Technology for Fundraising

Re: authorize.net or google checkout?

jtmerch — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:48:35 GMT

In response to this post they both have their advantages. But a more professional approach is to use both a "Real" Online merchant account (like Authorize.net but there are other "real" options that are cheaper than going direct with Authorize.net) and Paypal's free Web Link as an alternative option, because Paypal is still much more widely supported than Google in the category of alternative methods. I think it's a mistake for organization that wants to lauch online donations/ordering to either:

1. Use Paypal's Free Web Link as the only method to accept credit/debit cards, this option is extremely limited and many customers still don't prefer the look of sites that only offer a Paypal buy now button to pay... Use both if possible.

2. Or signup for Paypal's more advanced merchant solution. If you want a direct "real" merchant solution search around and you'll see that Paypal is grossly over priced for their more advanced options.

Based on what I see almost every day the merchants with the most success use a real processing solution and add Paypal's web link as an alternative.

Further questions on anything payment processing and e-payment related email msinfo@merchantseek.com or visit www.merchantseek.com or post it here and I'll do my best to respond.

Joe Thompson

MerchantSeek.com - Your Payment Acceptance Source.

Re: authorize.net or google checkout?

rweiner — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:14:53 GMT

Dear Maggie,

Google Checkout has been free to nonprofits for the past couple of years. Now they're starting to charge for it, unless you have a Google Grant.

I blogged about using Google Checkout for donation processing here a year ago. As far as I can tell, it hasn't changed. My big concerns:

The donor has to register for a Google account. This used to be a problem with standard PayPalas well.

The donor has to add a credit card number to the Google account, rather than entering the card for a single transaction.

The service uses a shopping "metaphor."

The receipt only displays a limited amount of text.

I don't see a way to enter a comment, direct my gift, make a tribute gift, or set up a recurring donation.

I think Google Checkout compares favorably with standard PayPal (but PayPal is still a better user experience). I don't think the user experience compares favorably with authorize.net or PayPal Pro, except for the price.

Try making a donation on a site that uses Google Checkout and see what you think. I can point you to one if you'd like.

Robert

authorize.net or google checkout?

magggie — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:13:48 GMT

Hello there!

we recently were given a googles grant, with google checkout in it.

we were using authorize.net and paypal in the website.

is anyone using g. checkout? which one is better?

thanks!