How Do I Get Paid For Online Goods And Services In Nigeria?

Hi everyone!

I've learnt a lot reading posts on various topics here. I never would have believed 9jarianz would go out of their way to help,  Keep it up.

I have a problem of my own:

I'm working on setting up an online store, but I don't know what 'payment scheme' (at least you'd get the idea if my terminology is off) to use. My idea's good, I'm sure I'm going to sell, so that's no the problem. I'm in Nigeria 4 now, and as wel all know, business can't depend on credit cards here yet. Meanwhile I tried Paypal but Nigeria isn't listed. I'm planning to discuss with a bank, but I feel there's no harm in popping the question here.

Also, can anyone advise me about web hosts on the internet? I just looked up Powweb and Site_Build_It.

Hope to hear from you soon, and thanks in advance.

Well you can get paid by accepting credit cards through second party merchant accounts.

Paypal.
It is possible to get an account with them, even if you are located in Nigeria, but that would mean you need a friend overseas to help you with his utilities billing of the address you choose to use. It is free to get an account but there are charges if you upgrade your account to their premium level, about 1-2.5% per transaction or even more depending on the country and currency exchanged involved.

2Checkout
2checkout do accept Nigerians as merchants, but you would need to fax them a few documents such as certificate of incorporation besides the 45USD entry fee. They also do have what is called a release level of your funds, whereby for foreign merchants, you would have to accumulate about 300USD to be able to request for a wire transfer of your funds to your respective bank account.

Interswitch
Interswitch is a Nigerian based merchant services that allows interswitch card users to pay you for your services. It cost 1000USD to enrol and u face a bout 1% charges on transaction, and also some little charges here and there for withdrawal, statement etc.

I am just curious what would you like to sell or offer that you would need to enrol to this merchant accounts?