radeckd - 6:09 pm on May 8, 2009 (gmt 0)

I do the same thing. I process my orders offline. Avarage transaction is about 1000 USD so first I would run authorization for 25 cents and see if AVS/CCV returns with match. If it doesn't, I void it and I call customer to verify billing address (and most of the time they do). Often customers do not know the difference between shipping and billing address. Than I run authorization again. Again 25 cents. If it returns with match I still void it and run another Authorization or sale for full amount. This way if I don't receive match at first time, I don't place authorization for full amount on customer's card. Only 25 cent and it will be gone in few business days. If I tried to autorize ful amount and it didn't match, authorization would still go through putting that 1000USD on hold for up to 7 business days. If customer doesn't have more available credit, I would have to wait to have a chance to run his credit card again. And waiting for so many days is not good for any business.