PayPal- What Is It, Do I Need It, How Do I Get It

June 30, 2008

If you don’t already have a PayPal account, it’s time you did.

There are over 100 million people across the world who use this ver simple and very secure method of making online payments.  While it might not be your biggest source of customer payment, there are some people who not only prefer using PayPal over credit cards, some will not pay any other way.

The setup is simple and FREE, and within a few minutes you’ll be able to integrate your account with your shopping cart so customers can make their own choice.

A few notes about PayPal:

- Simple setup, your shopping cart can be ready to accept PayPal in minutes

- Customers can pay without revealing credit card or bank info

- Makes it very easy to send money to an individual, or vice versa

- Your PayPal account is identified by your email- easy to remember.

ex. If your friend wants to send you money, all you need to say is “Hey Steve, just PayPal (send) me the $100 to dave@84roots.com”.  That’s all he needs to deliver the $$$!

Here’s a video explaining a bit more about how PayPal works, how to sign up for your account, and how to integrate it into your shopping cart process.
Read more

Written by Dave · Filed Under "How To" Guides, 1ShoppingCart, Your Accounts | Leave a Comment 

Getting Started: The 4 Big Accounts

June 25, 2008

Shopping Cart“What do I need to set up before I start my online business?” This is a very common (and smart) question to ask.  And while you may eventually implement a dozen features to enhance your selling/marketing processes, there are 4 accounts that are ESSENTIAL to getting things rolling.

Once these 4 are in place and integrated with each other, visitors will be able to view your website, click a “Buy” link, enter credit card info, and instantly download your digital product- without you lifting a finger. Oh- and the best part- their money is automatically transferred to your bank account. Sweet.

Here are the 4 accounts:

1. Shopping Cart Account- A solid shopping cart account is the backbone of your Internet business. It’s where you go to add products, check your orders, manage your customer list, set up automatic autoresponder emails, and much more. Choosing the right one is crucial- changing this down the road means scrapping everything you’ve done up to this point.
I highly recommend www.WebMarketingMagicPro.com.

2. Payment Gateway Account- In the .5 seconds after a customer enters his credit card info, a decision has to be made as to the legitimacy of the payment.  Your gateway does this, and decides if the order is “Approved” (continue with order) or “Declined” (return to shopping cart with error).  Because of it’s function, it must be integrated with both your shopping cart AND your merchant account (keep reading).
I highly recommend Authorize.net.

2. Merchant Account- This is what allows you to accept credit cards online.  You Merchant Account company are the people who, behind the scenes, transfer the money from your customer’s credit card account to your bank account.  Since you’re dealing with sensitive financial info, there is an application process and a few hoops you have to jump through.  Make sure you find one with a good reputation solid support team.
I highly recommend eOnline Data.

(NOTE: If you decide to purchase through the link here, three cool things will happen:

  • First, I will get affiliate credit.  Just full disclosure.
  • Second, ALL the setup fees ($79-$99) will be WAIVED.  This is a fee charged to customers that usually goes to the affiliate (me).  I told them I’d rather they just not charge it at all.  You’re welcome. :)
  • Third, and most important- they will concurrently set up your Merchant Account AND a Gateway Account with Authorize.net, AND configure them.  Trust me, this is a very good thing for you!

3. Web Host Account- This is the “rented” space on the Internet where your website(s) live.  Once you have your website loaded here, the whole world can see it- and you then can integrate your shopping cart.  A good web hosting company will allow you to host multiple domains (a domain is your website’s name- i.e. Mysite.com), you can get email accounts for each domain, and you should get a strong tech support department in case you need some help.
Hosting companies I recommend:
HostGator.com
HostMonster.com
HostwithStan.com

Getting all 4 of these set up is crucial to do- and TEST- before you start bringing customers your way.

If you’re up for the challenge- dive right in, and check this site for resources to help.  If you’re looking to get all 4 of these set up quickly and efficiently- you might want to consider my special Starter’s Setup Package through my Web Marketing Magician consulting.

Either way, I wish you the best of luck with your online business adventures!

Written by Dave · Filed Under "How To" Guides, 1ShoppingCart, Your Accounts | 1 Comment