ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS FOR PAYMENT

DO I NEED CREDIT CARD PROCESSING?
If you wish to sell products or services via your website, you will need to accept some form of payment.  Paying by credit card is fast, universal, and commonplace.  If your buyer cannot use their credit card and must fill out an order form by fax or email or perhaps phone to complete their purchase, it is more likely they will simply abandon the purchase and shop somewhere else.

IS THERE A LOW-COST OPTION?
If you are just getting started, you may wish to consider the PayPal system.  It is an Internet payment system owned by eBay and facilitates online payment between buyers and sellers.  It's possible to open and account without having to pay any fees.  You can also upgrade your PayPal account from "PayPal money transfers" to real credit card transactions if desired.

HOW MUCH DOES A MERCHANT ACCOUNT COST?
The fees vary according to the provider you choose, the level of service, and your credit worthiness.  For the specific fees, consult the application forms for each specific merchant account provider.