Are You a Non-US Citizen & Need a Paypal Alternative for Online Payments?
Many sellers outside of the US can not get paid online via Paypal for several reasons. For instance, Paypal does not transfer funds to non US bank accounts and although Paypal may send checks to international merchants, they do so for only a select few non-US countries. Furthermore, in many countries (that include English-speaking Caribbean countries), small business merchants do not consider local banks a viable Paypal alternative simply because their local banks monopolize the online payment business with prohibitively high set up and maintenance fees.
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Almost anyone worldwide can use this US-based cost effective Paypal alternative. This entry covers merchant eligibility for online payment, steps for using a Paypal alternative and for a limited time, how you may receive a waiver on setup fees to receive payments online.
Paypal Alternative: Is There a Comparable Way for Online Payments?
Before we discuss eligibility and steps for setting up 2Checkout as a Paypal alternative for online payments, international (non American) merchants should be aware that there really is no truly comparable Paypal alternative. Specifically, Paypal is in a league of its own with regards to its range of services, quick and easy setup, reach and ubiquity. Consequently, Paypal is likely to remain unrivaled in online payments for a long time.
Despite these facts, 2Checkout is a viable and cost effective Paypal alternative for non-US sellers to get paid online, get checks in the mail and, depending on their trade location, even free direct electronic funds transfers (FCEFT) or international money transfers. For a limited time, merchants may use the following steps to get a waiver on the usual fees for setting up an online payment system as a non US merchant.
Eligibility for 2Checkout, a Paypal Alternative for International Merchants
To qualify for using 2Checkout merchant account for receive online payments, you must
- be over 18 years old
- have a website. Your website must describe your services and products for sale online and policies for privacy and refunds (even if the policy is that refunds are not offered). (See 2Checkout policy templates). As an alternative to using online payment buttons on their websites, international merchants can send electronic invoices by email. (quite similar to Paypal email invoices).
- operate from anywhere world wide with a few exceptions. Since 2Checkout is a US company, their policies may impose restrictions to trade with US embargoed countries (even if you want to receive payment as a non US online merchant).
--How to Set Up a Paypal Alternative to Receive Payments Online as an International Seller
- Set up a website (even a free Weebly site will suffice)
- Apply for a 2Checkout account via 2Checkout set up contact form.
- Integrate 2CO 'Buy' buttons into the website(s). As an alternative, see how to create electronic invoices that can be personalized and sent by email to customers.
- Optional: Speak on the phone with 2Checkout personnel for help to set up your account. Although you are a non American online merchant, you can call toll free via Skype via 1-874294-0273 (9am-5pm EST in the US from Monday to Friday)
How to Waive Fees to Set Up a 2Checkout Online Payment Account (as a Paypal Alternative)
- Merchants may waive setup fees by using the promotional code dd2co (not case sensitive) when asked to pay the usual setup fee.
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Other Comments & Observations
While this Paypal alternative is definitely worthwhile. The following points are some of the downsides that I do not like.
- The set up process is tedious as they request a lot of information. Fortunately, setting up this Paypal alternative is a one-off process.
- You must have a website even if you plan on issuing only online invoices by email
- They do not offer additional security features like security keys regardless of whether you are a US citizen or non-US citizen. Arguably, it is not necessary since they already offer secure log in (verifiable by a web address that starts https). However, some merchants like me seek out any extra forms of security.
2CO has a number of great useful feature, however, i do not agree that it is cost- effective. With 5.5% per transaction plus transaction fee it is more expensive than Paypal and other alternatives like Skrill, Paysera, Stripe and more... For the rest - it is a good service and offers an impressive number of payment options.
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