As more and more consumers turn to online platforms to purchase cannabis products, cannabis software developers are tasked with finding the right payment integration for their platforms. One decision they must make is whether to use an iframe or hosted payment solution. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it's important for cannabis tech companies to understand the differences between the two and choose the option that best suits their needs.
In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between iframe and hosted payment solutions when embedding payments in cannabis software platforms. We'll also provide guidance on which option to choose for different use cases.
What is an iframe payment solution?
An iframe payment solution is an embedded payment form that appears on the cannabis software platform’s website. It's essentially a window that displays a payment form provided by a third-party payment processor. When a customer enters their payment information, it is transmitted directly to the payment processor, and the software provider is responsible for handling the data securely.
What is a hosted payment solution?
A hosted payment solution, on the other hand, is a payment page that is hosted by the payment processor. When a customer clicks on the payment button on the cannabis platform's website, they are redirected to the payment processor's website to enter their payment information. Once the payment is processed, the customer is redirected back to the cannabis software provider's website.
When to use an iframe payment solution
Iframe payment solutions are a good option for software providers who want to maintain full control over their website's design and user experience. With an iframe, the payment form is integrated seamlessly into the provider's website, so customers never leave the site during the payment process. This can help reduce cart abandonment rates and increase sales, as customers feel more secure and confident in the checkout process. However, it's important to note that iframe solutions require more technical expertise and may require additional security measures to ensure the safety of customer data.
When to use a hosted payment solution
Hosted payment solutions are a good option for cannabis software providers who prioritize security and compliance. With a hosted solution, the payment processor is responsible for handling the security and compliance aspects of the payment process, which can save time and resources for the software provider. Hosted solutions can also be easier to set up and require less technical expertise. However, the downside is that the payment page may not be fully customizable, which can affect the user experience and branding.
When it comes to embedding payments in cannabis software platforms, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing between an iframe or a hosted payment solution will depend on the software provider's specific needs and priorities. If design and user experience are top priorities, an iframe solution may be the way to go. However, if security and compliance are the main concerns, a hosted solution may be the better choice. Ultimately, it's important to choose a payment solution that is reliable, secure, and tailored to the specific needs of the cannabis industry.
How Merrco Can Help
For cannabis merchants, choosing a payment processing company that understands the unique challenges and considerations of the cannabis industry is critical.
Merrco is a Canadian cannabis payment processing company that operates in a highly regulated industry, and offers merchants safe and secure payment processing products and services. We help merchants navigate the complexities of the cannabis payment processing industry and choose the right solution for their business.
If you have any questions on how we can best help you, don't hesitate to contact us at info@merrco.com or call our toll-free number at 1-800-957-0534.
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