I am in the process of developing a website for my children's clothing line. Am debating if I should use Paypal or a regular credit card processor to accept payments.
If Paypal was the only method of payment, would you still purchase from a website? Am wondering if I would loose sales to those who aren't interested in setting up a Paypal account.
(As a new business, it is cheaper for me to use Paypal. Setting up through my bank seems rather expensive).
Thanks for your help!
H.
I use paypal, but if it is the only thing you accept you will probably have people who don't use it and will probably lose sales to those people. Could you offer both?
I prefer paypal as I would rather not give you my credit card number directly, especially if I am placing just a one time order. Good luck with your business!
I say go for PayPal. By using PayPal you can offer any other credit card through their system. I love it. I originally became familiar with it through EBAY but now use it for many things. Best of luck with your new biz.
Hi H.,
I do use Paypal and don't mind purchasing items online with sites that use Paypal for payment. But yes, it will be a pain for customers who want to purchase from you and won't have a Paypal account set up. Many people may not want to go through the hassle of getting a Paypal account.
Have you heard of Propay? I am an independent jeweler for Premier Designs Jewelry and we use Propay for our credit card transactions. I'm not sure how it would work in your case, most likely needing to be directly linked to your website. But their annual fees are quite inexpensive and in the two years I have been using them, I have never had a problem. The website is very friendly and easy to use. www.propay.com
Good luck!
-Char
I use paypal personally. I don't have a need for it in my business as we don't do much internet business. I think a lot of people are afraid to use it because they either think it costs them something, or afraid of security issues. If you can educate your customers about it, that would help. But yes, you may lose a few. I explain things like this: When a someone runs a credit card the normal way in a store, their private information is transmitted via a regular telephone line. Guess what - often times it is NOT encrypted! However, in using a web based service, that same information is encrypted. It is actually safer to buy online!
Paypal also has a great mediator service that protects both sides. I have used it once and was impressed.
As for other options, check different banks and services. Try Costco too. They have a service. Fees can vary by a lot!
I think that most people who shop online a lot use paypal. It is a secure website and quite honestly I would much prefer to use paypal versus a credit card online.
I use paypal and have for 3 years with no problems although once in awhile I run across people who do not want to set one up. I don't think I would rely on it as your sole source of payment option. :)Good luck with your clothing line.
M.
www.BeHomeToo.biz
I've used Paypal for years, and have never had a problem. And I am more inclined to shop a small business if I can use paypal...alot of big merchants even have the Paypal option now.
Good luck with your new biz :)
I use paypal anytime its offered as payment. I too have checked into credit crad processing through my bank and it is expensive! I say go for paypal, when things take off you can always add other payment options later. Good Luck with your business
I prefer to use Paypal. It is easy to use for those with accounts and for those without accounts, they can still pay with their credit/debit card without signing up for an account.
Also, shipping to their confirmed Paypal address offers a level of protection in case something happens to the package and they also offer shipping labels.
Paypal also gives you the option to add on sales tax to Texas sales only (since Texas orders are the only ones you will need to collect taxes for).
It is also well respected by many online consumers and banks, and it sends you reciepts through email. They also offer some help with payment disputes, and it is an easy way to keep track of orders.
If someone does not want to pay through Paypal, you can always do google checkout.
Go with paypal and explain how it is free to join and use for people who are paying. Let your Customers know that you are a small business and your reasons for choosing to offer paypal. I think most web-savvy people would be fine with that.
Hi H.,
I also use propay and have been very happy with it. I recently read an expense breakdown between paypal & propay....propay was almost half the cost of paypal! So, you should definately look into propay before you make any final decisions.
BTW, I used a regular merchant acct with a previous business that I owned, and you're right, they are extremely expensive and not really geared toward the needs of a small business.
Hope that helps!
:-) H.
