I'm sure this has been discussed to death, but what options are there as a comparable alternative to paypal? Paypal offers a pretty easy process to register and accept or send payments. A lot of alternatives end up just making you a merchant and sign up for that as well, so why bother with them? Google checkout could be good, but it needs to expand past the US/UK markets.
Actually the best alternatives are a real merchant account. If you can get approved to process international transactions they're always better. Good standard packages that include everything are Echo, NexCommerce, Linkpoint, and FastTransact. Or you may even get a high risk merchant account of your own if you need to process in markets that a standard merchant account does not allow. Only go with the 3rd Parties like Google, Paypal, Moneybookers, 2Checkout, etc if you cannot get a real merchant account.
I would definitely NOT recommend using 2Checkout. The rates are extremely high - 5.5% + $0.45 is simply outrageous. Additionally, they will refund any order if the customer contacts them and threatens a chargeback - they won't even bother contacting the merchant to get their side. Maybe things have changed as I haven't used 2CO in 3 years now, but I doubt it.
I agree with you. I have faced the such problems many times. That is why I switched to PayPal website payments pro and left 2checkout.
Quick question - Paypal to Paypal transaction - can that be reversed? i mean can a charge-back occur on it?
In my research many people have been having success with AlertPay and Revolution Money Exchange (RME). I have added both to my website listing payment alternatives. www.paymentalternates.com
A real merchant account is great, but a large number of customers seem only interested in purchasing through Paypal. I have begun to question the usefulness of paying the fees for a merchant account when Paypal is handling most business transactions. Paypal also makes it very easy for anyone to simply send you money, which is ideal for freelancing.
I am using Moneybookers as Paypal is not yet supported in my country. I think Moneybookers is a good alternative to paypal.
The problem with places like PayPal, Google Checkout, 2Checkout etc., is that they are 3rd parties and can freeze your accounts at anytime if they feel you are going against their TOS. Most of them also off the chance for a dispute which can lock up your account if you don't get it resolved in a timely manner and most often result in a refund. Even if you have a no refund policy. If you are in the USA I recommend Pay Junction it allows you to accept credit cards at your physical business, on your website and mobile by cell phone or PDA. Great solution for most businesses. I hope this helps.
well you can check out aleart pay and moneybookers,,but it finally comes down for what purpose u want to use it.anyways PP still has the best options