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Understanding the difference between a payment gateway and a payment processor

understanding-the-difference-between-a-payment-gateway-and-a-payment-processor

Businesses now need to deal with online transactions more than ever. For this, you need to set up an online payment processing system that is safe as well as efficient. Such a system can comprise of several service providers. So, it is important to know the precise services provided by each provider. For starters, you need to distinguish between a payment gateway and a payment processor. While both of them provide online payment related services, they have very distinct areas of operations. So, read on to better understand their differences and run your business with confidence.

What is a payment gateway?

A payment gateway is a tool that helps process the payment between the client’s bank account and the business’s bank account. The main function of a payment gateway is to secure the transmission of online payment data from one end to another. These service providers are also responsible for authorizing payments for card-not-present transactions. A gateway is mainly useful for processing online credit card payments.

In simple terms, a payment gateway is a like a middleman between a client and an online business. When a client provides their payment details to an online business, then the gateway sends this data to the payment processor for further action.

For an online business, a payment gateway can provide a wide range of services such as ensuring the safety of personal data, uninterrupted services, and the ability to accept multiple payment options. Furthermore, a payment gateway may also enable your business to accept different currencies, thus enabling international transactions. While selecting a gateway for your business, you should pay proper attention to the service offered as well as the various fees and commissions charged.

Also Read: What are the benefits of working with a payment processor?

What is a payment processor?

A payment processor is generally a financial institution which carries out payment processing services for online businesses. Such payment processors generally enjoy collaboration with other companies, which have direct interaction with merchants or consumers. A processor acts as a connecting node between a payment gateway and a merchant’s account.

The main task of a payment processor is to facilitate the transfer of payment related information and to keep the data secured. A processor collects the data pertaining to the transaction, validates and executes the instructions, and then deposits the money into the merchant account. It concludes the cycle by informing the payment gateway about the final outcome of the transaction.

There are a wide range of payment processors available in the market today. It is important to pay attention to different criteria while selecting an appropriate payment processor for your business. A processor should not only provide swift and smooth transfer of funds, but it should also be able to ensure that sensitive data transferred remains safe and secure.

Also Read: The 4 Step Procedure for an Easy Payment Gateway Integration

Integration of payment gateway and payment processor

For an online business, it is important to engage the services of both a payment gateway and a payment processor. In order to complete the cycle of online payments, the services of both are required in conjunction with a merchant account.

Essentially, a payment gateway is required to receive the payment related details from the client. Then pass the information on to the payment processor, which carries out the rest of the transaction and sends the status back to the payment gateway.

These service providers should be chosen carefully after taking your business’s specific requirements into account.

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Date: Monday 15, 16 November 2020,
Venue: Online

The Women Digital Festival is a platform that connects and inspires women. Attendees meet and network with other talented, like-minded women while developing tips and tricks from some of the best minds of our time. They get access to a highly curated, impactful program of workshops, mentors, speed networking, and much more!
This platform focuses on women driving change and being in control of their own path. It gathers the next generation of curious creatives, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and tastemakers to spark conversations around topics they are passionate about.
PayTabs is proud to support this event to empower women.

PayTabs

what-you-need-to-know-before-starting-an-ecommerce-business

Ecommerce businesses demand dedication and careful planning. It is also important to properly execute the plans so that you can achieve efficiency and success. While setting up an online business is a dynamic process, there are certain guidelines which you can follow to ensure that your efforts yield the best possible results.

Let’s discuss those guidelines in detail –

Research the space

The first step in the process of setting up an ecommerce business is to research the online space. Apart from studying the broad online scenario, you should also analyze your own specific ecommerce segment. At this juncture, you may want to focus on several points such as the breadth and depth of the market and the likely future growth rate. Once you are done with the analysis, it is time for to create a niche for yourself. You may start by finding out your unique selling points or USPs. Recognizing the unique propositions of your business can help you in targeting the desired market segment in a more efficient manner.

Also Read: Starting Your E-Commerce Business: Key Points

Choose your Offering

Once you have analyzed the market, it is time to pick what you are going to offer to your clients. You may have a product to sell or a service to offer or have a portfolio consisting of various offerings. You should carefully curate your offerings to ensure the right mix. It is generally advisable to have a variety of goods and services so as to provide more comprehensive experience to your clients. It is also important to diversify your risk factor by investing in different lines of products. You should also pay attention to the supply chain to avoid the roadblocks for the procurement and the distribution of your product.

Set up your Business

It is the most crucial stage. You need to put your plans into practice. At this juncture, you need to pick up a proper name for your ecommerce business. Ideally, your business name should be closely related to your product and be easy to remember. You can further customize your business by choosing a logo to represent your mission. These things will help you in creating a distinct identity of the brand in the market. It will also be helpful in creating a niche market for yourself.

Also Read: How to Quickly Create an Online Store and Integrate a Payment Gateway

Take Care of Legalities

Every business is regulated by certain rules and legal requirements. Before you start your operations, you should make sure that your business is registered with proper authorities. You should also ensure that all the required fees and payments have been made. Ideally, the business name and logo should also be registered to protect your intellectual property. If you are entering into any collaboration with supply chain partners, then such partnerships should be ratified accordingly. It is generally helpful to take the services of a qualified legal professional to avoid any complications.

Automate

Ecommerce businesses are highly amenable to automation and the incorporation of technological tools. You should take advantage of these processes and incorporate them into your business. Some of the main examples of these tools are the billing processes and ecommerce payment gateway. Automation can not only free up your time, but can also help in optimizing the use of various resources including cash and human resources. Automation of services such as the use of ecommerce payment gateway also leads to smoother experience for your clients, thus promoting brand loyalty.

With the above points in your mind, you can easily navigate through the process of setting up an ecommerce business.

Also Read: How to setup your e-commerce store using Payshop

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Date: Monday 9 November 2020,
5:00PM – 6:00PM UAE Time

Join Punit Thakker and others in this workshop will help you further understand;

– Factors to consider when choosing a payment method while setting up your e-commerce website / online store
– The different methods of payment options
– How important is cybersecurity and what key aspects should be considered ?
– How scalable is your payment method in terms of region, country of operations?
– Dealing with the banks. How do I choose the best option?
– How important is the customer experience?

It will be kept highly interactive where attendees are encouraged to raise questions and ideas throughout.

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Date: Wednesday 28 October 2020,
17:00-19:00 UAE Time

Hany Soliman, GM, PayTabs Egypt Solutions as well as Anuscha Iqbal, CEO of Spotii and Ziyaad Ahmed, COO of Spotii, featured with others on a panel put together by Exponential Talks to inspire, enable and empower Fintech Start-ups in the region.

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PayTabs
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