web development client - wants credit card transfers

[EWS]

OK, here's my question ...
I offer web development services. Let's say I have a new client who wants me to build a web site for his small business and sell his products online with credit card transfers. What if this client isn't at all experienced with the Internet or does not have a computer at all. What should I do? What costs are involved? Could a credit card business handle everything for me? What are your suggestions? I'm clueless when it comes to charging people with their credit card number.

[Justin]

This depending on what the person is selling, but if it is something with a set price, I would use a third party credit card processing company until you/he finds that a merchant account would be worth the investment. There are many companies out there, and most will take care of everything, sending a monthly check.

I don't really have any recomendations, though, because I'm not sure I'm happy with the company I'm using right now http://www.aota.net/ubb/frown.gif But I am currently looking into other ideas now. Try searching for them at AltaVista or wait and see what other's recomend http://www.aota.net/ubb/smile.gif


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Justin Nelson
FutureQuest Tech Support

[hearts]

this might be a DUMB question. BUT how is this dude gonna know what his orders are to fulfill them? You gonna monitor that for him?

[Deb]

Places like IBill and Kagi etc will handle the credit card processing for you if you do not have the need for a merchant's account...

Hearts -- there are a lot of people (surprisingly) doing business on the net w/o having a pc of their own. With things like email to fax and developers willing to do the work.. it's happening a lot.

Scenerio --
Client relays needs to the developer
Developer totally handles the web side of the biz
All email that is sent is faxed to the client.. the client can then reply either to the developer to email, or via phone.

Sounds rough to say the least but it happens all of the time...

Deb

[Rich]

Beyond the development of the website itself, you may want to be careful how you approach anything that could be interpreted as operating the site, especially when it comes to processing orders and distributing products. There might be legal implications that could hold you liable. You may want to discuss with your attorney what obligations you might incur.

Rich

[This message has been edited by Rich (edited 03-18-99).]

[This message has been edited by Rich (edited 03-18-99).]

[This message has been edited by Rich (edited 03-18-99).]

[EWS]

hmmmm ... sounds good. So, if I hire Kagi for example to handle the credit card transfers ... They e-mail ME (and also the consumer) with a receipt of the order, correct? Then, I'm thinking it would be best for me to print these orders out and send them snail mail to my client so he could then ship out his products to the consumer. (I don't beleive this person is capable of using Fax yet) How long does it take to charge the credit card so we know it's a REAL order? As for the monthly check, it should probably be sent to me, huh? Because I need a way of taking out my commission for handling his orders since he doesn't have Internet. Or is there a better method? Yup, it's definitely rough. But somebody's gotta do it , right? http://www.aota.net/ubb/smile.gif Let me know of any other suggestions on how to handle this task.

[hearts]

Given the complications that could arise, I wouldn't touch this situation with a ten foot pole. DEFINITELY recommend having an attorney involved with this and a precise contract protecting all parties involved.

Makes me grateful I don't use my cc online.

[Donna]

As far as
How long does it take to charge the credit card so we know it's a REAL order?

What your credit card processor should do is authorize (reserve) the amount against the card, that way you know the order is real, the credit card is good, etc. Then the actual amount is charged against the card when the order actually ships. It is my understanding that it is illegal (US) to charge the card before the order ships (same day is fine).

I must say I am responding from the point of view of having my own merchant account and doing the steps myself, but the same should hold for a 3rd party credit card processor.

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Donna
www.thetreasureplace.com (http://www.thetreasureplace.com)
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


[This message has been edited by Donna (edited 03-20-99).]