To make a sale on the internet one has to have a method of accepting payment. People who purchase are unlikely to buy something if they have to email you for prices, send a check or any other method involving a delay in time. Most interactions occur through the use of credit cards, shopping carts that accept credit card payment or direct deductions from banks or checks.
1. Accepting Credit Cards - a Merchant Account needs to be established and then approval is required to accept credit cards. Initially, this is probably not the ideal method as it is rather costly, particularly for a struggling bussiness.
2. Alternate Methods - Another way of accepting credit cards is to set up an account that accepts credit cards for you. Compare some of the best options for services and pricing as these are your best option initially:
PayPal: Highly recommended
Huge array of free services offered including shopping carts, marketing, bill pay, & interest on money deposited. Fees are among the lowest of all services we checked. ($.30 a transaction & 2.9% - so a $100.00 sale only costs you $3.20 total - based on US Sales) No setup, annual fees, etc. The solution for small businesses is Paypal!
