Maybe I'm off base here, but can't you embed some html into a page that links to a credit card processing company? There are plenty of free merchant accounts out there.

Bill Belanger

You are correct. For us to work with a merchant they need to have some sort of API system that ties into their infrastructure. There are hundreds and hundreds of merchants out there and not all of them will be configurable enough to work with 3rd party shopping carts.

We also have to weigh the time and resources that it takes to configure our software to work with some merchants. Some just don't have a large enough user base to warrant the time and effort to make it work with our software.

Isn't Mal's E pretty big? I use them with Net Objects Fusion. What are the chances you will add them?

Not too sure. At first glance I can't find any documentation on their API. It looks more of like a shopping cart service and not a merchant.

They are not a merchant. They collect the information for download and manual input to my merchant account. Easy to use, lots of flexibility and options for shipping, etc. Good features.

Hi All,
Scott no matter what you design there will always be some one that has to complain that it is not good enough. I'm very new to web design of any kind and I have spent a lot of cash on a lot of other programs that are just to hard to work out. I come across CC. and away I went. I'm Happy and I do think I have a lot more than I paid for so from me THANKS to all at CoffeeCup for the Programs. As for the complainers out there you really don't have to buy the programs if you don't like them that is why there are demos of the programs so you can try before you buy. Best Regards Barry

Scott, I posted this in another thread...but this is more fitting.

Look at the way OS commerce or ZenCart did they payment methods..

They have: paypal module and other credit card api's if you want to intergrate into a seamless payment process.

But you could never make it available for the 1000's of credit card merchants:

The way around this, is a credit card payment offline:
1. customer enters in credit card info, cid, exp, etc (all in the shop cart)
2. program keeps all the info, except the middle 8 numbers of the card.
3. middle 8 numbers are emailed to the specific email, set up by you.
4. then offline you enter in the complete card number, info onto your specific merchant card company, website, credit card machine, any way you do web processing, just not automatic.

If someone hacks into your site. There is no way to compromise your customers credit card. The info is located in two places. Also, after the transaction, I delete the email with the middle 8. If a customer reorders, they re-enter the card again and another email with the middle 8 is emailed. Plus a reorder has different order number, maybe other product, etc. Maybe a pain for repeat customers but safe. Never store credit cards anyways!

I use a merchant credit card processor online only. No equipment, etc. I log into secure site and do everything on their servers. Not mine.

Yes, this is a bit more work. But until you get integrated with big merchant credit card companies this could work. Also, need payment by check, cod and in person.

I would never use or trust such a system. Too much of a chance you could get a chargeback. Unless you've got hit with a massive chargeback yourself you may not understand this. The only secure way to take CC payments online is for the customer to input all information into the Credit Card system themselves. Any other way and you could get hit with a chargeback. Your way may not allow anyone to steal the information from you, but there is nothing stopping them from giving you stolen information. If this happens, you have no recourse. You WILL lose the money and any product you send out. It does not matter if you use address verification and the security code. If the customer does not enter the info themselves into a secure online payment system that guarantees you your money, and the card was stolen, you will get that money taken from you along with a hefty fee, and possibly a fine. Trust me, this has happened to me and many others. Do not take a chance, even if this has worked for you in the past. Credit Card companies have adopted a ZERO tolerance stance on CC fraud and you will lose your money.

You summed that up perfectly Craig.

Craig, I agree with what you said but maybe that is specific to your company.

I had run this by my merchant company, they are pretty well known in the USA. I also verified it with the securities procedures from what all merchants use for rules.

Fact - the customer does enter their numbers onto my system. That is where your missing the point or do not understand. There is nothing wrong or illegal for the merchant to transfer this info over to complete a sale. Again, maybe with your company.

Fact the company I use, has a specific online merchant process for this reason. A customer could enter a stolen number regardless. Whether you stop the transaction then (automatic) or after you input the number... all before the product ships you will know if they accept or decline the credit card.

I simply enter the numbers outside of my shopping cart, store website, etc.

Even if they enter the secure info, onto a secure automatic payment process. your still not safe from being burnt. Unless the card is in hand, swipe by the customer, even then your not safe from a charge back.

All web based biz is not 100% secure. Stolen numbers are used every second.

There are thousands and thousands of people doing it this way. Not perfect but perfectly legal.

I'll stop, it appears I am swimming upstream here...