Payments via mobile phone?

Lazlo90 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-09, 17:06

I've heard of some companies charging for certain services via a user's mobile phone bill. Has any merchant on here had experience with such a service, if so, is it worth implementing?

I'd like to possibly sell some stuff on my site but a decent amount of members don't have a credit card which is a problem. However, they do have a mobile phone, so I was thinking that perhaps they could use that to pay.

Windac · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-09, 18:10

I don't know exactly how you can get people to pay with it but I've seen some websites use it.

They first call a certain number and then accept the fact that money is being taken away from them. It then either appears on their bill or if its pay as you go, it takes money from that. It usually costs more via mobile phone.

Lazlo90 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-09, 17:52

Yep, that's the service I'm talking about.

As for the fees, I imagine that the merchant fees are probably higher than PayPal but it definitely could be worthwhile as like I said before, some users might only be able to pay via this method and it's better to get some money than none at all.

carl owen · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 13:24

Yes, I have heard about this too. Infact, Paypal which is a very well known payment gateway has introduced this service. You will be able to check your Paypal account balance, send money via Paypal, Buy a product etc via Paypal through your Mobile phone. Some of us might think that this is not safe enough. However, Paypal claims that it is very safe as you will be asked for a username and a password when you wish to perform a transaction through your Mobile phone from your Paypal account :dancing:

centelo · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 14:18

I still do not understand how you would verify their age. I mean teens have cells now and whats to stop you from having a teen as a client when you are aiming for adults instead?

Lazlo90 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 14:53

Well I think those services send a text first asking the user if they are over 18, and if they lie, I don't think you can legally be held responsible for it as it would be equivalent to the teenager using their parent's credit card without permission to buy some 18+ products.

sharron · #7 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 16:28

Yes, there are many companies that are charging for certain services via a user's mobile phone bill, but fees are sky high.Fire1

jason s · #8 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharron

Yes, there are many companies that are charging for certain services via a user's mobile phone bill, but fees are sky high.Fire1

So paying through phone is not a good option right....

carl owen · #9 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by centelo

I still do not understand how you would verify their age. I mean teens have cells now and whats to stop you from having a teen as a client when you are aiming for adults instead?

Well, you should have a Paypal account to access it from your Mobile phone. This means, that you will have to create a Paypal account before you will be able to access it from your Mobile phone. So, while creating a Paypal account, you will have to provide them the details which surely includes your age. Hence, if you are not an adult, you will not be able to create a Paypal account and if you do not have an account, you will not be able to access it from your Mobile phone.

I think this is the answer to your question ;)

carl owen · #10 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 16:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharron

Yes, there are many companies that are charging for certain services via a user's mobile phone bill, but fees are sky high.Fire1

As Far as I know, Paypal does not charge extra for paying through your Mobile phone as you are paying through your Paypal account and using a Mobile phone instead of a Computer to access your Paypal account.

Joseph · #11 (**permalink**) 03-05-09, 12:28

Well, I think it is better to pay via a Payment gateway instead of paying through your Mobile phone bill. As it is very easy to access and pay via a payment gateway like Paypal to make payments, I think one should consider this option.

carl owen · #12 (**permalink**) 03-06-09, 12:45

I agree. As it is possible to access a payment gateway like Paypal through your mobile phone and pay, I would recommend everyone to use this option as it is better in comparison to the payments made via a Telephone bill.

aliya · #13 (**permalink**) 03-06-09, 13:43

Yes, you can use your mobile phone to send money to people anywhere in U.S., Canada and U.K. You can send or receive money by sending a text message or you can also send money by calling Paypal's automated voice system or you can also purchase any products by browsing the internet on your mobile phone.

BodShane · #14 (**permalink**) 03-06-09, 15:13

That's a great feature indeed.

Now, all you can do is use your mobile device and complete your payment transactions.

Regards,

Shane Phillips

Nefrec · #15 (**permalink**) 03-06-09, 20:21

Isn't it also possible to pay through a normal phone? I think some companies are able to charge it to your phone bill. It seems its easier to get and send money no matter who you are. Anyone could lie about their age or identity.

carl owen · #16 (**permalink**) 03-07-09, 12:49

Some companies do offer the service to pay via your Mobile phone bill. However, the transaction charges are high in comparison to the transaction charges of a payment gateway. Also, you will be able to pay via Mobile phone when you are registered for this service and I think they will provide you with some login details like username and password and you will be able to pay only if you enter the username and password correctly. Hence, it won't be possible for any other person to access your account and use it. Make sure that you are well aware of the process before you start paying or receiving money through the Mobile phones.

jason s · #17 (**permalink**) 03-07-09, 13:14

Some companies even allow you to pay your electric bill via mobile phone.....

It's rocking..