Online Payment Processing in existing SaaS application
July 30, 2015 8:19 AM Subscribe
I'm a dev for a SaaS application. Usually we handle client payments completely outside the application (invoices). We now have a client that will allow their users to "buy" the service in discrete chunks on their own timeline. I'm doing my own research, but I wanted to get the advice of the Green about how best to accomplish this.
I'm thinking it's just a matter of integrating something like "Google Checkout", or Paypal, where I send them the amount, they popup a window where the user can pay, and they send me (to the client or my server?) a confirmation of payment.
We use Java on the back-end and a standard web front-end.
Ideally the user wouldn't have to jump through too many hoops to pay (creating accounts on the payment system, etc...)
We only need to support Credit Cards (not bitcoins, e-checks, etc...)
The easier to implement the better (we're on a timeline)
Lower transaction fees are better, but can be balanced by other factors.
I'm thinking it's just a matter of integrating something like "Google Checkout", or Paypal, where I send them the amount, they popup a window where the user can pay, and they send me (to the client or my server?) a confirmation of payment.
We use Java on the back-end and a standard web front-end.
Ideally the user wouldn't have to jump through too many hoops to pay (creating accounts on the payment system, etc...)
We only need to support Credit Cards (not bitcoins, e-checks, etc...)
The easier to implement the better (we're on a timeline)
Lower transaction fees are better, but can be balanced by other factors.
Best answer: Use Stripe. It's a breeze to integrate, has a blissful API, and is the same cost as PayPal. It supports recurring and periodic payments smoothly. It does require an SSL cert but its 2015 and nobody should be giving you money on a non-SSL payment page anyway.
Do not use PayPal. You will lose potential customers who simply will not use it.
posted by DarlingBri at 8:39 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]
Do not use PayPal. You will lose potential customers who simply will not use it.
posted by DarlingBri at 8:39 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]
Do you need it to plug into other business systems, like a provisioning system or CRM?
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 11:06 AM on July 30, 2015
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 11:06 AM on July 30, 2015
Response by poster: @chesty_a_arthur No, we'll do all our processing in the single system.
I've been reading the documentation for stripe and it looks like it's exactly what I need.
posted by pyro979 at 11:26 AM on July 30, 2015
I've been reading the documentation for stripe and it looks like it's exactly what I need.
posted by pyro979 at 11:26 AM on July 30, 2015
Even though they are owned by PayPal these days I have had no problems with braintree.
posted by phil at 11:56 AM on July 30, 2015
posted by phil at 11:56 AM on July 30, 2015
I'd recommend choosing a recurring billing SaaS + a payment processor + merchant account instead of going with an all-in-one solution. The integration into your app will be a lot smoother & faster than working directly with Stripe for sure (I have no direct experience with Braintree).
It's better to choose a billing app that allows you to work with different payment processors. As your business grows, your volume will make it possible to get better rates from volume savvy providers. It's a lot easier to switch processors than it is to switch billing applications! And it's a huge hassle to change both at the same time.
**Full-disclosure: one of my clients is a recurring billing SaaS provider in this exact space & will assist in choosing the right processor and merch account if needed. You can message me if you want the name - they're great. I'm not going to advertise on MF.
posted by Kalatraz at 6:24 PM on July 30, 2015
It's better to choose a billing app that allows you to work with different payment processors. As your business grows, your volume will make it possible to get better rates from volume savvy providers. It's a lot easier to switch processors than it is to switch billing applications! And it's a huge hassle to change both at the same time.
**Full-disclosure: one of my clients is a recurring billing SaaS provider in this exact space & will assist in choosing the right processor and merch account if needed. You can message me if you want the name - they're great. I'm not going to advertise on MF.
posted by Kalatraz at 6:24 PM on July 30, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
Anything but PayPal...
posted by Mac-Expert at 8:26 AM on July 30, 2015