Credit Card charge---offline

[Results]

Hi,
First up I have a web designer setting up a new site for me osCMax. (I am not techno). This guy has set up his own database driven web site that had over 30,000 products. So i beleive He knows what he is doing.

I operate a small (very small) shop in Australia. I have counter facilities for credit cards. (terminal). Another website I have takes credit card details and emails them to me to process on my shop terminal.

Can I do the same with osCMax?
I have been reading the various posts in a number of threads here, and it appears some are having problems. Do I tell my web guy to look at something else, or do you have something helpful I can pass on to him?

Thanks in anticipation!
Bruce

[michael_s]

You can do both, but you shouldn't. The best way would be to use a real time gateway to process immediately. The other two methods do not meet PCI compliance and could get you into trouble.

See this if you really insist:
Credit Card Encrypt and Decrypt on the fly. - osCMax - osCommerce Maximized

[Results]

Thanks for the prompt reply.
I will pass it onto my web guy here in Australia.
The reason for not wanting a real time gateway is the added cost, as I already am paying for merchant facilies for my instore use.
Thanks again,
Bruce

[michael_s]

The cost is nominal and you will get better rates because you already have a merchant account set up (or you should!). Check with your current provider to see what the rates are. Besides, the added cost would only be for internet transactions. As it is, doing it via email is most likely in violation of the terms of the merchant bank you are working with and if they get wind of it, they could fine you or drop you.

It is better to work within the rules set forth in your merchant agreement than risk your ability to process cards to save a few bucks a month.