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9 Key Factors

Thinking about taking your existing business online or starting a new online business?

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to process payments through your website.

It’s all about getting paid securely, reliably and as quickly as possible, that’s a big part of business and important for your cash flow.

Choosing between the different payment solution options available can be confusing. Below is a list of what we consider to be the nine key areas you should focus on when looking at your options.

    • This is, in many cases, the first decision you will need to make - Do you opt for a merchant-based system such as eWAY or do you consider a private payment system which does not require a merchant facility?

      What's the Difference?
      A merchant-based payment processor, such as eWAY requires your business to have an Internet merchant account with one of the major Australian banks, whilst a non-merchant based processor utilises its own merchant facilities, and actually holds your funds in their own accounts until you request them. With a merchant-based processor, no third party ever holds your money.

      In general terms if you are expecting to conduct reasonable levels of transactions and want your funds paid directly into your bank account then a merchant based system is probably the best option for you, to allow you to retain full control over your funds.

    • When your online business depends on being paid securely and reliably you want to know that the company providing your payment gateway will be there when you need them most with expert technical support solutions. Check on the level of support offered and confirm the companies network management, backup and monitoring solutions.

      At eWAY all of our customers enjoy the Platinum Support, by our team of dedicated eCommerce experts.

      » eWAY Support
      » Contact eWAY's Dedicated Team

    • Availability and security are essential elements of a Payment Gateway provider.

      Check if your chosen provider has the highest level of physical and network security features and that they are constantly implemented, monitored and supported on a 24 x 7 basis, with custom-built hardware and software and specialised backup plans in place.

      eWAY uses best of breed infrastructure and security solutions to ensure our customers are always live and always have access.

      » eWAY's Data Centre
      » eWAY's Data Recovery

    • To provide a professional payment process for your customers, while also maintaining control over your funds, a merchant based system such as eWAY is the best option.

      Most non-merchant based systems offer a redirect payment process which means your customers leave your site to input their credit card details.

      With the threat of phishing scams and identity theft so well publicised, customers are more than likely to close their browser the instant they are transferred from your site. This translates to lost sales for you and customer dissatisfaction due to non-fulfillment of the sale.

      » Why Use eWAY?

    • Non-merchant based processors represent both sides of the dispute if problems arise.

      In the event of a dispute using a merchant based processor such as eWAY merchants are represented by the acquiring bank and are independent of the customer or the issuing bank.

      Australian banks are required to obey laws and regulations when it comes to the handling of funds. Your rights as are merchant are protected by these rules that are in place to ensure a fair trading environment for all parties. Other online payment models that don't use the banking network are not held to the same set of rules. These service providers are largely autonomous, offshore entities that purely exist within the legal vacuum that is the Internet. This means that your rights as a merchant a subject to whims of companies largely self-regulating and untouchable.

    • At no stage do merchant based processors touch your funds. A merchant based payment gateway like eWAY is simply a conduit for transaction information to flow between your website and the banking network. All fund transfers and settlements are handled by your merchant facility and your customer's card issuer.

      As transactions are processed throughout the day, the funds from each successful transaction are held by the Internet merchant facility. At the end of the day the funds are settled overnight by your bank into your nominated trading account, giving you access to these funds by the next working day.

      » The eWAY Payment Process

    • There are major differences in the area of privacy between merchant based systems and non-merchant based systems.

      Merchant based systems such as eWAY never share merchants or customers data with anyone. Before considering another system check their privacy statement material closely.

      » eWAY Privacy Statment

    • Costs are an important consideration when considering the payment system that is right for your business needs.

      Merchant based processors such as eWAY typically have annual fees, per transaction fees and sometimes setup fees. There are also fees associated with setting up an online merchant facility with your bank.

      In relation to fees it’s key that merchants take the time to understand all of the differences between merchant and non-merchant based processors and not make a decision based solely by cost comparison.

      » eWAY Pricing