How to Implement a Service That Allows You to Accept Payments Online

Accepting online payments can significantly enhance the performance of your business, especially if you have a website. In this article, you'll find step-by-step guidance on how to set up an online payment system, along with a thorough comparison of payment processors to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing the Right Payment Processor

For the past three years, I have been using European Merchant Services UK Limited as my payment processor, and I highly recommend them. They have made a positive impact on my business, which primarily involves [briefly describe your business type].

Here’s why I chose them over other payment processors:

Smooth Integration

Their payment system integrates seamlessly with my website, making checkout a breeze for customers. This ease of integration saves both you and your customers from complications and adds to the overall user experience.

Competitive Fees

Compared to popular alternatives like PayPal and Stripe, European Merchant Services offers more competitive fee structures. This is crucial for small business owners who need to manage their expenses carefully.

Excellent Customer Support

Whenever I have had questions or needed assistance, their customer support team has been incredibly responsive and helpful. This is a crucial factor, as strong support can minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.

Other Options to Consider

There are several other payment processors out there, such as PayPal, Stripe, Authorize, and Clara. Each has its own set of pros and cons. For instance, PayPal is widely used and known for its reliability but can have higher fees, especially for businesses in certain industries. Stripe is known for its advanced features but might be more complicated for small businesses. is robust and integrates well with popular e-commerce platforms, while Clara focuses on custom scripts and APIs for a more tailored experience.

Generating a Payment Link in 3 Easy Steps

To generate a payment link, follow these steps:

Create a Payment Link via the Dashboard or APIs

Most payment processors provide a dashboard or API access to create payment links. You can customize these links to match your brand by adding brand colors and logos, and even customer details, before embedding them where necessary.

Customize the Payment Link

After creating the link, you can customize its appearance and functionality. Ensure the link looks professional and aligns with your brand identity.

Paste or Embed the Link

Once customized, you can paste or embed the link anywhere on your website. This could be on landing pages, product pages, or any other relevant sections where customers can make payments easily.

Setting Up Payments with JavaScript Code

For those with programming experience, integrating payments via JavaScript code can be straightforward. Here’s a simple way to get started:

Step 1: Set Up a Merchant Account

You’ll need a merchant account with a payment processor. Popular options include Stripe, PayPal, and Adyen. Ensure your processor caters to small businesses and offers a user-friendly setup process. Longer legal processes and complex setups can be time-consuming and may add to costs.

Step 2: Integrate the Payment Gateway

Most payment processors provide SDKs or API documentation to integrate payment gateways into your website. Follow their provided guidelines to embed payment forms on your website. This is a less manual process compared to online forms.

Step 3: Embed the Payment Form

Once integrated, embed the payment form on your website where customers can easily make payments. Ensure the form is user-friendly and guides customers through the payment process without complications.

Online Form Builders for Quick Integration

For business owners who don't have the time or resources to build a custom online store, online form builders offer a simpler solution:

Jotform for Payment Forms

Jotform is a powerful form builder that also facilitates payments. It is widely used and integrates with major payment gateways. Additionally, Jotform’s no-code app builder allows you to drag and drop features to build an online store quickly. Consider using Jotform if you're looking to start an online business in any industry.

Pricing and Features

When choosing a payment processor or form builder, consider factors like pricing, integration capabilities, and the ease of building forms. Popular form builders like Jotform also offer premium features such as databases, automated emails, and marketing tools, making them a valuable asset for growing businesses.

Conclusion

Successfully implementing an online payment solution on your website can streamline your business operations and enhance customer satisfaction. Whether you opt for a payment processor or use an online form builder, ensure you choose a reliable and user-friendly option that aligns with your business needs.