Security for Shop Owners
Dealing with payments on the internet is no different to dealing with payments in a normal business - you need to take the same precautions. Every day, shop owners in the real world must be wary of credit card fraud, bouncing checks, shoplifters and robbery.
Using the internet, you have one big advantage over normal shops. Shoplifters can walk into a normal shop, grab a product and walk out, but this is impossible on the internet, and the only way a customer can steal from you on the internet is by presenting you with false payment details such as stolen credit cards. Credit card fraud and security (.pdf file)
So how do you know that the customer is who they say they are?
Your advantage of course is, that at this stage you still have the products and you should only send them out, if you feel comfortable that the order is real and the customer can pay. One way to do this is to insist on taking the UK land line telephone that matches the billing address from the credit/debit card used to pay (You can check the landline number very quickly), then calling a customer who has placed an order to verify they are the cardholder.
This also helps to build good relations with customers and provides re-assurance that their purchase is safe, and that you care about the integrity of your own business and their personal details. If an order is suspicious in any way, check it out by calling the customer and verify the address, and if you have any suspicions, you are in complete control and can simply cancel the order.
Always remember: On the internet you have the advantage over the shoplifter, use the advantage, and your shop will be far safer than those on your local high street.
If you want a successful e-commerce business online then why not request an ecommerce consultation today!
