The payment platform is one of the top concerns for e-commerce merchants. How do you collect payments online? How do you choose from the various options available on the market? Here are the steps to follow to find the right payment solution for your online store.

List your online payment needs

Before you start looking for the best e-commerce payment solution, we advise you to list your needs. Let's take some examples.

• Do you need a payment module (extension)? to integrate into your CMS (content management system) e-commerce or do you want integration via SDK (Software Development Kit)? Some payment solutions some offer both, others one or the other.
• What payment methods do you want to offer your customers? There are bank cards classics (Visa, CB and MasterCard), electronic wallets (PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc.), withdrawals (for subscriptions), CONECS payments, etc.
• Do you need special options, such as payment by link? This allows you to send a unique payment link (via SMS or email) to your customers who order by phone.
• Would you like features to manage your business This may involve managing transactions (refunds, cancellations, etc.) or having access to performance indicators (transaction volume, turnover, etc.).

The goal is to choose a personalized payment platform, able to respond to the purchasing habits of your customers.

Select trusted payment service providers (PSPs)

Payment platforms are solutions offered by PSPs. These are electronic payment professionals, licensed and compliant with European regulations. The role of a PSP is to act as an intermediary between you and your customers. They must comply with various obligations, including:

• ensure the security of personal data and transactions (strong authentication, compliant security protocols, encryption, etc.);
• fight against fraud ;
• ensure the transfer of funds, from the customer's account to your business bank account;
• arbitrate any disputes.

These PSPs are banks or specialized companies. It's always wise to research their reputation before making a choice. If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact your banking establishment.

Compare prices

establish a comparison of prices based on the offer proposed by each PSP. Often, this refers to transaction fees. In other words, a percentage is taken from each payment. This is the rate you need to compare. Some PSPs offer a monthly subscription that allows you to reduce this rate. Therefore, if your transaction volume is high, it may be more attractive to take out a subscription. Its cost can also vary depending on the options and management features chosen.

Test online payment solutions

The ideal is to test online payment solutions. Generally, it is possible to do this for free. It's about making sure they meet your expectations and those of your customers.

• Is the payment page pleasant and secure?
• Are the payment methods comprehensive enough? Do they meet consumer trends and demands?

Keep in mind that user experience (i.e., how easily a user navigates your e-commerce site, from the first page to the payment page) is essential for conversion.

It is also about test the ease of use of the platform and its features. This is an opportunity to discuss with the support team (are you satisfied with their listening and responsiveness?).

Make an appointment with an advisor

Have you found the simple and effective solution you're looking for? Make an appointment to subscribe to a plan. This is your chance to customize the platform according to your activity and available options (for example, adding your logo and colors). Still unsure? Prepare a list of questions and schedule an appointment with an advisor.

In short, choosing a payment solution requires careful consideration. It's helpful to list your needs, research the payment service provider, and compare offers. It's advisable to test the solution before subscribing to an offer to ensure it meets all the criteria and is easy to use.