I need to be able to accept credit cards online and off. Can Paypal do it? Is there something cheaper? I won't be doing enough transactions to qualify for a rate reduction, so I need something cheap for the little guy just starting out.
Online, Yes, Paypal can do that as long as you have a Premier or Business Paypal account and from one of the countries which can accept payments. As for Offline, you can't as you probably need a merchant account from your local bank in order to do that.
Offline would mean not connected to the internet. I supposed he is looking for someone to process phone orders, in-store orders and mail orders type of transactions where the other party does not pay or order online.
Yeah, that's what I am looking to do. Paypal has this: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_vt_hub-outside
You should get your own merchant account and keep your money. 2.9% + $0.30 USD is what paypal is taking from you every transaction. Our rate is half of what they charge. Shop around and compare rates would be your best bet.