Propblem with Credit Card Processing

[turbosig]

In testing my integration, I used my own credit card to make a purchase (NOT a card tide to my account, an alternative one).

The error I receive is:

"The card you entered cannot be used for this payment. Please enter a different credit or debit card number."

The unique thing is I WAS able to process 2 payments with this card until I got this message.  I then triend using my wife's credit card, 1st transaction went through no problem, then every subsequent attempt gave the same error as above?

Any one know why this is happening?

[skier]

It's not recommended that you use your own credit cards to test your own live site as you will get unexpected results and/or run into issues.

PayPal has a feature called the Sandbox, a virtural world, which is intended for Developers to test their coding projects before going live.

The best method for testing a live site is to have a friend or relative test you live site.  You can then sit with them and go through the entire process including doing a refund.

Regards,

skier

[turbosig]

Well looks like I solved the problem (this may be helpful if anyone is curious).

First, I know about the sandbox, etc.  this is just easier and more real world for me to process a "REAL" transaction.

After my first post, I had 3 friends perform the same action.  2 of them received the EXACT SAME error, so what was the difference with the 3rd.

Interestingly enough, this 3rd person did NOT have a paypal accout (the other 2 did) and his transaction was flawless.  So it is my interpretation that PayPal does not want you to pay for anything WITHOUT using your paypal account (if you have one).

So where when it says "It looks like you have an account with paypal, do you want to use that account or continue without logging in", if you choose to continue with a straight cc transaction, it is hit or miss.

Note: One of the 2 that did get this error was able to process a successful transaction after a 2nd try (which is why I say hit or miss).

[skier · Accepted solution]

Here's the real info PayPal does not advertise, market or even wants to tell you about paying with a credit card.

With PayPal's Website Payments Standard, PayPal does say that you don't have to have a PayPal Account to make a purchase.   And they provide an option for you as a Premier Account owner or Business Account owner to configure your account to allow customers to pay with a credit card and/or open/use your PayPal Account.   This information is valid.

The small bit of very important information not told to you is the following.   Lets say you have returning customers or have clients that pay you for services on a regular basis.  After your customer or client pays you 3 to 4 times using the same credit card, PayPal will interrupt the transactions and require the customer or client to open a PayPal Account or use a totally different credit card.

People need to understand that PayPal's mission it to sign up new business or accounts.  It's just that simple.   And although Website Payments Standard is great concept becasue you pay only for the services you use, there are limitations.  As they say, you get what you pay for.

For folks who really just want their customers or clients to pay with a credit card with no limitations, then the product to use is Website Payments Pro.   However, with Pro, there is a monthly fee, security requirements and transaction fees.

Regards,

skier

[turbosig]

Thanks,

Thant was helpful.  Sounds like Google Checkout maybe an alternative.

[localita11]

Hello, 

With regards to credit card processing and customer satisfaction, paypal receives a score of 0.  I had a customer who tried to make a payment using her credit card.  She continually received error messages .  After 3 days of phone calls with paypal support the issue was impossible for 2 human beings to resolve.  It no longer matters why this occurred, what matters is that Paypal has not figured out that customer support requires quick answers, a method of maintaining a history that all support personnel can follow and something more than email .  I requested to speak with supervisors or people in sales in the US over and over .  All was futile.  Paypal is robotic and I am now looking for other solutions for my business.  And, guess what, just about everyone I have spoken to has agreed with my opinion.  Paypal loves billing but needs to spend a **bleep** of a lot more time on customer service .  

[skier]

localita11,

You jumped on the wrong threat to complain.  You're whine has nothing to do with the initial question that was posted to start this thread.   Some folks actually come here with a question and are looking for help.

Regards,

skier

[cooperdock]

isnt any one out there paying attention. i asked a simple question ,,,,can i purchse any item  with out a credit card .