If you have a business that sends invoices, then you should have a link on that invoice that allows your customers to pay online. Preferably on your website. Why? Because it’s convenient. In the year 2016, I should not have to write a check to pay for a service. I’m much faster to pay if I can click on a link, type in my card number, and be done.
Why don’t more people want to add this to their website?
I think the main reason is that it costs more. But it’s not a huge amount more. Thanks to Stripe and Gravity Forms, it’s pretty easy to implement but does require your site be encrypted via SSL which can cost $75-$100 per year. And of course, the credit card transaction fees take a chunk too.
What about the fees?
Yup, there are fees. That’s part of the service you pay for in order to accept credit cards and there’s really no way around that. These payment gateways are providing a service, and that service is not free.
However, in return you get paid faster than waiting on a check, the money is automatically deposited into your bank for you so you can avoid a trip to the bank, and it’s super fun to get that email that tells you someone just paid their bill!
It’s 2016 and people expect to have this option now. Paying online is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Don’t be left out by the mailbox waiting for a check.
Amy Masson
Amy is the co-owner, developer, and website strategist for Sumy Designs. She's been making websites with WordPress since 2006 and is passionate about making sure websites are as functional as they are beautiful.