The Safe Practice Of Online Credit Card Processing To Collect Fees For Events And Conferences

The safe practice of online credit card processing: 3 things event planners and their attendees should look for.

It's fair to say that chasing up payments is on the list of life's most tedious and time consuming tasks. The advent of online credit card processing (instant transactions), has somewhat alleviated this for event organizers who use it as a benefit of online registration. Credit card use however, already carries its fair share of anxieties and asking people to hand over their digits online... even more so.

The good news is that there are three simple things event organizers and those paying for anything online with a credit card can look for that signal safe practice.

1. Technical talk:

There should be a SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate installed on the server where credit card information is being gathered. This signals a secure connection between the webpage where you are entering your details (data) and the server. Look for:

• The letter s after the http in the browser address, i.e. https://www/.
• A lock or key icon in your browser. If you double click on this it should bring up the security certificate details.

2. An out: People breath easier and feel more comfortable committing to something if they can see a way out. The important thing here, for both event organizers and those handing over their money is that these conditions are clearly defined in print. This will help avoid disputes further down the track. Include on your registration form:

• Whether full of partial refunds are permitted and if so the dates that apply. It's a good idea to ask that these requests be made in writing.
• Make clear any fees that will be charged for the above, bearing in mind that the processing fee on a credit card transaction cannot be recouped and will need to absorbed by someone.
• Flexibility, in offering alternatives to people who have paid for an event and can no longer attend (in lieu of a refund), such as being able to transfer their place to someone else or being given a credit to attend a later event free of charge (within a stipulated time).
• Keep your policy wording simple, professional and kind, so as to avoid frightening anyone into not registering.

3. Human contact: The best way to alleviate concerns people have about paying with their credit cards online is to include the name, phone number and email address of the event organizer or person to contact if they have questions, changes or concerns.

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