There is no question that consumers all over the world view the Internet as an important and useful shopping tool, and e-tailers are reaping the benefits of having their goods and services marketed in such a wide-reaching forum. Online customers are wooed by instantaneous transactions that can be done without leaving their computer. To keep up with the pace of e-commerce, your virtual storefront should be able to accept debit and credit cards. Here's how you can make online shopping even easier for consumers by accepting online payments.

Do It Yourself
The steps of an online transaction are similar to a brick-and-mortar sale, except that the order is processed entirely online. To design your own, you must have the following:

• Web site
  Set up a way to take orders on your site, such as a secure order form and/or shopping cart. If you're doing the design yourself, you need to know HTML.
  
• Merchant bank account
  You can obtain a merchant account at your current bank or you can shop around for the most appealing rates.
  
• Payment processor
  The payment processor takes the order and handles the details of the transaction, including processing the credit cards and billing.

Using an Online Store Service
You may find it more reasonable to use a service to set up your small business online storefront and handle the details for you. As Web shopping becomes integral to many businesses, the available options for creating shopping sites and processing orders online continue to grow. There are many plans offered by reputable online companies that can help you set up and run your e-commerce site. Not all online stores are created equal. Depending on your needs, there are several options to keep in mind.

Questions to ask and options to keep in mind when choosing your store:

• Charges
  Charges for services vary. Shop around for the best deal that suits your business and the types and amounts of sales you anticipate. Possible charges include a start-up fee, a hosting fee, a per-item listing charge, and a per-transaction charge. If you want to use advanced design and layout for your site, you may have to hire a Web designer for an additional charge.
  
• Web address
  If you need one, is one supplied? If you already have one, can you use it? Can you just link your ordering page to their services if you already have a Web site?
  
• Merchant account
  Does the service aid you in acquiring a merchant account? If you already have one, can you use your existing account?
  
• Order processing
  Can you view your orders online? If you don't have a constant connection to the Internet, can you receive orders by fax or other means?
  
• Store listing and promotion
  Some sites may offer you visibility at popular bid sites or their own online shopping networks. Others may even include tools such as newsletters to help you get the word out about your business. Are these benefits you require for your site?

Protect Your Customers' Transactions
Once you've set up your online shopping site, it's time to do business. Before taking orders online, you must protect sensitive data. This includes customer credit card and contact information, and your business' financial data as well. Make sure your server and processes are secure.

• Educate customers
  Inform customers how they can do their part to keep information safe, such as choosing solid passwords.
  
• Install a firewall
  Installing a firewall on your server is essential. Firewalls guard your computer against hackers in search of this sensitive information. Norton Personal Firewall 2003 provides you with the necessary protection to keep data safe and keep malicious intruders out.
  
• Establish a security policy
  To assure your customers that their online transactions are secure and their personal information kept private, create and post your privacy policy. For more information, read the Symantec Small Business feature article, State Your Purpose: Privacy Policies.

Accepting online transactions at your site makes your products and services more accessible to your customers. The Web continues to grow as a vital marketplace, and your business can keep up by taking advantage of the popularity of Internet purchasing. Set up your site and protect your customers, and you'll be doing business online in no time.