How to take credit cards over the phone?

[backwater]

I have a new ecommerce business using PP websites pro, about a month old. I also have a toll free number set up. I've had a few people wanting me to take their CC number over the phone because they didn't feel secure over the net. This might be a dumb question, but is there a way to do this without having an actual CC machine?

Thanks

[bwnbwn]

we just place the order for them over the net same as they would just don't go to telling them unless they ask.

[Morocco]

bwn,

do you still classify them as ecommerce when you do that?

[Wlauzon]

The funny thing about that, the phone is TONS less secure than the internet is :)

[Huntster]

I still have an old Verifone CC Machine that I use in my office. I paid for it 12 years ago and it's still kicking. I use that for phone orders or if anyone comes into the office. I also get a cheaper rate when I swipe the card.

I also like having a separate machine if my online processor is ever down, I have a back-up, which I like. I also can quickly audit and compare who pays on-line vs. phoning in when using different merchants - not that it really matters.

[Huntster]

"The funny thing about that, the phone is TONS less secure than the internet is :)"

True, but customers don't think so.

[sun818]

I know Paypal has a Virtual Terminal service that comes with all Website Payment Pro subscribers. You may need to activate the feature for your account. Other payment gateways, like Authorize.Net, have a "virtual terminal" feature that allows you to enter in the customer's detail while on the phone. On the other hand, if you use 2Checkout.com to take a phone order, they will warn you sternly to not submit orders that way. Probably a similar issue if you try to submit orders for someone by using Paypal Optional checkout.

[steve]

We enter their card details on line via HSBC's card processing website.

It allows us to check the card address matches, funds are available, etc. while the customer is on the phone.

[MrFishGuy]

We also just use our website same as they would have. although as someone mentioned Authorize.net has a virtual terminal on their site to credit and refund cards.

[oldpro]

Your credit card processor should have a secure website so you can do it manually for them online. We have paper forms to write down their information (quicker that way)...then when we get off the phone go to our processor's website and process it online.

A suggestion...you will get many repeat orders from customers that call in their order. So, keep their information on file (off a computer and in a locked file cabinet of course). Then when they call again all you have to do is find out what they want to order and not have to go over the same old ground again to get the credit card info.

[backwater]

Thanks very much! I'm using paypal pro, so I will look for the virtual terminal feature. Thanks for all the good advice!

[jwolthuis]

It's at [paypal.com...]