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(Last updated 6 May 2008)

Credit card changes (revised)

In their constant battle to keep one step ahead of fraud, the credit card companies are introducing new rules on the processing of credit card transactions. While we can’t argue with the aim, the effect is that it seems likely to become economically impossible for a small company such as ours to accept credit card payments directly. We are still exploring the options, but it seems increasingly likely that we will have to switch to accepting payments through a third party, probably PayPal.

If this happens, it will have three main consequences:

1. We will be able to accept credit or debit card payments only for orders placed online, or where an email address is provided;
2. You will provide your card details only to PayPal, and not to us. This will happen after we have accepted the order and notified you by email of the amount due. It is possible that at a later stage we shall be able to introduce a shopping cart facility, but the “4 for the price of 3” offer complicates this.
3. If you already have a PayPal account, the payment process will be simplified.

We expect the new system to come into effect from the beginning of June, with the old system discontinued from the end of July; these dates will be confirmed here and on our online order form.

Order delays during June/July

Orders and other communications received during the period from June 26 to July 13 are likely to be subject to delay due to holidays. Postal correspondence will be opened and filed daily, but is unlikely to be dealt with until July 14. The same applies to orders received by email. Support queries received by email may be dealt with more quickly, but are also likely to be delayed. Thank you for your patience.

Previous News

To make it easier to see what news is really new, we now have a Previous News page where you can read any news items you missed. News items will now stay here only while they are new, typically for a month or so.

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