Looking for the ideal payment partner? Like in every relationship, it takes time to get things right, so prepare for in-depth research. Here’s what you should consider to find your perfect match.
Technology and integration process
Time is money, so you should look for a payment platform that provides fast and hassle-free integration and that can adapt to your programming language. Choose one with a powerful and flexible set of APIs loved by developers, as with clean code you can set any payment scenario that covers your business needs.
You can easily add new features and customize the payment form that can be embedded on your website. It’s important, as the look and feel of your payment form have an impact on customer trust.
Smooth and hassle-free payments are what consumers look for the most nowadays. Asking customers for essential information only and making them pay through a simple checkout without redirections, interruptions, and distractions is what will positively affect your conversion. So, make sure that a payment provider delivers solutions designed with customers’ needs in mind and follow the best UX practices to provide a better dating experience.
Payment gateway security
As information that customers enter during a payment process is sensitive, it has to be well protected. PCI compliance is mandatory for every merchant that accepts payments on their website. But, becoming PCI compliant involves undergoing PCI auditing, as you need to meet the requirements of the PCI Data Security Standard. The good news is that when you find a reliable payment platform, it will handle PCI compliance on your behalf, so you don’t have to deal with it.
Bearing this in mind, verify whether your payment provider meets the strictest security requirements known as PCI Level 1. It will confirm that the technology the provider uses is secure and the people behind the platform are fully aware of the risk factors that come with payment processing. It also means that they follow proper procedures to prevent breaches and potential attacks.
What you need is multilevel protection, so ask for an effective anti-fraud system, non-invasive 3D Secure (that doesn’t kill your conversion), AI-based tools, etc.
Location and incorporation
Always make sure that your business model is accepted by a payment platform. Keep in mind that there are plenty of payment solutions on the market and each of them specializes in certain business models, and some of them provide services for high-risk businesses.
If you operate in Europe, it’s recommended to choose a European-based company that understands the market and has strong relationships with European acquiring banks. For instance, if your company is incorporated in Denmark, it’s better to find a provider that offers services to Denmark-based businesses. There are, of course, payment providers that operate in a few regions (for instance in Europe and the US), but ask before you submit an application.
If you run a business globally, another thing that will help is the possibility of accepting payments in various currencies (SecurionPay lets you accept payments in 160 currencies). With all that you will make dating beyond borders simple thing for the users.
Transparent pricing
Before you sign a contract with a payment provider, make sure that there are no hidden or extra costs.
Take time to learn the entire fee structure and keep in mind that pricing should be simple and clear without unexpected surprises. Make sure that what you see on paper is what you’ll end up with. Some payment gateways charge extra fees for certain services or offer fees displayed on their websites only if certain conditions are met, such as sending local traffic, minimal required volume, or it refers to just one currency.
Accepting payments internationally may come with higher fees than a local processor connected to local banks, but, even so, it will be viable for you in the end (if you choose wisely, of course). However, focus on the real cost — the solution that seemed pricier could be cheaper in the end.
Think about it this way: It’s better to pay a bit more and accept payments through a technologically advanced solution with a seamless process, user-friendly checkout, etc. than having to worry about frequent interruptions, downtimes, and similar glitches. Outstanding technology, simplified flow, and seamless payments will win you more clients, so sometimes it’s better to pay a bit more.
Also, make sure that you get paid fast. Your cash flow is important, so you need to know the payout frequency. Check out the payout schedule and make sure it goes inline with your business needs. The last thing you want is a cash flow gap that makes you handle business partners’ complaints.
Responsive support
This is one of the most overlooked, yet one of the most important things, as responsive support can work wonders for your company. When you run an online business, especially with a global reach, you need to be sure that your questions will never be left unanswered and you will get help as soon as a problem occurs.
Payment processing is critical, so when there are issues, you need an immediate reaction. But, it’s not always necessary to have 24/7 support. What matters is responsive customer service.
There you have it. Take all these things into consideration and weigh up the strengths and weakness to make the right decision. Especially if you’re using a payment system that resembles a technological fossil.
Visit the SecurionPay website here.