How to do - order (stock level) confirmed first then process credit card

Hi

Customer can order goods based on the stock levels /availability. Once the stock levels are checked (from the warehouse - ) and secured for the customer I want to then process their transaction . Its bit like delayed transaction . At the same time I want customers to know that their order isn't valid until stock levels are checked.

I know Zen cart has stock level control built in but we have retail stores aswell and it is not practical to put all our stock online as some gets sold through reatil outlets.

Is there a solution to this?

Thanks

How are you processing transaction right now?
On 1 of our current stores, we use Linkpoint gateway and set it to just authorize the card only, we will charge later once the order is shipped (and we may change the amount if some items can not be shipped)

Hi

Excellent . This is what I am looking for. I am not sure the same thing would work in Australia. Site isn't up and we have not decided which method but most probably will be credit card (or even credit card thru PayPal .)

How does it really work? can you expand on that please? How does 'set it to just authorize the card only' work and how do you set it in Zen card? What is it called in Zencard if it has this feature?

I think this is what I need.

Thanks for your reply

Linkpoint is a US payment gateway, you have to check if there is any avaiable Aus gateway.
'set it to just authorize the card only' option has to be supported by that payment gateway as well, Some Aus users here should give you better advices.