As Internet shopping continues its dramatic rise, businesses across the country are beginning to recognize that people like to buy online. It’s convenient: People can make payments on their own time and turf. It’s easy: They can quickly fill in requested information without having to hunt around the house for the family checkbook -- or a stamp. And it saves them time and effort: They can make recurring payments without having to remember to write the checks.

For you, it’s good money management: The ability to pay quickly and easily online encourages people to pay on time. And when a payment is made online, the money goes directly into your business’ bank account. So it’s no wonder that more businesses are discovering the power of “online” to keep their finances in line.

How do online payments work?

When businesses’ websites provide the right tools, the growing number of technology-savvy customers can make electronic payments over the Internet either by electronic check or credit card. Any time, any day, individuals can initiate a payment simply by declaring their preferred method, amount, even frequency of payment. If customers wish to make regular payments for recurring payments, as well as one-time payments, they can easily do so online.

Organizations can easily equip their websites to accept online payments through Internet-based software, provided by electronic payment specialists C&A Solutions, LLC. Secured with the highest-standard encryption technology, our web-based Virtual Terminal Payment Gateway reduces the risk of identity theft or employee dishonesty, as well as the risk of check loss, either by mail or human hand.

Online payments can be strategically placed on web pages to permit quick payment for any reason – without having to go to a shopping cart.

Can online payments help businesses, as well as their customers?

In addition to encouraging on time payments, online payment options enhance cash flow because monies come in consistently. Online payments can reduce NSF problems because funds settle quickly into your account, rather than sitting on a desk or in an envelope for days or even weeks, perhaps even after checks have expired or checking accounts have been closed. Your employees don’t have to spend as much valuable time handling and endorsing checks, making out deposit slips and taking them to the bank. And with less processing, your business gains three money-management “musts”: greater accuracy, audit ability and accountability.