figures in their local currency.

You can also calculate currency exchange rates and account for market fluctuations by adding a buffer percentage for cross-sells. Doing this allows you to control sales in other countries and lets you secure your profit margin. It can also help you compute for discounts.

Conclusion

Your e-commerce platform will benefit from having a multi-currency display. However, you should vet your e-commerce partner properly. They should be able to support your business when it opens its doors to the international market and understand that companies have different requirements, which are informed by their target market and its location.


Make it easier for customers to transact with your business; use our WordPress plugin to create a hosted payment page. Customize your payment gateway and enable flexible, global payments on your website. Get in touch with us today to learn more!

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eCommerce

4 Common Online Checkout Blunders and How to Avoid Them

Payment Online

With the majority of business now being conducted online, it is important for every business to have an online presence. While this does make things more convenient for the average consumer, this makes things far more competitive for businesses of all sizes, in all industries. 

For a business to have that competitive advantage online, it must achieve quite a few things. It must have a robust and recognizable brand, it must have good social media practices, and its website must provide a good experience for the user. In this article, we are going to talk about the user experience. In particular, we will go over how your payment process can affect it. 

To that end, here are 4 common mistakes online businesses make when designing their payment process, and the ways to fix them:

1. No mobile checkout

Gone are the days when most users were on laptops. Nearly 60% of internet users in the modern age use their smartphones to make online purchases. That means your mobile interface is more of a priority than ever, including your payment process or stripe checkout process. 

One of the easiest ways to fix this is through the use of a hosted payment page. It is also important to test your website on a mobile device to see how well it looks and how easily it is navigated on a smaller screen. 

2. No guest checkout

Not everyone who goes to your website wants to make an account. Some enjoy guest checkout because the process of filling out a form might take too long, and others might have security concerns. Whatever the reasoning might be, not allowing guest checkout might just turn them off from a purchase entirely. While having that important user data is important, it is still more important to prioritise profit. 

This is relatively easy to fix, as it involves incorporating a checkbox that allows users to skip your user data form. A hosted payment form is also a perfect thing to add. 

3. Too many clicks

Your website must take the fewest clicks possible from your landing page to your stripe checkout. This is the reason why Amazon has a 1-click checkout option, and why so many e-commerce websites have a “Buy Now!” button next to their “Add to cart.” The faster your users and customers can pay and get their order confirmed, the more likely you are to successfully sell them things. 

4. Surprise costs

One of the major reasons for abandoned carts on e-commerce websites is surprise costs. If your shipping and handling costs appear at the end of the payment process, it might prove dangerous for your e-commerce website. Any surprise costs might scare off potential customers, so it is important to give them an idea of the cost of their shipping and handling as they continue to shop.

Another good solution is to offer promotions of free shipping and handling once a certain purchase total has been achieved. 

Final thoughts

The user experience is one of the most important considerations in the design of a website. Your payment process is no exception to this. Even with all the information a customer has to provide, it must be as convenient as possible for them to make a purchase. This can improve your bottom line and elevate your profits. 

If you’re looking for a hosted payment page service, send us at Payment Page a message. We have the skills to make this easier for both you and your customers. 

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eCommerce

How Has COVID-19 Affected the Online Payment Industry?

Shopping on an Ecommerce Site

While the payment industry has experienced rapid positive changes over the years, the pandemic has made it necessary to adapt even faster. From the changes in consumer shopping habits and the drop in international trade, the payment industry faces many implications. One of the most obvious ways the coronavirus has impacted the payment industry is the increased demand for digital payment methods that the payment industry has to facilitate.

There are many other developments the payment industry has undergone as a result of the pandemic. Here are a few examples:

1. Consumer buying and paying habits have changed

There is an obvious in a consumer’s buying habit, from reducing in-store purchases to the increased need for sanitation products. Nevertheless, the most significant change here is the fact that the majority of all customers are opting to shop online. This also constitutes the fact that the method by which people pay has also changed.

No longer are people using cash to pay for their groceries, clothing, and other necessities. Even those going to stores in-person are opting for simpler and safer solutions, such as contactless payments using debit or credit cards and mobile wallet payments. This has caused many merchants who have not employed a contactless payment option to suffer greatly.

As a result, the need for POS (point of sale) systems like terminals has increased to facilitate this “new” way to pay. For the payment industry, this translates to an increased need for their services, allowing them to do great business despite the pandemic.

2. E-commerce has never been so popular

For many small and large businesses around the globe, in-store sales have been declining rapidly. The only way for many of these to survive is to provide their products and services through online means. Essentially, the movement to e-commerce has become a must if a business wants to continue operating.

The establishments that have already set up online payment solutions have reaped the benefits. With quick and easy online payment solutions implemented, customers can quickly pay for the things they need without handling physical money.

For those that have yet to implement online payment methods, the need for payment services providers has increased phenomenally. Besides the usual online payment solutions, additional services like financing options have allowed the payment industry to press on.

Put simply, with e-commerce gaining in popularity in the face of the pandemic, online payment solutions have been sought after by many. With their checkout processes facilitated by service providers, not only do they reduce the burden of handling payment, but they continue to keep their business alive through digital means.

Conclusion

As one can see, the pandemic has driven many businesses to go digital, whether in the form of contactless payment or offering an online store. Whether it is recurring payments, reduced fees, or contactless payment, all of these are new payment methods that many conventional businesses may have to implement. In effect, the payment industry has and still is facing rapid changes due to the coronavirus. The need for new payment methods has driven them to provide better software and other POS solutions to facilitate the changes, benefiting both the solution user and the solution provider.

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Payment Page, an innovative WordPress payment plugin, helps you create a customizable payment form in less than 60 seconds.

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