Finding an ecommerce solution for your internet-based business
can be a complicated process because there are so many different
options. In order to set up an automated ordering system, which
is crucial by the way, you simply have to have an ecommerce
solution that enables visitors to your website to make a purchase
and pay for it without unnecessary hassles. If your ecommerce
solution is too complex or does not provide website visitors with
a variety of ways to make a payment, you will undoubtedly lose
sales. Another important aspect of an ecommerce solution is
security. Your customers must feel that it is safe and secure to
place an order online because otherwise, their personal
information and financial information could be jeopardized.If you plan to operate a successful ecommerce website, you simply
must have an ecommerce solution that enables you to accept credit
cards. Statistics repeatedly show that the ability to accept
credit cards increases sales. Once upon a time consumers were
timid about placing orders online using a credit card; however,
with improvement to ecommerce solutions including the
availability of encrypted SSL (Secure Socket Layer) which
provides security for web-based transactions, the fears of having
credit card information intercepted in transit have been
eliminated. An ecommerce solution should feature a secure server
which uses encryption to keep your customers’ personal
information and credit card numbers safe and secure so they don’t
have to be concerned about being subjected to fraud.There are a few basic ecommerce solution options for accepting
credit cards online. You can open a merchant account through your
bank, use an internet-based broker, use a fulfillment house to
process your orders, or use a third party merchant account
provider. Things to consider when choosing an ecommerce solution
for your merchant account are the monthly fees, the discount rate
(the percent you are charged per transaction), the ease and speed
of processing, and the method for accessing your money.You also should consider the types of cards your ecommerce
solution allows you to accept through your merchant account. The
major credit cards that you should accept include MasterCard,
Visa, American Express, and Discover. Since ecommerce enables you
to sell your products or services worldwide, an ecommerce
solution that empowers you to accept credit cards internationally
and in different currencies can also be important.Next to accepting credit cards through your ecommerce solution,
you may want to consider offering other payment options. Some
options to consider include the acceptance of PayPal payments,
debit cards, online checks, and digital cash. Of course, for
those who are still leery about ordering online, a toll free
phone number and a form for fax or mail orders should be provided
as an alternative to ordering online. At any rate, your ecommerce
solution should provide plenty of options to meet the unique
needs of every customer who may want to buy from your company and
the ecommerce solution should make the customers feel that
placing an order with you is completely free from risk.So, what is the best ecommerce solution for you? That is up to
you to decide. The features to compare before selecting an
ecommerce solution include:1. Security2. Cost3. Speed of processing4. Variety of options for the consumer5. Ability to access your moneyWhen you choose an ecommerce solution compare these features.
Keep in mind that your ecommerce solution simply must give your
customers a sense of security so they will have confidence when
placing an online order with your company. Also remember that
even though there are costs associated with accepting credit
cards, the increase in sales that your company experiences when
adding an ecommerce solution for accepting credit cards is well
worth the expense.