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

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, 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, the 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.

Optimize the Current Website for Ecommerce

If you do not wish to share your profit with other e-commerce platform and are confident about your product then you can optimize your website and make an e-commerce friendly website.

And for the E-commerce Business for International Sales, you need to give special attention to your website. For example, it should be understandable to an international client of different ethnicity.

Finally, when you are ready to take your business online you should start planning the future of your E-commerce Business for International Sales. Here is the list of topics that you should start thinking about if you want to take your business online.

• What is International e-commerce
• International e-commerce business
• International e-commerce strategy
• Cross-border e-commerce
• International e-commerce meaning

Contact Merchant Stronghold and get the required assistance for all your queries. Also, we specialize in high-risk and offshore merchant accounts.