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Accepting Online Payments eCommerce WordPress

All you need to know about WordPress Payments

In a world of e-commerce, content creators need a way to monetize their time and efforts. One of the best ways to do this is through WordPress Payments. These online transactions are relatively new, and a lot of information gets confusing when you look into them. WordPress Payments is an alternative payment gateway for operating an e-commerce store.

The Plug-in Basics

WordPress is famous for its CMS (Content Management System) and platform. It is used by thousands of websites that range from personal and individual platforms to large corporate websites. WordPress has robust features that allow it to function as a full-featured website design tool while providing a platform for users to create blog posts, forums, pages, and more. It is also highly customizable, meaning users can tweak or modify anything from how the site looks to how it works.

Choosing a good payment gateway

Different payment gateways have different pros and cons. Some are free but won’t be as secure as others. Others are cheap but not very reputable. Some are free while providing excellent service, malware, and spam protection. Others require you to pay a monthly fee, but their support is excellent.

PayPal

PayPal is one of the most famous payment gateways. It has many benefits for its users, such as being free to set up an account. It also offers outstanding security and protection against all kinds of online scams.

Bitcoins

Bitcoin has become very popular recently due to anonymity, speed, and just how quick and easy it is to use. Bitcoins are the newest form of online payment. They are not tied to any country or currency, so they are entirely digital. They will make it easier for users to conduct business over the internet securely and efficiently.

Stripe

Stripe is the most popular payment gateway online right now. Stripe is super fast and secure, and rates are excellent. You can pay more negligible amounts with it, which is significant when deciding what you should use to help you run your site or business. It is a good option if you want to use it since applying for an account is also straightforward.
WordPress provides an excellent platform for running any business. With plugins like WordPress Payments and other great tools, you can set up a site with many different functions and make it easy for others to pay you for your work.
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Featured

How Can My Business Benefit from Having A Hosted Payment Page

Whether you’re selling a product, subscription, or other services, incorporating a hosted payment page isn’t as easy as you think. You’ll need to establish a framework for accepting and processing payments, creating order confirmations and invoices, and transmitting the data for the purpose of fulfillment. Through the use of a Payment Page, you can be sure to have lots of advantages.

1. It’s easy to set up

Hosted payment pages are ideal for SMEs who are on the lookout for the quickest way to start accepting payments. Setting up a payment page takes little to no technical know-how and can be as easy as copy-pasting a line of code onto your website. 

2. It provides enhanced security

When self-hosting payment solutions, the responsibility of managing, transmitting, and protecting sensitive data lies entirely on you. With a hosted payment solution, you can outsource data protection and keep your business less at risk of fraud. 

3. Checkout processes are simple

If a customer has previously abandoned their cart due to an overly complex payment system, hosted payment forms making checking out much more effortless. Navigation is intuitive, mobile-friendly, and supports a variety of payment tools and options.

Choosing a Hosted Checkout Page

Though they may inherently serve the same purpose, not every hosted payment system is identical. Picking the wrong provider can affect your conversions tremendously, so ensure that you’re working with a third-party such as Payment Page! When shopping for a payment provider, consider the following. 

1. Is it easy to integrate?

When it comes to a hosted payment page, integration should be uncomplicated. If your chosen provider is outlining a process that appears to be too complex, it may not be worth your time. 

2. Is it customizable?

Payment pages are fairly straightforward but also need to reflect your branding. Payment Page curates beautiful checkout pages that are easy to navigate and pleasing to the eye. This better optimizes the checkout process for picky buyers.

3. Does it offer a variety of payment methods?

The majority of online users prefer credit cards as an available payment method, so if you’re only incorporating cash on delivery or bank transfers, it’s important to consider other methods of receiving payments. Payment Page currently offers Stripe as its primary option and is working towards incorporating other payment options such as PayPal. 

4. Are global options available?

Cross-border eCommerce is constantly and rapidly on the rise, encouraging merchants to consider international payment solutions. Beyond incorporating a payment page that supports multiple languages and currencies, Payment Page employs Stripe, which makes it easier for Asian customers, for example, to take advantage of its WePay extension. 

Conclusion

For any eCommerce business or web agency, a hosted payment page can secure sensitive customer data, improve their checkout experience, and make accepting payments that much simpler. You never know—you might even see your conversions rise!

For payment forms that are visually stunning, easy to use, flexible with global payments, and impenetrably secure, sign up with us at Payment Page! With us, your payment processes are made easier with a plugin that delivers results. 

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Stripe Tutorials

How to Accept Giropay Payments through Stripe: A Guide

Giropay is a bank debit payment method used in Germany. Nearly all German banks link with it, including Sparkasse, Volksbanken, GLS Gemeinschaftsbank, Deutsche Kreditbank, Bankhaus Ellwanger, Bankhaus Bauer, and more. It lets customers transact online and pay through their savings or debit account.

Customers verify payments through this option with either a two-factor authentication system or a PIN. Paying through here is suitable for business models that need guaranteed payments. Once the customer has verified his security details, the funds are automatically transmitted. This method is similar to Bancontact from Belgium, Malaysia’s Financial Process Exchange (FPX), and iDEAL, from the Netherlands.

How to transact online through Giropay

Using this payment method is straightforward and does not take more than five steps. An e-commerce store looking to present it as a choice for customers can use a payment page builder to integrate it with their store.

  1. First, the customer lands on the checkout screen at the merchant’s website. When he selects Giropay as the payment option, he will be redirected to the page for finalizing payments.
  2. On Giropay’s page, he enters his bank details and confirms the purchase. Once he has done this, he will receive an SMS with his authentication number.
  3. The user enters the number into the redirect page, and hits send. Instead of two-factor authentication, some people get a second redirect to their bank’s website, where they will input a PIN they have set for online transactions.
  4. After confirming the purchase a second time, the Giropay redirect screen will confirm that the payment is complete.
  5. Some merchants redirect the shopper back to their website after this entire process. If he has an account with the e-commerce site, he can view their order’s progress.

What are the benefits of using this method?

Giropay serves as a gateway, letting customers transfer funds between local banks or purchase online via bank transfer. The system uses AES 256-bit encryption with TLS 1.2, which means your money will be safe when you use this method.

Payments made through this option are free for the customer since these are coursed through their banking partner. Furthermore, Giropay can be integrated with international money transfer services like Skrill and PayPal, which lets users enjoy greater flexibility, especially when purchasing items from international sellers.

How secure is Giropay against fraud?

Fraud and unrecognized payments are unlikely with this method since the customer is the one who authorizes the transfer of funds. Since there are no recurring payments, there is no dispute process that might result in a chargeback and withdrawing of funds.

If one happens, a dispute is likely to be between the customer and their bank and will be handled between them. There will be no dispute information on the dashboard.

Are refunds possible on this platform?

You can apply for refunds for transactions completed through Giropay, but there is a window for it. Applications for a refund may only be processed within 180 days from the original charge date. After this, the user can no longer refund the charge.

Conclusion

Giropay is a secure and reliable way to transfer funds. Integrating this payment method will give Europe-based customers more options for transactions and personalizes their e-commerce experience.


Payment Page helps you tailor your audience’s shopping journey to your e-commerce store. Create a hosted payment page to integrate with your WordPress website and make online transactions easier than before. Join us today or get in touch for more details!

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Stripe Tutorials

ACH Payments: How to Have This Payment Processing

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

Top 3 Methods Freelancers And Consultants Can Use to Get Paid

Freelancing has always been filled with hidden gems in the job market, but the recent events this 2020 prove that it can be a stable path for anyone. Being your own boss, honing your time-management skills, and hopping from gig-to-gig is all the rage in today’s changing workforce, making it one of the best careers of the future. 

While working as a freelancer is becoming a norm in different industries and countries, everyone shares the common struggle of getting paid on time properly. Finding the right payment method, especially when your clients are all over the place, can be tricky.

Fortunately, there are universal payment methods that can take the drudgery out of receiving your income: 

1. PayPal 

PayPal is arguably the new go-to payment method as it’s a widely used platform across the world. With over 227 million active users, there’s no doubt that it appeals to the masses thanks to its easy navigation. 

It’s one of the most accessible ways to send or receive money since setting up an account is free, allowing clients to easily send your payment in just a click of a button. The money also appears instantly to your PayPal account, which you can then transfer to your bank account.

The only drawback is that it has a relatively hefty transaction fee, reaching around 2.9 percent and an additional $0.30. While it seems like a small amount, it can still pile up into thousands of dollars lost per year. 

2. Credit Cards

One of the oldest transaction methods in the world, using credit cards appeals to most businessmen and women globally as it is the most trusted form of payment. Processing these “plastic” funds can easily be done using PayPal, though there are other online payment systems like Payment Page that can easily integrate credit cards into your page. 

3. Electronic Funds Transfer 

One of the best methods to-date, using electronic funds transfer (EFT) means you can send or receive money from one bank directly to another. You don’t have to use third-party apps or rely on credit card processing companies, though the challenge arises when you or your client’s bank need to review these bank requests.

This often puts a delay on the bank transfer, which is primarily the reason most freelancers prefer online payment methods like PayPal. 

The Bottom Line: Exploring Different Payment Options For Freelancers In 2020

Using service providers like these can be huge money-savers since you don’t have to shell out for further equipment that works with your mobile device. Think of them as middlemen that can facilitate convenience and ease of payment all in one fell swoop. 

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

What Entrepreneurs Should Know About Credit Card Payments

One of the biggest factors to consider when running a business is how you’re going to receive payments for any products or services rendered. Without a proper method for receiving payments from your consumers, your business won’t be able to operate as efficiently and as safely as it could.

The best and most secure method of payment is arguably through the use of credit cards. Not only are they safe to use, but they’re also incredibly convenient for making purchases online or through e-commerce platforms. For users, it provides a way to shop without carrying cash—allowing for safer travels and hassle-free payments.

How To Accept Credit Card Payments

Setting up a method for your business to accept credit card payments is quite easy. All you’ll need is to partner with a platform that can handle such a transaction. There are currently three approaches to this: merchant accounts, payment service providers, and e-commerce platforms.

Merchant Account

Merchant accounts are one of the most basic and traditional approaches when it comes to  the credit card payment process, and generally for brick and mortar stores that accept in-person “swiped” transactions only. This involves creating an account with a merchant acquiring bank that will serve as an intermediary with a credit card company, giving a measure of stability and security for both merchant and credit card providers.

Once you’ve selected a credit card company to work with, you’ll have to search for a merchant acquiring bank to approve your new account. They require you to submit certain documents, among which are your business activities, banking information, tax returns, and payment model.

E-commerce platforms

E-commerce platforms, on the other hand, are for online businesses that plan to sell mainly through the internet or accept payments through their website or a marketplace. There are multiple approaches to this, but the gist is to either create an e-commerce platform in itself, to implement an e-commerce capability into an already existing website, or to sign up for a marketplace like Amazon. 

Before setting this up with a third party, you’ll need to provide your employee identification number (EIN) and banking information—so make sure to have those ready before taking this step.

If you create your own ecommerce platform, you’ll still need to have your own Payment Service Provider or Payment Gateway. 

Payment Service Provider (or Payment Gateway) 

Meanwhile, payment service providers, also known as Payment Gateways, are available for many online and physical stores. This is probably the quickest way of accepting credit card transactions without having to create a merchant account. Some of the more popular payment gateways  are PayPal, Square, and Stripe.

Setting up an account is incredibly easy and free, and often utilize a month-to-month flat-rate fee for their service or a percentage based fee for each transaction. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing

It is incredibly important to choose the right provider to keep your business on the right track. Remember that there are two major considerations to think of when choosing a method to accept credit card payments: the overall cost and the specific needs of your business.

The overall expenses change over time—while payment service providers charge a flat-rate either per month or per transaction, it is assuredly more costly in the long run than a merchant account. On the other hand, it’s highly flexible to help you accept online payments with ease, including subscriptions, which can unlock a sustainable revenue stream for your business.

It is important to consider the time it takes to set up the various payment methods, as some are much quicker to process and create than others. 

Get Started Today

Setting up a method to accept credit card payments is essential to make your business more accessible to a variety of customers. Always remember to take careful consideration when choosing the right payment service provider or payment gateway for your business, or you could end up using the wrong provider for your needs.

If you’re looking to accept credit card payments with a simple and beautiful form on your website, then Payment Page is for you. You can easily build a custom payment form to help your business achieve real results, and integrate any of the payment gateways mentioned above.

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eCommerce

5 Payment Options Your SMB Should Integrate in 2021

As businesses continue to innovate and incorporate various forms of technology into their operations, there are now dozens of options by which customers can complete financial transactions with your business online. In this article, we’ll focus on 5 key methods for accepting payments in 2021.

Credit and Debit Cards

As of 2021, 80% of customers prefer to make transactions using a credit card and are, in fact, willing to spend 100% more on products and services when using one. How you go about accepting these types of payments will depend on what kind of business you operate. 

If you’re a brick-and-mortar business, you’ll need a merchant account and card reader to accept credit cards. Merchant accounts allow businesses to receive payments in various ways. 

If you run an ecommerce business, you’ll need a payment gateway to accept online credit and debit card transactions. This will encrypt all information submitted by customers on your payment page, ensuring that their details remain safe and confidential. You don’t want to take any chances with information security, so be sure you’re employing a payment gateway that is PCI (payment card industry) compliant. 

ACH Processing

Monitored by the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Association, this payment method allows customers to disclose their bank account details and routing numbers for online payments. ACH processing is a popular method of accepting subscription or recurring payments. 

It’s proven advantageous to many SMBs, as it comes with lower fees compared to those that accept credit or debit cards. It’s also far more secure than accepting monthly written checks. 

Finally, ACH processing can save your business a lot of time, as payments are automatically withdrawn once you enter the customer’s information into your system. Ultimately, this will improve your cash flow and create a more predictable revenue pattern. 

Stripe is a payment gateway that supports ACH payments of many kinds with a Plaid integration. 

Recurring Billing Subscriptions

To make the working relationship easier between you and your customers and facilitate payments for products and services of all kinds, you can provide your customers with the option to sign up for a subscription plan. Using their debit or credit card, they can make automatic monthly payments that are convenient for them and guarantee that your business is paid on time, providing you and your customers with peace of mind.

PayPal, Stripe, and Square

If you’re using PayPal, Stripe, or Square, you won’t need to set up a merchant account. However, which method you choose will depend on the type of business you run, so be sure to research features that best suit your operations. Of the three, PayPal is among the top 3 highest-ranking eWallets online

Contactless Payment Systems

A new trend in the U.S. is that you can now accept payments wirelessly by asking customers to wave their card or device over a POS system. Without the need to enter a PIN or even scan a card, contactless payment systems are becoming increasingly popular in places like the U.K. and Australia. 

As the U.S. has been slow to adopt the trend, your business can take advantage of how Visa and Mastercard are beginning to offer contactless cards to customers. Additionally, mobile wallet methods such as Android or Apple Pay are becoming increasingly popular with mobile users. 

Payment Solution

Implementing new payment methods onto your website can be complex and take up a valuable amount of time. If you’re a SMB and need to accept online payments, you can team up with us at Payment Page. With our payment page solution, you can start accepting online payments in just a few easy steps using any of the gateways or payment options mentioned above.

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eCommerce

4 Ways Payment Processing Services Make Collection More Efficient

Small businesses should streamline the processes involved in receiving and disbursing funds.  The reason why many companies fail is simply because of unsustainable cash flow, therefore it is important that customers make their payments on time.

Late payments can prevent a company from carrying out a variety of actions, such as hiring new employees, paying salaries, investing in equipment, or providing a marketing budget for the month. Failure to pay any of these expenses can hinder the growth of a small company.

Fortunately, as a business owner, you can make the payment process more accessible to clients. Some clients are put off by convoluted systems, and it can help to make the process of paying easier for them. Finding the right payment system for your business is about knowing what options are available. Here are 4 things you should ask when considering payment processing services for your business.

1. Does it allow integration with existing platforms?

A number of payment processors team up with other companies to deliver their service. For example, Amazon Payments is a good option for small businesses. It integrates into your website and uses the payment information in customers’ Amazon.com accounts. This makes the process quicker from your customers’ point of view.

If your business uses Apple devices as a point-of-sale (POS) machine, you can use Apple Pay to accept payments from customers. This app uses touch ID confirmation, which makes transactions secure. It makes payments easier for people who use Apple devices to buy items online. Apple Pay also lets you transfer the funds to your bank account or make purchases for your business.

Google has its own payment service, Google Pay. It allows money transfers through a customer’s smartphone, through their browser or Gmail account. Google Pay does not share customer data with its partners; all information stays with Google and is protected with multiple layers of security. Considering a platform that already has existing integrations with other platforms can save you time, and it will make your customer’s buying experience much smoother and more convenient.

2. Does it offer customization options?

If you are after customizing the look and feel of your payment form, it’s important that a payment system can be designed so that it looks like a natural extension of your website. You should be able to customize things like checkout forms, confirmation emails, credit card statements, and other messages. Look for options like enabling in-app purchases, which will make mobile fulfillment services on your site effortless.

3. Does it need a merchant account?

For some business owners, especially those that are just starting, PayPal can be a safe option. It allows owners to accept payments without a merchant account, as well as generate and track invoices. Brick-and-mortar businesses can accept in-store payments and still have their transactions processed through PayPal. PayPal doesn’t require a business account, and you can accept payments as an individual.

4. Can it handle streamlined invoicing?

Beyond making payments more convenient, you can also generate invoices faster. Intuit partnered with QuickBooks, and allows you to get paid online from invoices generated through a number of ways.

Your customers can receive their billing through mail, e-mail, print-out, or fax, and pay through your merchant of choice. They can also view their billing history through a secure 24/7 Customer Account Center.

Key Takeaways

Making payments convenient will help you meet your internal financial deadlines while keeping your customers satisfied. Consider these service providers when deciding how to get payments for your goods and services. Even combining them into one Payment Page can be a great idea because you give your customers all the flexibility they need while organizing all your payment options into one website page.

For more information on how to build an efficient payment page, as well as insights on different online payment methods, visit Payment Page. All you need is one of the payment gateways or providers above and you can have a page set up for your business, giving you a seamless checkout experience for your customers.