If someone requests information from you, do you respond in a timely manner? Letting days pass, without even acknowledging their request, is a major "turn off".

Why not send an automatic reply that let's them know their request was received, and you will get back to them shortly. If it will take a day or so to get back, let them know. Don't forget that humans have egos, and egos need to be stroked.

An auto-responder is really a great thing, and should be in everyone's marketing bag of tricks. They serve a vital role in your advertising efforts by providing someone with information in which they have an interest.

But some people have confused things here a bit. They don't understand meaning of "NO". If I have made up my mind I am not interested in your offer, I really don't want you to give me same, or similar information again, and again, and again. These are just as aggravating as web sites that won't let you escape, and they keep opening up additional windows that you have to close.

Some people have set up their auto-responders to send 5-7 follow- up notes. I refer to these as "nag notices". They must feel that if they "nag" you enough, you will give in and buy their product or service. I don't know about you, but with each one I get, my resistance stiffens. I may have been a prospect before, but timing just wasn't right. These tactics have caused loss of a prospect.

When you get an order, do you remember to say "Thank You" to your customer? Those two little words can be key to getting repeat business from them.

E-commerce is here to stay, but mortality rate of "wannabes" will be high. Those that remember "Personal Touch" will be among survivors.

It's just like your car insurance. Your rates are better if your car is nice and safe (boring, even), is kept in a garage at night and you've never had a crash, so think of it this way.

Even if you do get accepted, you may well find that if you appear safer, rates you are offered will be better. If in doubt apply.

You might just get a nice surprise, and sources we recommend allow you to apply without paying an application fee so there's no risk to you whatsoever.

The third and final method of accepting credit cards on your website is to use a third party service.

In this case, your business itself is not granted it's own merchant ID but rather you utilise merchant account of another company.

Setting up an account with a third party processor is tremendously easy - it's a case of filling in a simple form with your name, address etc. and you're away. Some of these services are free to set up whilst others require a small "activation fee".

For new startup who have tried unsuccessfully to gain their own merchant ID, third party processing is way to go.

As with any other method there are benefits and distinct problems with third party processors.

The first benefit is clear - easy, quick and cheap setup. Many third party processors also offer additional services, some paid for, some free.

For example, Kagi can set you up with a free digital download service so customers can instantly and safely download your ebook or software after purchase.

Others such as Clickbank come with built-in affiliate software as standard. These are just two examples I have chosen from many which illustrate possible savings in terms of time and money.

However, now we turn to negative side of story. Firstly, most merchant account intermediaries deposit money paid by your customers in 24-48 hours. This means that you receive payment swiftly which helps keep your business finances bouyant and enable you to expand your operation faster.

In contrast, third party processors on average pay every 14-28 days depending on company in question. Some will even pay you mid-month, for previous month's takings - meaning you may have to wait up to 45 days for settlement of funds. Clearly this stunts your business and can leave you open to problems.

Secondly, it's fair to say that all merchant account providers, be they bank, intermediaries or third party processors charge fees. This may involve a set per-month fee and/or a per-transaction fee (such as 5% of value of each purchase). Unfortunately as you might expect, those of third party processors are generally far, far higher than those charged to businesses who possess their own merchant account.

Lastly in this argument is fact that you are far more limited in your dealings with a third party service than your own merchant account.

What I mean by this is that you have to send your visitors to their website to make their purchase, which makes you look less professional and you generally have to use third party processors designated order form, with their name on, though some level of customization is usually possible such as adding your company logo.

In this respect you're simply less in control of matters. And finally, as you are using third-party processor's merchant account, and not your own, your customers credit card bill will show up name of third party processor you have used rather than that of your company.

In general therefore, I'd regard using third party processors as a "last resort" due to their far higher fees and less professional appearance.

So which of these three methods is right for your business? Unfortunately only you can make this decision. I just hope I've clarified rather than clouded your opinions!

Best of luck to you and your business.