Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Ecommerce Hosting & Discussion : single use secure payment question

[peterb]

Hi,

I would like to know or have an opinion regarding the use of a credit card payment system for a once a year event such as a reunion, etc.?

Basically, I would like to consider the cost and security factors for doing something like this. Also, are there restrictions as to what banks can be used to receive the funds?

Thanks,

Peter

[Corey Bryant]

You should consider using a third party system - like Paypal, etc. Most of the third party systems do not charge you when you are dormant. This way - once a year, you receive funds & you will be charged a percentage.

And in the months that no sales are taking place - no charges will be incurred on your behalf.

[cdgcommerce]

I agree with Corey. A third party system like PayPal is usually the best bet for what you are trying to do.

The only exception is if you will be needing it to be available for accepting funds for several months and for a fairly high volume of credit card revenue.

In that case, you could setup a seasonal merchant account whereby you can actively process for X months per year and then not incur any cost thereafter during the dormant months.

Just make sure that this fact is clearly understood and agreed to in writing with your merchant processor so that there are no surprises.

An example of companies that routinely do this would be Christmas tree companies... they will do a lot of business, but just between October and December.

[peterb]

Thank you Corey and Chris.

I will start looking into paypal as I estimate the need for about 2 to 3 months max per year and assuming that the charges are low it will be worth it.

Peter

[cdgcommerce]

Sounds like a good plan to me, Peter.

Best of luck with your reunion event!