Payment intergration - best solution?

[al_pacino]

I want to sell web design services on my website. Which kind of payment do you suggest? 100% or 50% upfront payment, or payment at delivery, or other solution?
If I choose the 50% upfront payment solution, then what guarantees I will have that after I 'll finish the website, my client will pay me for the rest of the money? And if they require a receipt, or other proof of payment...what should I do?
Then, what type of payment gateway should I integrate on my website? Paypal is good enough? And if yes, what kind of Paypal account should I choose - a normal one or the merchant account? Any other things I should know?

 

[imadam]

It would depend on your clients and how trusted your business is, although I would suggest you go for a 50% upfront payment this will give your customers added assurance. (I never like working with companies who request 100% of the payment upfront) If you feel unsure about a certain client or want to protect yourself, you should try using a service like Escrow Escrow works as a middleman between you and your client, for example the client pays in full to Escrow (escrow holds the money) and once the project is complete the money is released to you. A great way to guarantee payment.

You should use a Paypal business account / merchant account. The merchant account gives you additional tools to use. And if possible you should become 'verified' by linking your bank account. When you have a verified account your daily sending and withdrawing limits of funds are increased and customers know they're buying from a reputable seller.

Hope this helped answer your question and good luck with the new venture.

- Adam

 

[al_pacino]

Can I have a business (merchant) Paypal account without any limits? What should I do in order to receive and send unlimited amounts of money through Paypal?

 

[BR549]

You can get some of your questions answered through PayPal.

As for when and how much to pay, I suggest this. Always get the money up front, but you can break that down into payments. For example, collect 50% up front to complete half the job and collect 50% up front for the 2nd half. If some jobs will be bigger / more expensive, you could break it into 3 or 4 payments.