Recurring Subscription - Options

[mallen]

I had no idea where to post this, so please be nice if I have put it in the wrong place... thanks

Can anyone give me some advice on charging a subscription to use my site? I have never looked at charging for access before, but because I am in the process of creating a site that offers a service – I want to charge for it.

I have no idea where to start. I want to minimize upfront costs but also look for a solution that either means I am not locked in to somebody, or they remain competitive when my client base increases.

Many thanks in advance

Mark

[Hope]

Are you wanting a service to do this, or are you wanting to do it all yourself? There are services out there that can handle all this for you.

[mallen]

You know, I am not really sure.

I would probably feel better for now if it was done for me. But would I be limiting myself in the future if I did that?

[SensoVision]

I know that company I'm using 2checkout.com could handle this, they process one time payment so as recurring subscription as well. if you need more info about them, just ask.
BTW I like the quality of their services and I'm using them more than 1.5 year or so.

[mallen]

Ok, here are a few questions about 2checkout.com:

1) Do they hide themselves away so the user on my site feels like he's still on my site when he goes to a payment page?
2) Do you have to get yourself registered as a VISA merchent for a massive fee?
3) Any hidden costs that they hide away until you start using them?
4) What money do they hold back (incase your site disapears, etc...)

Thanks

[SensoVision]

ok here is what I know about them, I'm not their representive so can't answer all your questions but will try to tell you what I know:)
1. they don't hide themselves, you're organizing shop on your site, and once user choose the goods and proceed to checkout he/she would be redirected to their secure server where payment process is done.
2. from what I know it's not necessary, you only pay one time registration fee 49 USD and that's all.
3. didn't spot any, cost of all payments are available on this page: http://www.2checkout.com/home.html
I never got the feeling that they cheat me in some way, their support were pretty helpful as well.
4. guess they will pay you all the money you have earned - sales fees, of course if users wouldn't start process of cancelling their orders(I never had problems with this although we doesn't deal with big amounts of money). By the way 2co let you to resolve all issues about cancelling orders and if you failed and you'll not come in agreement with your customers they will decide whenever to cancel orders or not.

PS you may try to write their support, when I was looking for credit card processing company I've wrote to 4 companies, 2 didn't reply at all, one have answered that they don't work with people from my country(Ukraine) and 2CO(replied alsmost same day I've put an answer) answered all my questions, that's why I stop looking for other processing co. and sign-up with them.
hope this info would be some help to you.