The digital age has made it possible for small businesses to reach a global audience. However, many are hesitant to venture into online selling due to the perceived complexities and costs associated with setting up a merchant account, securing a server certificate, and possibly needing shopping cart software. This article aims to dispel these fears and provide practical solutions for small businesses to start selling online without the need for a merchant account.
Many small business owners are deterred from online selling due to the perceived "red tape" associated with setting up a merchant account, securing a server certificate, and possibly needing shopping cart software. However, there are numerous third-party credit card and online check providers who can help you establish your e-commerce business quickly and efficiently. Some of these providers cater specifically to businesses selling tangible goods, while others are more suited to those offering intangible services. It's crucial to thoroughly research each provider to ensure they meet your specific needs.
These providers offer a secure website for processing your customers' credit card orders. For this convenience, they typically charge a small percentage of each transaction, usually between 7 to 15%.
Let's delve into a few of these third-party providers and what they offer:
iBill: Ideal for businesses selling services or other intangibles, iBill charges no setup fees and allows for services to be priced between $2.95 to $100.00. They take a 15% cut of the amount charged during any billing period and send out payments twice a month. Visit iBill
Valid Check: This provider has been a reliable choice for accepting online check payments for years. They offer a variety of pricing options, including a $4.95 monthly minimum and a one-time setup fee of $29.95. Visit Valid Check
ClickBank: A popular choice for thousands of business websites, ClickBank can also be used to set up your own affiliate program. They charge a one-time activation fee of $49.95 and a $1.00 plus 7.5% fee on each sale. Visit ClickBank
DigiBuy: Perfect for businesses selling software or information, DigiBuy offers quick and easy setup with complete control over pricing, order forms, and delivery options. They charge a 13.9% fee on each sale. Visit DigiBuy
Online Billing Solutions (OBS): OBS allows you to accept all major credit cards. They charge no setup or monthly fees, but take a 15% cut of your sales. Visit OBS
CC Now: Ideal for selling tangible merchandise, CC Now offers an integrated shopping cart software and charges a 9% commission on each sale. Visit CC Now
Starting to sell online without a significant upfront investment is a viable option for small businesses. If successful, you can always apply for a merchant account later to save on transaction fees. Selling your products or services online doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, you just need to know where to look for help.
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