FAQs: Processing Charges

Credit Card Processing Questions

Using PayPal (formerly Verisign) Payflow Pro to process charges realtime

Using Authorize.net to process charges realtime

Using Linkpoint API to process charges realtime

Using PayPal Website Payments Standard

Credit Card Processing Questions

Q1: Must I have a merchant credit card account to accept credit cards over the internet through Americart?

A1: Yes. We are not a charge processing service. Americart supports facilitation of sales via credit card. You do need a merchant account to run the charges through.

If you already have a merchant account and a method you are currently using to run charges, you are welcome to continue to use that account/method with Americart. There is no need to switch merchant accounts or to use any sort of "realtime" processing if you have no desire to do so.

If you need a credit card merchant account, and are a US client, or have US accounts, one of our preferred providers, found at Payment/Merchant Gateway Solutions, can get you set up quickly, and at a reasonable cost. Like Americart, a low fee does not mean you get less, it just means you pay less.

You can take payment online via PayPal, checks by mail, fax, and phone orders, without a merchant account, of course.

Q2: Do you offer automated charge processing at Americart?

A2: Yes. There are three choices: Authorize.net, Linkpoint API and PayPal PayFloPro.
You should realize before you set up for automated processing that raw orders direct from the Internet may contain errors or be jokes or even fraud.

We recommend our standard non-realtime setup, where you can review each order, then process it on your own equipment as if it were a phone order. We automatically check vital fields for correctly FORMED information, but no such system is foolproof. When you receive an order through us, you should review it for legitimacy, check to make sure all needed information has been included by the customer, enter it into your records, and only then key charges into your merchant POS terminal (or equiv). Charge difficulties are avoided, and you maintain total control over your merchant account. The customer doesn't know the difference, and it's a lot safer for you.

Q3: Will you support additional credit card payment gateways?

A3: Not in the near future. The ones we selected to integrate with Americart are three of the largest in the world and have the greatest name recognition.

Q4: Do these gateways provide payment processing or do they simply authorize a transaction for processing by the vendor? My business is small and I do not have a Visa/MC merchant account due to the high % the credit companies take out of their small dollar amount orders.

A4: They just process. You must still have a merchant account.

Q5: If Authorize net doesn't offer this, do you have any recommendations for a payment processing service?

A5: Most people think they must get internet processing on-line, but that's mainly needed for high volume businesses. With all such things, you still must have a merchant account. Once you get that, you may simply use the terminal you get with your account to process orders at your location.

It is the most cost effective way to go since internet transaction processing bumps up the %fee by one or two points.

Q6: I need to get the card security code (CVV) with the orders. How can I set Americart to do that?

A6: Look for this option in the account configuration form:
[] Acquire the card security code from card rear signature strip (in front on Amex).

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Using PayPal (formerly Verisign) PayFloPro to process charges realtime

Q7: What is Payflow Pro and what can it do for me?

A7: Americart in normal mode acts strictly as a shopping cart and order forwarding system. You can then process the orders on your existing merchant charge terminal. For many merchants, this is just what you want. It is a great system, and you review each order as it comes in, running a charge only after you've verified inventory, the legitimacy of the order, and so forth.
There also exists another case, when you get a lot of orders, you know the products are available, and you want the convenience of charging the orders and getting approval on the cards before you even see them. That's where the Payflow Pro payment processing gateway comes in. Americart sends billing information directly to Payflow Pro for approval and charge processing. Only after receiving order approval do you even have to look at the orders!

Q8: Is there an extra charge for using Payflow Pro?

A8: We charge nothing extra, but you must have an account with PayPal Payflow Pro. In most cases, your existing merchant account provider can set you up with Payflow Pro, or you can purchase from them directly. Visit PayPal for more information.

Let us stress that if you already have a merchant account and a method you prefer to run charges, you can continue to use that account/method with Americart. You do not need to switch merchant accounts or to use "realtime" processing via Payflow Pro or any other internet charge processing gateway at all.

Q9: I want to use Payflow Pro. Can I setup and test Americart before I get an account with them?

A9: Yes. If you don't yet have an account with them, you can add it at any time, and reconfigure Americart to use it at that time. There's no need to wait for that to be setup if you can process normal charges at your location. Just use our usual non-realtime forms, and key the charges as if you've received a phone order.

Q10: I've got my Payflow Pro. How do I make it work with Americart?

A10: Setup at Americart:

1. Login and then load the Americart account configuration form.
2. Click "Edit Cart Settings" under the "Administration" menu to call up your present account settings.
3. Click on the "Payment Options" tab, then scroll down and check the checkbox for "By Credit Card Online. PayPal (formerly Verisign) PayFlowPro.".
4. In the text boxes to the right of the checkbox in #3 above, enter your Payflow Pro Login name and password. Be careful to make them match EXACTLY.
5. If you have any "non-realtime" checkout with credit card forms "checked" at Americart, uncheck those. They are named "By Credit Card Online using your own transaction equipment".
6. Scroll to the bottom of the page and submit the form to commit the changes.

Setup at Payflow Pro:

At this time, accounts at Payflow Pro are set correctly by default.

Place an order via the cart and be sure it comes through. You should get an invoice copy from Payflow Pro and an emailed order from Americart. The Americart order should contain the authorization and AVS codes for the order. If you got ????? marks in the order, you have done something wrong above, or incorrectly entered your Payflow Pro login or password in your Americart configuration.

Q11: Is there anything I need to do to my site besides the setup above to use Payflow Pro with Americart?

A11: No. Although it seems too good to be true, it's not!

Q12: What do you recommend we do as far as "realtime" vs. "non-realtime" charge processing goes?

A12: We think you should get setup and run your site for a while without realtime processing to get a feel for how things are going. When your order volume goes up enough, you can add realtime then.

Q13: Can I customize my PayPal checkout form?

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Using Authorize.net to process charges realtime

This FAQ details how Americart works with Authorize.net to process charges in "realtime" over the internet. If setting up Authorize.net, be sure to read this entire page!

UPDATED SETUP INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH AUTHORIZE.NET
SECURITY POLICY UPDATES ARE FURTHER DOWN THIS PAGE.

Q14: What is Authorize.net and what can it do for me?

A14: Americart in normal mode acts strictly as a shopping cart and order forwarding system, orders from which you then process on your existing merchant charge terminal. For many merchants, this is just what you want. A great system, and you review each order as it comes in, running a charge only after you've verified inventory, the legitimacy of the order, and so-forth.

There also exists another case, when you get a lot of orders, you know the products are available, and you want the convenience of charging the orders and getting approval on the cards before you even see them. That's where the Authorize.net payment processing gateway comes in. Americart sends billing information directly to them for approval and charge processing. Only after receiving order approval do you even have to look at the orders!

Q15: Is there an extra charge for using Authorize.net?

A15: We charge nothing extra, but you must have an account with Authorize.net. They do not sell directly to the end user (merchant), preferring to sell via the merchant account provider. In most cases, your existing merchant account provider can set you up with Authorize.net, enabling you to keep your present merchant account.

Let us stress that if you already have a merchant account and a method you prefer to run charges, you can continue to use that account/method with Americart. You do not need to switch merchant accounts or to use "realtime" processing via Authorize.net at all.

Q16: I want to use Authorize.net, can I setup and test Americart before I get an account with them?

A16: Yes. If you don't yet have an account with them, you can add it at any time, and redirect Americart to use it at that time. There's no need to wait for that to be setup if you can process normal charges at your location. Just use our usual non-realtime forms, and key the charges as if you've received a phone order.

Q17: I've got my Authorize.net account. How do I make it work with Americart?

A17: We use the Authorize.net AIM (Advanced Integration Method), "Direct Response" to connect to the Authorize.net Gateway. This is the most secure and robust method they offer.

Setup at Americart:

1. Login and then load the Americart account configuration form.
2. Click "Edit Cart Settings" under the "Administration" menu to call up your present account settings.
3. Click on the "Payment Options" tab, then scroll down and check the checkbox for "By Credit Card Online. (Authorize net 3.1)". Note: If you are using Order Manager or otherwise using custom checkout forms, it is possible that this checkbox will NOT be checked. If that is the case, LEAVE IT UNCHECKED TO AVOID HAVING TWO AUTHORIZENET CHECKOUT FORMS OFFERED TO SHOPPERS.
4. In the text box to the right of the checkbox in #3 above, enter your "Authorize.net API LOGIN" (the one generated in step 12 in the 'Setup at Authorize.net' section) Be careful to make it match EXACTLY between Americart and Authorize.net.
5. In the next text box, enter your "Authorize.net TRANSACTION KEY"(the one generated in step 12 in the 'Setup at Authorize.net' section), In the future, if you change your Authorize.net account, be sure to update your Americart configuration as well.
6. If you have any "non-realtime" checkout with credit card forms "checked" at Americart, uncheck those. They are named "By Credit Card Online using your own transaction equipment".
7. Scroll to the bottom of the page and submit the form to commit the changes.

Setup at Authorize.net:

1. Login to Authorize.net: https://secure.authorize.net/
   Note: If this is your first login to Authorize.net, you will probably see a page where you must fill out some identity confirmation information. If so, complete that page, then resume these instructions.
2. Click on "Settings and Profile" on the left column, then make sure that the "Settings" tab is one selected, not the "Profile".
3. Under "Transaction Submission", click "Password-Required Mode".
4. Check the box that says "Require Password for ALL Transactions" and click "Submit". When submitted, click the "settings main menu" link.
5. Under "Transaction Response", click on "Direct Response".
6. Set the "Delimited Response" Radio button to: Yes
7. Insure that "Default Field Separator" is set to: , (comma)
8. Insure that "Field Encapsulation Character" is set to be blank.
9. Click "Submit".
10. Click on "Settings and Profile" on the left column.
11. Optional: By default, Authorize.net sends an email payment receipt to the shopper. Since Americart sends a more detailed email receipt, you may wish to disable this. Under "Transaction Response", select "Email Receipts", UNcheck the "Email transaction receipt to customer" box and hit "submit", then return to Settings.
12. From "Settings" click "generate api login and transaction key".
13. After answering your test question it will generate the api login and transaction key. (you will need to enter these two values in the cart configuration step 4 & 5 in "Setup at Americart:") If you make changes to your Authorize.net account you may need to generate a new api login and transaction key. Be sure to update your Americart setup afterwards.
14. Optional: By default, Authorize.net's AVS (Address Verification System) settings are quite restrictive. You may wish to select "Address Verification", then review/adjust settings to your liking.
15. Logout of Authorize.net.
    Place an order via the cart and be sure it comes through. You should get an invoice copy from Authorize.net (if you set your authnet account that way), and an emailed order from Americart. The Americart order should contain the authorization and AVS codes for the order. If you got ????? marks in the order, you have done something wrong above, or typed your Authorize.net name incorrectly in the Americart configuration.

Q18: Is there anything I need to do to my site besides inserting my Authorize.net login name and password in my Americart configuration? They say on their web page that I need to have some lines of HTML added to my site, is this true if I'm using Americart, or is this an automatic process?

A18: You may disregard their comments about adding html code to your website. Americart handles all the interface to Authorize.net. All you need to do is follow the instructions in the question above.

Q19: What do you recommend we do as far as "realtime" vs. "non-realtime" charge processing goes?

A19: We think you should get setup and run your site for a while without realtime processing to get a feel for how things are going. When your order volume goes up enough, you can add realtime then.

Q20: Can I customize my Authorize.net checkout form?

A20: Yes. See the Creating Your Own Checkout Forms FAQ. Be sure you use the Authorize.net template files so the variable names will be correct. Look for the Authorize.net template links in the custom form documentation with the standard templates. Don't try this until you're more familiar with the system.

Q21: What do the Authorize.net AVS codes (Address Verification Codes) stand for?

A21: Here is the full description of the AVS codes

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Using Linkpoint API to process charges realtime

This FAQ details Americart operation with the Linkpoint API realtime credit card processing gateway.

Q22: What is Linkpoint API?

A22: Linkpoint API is an Internet Gateway for processing credit card transactions directly from completed shopping cart orders. If you already have a LinkPoint API account, setting it up to work with Americart is simple. Just forward your "Welcome to Linkpoint API" message to support@cartserver.com

We will install the digital certificate file (.pem file) included in the message and set your Americart configuration "Checkout/Payment Options" to use the Linkpoint checkout form, and send you back a confirmation of installation.

Q23: Which Linkpoint option does Americart support?

A23: Linkpoint API (only)

Q24: Can I test or use Americart before I receive a Linkpoint API account?

A24: Yes. If you don't have an account with Linkpoint, but decide to add one later, Americart is easily reconfigureable to accomodate this.

Q25: What does the digital certificate (.pem file) that you install for us look like? Where do I go to download it?

A25:

To download your digital certificate.

- Log in at www.staging.linkpointcentral.com
- Click on "Support" in the Main Menu Bar.
- Click on the word "Download Center" under Downloads in the Side Menu Box.
- Click on the word "download" Store PEM File section on main page.
- Key in necessary information to start download.
- You can use "111111111" as your Tax ID for your test account. For production stores you will berequired to supply your actual SSN or Tax ID submitted in the merchant account boarding process.

Q26: Can I customize my Linkpoint API checkout form?

A26: Yes. See the Creating Your Own Checkout Forms FAQ. Be sure to use the Linkpoint template files so the variable names will be correct. Look for the Linkpoint template links in the custom form documentation table under "Details of Americart Form Files". Avoid this until you are more familiar with Americart. 

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PayPal "Web Accept" Support

Q27: Is PayPal supported for use with Americart?

A27: Yes. PayPal has proven to be extremely popular.
Americart has optimized the interface to be very convenient for the shopper, and overcome the PayPal limitation that only one product type can be purchased at once.

Q28: Is it easy to get a PayPal account?

A28: Yes! To sign up for a business PayPal account, follow this link to PayPal's site.

Q29: If I get a PayPal account, do I still need a merchant credit card account?

A29: You don't need a merchant account to use PayPal. PayPal has changed its flow so that your customers can complete their payments first, and then decide whether to sign up for a PayPal account. We recommend accepting BOTH PayPal and credit cards directly. If you need a merchant credit card account, try Advanced Merchant Services

Q30: Is it hard to setup the PayPal interface when using Americart?

A30: Not at all. Simply check the "By PayPal Webaccept" checkbox and enter your PayPal login email address in the "Checkout/Payment Options" section of the cart configuration form.

Q31: Can you give me some details about the Americart to PayPal interface?

A31: Prior to checkout, Americart performs all its usual functions. When the shopper goes to checkout, they are presented with a checkout form choice of: "Order Online via PayPal" if you have enabled the PayPal interface in your cart configuration.
The shopper fills out their shipping and email address in a form at Americart, and if that information is error free, the shopper is then sent to PayPal to complete payment.
Since we must turn over control of the shopper's browser to PayPal, we have no guarantee that they will complete payment. This means that when you get a PayPal order, you should ensure that the shopper paid for the order. Set your PayPal preferences to send you a receipt, so you will typically have the Americart order detail email followed closely by the PayPal payment confirmation email. You can also check your PayPal account overview for the transaction.

Q32: Will the cart work with the free PayPal "Personal Account"?

A32: No. Their "Web Accept" system is for their "Business Account" level clients only. PayPal is very specific that personal accounts are for personal use only.

Q33: What is the difference between a PayPal personal account and business account?

A33: You get better support and more features with the business account. There is a small percentage transaction fee for the business account..

Q34: Why do people like PayPal so much?

A34: Shoppers like PayPal because it allows them to purchase online without giving out their credit card number to individual merchants. PayPal accounts for shoppers are free.
Merchants like PayPal because shoppers do.

Also, it is perfect for merchants who cannot or will not accept credit cards.