Are payment processors parasites?
 

The open-source encyclopaedia Wikipedia defines Parasitism thus : ?a phenomenon in which two organisms which are phylogenetically unrelated co-exist over a prolonged period of time, usually their entire life.?

Whilst the above definition is usually applied in the context of the animal kingdom, parallels can be drawn when observing the relationship between web content owners and billing companies : one cannot exist without the other.

In fact, the space in which the two operate could hardly be more different. The best adult site ever created would be a commercial disaster if it did not offer an efficient billing mechanism to convert surfers into paying customers.

Likewise, the best processor known to man would quickly perish if compelling content was not available as a result of using its services.

With this in mind, it is imperative that the two parties work together to explore ways to make the most from their marriage of convenience. An example of this is are the geo-ip pages in 37 languages that we create free of charge for our clients ? after all, if our clients make more money, so do we.

As a global phone billing company, we have never viewed credit card processors as ?competition? which is why we offer clients the option of adding a VISA/MASTERCARD logo to their geo-ip page and posting surfers who want to this way straight to their credit card processor if required.

In fact, if you are a content owner, polygamy should not only be allowed, it should be encouraged! No one payment processor has the ability to focus on all the billing options available which why you should cherry-pick the best in their field and offer them all.

Over and above credit card billing, this should include pre-paid billing, taking subscription fees directly from regular checking accounts, SMS billing for trials, and of course global phone billing!

The term parasite has always had negative connotations. Perhaps mutualism ,wherein both species benefit from the interaction, is a more apt analogy of this marriage made in heaven!:pimp

interesting

Mr. Romance

Parasitism has a negative connotation because no one really learns about the mutually beneficial parasites in their biology class. If it's good for you, it goes under the radar. If it's bad for you, everyone pays attention LOL

On billing, diversification is definitely the key. Offering as many payment options as possible reduces the chances that the customer is going to leave because they can't pay for a membership.

Perfectly put!:thumbsup

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