We have complied some of the more commonly asked questions and answers below:

Q.  E-Commerce-  Are there different ways to handle ecommerce transactions?
A.  Yes.  There is Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic Credit Card Processing.  Either way, you will need a Merchant Account to process your credit cards.  In addition Fully Automated will require a “Gateway” as well.  A Gateway allows your website(s) to automatically process credit cards online, without any action required on your part.  In either case, we keep a record of each transaction in an administrative section.  This allows you to look up past orders.  We will not store the complete credit card number for your own protection.  No matter how much security, there is always a possibility a hacker can get access to this information.

Q.  E-Commerce- What is semi automatic Credit Card (cc) processing?
A.  When we make you a credit card form, and a customer fills it out, all of the information will be sent to you via email.  You will be responsible when you receive the credit card information to process the transaction.  In order to do this, you need a merchant account and credit card terminal.  As for your Online customer, it will appear like a fully automated process.  Transactions are approved by your merchant service provider.  That mean until you process the transaction you will not know if the transaction has been approve or declined.  If it is declined, you will need to inform your customer when using semi-automatic processing.

Q. E-Commerce - What is meant by fully Automated?
A.  We will integrate your Merchant account into your website.  Integrate means we set up all communication links between your website and the Merchant provider.  When an order is received it is sent automatically over the internet to your Merchant provider through a Gateway.  If the funds are approved, the Merchant Provider in turn transfers the funds into your bank account.  If the credit is declined, the customer will be immediately informed.  You will bypass having to process the credit card info manually.  We create a database that allows you to exam each transaction, but we do not keep records of the credit card information on your website to reduce your liability, should this information ever get compromised.  Your Merchant provider will maintain this information and take responsibility to protect it.

Q.  E-Commerce - What is a Merchant Provider?
A.  A Merchant Provider is the one who is responsible for charging a client's credit card and depositing the funds into your bank account.  Your bank can be the Merchant provider, eg Wells Fargo, or it can be different, for example: Card Services International (www.cardservicesinternational.com) or Verisign ( www.verisign.com) .

Q.  E-Commerce - How is notification of a Transaction made?
A.  Email. You will be notified of a transaction, when it is submitted.  It is up to you to decide who will be notified.  For fully automated transactions you will receive another notice from your merchant provider.  In a separate admin section each transaction is recorded.

Q.  E-Commerce - Are the rates different for automated versus semi-automated payments?
A.  Keep in mind online (fully automated) transaction charges are usually higher, because there is more fraudulent transactions over the internet.  This cost of doing business is passed on to all customers in the form of higher fees.  Check fees, since they are all different, but as an example it might cost $200 to set-up, and around $35-$80/month, depending on your business and the type of credit cards you will accept.  Then there will be a 2%-4% per transaction fee.

Q.  E-Commerce - How long does the transaction take to process?
A.  It usually takes 1-3 business days.  You will need to verify with the Merchant provider you select.  There may be other factors, such as the size of the transaction, or how many charge backs you have had in the past that will effort the processing time.

Q.  E-Commerce - Who do we recommend for the Merchant account?
A.  Our recommendations are based on two factors.   First, the overall reputation is the industry, and that fact we have interfaced with them in the past and know that there will not be any problems.  It is not based on the rates or their transaction fees which you will need to inquire about.  Although, we set up the communication links, and agreements will be made directly between you and the merchant service provider.

Q.  E-Commerce - Security.
A.   Some people may not make an online “purchase” unless the website is "secure", where all credit card information is encrypted before being transmitted over the internet.  This will require a SSL (Security Certificate) this is $150 to $200 per year.  Although it is not necessary, it reduces the chances of anyone stealing customer information.  Some customers may not transact unless you provide this higher level of security.