Selling a service

Noobie to e-commerce

[rob3r]

Hello, I am starting up a web site to extend my service (home computer/network support) to the web.

I am wondering what the best way to charge for a service is? I cannot just setup a product with Paypal and charge a flat fee of fifty dollars... I charge by the minute (works out to 45 an hour). I want to make the process as simple, convenient and secure for my customers as possible, but the only solution I have been able to find is using a Virtual Terminal which doesn't seem like the best solution to me.

I have a ticketing solution that I can bill the customer with and it integrates with Paypal or any merchant service, but I don't know how to go about verifying payment information BEFORE I provide the service.

So basically, I want to make things secure and simple for the customer, but don't want to get screwed over myself!

Thanks so much for any help/opinions you may have.

[minnapple]

I have a friend that provides the same services.
He had a store front for a few years and know operates out of the house.
He has the client sign some documentation when he picks up or they drop off the computer.
If he is doing an onsite networking call he has them sign some documentation.
He runs the credit card number through his virtual merchant system before releasing a system.
If he is doing a house call he will accept a check but perfers cash.

[rojomojo]

I agree. Get some documentation fabricated and have them sign it. Also, get the credit card # before you do the service. I would advise giving your customer an estimate before hand and a pro forma invoice afterwards so they know how much they are being charged. Tie all of this documentation together. If it were me, I wouldn't verify the funds before hand. I think in most instances, they will have the funds anyhow.

Joe

[ytswy]

You could charge a minimum amount to start with and then charge the balance after you have completed the work.

Would allow you to verify card details first, and makes it clear that you don't do jobs below than a certain amount.

That said I wouldn't worry too much about non-payers - rememeber they can always do a chargeback anyway, so you'll never be completely safe.

[trooper27]

Agreed. You should set a flat fee for the services being provided to your customers.