Hello once again. I have a question concerning money orders for payment options for web hosting. For some people who may not wish to pay with a CC, how would one go about having an option for payment with MO and what database/software would be needed to store this information and to send invoices each month (eg. QBPro, etc..).

Also, would an SSL cert. be needed for recieving the MO sign up form? Thanks for your help.

Yes, I know I am a newbie :rolleyes: :bawling:

Are you a reseller?

Also, would an SSL cert. be needed for recieving the MO sign up form?

I don't see why this would be necessary. The cert is obviously a must for transmitting credit card info, but the type of info I would imagine you would be asking for (name, e-mail) is asked non-securely on any contact form.

Any database, I would imagine, would do for invoicing. You'll just need to set it so that they are invocied about 2 weeks ahead of time to allow for mail delivery.

In my experience people who use money orders are one of two types:

(1) Nice people who have been through a divorce or expensive medical treatment which has left them with bad credit and not able to get a credit card or bank account; or

(2) The scum of the earth who are trying to hide their true identity.

So, to play it safe, I would suggest that you keep an eye on the content of these people's websites and make sure that they are following your TOS (terms of service).

I also photocopy all money orders and keep track of the serial numbers in my accounting software (proprietary). Often these are the people who don't keep track of their own finances and, sooner or later, assert that the money order that they gave you late on the 25th of the month was actually prepayment for the following month.

Still... I've never had a money order returned yet (although my banker says it does happen).

Best of luck,

Keith

Just to note: the reason I ask if you are a reseller is due to the fact that depending on where you go, it is very expensive to cash a money order at check cashing establishments. I.E. I recently paid somewhere in the $25-$35 range cashing fees for a $250 (may have been $200) money order.

So the point is, if you are a reseller and wish to accept money orders, make sure you deposit them in a bank account. Don't try to cash them on the spot at check cashing places as it may not be worth it if you're collecting $250 money orders and your mark-up on your providers service is only $50, so you'll only be left with $25-$15 in profit which isn't worth it.

Also, I would be very selective with the type of money orders you select. I personally would only accept Post Office money orders from U.S. based clients.

One other thing to look at is cashiers checks.

Thank you for all the help and taking time to do so. :D

Cleared up my questions really well. :cool:

One final thing....

4solutions:
"So, to play it safe, I would suggest that you keep an eye on the content of these people's websites and make sure that they are following your TOS (terms of service)."

Is there an easy way of finding out if they are? (eg. I've heard they are good at hiding behind a false page, etc.) Thanks

Originally posted by Ringo5thsf
Is there an easy way of finding out if they are? (eg. I've heard they are good at hiding behind a false page, etc.) Thanks

You get a feel for the amount of space and bandwidth that they are using versus the amount of visible pages. If I have a doubt, then I FTP their account to see what's really in there, or even look at their stats to see what URL their latest visitors are looking for.

lol,

Keith