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Top Tips to Burst Payment Myths

Tag: payments

Top Tips to Burst Payment Myths

Top Tips to Burst Payment Myths

Online payments are the mainstay of e-commerce. Without an efficient online payment system, the growth of any e-commerce business would be greatly compromised. While designing an online payment system for a business, it is important to not only offer a wide range of platforms, but also to ensure that such platforms are robust and secure. Since most of the e-commerce businesses operate across borders, it is also important that such transactions are legally allowed as per the rules and regulations of the concerned countries. Following are the top tips which let you design an optimal payment system for your e-business.

  • Low Upfront Costs: While online payment platforms are essential for any online business, these are also expensive to operate. While deciding upon the platforms and methods to be used, proper attention should be paid to the associated costs.

Generally, these costs are upfront costs and running costs. Apart from the one-time setup fee, these platforms charge a certain percentage of transaction amount as their operating fee. Therefore, it is important that both these costs are taken into cognizance while deciding upon the platforms to be used. Don’t fall into the trap where some online payment service providers offer low upfront costs. It is highly likely that the associated operating costs will be on the higher side.

  • Supporting Features: Another myth associated with online payment systems is that they are only required to have the ability to accept payments. However, in an ecommerce business, the online payment system is expected to perform many more activities such as accounting for refunds and cashbacks. Such transactions are commonplace in an online business and therefore, the payment platform should be equipped to undertake such operations. While deciding about a service provider, it should be thoroughly checked that they are ready to provide such supporting functions.

 

  • Scalability: While most of the service providers offer the ability to scale up the payment system as and when your business grows, it is imperative that you fully check the extent of the scalability provided. Generally, such offers are saddled with fine prints and hidden clauses which come with additional contracts, higher fees, and other costs. You need to ensure that such elevated costs come with corresponding benefits in terms of scalability. Further, it should also be verified that the scaled operations will provide the same level of efficiency and robustness as the original plan.

 

  • Security: Online payment systems are still considered to be unsafe, which negatively affects their acceptance by the customers. In order to ensure that your customers feel safe while carrying out transactions, it is vital that you fully understand the safety features provided by your online payment platform. Apart from vetting the existing safety measures, you should also look at the service provider’s ability to offer safeguards against potential threats. Online businesses face new security threats on a daily business, making it imperative that the online payments service providers are ready to face not only existing threats but also the future ones. Installing a robust payment system will help in alleviating customers’ concerns about the safety of their money and personal information.

 

  • Flexibility: Another myth related to online payment systems is their rigidity. In order to keep the systems secure, it is generally believed that such systems are difficult to change and customize. However, this is not true as most of the top online payment service providers offer customizations to meet different requirements. Some of the top customizations are related to the acceptance of different currencies and diverse credit cards and debit cards. It is also a good idea to see whether your service provider is future ready to deal with upcoming technologies such as cryptocurrencies, which have the potential to become a major part of payment systems.

While deciding on an online payment system for your e-business, it is important that you take time to separate facts from fiction. There are several myths related to online payment systems and these misconceptions can negatively impact your decision-making process. In order to ensure that you set up the most optimal payment system for your business, you should keep the above-mentioned points in mind.

All about STC Pay

All about STC Pay

Currently, the e-commerce landscape is exhibiting a lot of dynamism, with businesses of all sizes going online to reach out to countless potential customers locally and globally. However, the success of any e-commerce venture is intimately linked to a couple of key factors, and an online payment management system is one of them. The online payment system you choose should not only be easy to use but also secure at the same time. To fulfill these requirements in an efficient manner, PayTabs has introduced STC Pay, which is a digital secure wallet and it lets individuals have more control over their money.

Why STC Pay?

PayTabs’ collaboration with STC Pay ensures that we are bringing the latest and the best in online payment systems to our clients. STC Pay offers a wide range of services including easy activation, better transaction transparency and instant refund. It also allows you to carry out your financial operations such as sending, receiving and managing your money through its dedicated phone app, ensuring that you are productive even when you are on the go.

STC Pay system is designed to pay for purchases, whether you have bought a candy bar in a convenience shop or a diamond necklace from a glitzy mall. You can use this app to clear your STC bills with just a flick of your finger. The system caters to the needs of busy people as it allows you to make international remittances as well. With this system you can make instant fund transfer to more than 525,000 Western Union locations globally.

STC Pay Powered by PayTabs

With PayTabs, a merchant can apply for an STC Pay account. After proper verification of the documents provided along with the application, the account gets activated and the merchant is able to receive cash from online channels. Currently, PayTabs offers STC Pay facility to only those Saudi merchants who have a proper Saudi bank account and CR. Furthermore, only Saudi individuals with a Saudi mobile number are eligible for making payments using this platform. These features are in line with PayTabs’ strategy to focus on Saudi businesses and propel them towards a high growth trajectory.

The merchants may use any bank to be associated with their STC Pay account as it does not require any specific bank for transactions. STC Pay provides support for various modes of payments for loading the digital wallet. The end client may use any of the major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa and Amex or debit cards such as mada, to add money to their digital wallet or through IBAN and SADAD transfers.

Grow with PayTabs

PayTabs aims to provide a convenient and secure channel for remitting and receiving payments. Within a short period of time, the company has established itself in the online payment segment. Its tailor made solutions for businesses ranging from small enterprises to mega corporations are reliable and efficient. The company is also at the forefront of electronic payments with its emphasis on developing technologies and partnerships. PayTabs’ security management layers are certified by Visa and MasterCard, offering you absolute peace of mind.

5 ways startups can accept online payments

5 ways startups can accept online payments

The world is becoming more digitized with every passing moment. Just as brick and mortar stores are no longer important to run a business, similarly, cash is no longer necessary to purchase goods and services. Online or digital transactions are the latest in the business world. In keeping with the times and their convenience, businesses and consumers alike are finding online payments more acceptable.

For startups, it is crucial to choose a suitable mode of online payment. This is because they need to ensure hassle-free payment solutions and at the same time, they are not in a position to incur hefty expenses related to online payments.

Keeping these factors in consideration, we have identified five best ways through which startups can accept online payments. Read on to know more.

Accepting debit/credit cards online

Accepting payments through cards on an online portal or website is the simplest way of conducting online transactions. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are known to be the most widely accepted credit/debit cards online. More and more people now prefer to pay through credit or debit cards. It is quick, convenient and safe up to quite a degree. And saving time and effort is what makes a business profitable, isn’t it?

Payments through eChecks

An electronic check, often referred to as an eCheck, is another way of conducting online transactions. The information mentioned on the paper check (account number, name, authorization, routing, etc.) must be filled into an online payment form to process payment electronically. The advantage of paying through eChecks, apart from the fact that it is safer, is incurring a lower processing fee.

Mobile transactions

People are glued to their phones all the time, cracking deals and conducting business on the go! Technology has given us the ability to buy and sell online quite easily. Taking payments online through a mobile device has made conducting business rather easy. Use digital wallets and NFC-enabled apps for mobile payments. You are now able to manage complex accounting tasks such as managing customer accounts, sending invoices etc. through your mobile device, anywhere and anytime.

Payment gateways

Businesses can add a payment gateway on to their website. Through its aid, buyers can now easily make a direct payment to the company from their website. The intuitive interface allows hassle-free payments. Moreover, the payment processor saves customer information for quick and secure payments when the customer comes back for the next purchase.

Additionally, online payment gateways provide a myriad of options to add to the convenience that they already provide. For instance, recurring payments related to subscriptions can be paid automatically at periodic intervals as directed.

Businesses can also hire a service provider to manage their payment gateway, ensuring security and privacy of customer information. These service providers take care of hosting online payment forms, processing of payments and securing accounts of the customers.

Payments through email

Some businesses choose to send the customer’s invoice to their email with a click-to-pay option. This method ensures a speedy transaction. With just a few clicks, the customer is able to make a payment, making it easier for both the customers and the business entity. Additionally, as people become more aware of the environmental consequences of paper transactions, digital transactions are getting a much-awaited boost.

Give wings to your startup

With the advent of technology and the ease with which business is now being conducted, competition is intense. It is necessary for a business to ensure that its clients receive the best experience. By providing multiple online payment options, conducting business becomes simpler and more satisfying on both ends. The business is able to manage its accounts better and in a more automated way, while the ease of online transactions ensures better customer satisfaction.

How Millennials are revolutionizing the Digital Banking & Payments Scenario

How Millennials are revolutionizing the Digital Banking & Payments Scenario

According to a recent study, 86 percent of the millennials aged 18-34 years say that they are “Mobile Money Users”, meaning they use digital banking and payments solutions on their smartphones. The millennials were the first to get introduced to gadgets and electronic products. And this is one of the reasons why they are more comfortable using digital payment solutions on their gadgets.

Let us discover the aspects that drive millennials to use digital banking and payment solutions. We will also look at the ways they are using these payment solutions in their daily life.

Millennials are Exploring New Options

Digital banking service providers are promoting cashless transactions in order to save recurring expenses and to grow their customer base. The millennials seem to be most interested in the options offered by payment solution providers. The use of hard cash is diminishing day by day and digital banking & payments are on a consistent rise.

Credit card, debit card, and net banking payment solutions are widely accepted around the world. Not only millennials but other generations are equally proficient in using these payment modes. But when it comes to evolving online payment platforms, millennials are the first one to register their presence.

Let’s take a look at the peer-to-peer lending services. Whether you are booking tickets for a concert or dining out at a vegan café; you can use the peer-to-peer lending app to split the bill. This is an excellent choice for all those who go out in groups. Nobody shares the burden of paying bills as everyone can contribute their share. And as millennials tend to go out in groups frequently, they are the ones who are enthusiastically using and promoting these payment sharing services.

Microfinance companies have initiated collateral-free loans. Yet again, millennials are at the forefront to avail these services. The complete process takes place online, from submitting documents to verification to setting up automatic EMIs.

Besides these, unified payment interface (UPI) facility links your mobile number with your bank account, allowing for hassle-free payments without entering user credentials. Similarly, contactless cards working on the principle of near-field communication (NFC) are a rage these days. And undoubtedly, millennials are the ones who are vigorously adopting these digital payment solutions.

Digital Solutions Because…

There are various reasons to opt for digital banking and payment solutions. For millennials, the following factors prompt them to opt for digital solutions:

  • Real-time – You don’t need to wait for hours, or even minutes, to complete a digital transaction. Everything happens in real time, whether it’s splitting money amongst friends or subscribing to a recurring OTT subscription.
  • Secure – Financial transactions must happen over secure online payment systems because financial fraud is a common phenomenon. And millennials, like everyone else, opt for digital banking solutions that integrate robust security measures such as PCI-DSS compliance, 2FA, 256-bit AES encryption, and so on.
  • Convenience – You don’t need to step into the bank premise, sign up checks, count the cash, etc; there are countless ways of conveniently transacting with digital banking solutions. And as time is the most important asset for everyone, including millennials, you can save a lot of it by using digital payment solutions.
  • Personalization – As millennials are tech savvy, they are more inclined towards personalizing preferences on digital banking apps and systems. So whether it’s opting for subscriptions, managing contact list, or browsing offers; these apps have features that millennials simply love.
  • Environment-friendly – Digital banking solutions eliminate the need to use paper and don’t require you to commute to and fro. These are progressive steps that aim at reducing carbon footprint. The millennials are quite conscious about the need to keep the environment clean and prefer eco-friendly solutions.

Final Words

Millennials are surely harbingers of change in the digital banking and payments landscape. While the previous generation is learning from millennials to adapt to digital solutions, the future generations will surely take these to the next level.

How to ensure fraud and chargeback prevention

How to ensure fraud and chargeback prevention

Fraud and chargeback claims can malign your reputation, eventually resulting in loss in your business. In order for merchants to safeguard themselves against fraud and chargeback, it is recommended that they either choose a reliable and secure online payment platform available in the market or hire professionals to handle cases of chargeback and fraud within the company. Before we discuss the strategies for fraud and chargeback prevention, let us look at the definition of chargeback.

What is a chargeback?

Chargeback refers to an appeal made by a cardholder/consumer against fraud committed by a merchant. The appeal is made to the issuing bank. The bank deducts said amount from the merchant until the merchant is able to collect enough evidence to prove his/her case, in which case the money is returned. In some cases, the cardholder may issue a second chargeback known as pre-arbitration. This occurs when a consumer is determined to prove that he/she has been a victim of fraud at the hand of the merchant.

Let us discuss certain principles and restrictions that a merchant should look into in order to prevent fraud and chargeback.

Restriction on the number of payment attempts

Most online transactions happen through an online payment gateway. One way to minimize the risk of chargebacks is to impose a restriction on the number of times a cardholder can attempt to make a payment. Additionally, the number of purchases made through one card in a day can also be restricted. This simple principle can help you reduce the risk of chargebacks and even prevent the problem from occurring altogether.

Restrictions with regard to email

It is often found that people who come with an intention of committing fraud use multiple email addresses to make purchases using the same card. A merchant must monitor the cards that are linked to multiple email addresses. This may seem like a rather simple way of dealing with it, but it can be a highly preventative measure. It is always better to catch them before the crime occurs.

Monitoring IP addresses

Technology now makes it possible to monitor IP addresses. This can work in favor of the merchant since they can monitor the addresses and find out the e-commerce history and reputation of a particular buyer. There are multiple restrictions that a merchant can apply, such as blacklisting a particular IP address.

Customer service

Credit card companies often offer chargeback notification as a service. This means that any time a cardholder raises a dispute, the merchant is informed simultaneously. By making use of this service and providing good customer support, it is oftentimes easy to address the customer’s issues. Prompt action in such cases can help prevent chargebacks and build better customer relations for the future.

Maintaining and updating records

It is always a good idea to maintain complete and up-to-date records of all transactions made by a cardholder. These records should include dates of purchase, the amounts paid as well as authorization information. These records can be very helpful while handling and fighting chargeback disputes.

Proper training of employees

Employees should be trained on how to handle card and non-card transactions. By enlightening them on the subject, the merchant can save himself/herself from fraud altogether. Verifying signatures, requiring complete card information, etc. are just some ways that fraud can be prevented. As the popular adage goes ‘prevention is better than cure’; it would save the merchant a lot in chargeback fee if the fraud was to be prevented altogether.

Choose your battles

The merchant is charged a certain fee when a chargeback is asked for. An additional fee is imposed if the merchant decides to dispute it. Too many chargebacks also damage the merchant’s relationship with the account provider. Therefore, it is wise for the merchant to choose to dispute only the chargebacks that he/she is likely to win.

The above-mentioned steps may seem like too much for a merchant to take on by themselves. It is advisable, in such a case, to hire a chargeback management firm to deal with the issue of fraud and chargebacks, and adopt these effective strategies to safeguard your business.