About e-commerce: Sage Pay's guide to trading online
Whether you're totally new to trading online or you want to give your customers more ways to buy from you, the Sage Pay guide can help...
The basics of e-commerce websites
- To trade online you need a business bank account and a merchant bank account (these are not the same thing).
- You need a payment gateway (from a payment service provider) to securely accept card payments online.
- You'll also need a shopping cart so customers can choose and purchase products from your website.
- Many web development agencies provide e-commerce platforms which have everything you need for an e-commerce website.
- Money from transactions is transferred to your merchant bank account by your payment service provider who processes your online customer payments.
- Your merchant bank will then send funds to your business bank account (the time it takes varies between merchant acquirers).
Payment gateways
Want to start accepting card payments online, over the phone or by mail order? You'll need a payment gateway. It keeps your customers' card details secure.
Merchant bank accounts
Before you can take card payments from your customers, either online, over the phone or via mail order, you'll need to set up a merchant bank account to obtain a merchant ID.
Preventing online fraud
Online fraud is a growing concern amongst e-tailers and can be costly for business. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help protect your business and consumers from fraud.
PCI DSS compliance
All businesses accepting card payments need to meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Being PCI DSS compliant reduces the risk of your customers' card data getting into the wrong hands.
E-business best practices
There are a number of ways that e-commerce businesses can increase their sales. Sage Pay's E-business Benchmark Report has identified the key factors that contribute to online success.
Keen to know more about e-commerce?
