Merchant Services - eCommerce

eCommerce

• What is eCommerce?
• What is a payment gateway?
• What is the difference between a payment gateway and a shopping cart?
• Why do you ask an internet only merchant to have a business phone number listed in the local directory assistance?
• Why do I have to post a refund/service/return policy?
• What is an electronic check?
• Why should I offer electronic check processing as a payment option?
• Can I manually process transactions?

Q. What is eCommerce?
A. eCommerce, or electronic commerce, is a sales transaction that is conducted over the Internet or other telecommunications network.
Types of eCommerce:

• Full eCommerce is when your organization manage the shopping cart purchase module
• Partial eCommerce is when your organization outsources the shopping cart purchase module with a Bank of Hawaii authorized merchant service provider. The latter is recommended by Bank of Hawaii to reduce the risk of fines and penalties should a data compromise occur

Back to top

Q. What is a payment gateway?
A. A payment gateway is a connection between Bank of Hawaii and your website. It is the technology that authorizes, settles, and manages payment card transactions online. When your customer makes an online purchase, the information from your web site must be sent through a payment gateway before an authorization is obtained, and Bank of Hawaii must transfer any funds through the gateway once an authorization is received.

Back to top

Q. What is the difference between a payment gateway and a shopping cart?
A. A payment gateway takes the place of a card swipe terminal. It takes the customer’s card data from the merchant’s website or internet browser and securely sends that information to Bank of Hawaii for processing. A Shopping Cart is a software program that allows customers to select and list multiple products prior to the “checkout” process.

Back to top

Q. Why do you ask an internet only merchant to have a business phone number listed in the local directory assistance?
A. Bank of Hawaii recommends that all our merchant accounts have a business phone number listed in local directory assistance. We want to ensure your customers can reach you by phone in case they cannot reach you by e-mail. Having easily accessible contact information can help to minimize disputes, since a customer may be able to more quickly and effectively resolve any billing concerns.

Back to top

Q. Why do I have to post a refund/service/return policy?
A. The payment card companies mandate that you must post your refund/service/return policy. We also want to make sure your customers understand your return policy in the event that they should be unhappy with your product/service. By including you’re your refund/service/return policy on your website, you help reduce the likelihood of chargebacks from your customers.

Back to top

Q. What is an electronic check?
A. An electronic check is another Internet purchase type it works just like a paper check, except it is processed electronically and it clears faster than a paper check. The funds are withdrawn directly from a customer’s checking or savings account.

Back to top

Q. Why should I offer electronic check processing as a payment option?
A. Allowing electronic checks enables another payment method for customers. Customers may not wish to use payment cards, or may not have one, so allowing electronic checks provides a safe, cost effective alternative payment option.

Back to top

Q. Can I manually process transactions?
A. Yes you can manually process transactions with the use of a Virtual Terminal.

Back to top