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E-COMMERCE MERCHANTS: 3 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR PAYMENT PROCESS EASY FOR CUSTOMERS
Your customers have a lot of choices when it comes to shopping online. They can comparison shop on Google, explore social media for recommendations from friends and family, they even read reviews about what others think before making an purchase decision! When it comes to paying for items online, customers want an easy and convenient process.
At the same rate, as an ecommerce business, you want to make it as easy as possible for customers to pay for their purchases, right?
To maximize your checkout conversion rate, it is vital that the experience of checking out is smooth and easy. The checkout process can be a pain point for e-commerce businesses.
Shopping cart abandonment is one of the most common challenges that e-commerce business owners face today.
Now, as much as there are external reasons for abandoning a shopping cart, customers also tend to lose interest because of issues on the website’s checkout page.
Checkout conversion is a huge factor in increasing sales. If you’re looking to amplify customer satisfaction, move them on the path towards making purchases quickly, and streamlining a smooth and easy checkout experience, I have three tips just for you!
3 Important E-commerce Card Payment Tips
1. Provide different kinds of payment methods!
56% of customers want to see a variety of payment options on the checkout page, according to Entrepreneur.com. While it may seem like there are an endless number of ways to pay for your product or service, you should consider what types your target customer prefer.
For instance, in the US, credit and debit cards are common payment methods. Another rising in popularity are mobile or digital coupons. If your target market is people in the US, you need to make sure you have these options on your checkout page.
What if you’re trying to go international? Some regions are less familiar with credit cards and more used to cash and direct bank transfers so having these payment methods will help increase your checkout rates in those places.
2. Provide assurances of data security!
With stories of personal data being stolen online, it is no wonder that 58% of survey respondents from eConsultancy said they leave a checkout page due to payment security concerns. Assuring your customers during the checkout process of your security certifications will increase your customer’s trust in your business. An SSL certification shows that you are able to provide a secure connection and encrypt credit card information. Also, showing your PCI-DSS certification means that you are compliant with the standards of credit card companies when it comes to cardholder data security.
3. Offer a reassuring money back guarantee!
Unlike shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, customers cannot see nor touch the real product and rely only on images when they shop online. Because of this, customers tend to be more skeptical and hesitant to part with their hard-earned money.
Giving a money back guarantee shows that you are confident about the quality of your product and helps the customers trust you with their money. It also shows that you care for your customers by ensuring that they are satisfied with their purchase. This gives you a competitive advantage when selling your products online since not all business owners can give that level of commitment and assurance. Lastly, be proud of your money back guarantee and make it noticeable on your checkout page.
Optimizing Your Ecommerce Payment Process With A Merchant Account
Wondering how to start optimizing your checkout page with the tips I shared?
The best way to start is to simply get a merchant account that helps you achieve all the tips mentioned above.
Here are some of the characteristics of a merchant account that can improve your payment process:
- Flexible Payment Options – A merchant account lets your customers choose the payment method convenient for them. You can use the more popular ones in the US such as credit/debit cards and digital coupons or those more convenient in other parts of the world such as direct bank transfers, cash or check.
No need to lose customers just because you are not able to provide a convenient way for them to pay. If you also want to provide face-to-face payment methods in the future such as an in-store POS, you can also get it from your merchant account provider as well. The various payment options offered by merchant accounts do wonders for your checkout conversion rates.
- PCI-DSS Certified – Merchant account providers have PCI-DSS certification and they are always at par with the security and data protection standards of the PCI-SSC. Your chargeback advocate is there to assist you in verifying the validity of a chargeback claim if and when one is made against your business. If the claim is questionable, your merchant account provider will be your advocate in winning the case.
Because we have a solid relationship with credit card issuers, a merchant account provider can easily simplify the procedure. Some merchant account providers even offer their own credit cards. Optimizing your payment process is easier when you partner with a trusted merchant account provider. (such as myself..wink,wink)
Interested To Learn More About Ecommerce Payment Processing?
On top of the features mentioned in this article, there are more amazing benefits of merchant accounts that I am excited to share with you. A flexible fee plan that suits your business needs and an account with no sales volume cap are just some of its perks!
Just book an introductory consultation with me below to find out more. If you need assistance in obtaining a merchant account, I can assist you with everything that you’ll require, including setting up a fee schedule that you are happy with. My experience with merchant accounts will be invaluable when I give you advice on how to create that successful application.
Even after it gets approved, I will help you manage transaction risks so that your account stays healthy. My top priority is to maintain a good relationship between you and your account provider so you can get the best rates and terms possible. Let me help you get that merchant account so you can give your customers their ideal checkout experience.
