Most suitable payment method?

**Jimmy92** · 12-14-2008 05:46 PM

Hello guys I'm having this idea of a business project, which will start very soon. I work as a freelance web designer. I got the skills, but of course, no experience as an entrepreneur. I got an issue worrying me, though.

Being a web designer, I'm concerned about the payment method, because this type of business does not involve handling with tangible goods. It's a service on the internet, so I need a good, guaranteed way of payment. I live in Egypt, which is not a very safe place and I wouldn't trust my customers, I'm afraid I do the service, but not get paid (fully).

I am more concerned about the recurrent monthly payments than actually being paid once, which is not a problem. Recurrent payments would be monthly, so I need a convenient payment method that suits the people I will be dealing with. Online payment through credit card is an option, but not everyone has a credit card in Egypt.

My ideas of recurrent payment methods:
1. Online payments. Credit cards are not widely used in Egypt.
2. By post. Customer sends cash on a monthly basis.
3. In cash. Collecting money every month. I don't even consider this a method because it's very inconvenient.

Please give me your suggestions about that issue. Thanks in advance.

**GuyBBY** · 12-14-2008 06:51 PM

Jimmy, PM me, we'll talk more specifics.

Guy

**chrispalko** · 12-14-2008 09:16 PM

You could collect part of the money up front so you know they are serious.

I would definitely consider CC as a payment method. It allows you to get paid in full and require them to make the payments to the CC company.

Don't do PayPal unless you really trust your client. All they have to do is dispute the charge and they will get their money back. Plus, web design is not a tangible good so it does not fall within PayPal's protection policies.

Collect the money in parts prior to completed work. Let's say you break the web design down into 4 parts. Collect the money for that part before completing the work.

I'm a web designer and this is what I would recommend for you. I have been through many situations, and your best bet is just to stay on top on them for your money, or collect up front. I would NOT recommend setting up monthly payment plans. I don't need to elaborate on that.

Good luck.

**Jimmy92** · 12-15-2008 05:30 AM

Web designing payments are not concerning me, because it will be through face-to-face contact. I meant recurrent monthly payments that should not involve meeting up every month to collect the payment, but actually a more convenient way. My idea of recurrent monthly payments is about web hosting, such that I host the website for the owner and he pays me for it.