How Does eCommerce Check Out Work?

Ecommerce Checkout Flow– Every big or small brand is now taking their business online due to the boost in the e-commerce industry. This means, along with the physical store, every merchant now wants to have an online store as well. This is a good idea for a merchant to expand and increase his revenue. However, not everyone is good at handling the e-commerce business on their own. This is because of the competition and lack of guidance.

What Is ECommerce CheckOut?

It is a designed interface and a customer must go through it to purchase an item. As soon as the customer clicks on the checkout button the process starts. Generally, it contains steps like entering personal details including name, address and contact information. Other than that, the customer will be asked to choose the mode of payment and enter details depending on the model chosen.

For example: If a customer chooses to make the payment using the credit card then he will be asked to enter the credit card processing details depending on the company’s norms.

Once the checkout is completed successfully, the customer will be notified regarding the recent purchase using the contact information provided by him.

How Does ECommerce Checkout Work?

From the customer’s point of view, the checkout process is as easy as entering the details and getting the products. However, for a merchant, the checkout process is a whole different story.

An ECommerce checkout process is the flow of valuable data that needs to be processed carefully at every step. Generally, a customer goes through following steps during an ECommerce Checkout Flow:

• After liking a product or service, the customer clicks on the “Add to Cart” button.
• Then the customer is directed to the cart where the confirmation is asked whether the customer wants to “proceed to checkout” or go back to “continue shopping”.
• Once clicked on “proceed to checkout”, the user will be asked whether the customer wants to checkout “as a guest” or “sign-in”.
• After choosing the desired method, the customer will be asked to enter the details.
• Finally, “place your order” will pop up on the screen.
• After clicking on this button, a customer needs to make the payment by choosing the desired mode.
• Once the customer successfully completes the payment, he will receive confirmation of the purchase.

Get more information about eCommerce checkout work.
Contact us@ +1 (888) 622-6875.
Also, you can Email _ info@merchantstronghold.com

Get Secure Your Payment Processing with Merchant Stronghold

Nowadays, there are a lot of e-commerce and m-commerce transactions; opening doors for cybercriminals. As a merchant, you need to confirm that you provide the best payment security and that your customers don’t have to worry about their data. Customers usually cannot select their own payment gateway, so it’s up to you to make the best and perfect choice for them.

PCI COMPLIANCE

When you’re processing payments on your website, PCI (Payment Card Industry) is a must. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) provide direction for merchants that tell them what they need to do in order to secure sensitive data in payment processing.

A merchant doesn’t have to be PCI compliant if he/she selected the right payment provider (one with PCI level 1). He/she can leave it up to the payment gateway to comply with the industry level security excellence. Note that data encryption is needed by PCI.

SSL protocol

Each and every transaction should be secured with SSL protocol. SSL helps to encrypt the information so that the card details and all other sensitive and important data is secured. It, of course, improves payment security but also makes customers more eager to for the purchase.

A padlock icon in the URL bar symbolizes the SSL, and the web address starts with https.

ADDRESS VERIFICATION SERVICE (AVS)

You can also use an Address Verification Service, which requires customers to give the billing address connected with their credit card. If the address on the card matches with the one in bank’s documents, the transaction will go through.

Many companies have a problem of controlling the location and storage of their payment data, but almost 42% of the companies claim that payment data is at serious risk when it is stored. A Global Study on the State of Payment Data Security shows that over 50% of organizations had a breach involving payment data within the past three years.

We, at Merchant Stronghold, will help you secure your payment processing in order for you to provide the best payment security to your customers. We also provide high-risk merchant services, contact Merchant Stronghold to get answers to all your questions related to the security of payment processing. Feel free to contact us using our toll-free number +1 (888) 622 – 6875.

Also, you can contact via Email -  info@merchantstronghold.com 

Expand Your eCommerce Business Globally

Study your Targeted Market

If you are just starting out then put a few items on the sale. Do not rely on commerce entirely. Focus on the main business first and then slowly move towards e-commerce. Starting small can help you understand your market very well.

Here are the key points to know about your Target Market.

• Start slowly with E-commerce Business. Put your prime focus on the main business at all times
• Take notes from your small start and point out the fields where you need to work first.
• Mark out the countries where your business can flourish.
• Target the countries with better economy and study their business norms.
• Learn about the customers and what they are looking for in your product.

Consider Various Payment Methods for your E-commerce Business

If you are dealing in different countries then your business will surely include foreign currency. And to avoid any conflicts in the future, you need to normalize the price of your product to match the demands of the customer from different countries.

• Sometimes, the customer likes a specific product but does not purchase it. Simply because their preferred payment method is not available.
• It is ideal to use the local currency to get revenue from a specific country.
• If you are not ready to deal with a different currency then make sure to give the currency conversion option so the customers can see what they’re paying.
• Choosing the right payment provider for your overseas transaction can be a tricky job.
• While choosing the payment processor, make the security of the transaction your priority.

Plan your Big Entry

Start Small on Existing Market Place

You can start small with the existing e-commerce platform like eBay. As we discussed, a small start can be ideal for a business that is just entering the E-commerce platform. Moreover, starting small gives you plenty of time while making a transition from store business to e-commerce.

• Small start allows you to test your product online.
• Also, you get the appropriate amount of time to focus on your main business.
• Choose a popular marketplace for your E-commerce Business for International Sales.
• Get more information visit website ask our experts team.

Credit Card Processing with Payment Gateway

Comparing and then choosing the credit card processor for your business can be beneficial for your business. Here is a guide that you can use to choose the best credit card processing with a payment gateway.

A Processor that Offers Business Specific Services

Does your business require mobile processing? Or online transactions? If yes, then look for your Payment Processor to fulfill your demands first.
What is the size of your business and your monthly transaction value? This can help you choose your chargeback limit according to the need.
Read the contract very well and then sign the papers after a complete evaluation.

A Service Provider with 24/7 Support

Credit Card Processing with Payment Gateway is your necessity.
But make sure you get sufficient support as well.
This means the Payment service provider should also offer good support in case of an issue.
And do check the services provided by the payment processors in the case of disputes and chargebacks.

Ask for Additional Fees and Other Service Charges

Do not forget to ask the details related to the Service Fees.
This includes the additional fees, PCI Compliance, and other charges.
Also, compare these charges of various Credit Card Processing with Payment Gateway to choose the under budget service.

Choose a Combination Depending on your Need

After evaluating all the service providers and their charges, you will be able to finalize the one that will work the best for your business.
A good Credit Card Processing with Payment Gateway for your business will be a combination of all the above-mentioned topics.

Payment Gateway vs Payment Processor 

Payment Gateway – A Gateway that simply allows the merchant to access the e-commerce market by allowing the transaction. This is an online point-of-sale for the business. You just need to have a merchant license and merchant account. Then you can get a payment gateway for your business.

Payment Processor – As the name suggests, they process the transactions by exchanging data between merchant and bank. Also, a payment processor will also provide credit card machines and other equipment you use to accept credit card payments.

If you need help while choosing a payment processor then you can contact Merchant Stronghold. We will provide you with an expert to guide you in the right direction and get your up and running in 24 hours.

How to choose the right recurring payment provider?

The market is filled with the payment processors, who “claim” to offer the best recurring payment management services. As a merchant who should compare this service before landing to one, this article can help you with your decision.

WHAT ARE RECURRING PAYMENTS?

After the customer’s approval, the merchant is allowed to deduct/collect a fixed amount of money after a fixed time interval (every month) for a specific product or service and is called recurring payments.

For example, if you are using a Netflix then you have entered your credit/debit card details while setting up the payment. Now, every month, Netflix deducts a fixed amount from your card to offer you the services.

There are two important aspects of recurring payments:

Processing – The modes both customer and merchant are using to complete a transaction. For instance, the customer can use the Visa Credit Card and Merchant uses Authorize.net as a payment gateway for the transaction.

Logic – This includes all things other than a transaction, such as a bill amount, cycle duration, alert message/email, and calculation too.

HOW TO GET RECURRING PAYMENT PROVIDER?

Now, there are a number of payment service providers available and it gets difficult to choose the one that suits all of the merchant’s needs. In such a case, the merchant can make the best choice by evaluation of the business requirement and comparing the available options.  

Here are some essentials that you will need while choosing the right recurring payment provider:

• KEEP LOCATION IN MIND
• TYPES OF PAYMENTS YOU NEED
• PCI COMPLIANCE
• TRANSACTION SECURITY
• FREE TRIALS
• USER-FRIENDLY
• TECH SUPPORT

If you want to get more information related to the Recurring Payment Provider. You can Contact Us directly @ +1 (888) 622-6875, 

Also, You can visit our website - www.merchantstronghold.com

Online and Offline Payment Processing | Advantage & Disadvantage

These payment methods are different in terms of advantages and disadvantages. In the next section of the article “Offline vs Online Payment Processing”, we will discuss a detailed difference between the both.

Advantages of Offline Payment Processing

There is a reason why most people around the globe still prefer to use cash for their daily money transaction. Some advantages of the offline method of payment are given below:

• Being a traditional method of payment makes it more trusted. People still trust the bank checks and drafts and use them for payments.
• TThe offline transactions are transparent. This means both the lender and receiver are sure about the transaction at the moment of the deal.
• Offline mode of payment is direct and do not depend on any other source. For example Internet or payment gateways.
• Easy to use and understand. Many people face difficulty with the online mode of payment.

Advantages of Online Payment Processing

In the war of Offline vs Online Payment Processing, the online method is winning so far. This is due to some advantages of this mode of payment.

• Online method is quick and easy. You can transfer a big chunk of money with just a swipe of your finger.
• You have the record of all the payments. This helps in reducing the payment frauds.
• Speaking of frauds, the online methods are safer as the online payment gateway takes the responsibility for the money during the transactions.
• You can make a transaction in any part of the world without facing the issue of currency difference.
• Worldwide acceptance and 24*7 availability.

Disadvantages of Offline Payment Processing

There is also some disadvantage to the offline payment that makes the user go for the online method. Here is some notable disadvantage of offline payment method:

• The offline method is limited by many factors by distance and acceptance of another party.
• It’s not safe at all. The party on the receiving end will have to check and recheck the received payment.
• Not recommended for the transaction of a large amount.

Disadvantages of Online Payment Processing

There is a reason why the offline payment method still exists even when the online method is winning in the Offline vs Online Payment Processing. This is because the online method is not as good as it sounds.

• Card frauds – All of us heard about the credit card and debit card fraud reports.
• Identity theft can cause the loss of money and data of an individual.
• The online method requires the person’s identity in order to make the transactions.

What is difference between US and European Merchant Accounts?

US Merchant Account

Initially, only US banks were providing the credit card processing services to the e-commerce merchants or other stores. After seeing the successful growth in online selling, the banks also started providing e-commerce merchant services for online selling to the merchants.

Now, there are several US banks that offer E-commerce Merchant Accounts, credit card processing services, and other transaction services. And this rise in the number of banks affected the prices and grew to be bargain-able or competitive. Also, if the merchant is not a resident of the US then he cannot get a Merchant account. But, all this comes to an end when European e-commerce merchant accounts came into existence and became available for Merchants.

European Merchant Account

In order to have a European Merchant Account or credit card processing services, a merchant does not require to be a US citizen, which means you could get a Merchant account from anywhere in the world. The European Merchant Account provides an award-winning gateway to the merchants. Now the Merchants have two options, which are the US and the European Merchant Accounts, to choose either one of them according to their convenience.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE US AND THE EUROPEAN MERCHANT ACCOUNTS

Pricing

There is a huge difference in the prices between the US and the European Merchant Accounts in terms of the gateway, setup fees, and discount rates etc. The European merchant accounts are way higher in prices than the US Merchant Accounts. The cost of the US Merchant Accounts decreased due to the high competition among the US banks. Unlike US banks, there is no such competition for the European Merchant accounts which leads to a higher cost. European Banks offer their services all over the world while the US banks provide their services in the US only.

Quality

In terms of the quality of the services, both the banks are equal. Both the US and European Merchant Accounts offering the same credit card processing services like VISA and MasterCard etc. Even though the banks are using the best credit card processing services and security services there also be a possibility of scams. The quality can be checked in terms of the time of approval, safety, and security etc. As we are all aware that a different gateway technique is used by every credit card processing service, which helps to keep the data safe. Also, there is no difference in the time of approval between both the US and the European Merchant Accounts.

Account Setup and Monitoring:

Availability