The "stage one" e-commerce website can take credit card payments directly from customers who place orders while viewing your website.

Transactions are protected with Secure Sockets Layer or equivalent technology. People are starting to realise that using credit cards on the Internet like this, is generally considered safer than paying by credit card over the telephone!

The website can also handle more traditional payment methods if required. An emailed or faxed order can be followed up by your staff, who can issue an invoice. Or the order form can be printed by the customer and delivered to you by mail, with payment attached.