If you are building an online store, you will have to address the issue of receiving payments for orders. You can, of course, request that a paycheck is mailed. Most shopping cart software allows you to select this option when you are configuring. If you already have a line brick and mortar business, you may simply want to accept credit card payments by phone.

However, there are some basic problems with these solutions and it comes down to the store so the people on the internet. Customers expect to be able to add items to your basket and proceed to checkout to pay. If you then find that they have by phone or print and send your order, they can simply abandon their order and jump on another website. Shopping online is the convenience and if you can not afford this, you may be losing customers without even being aware of it.

So, what are your options and what is all this going to cost? Well the good news is you can do it all very simple and cheap. Paypal has no setup fee and is an online payment processor of great trust and service 78 million accounts worldwide in 56 countries. The cost is only a small percentage of each sale, a transaction fee. Payments on your website go directly to your Paypal account from which you can transfer an amount to your bank account with the click of a button.

Once you register with a payment processor, you can connect to your secure server from your basket facility or build 'add to basket' buttons via a simple web form query. The html generated is then pasted next to items on their website and customers will be transferred to a secure server when you go to the box.

Traditional merchant accounts are usually configured through its own bank and will become integral to their business account. Having your own merchant account gives you the option of many different online payment gateways. Most, however, a charge for opening the account, monthly and transaction fees. Just as you off-line, make sure you research any company you sign with the internet. Print and read the terms and conditions. Give special attention in which they operate from, their fees, when and how you will receive your money in your account.

Another point to consider is the issue of chargebacks. This occurs when a buyer requests a refund of amounts already paid to you. Reasons include not receiving goods ordered or items arriving faulty, damaged or not as described. Sometimes requests are made if the buyers card was used fraudulently.

If the chargeback request is successful, your merchant payment processor will be charged a processing fee. However, some companies now offer you insurance against chargebacks inclusive in your monthly fee. It is certainly worth shopping around for the right solution for you, but knowing you've done your research will give you a little peace.