When you’re an online worker you swim in a lot of uncertain waters. We’re at the mercy of the wifi connection and there is a distraction around every corner (or rather, website.) There’s a lot to focus on, but sending and receiving payments can be one of the most simple things we deal with.
At first glance, getting paid online can seem overwhelming. There are myriad options for sending payments online. Sometimes it’s like standing in the cereal aisle at the grocery store: so many options! Which one is the best?
By answering a few simple questions you can eliminate the competition and find the service that works best for you and makes getting paid easy for online workers.
What Are The Fees Like?
Online workers will pay a fee for using an invoicing and payment service system. And that’s fair; these are companies after all. The fees vary a lot from platform to platform though, and you’ll need to do your homework to make sure you’ve found a good deal.
Due charges 2.8% for their payment system. PayPal charges 2.9% plus $0.30 USD of the amount you receive. Stripe is the same as PayPal. These are just three of your options, but it shows that there is a wide world of payment systems out there.
Choosing the right system for you will depend on a few things, but how much business is coming through the system is a big one. The more you use it, the more you’ll pay in fees. It’s something to consider thoroughly.
Does This One Program Meet All My Needs?
What good is a payment program that doesn’t meet all your needs? Online workers already have a lot of accounts in a lot of different places. Simplify your payments by finding a program that does everything you need. Does this program do invoicing and payments? Will it store your information? What about clients info? Does it work with your bank or credit union?
The program that answers all these questions (and any specific to your needs) is the one for you.
Do I Like It?
It may seem simple and silly to ask this question, but it’s important. You have to like what you’re using. When you dislike programs you’ll avoid using them. You don’t want to end up avoid invoicing clients and cramp your cash flow. Online workers should use the tools that they actually enjoy using.
It’s a small thing that carries a big impact. Test drive a few payment systems to see which one fits your style best. Most programs offer a free trial. Explore what they have to offer and what your needs are. Find a program that relieves stress, not one that adds to it. The systems are there to cater to online workers, and not the other way around.
Online workers are still relatively new phenomena. Online payment systems will continue to change and adapt to the field over time. Make your work life easier by finding a system that works for you.
