Zen-cart newbie - linkpoint vs authorize.net

Hi there gang. I am a complete ZenCart newbie - well, I've done the front end design, but that project never got past the design stage, so this is the first time I have to actually be able to accept payments... lol! I'm so comfortable with the whole css/xhtml stuff, but when it comes to programming stuff and scripting, not so much. I need my hand held a bit.

I'm a bit confused on how to set up the site to accept payments. I know I can go to the Modules>Payment area, and install either linkpoint or authorize.net. I have found the tutorial for installing linkpoint here https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=298 but can't seem to find one for authorize.net. The only reason I am curious about the process for authorize.net is that my host recommends them. I have a number of sites built on his servers, and figure if I can work with what he prefers, it would make my life a touch easier.

So, a) is there a big difference between using authorize.net and linkpoint, and b) if not, is there a tutorial for authorize.net install? What other advice do you have for a newbie? TIA!

You know that you need a merchant account with AuthorizeNet before you can accept credits cards, right? AuthNet information

I am fairly new to ZC myself, and just went through getting a merchant account to accept credit cards as well. I applied through my bank (Wachovia) first, and due to my not so good credit I was declined. So I started looking around the Zen community for another solution. I started to use Authorize.net, but the application process seemed a little rocky to me. Then I found this link and applied for the LinkPoint merchant account. That was 4 days ago, and I can now accept Visa, MC and Discover. Very quick service, and helpful tech support as well. I recommend.

Thanks guys!

Yes, I do know that I need a merchant account. That's about all I know... lol!

Thanks for the feedback on the differences between setting up merchant accounts. That's so important. Any more information and advice would be greatly appreciated!

If you have an authorize.net account, all you need to do is generate a transaction key and put that key into your Zen Cart authorize.net AIM module settings. The steps to do that are shown next to the field where you enter that key.
You can also use an MD5 Hash, which is a security word you enter in authorize.net and in Zen Cart to validate transactions between them and you. Or you can leave it blank in Zen Cart if you haven't set one in your Auth.net terminal.

Thanks again for the info. So, which would you say is easier to set up? Linkpoint or Authorize.net? And how do you sign up for authorize.net? On their website, I don't really see the easy sign up option...

lynnema:

Thanks again for the info. So, which would you say is easier to set up? Linkpoint or Authorize.net? And how do you sign up for authorize.net? On their website, I don't really see the easy sign up option...

Both are relatively easy to set up and use.

To sign up for authorize.net, go to this page, and click the "Sign up" link in top right corner. This will download the PDF application form, which you must fill out and fax/mail in. Further instructions are inside the PDF.