The problem is merging a forum with the cc- ssl. There are ways to do it with paypal and from there you can have them verify cc info with a credit card and not a check. I have identified a modification that would allow paypal and the board permissions could be used to allow designated membergroups to post in the classifieds.

But getting the forum to go through a ssl cc hoop other than paypal is sticky indeed not to mention time consuming and costly.

However,  members would not automatically get to start a topic in this "classified" section unless I put them in the user group. I (DJ or Annie, David, bigbro) could handle this by special request.

So through paypal, the credit card could be verified. And through the approval process we could verify the phone number. If you make it more complicated, it gets more expensive. Those wishing to post in the classifieds would have to have a paypal account.

David: Are the upside down ? due to being in Mexico? 

As for classifieds, I don't think we should do the CC transaction directly through this forum. I think it opens you guys up to too much liability, etc. Maybe the way to go would be to use PayPal for processing of the payment. I do not have a paypal account but from what I hear, it's free to sign up, right? They charge a 3% fee to the seller for the transaction? Also, I think the classified should be restricted to a certain membership group say "Jr Member" or "Full Member" or higher (depending on what the concensus is). That way, we can be sure the person has been around a little and we get to know them. It depends on what we want the Classifieds section to be, an open marketplace for just anyone or a service to the membership of CDI? I personally think it should be the latter.
As for the fee, I don't do Ebay or paypal so I have no idea whatsoever about the fee.
One more thing about the PayPal thing, you guys are considering that as a requirement for verification, right? Just wondering since if you make it a requirement whether people might perceive an explicit or implied endorsement? I know through your Ebay store that you guys do not go through PayPal.

Thanks Tea
Actually, I was thinking that the ability to accept credit cards would primarily be to allow people to purchase our jewelery and diamonds... the additional benefit being the use on CDI for classifieds.....

So, to frame the question again: do you guys think there are appreciable benefits to DBL by allowing direct use of credit cards¿

And yes, I really wish I knew how to turn this thing ¿ rightside upªªªªª  Ç or even get an exclaimation point´or parenthasis

GEmelli,Isn÷t it eonough that I÷m in a place where I can÷t hear ANY english in the street? Now I can÷t even undrestand CDI posts¿¿¿¿ heheheheheh

David, I thought that's what you meant re: accepting credit card transactions directly through the site. Allowing people to purchase DBL merchandise on CC through this site is one thing, I still think it opens you guys up to liability to allow it for the CDI membership for their personal classifieds, though I know where you are coming from with that. I'm not even so sure about purchasing DBL merchandise directly through this forum either. One of the things I LOVE about DBL and my shopping experience with you guys is the personal attention, getting all my questions answered, etc.

Go and enjoy your vacation! Shoooo!

That's it Ronda, I'm going to have to "slap you on the wrist"...heheheheh

Please rest assured, the people who are here now, at the inception of CDI, are like family members here.

We welcome ANY and all input. ( even yours Ronda )
If anyone writes something that causes concern here, it would be handled in a discreet manor, no wrist slapping necessary.

It is quite amazing to me how valuable members are treated as though they are worthless.
That will NEVER happen here!!!!

We went PayPal for a recently installed online search database that my (small) employer runs.  It can be set up so that even people without PayPal accounts are prompted to create one when checking out - good for PayPal noobs and looks more or less like a regular credit card transaction.  For relatively small volumes keeping the security in-house is a big hassle.

I like the suggestion of either being a customer or have a certain number of posts. I think making it a privelege for members is a good idea. By the way, we're getting some action on google and I think the items will start showing up on those searches.

I am looking into one of paypals more advanced set ups with the shopping cart. And I knew that did not require an account. So since gemelli brought it up, I thought I'd go back and check out some of the packages they had for merchants that I had not looked into because they weren't going to be enough.

You guys are welcome to start putting money into my account just to see if it works. I just picked a number. I want everyone to be able to afford to donate directly to me!

I am seriously BOT (behind on threads) around here, and I haven't voiced an opinion on the classifieds yet.

So before I forget, I wanted to say a big YES! I think a classified section would be AWESOME!!

And whatever way DBL wants to do it, is fine by me.