I’m doing a website using HTML and PHP. I have the ability to create a SQL database on my host as well. I want to have a photo gallery of fountains, birdbaths, and such that a friend of mine has created. If I want to do online purchases and take credit cards, what is the best (easiest) way to do it?
You’ll need to set up with a merchant account. You can ask at your bank, or look around on the Web for places like this. Very often, they can also supply the scripts and such for a shopping cart, or provide the information you’ll need to have your custom shopping cart scripts interface with the CC server.
Not sure about their rates, but UPS has what you need too:
Paypal has all that, too - accepts credit cards, provides a shopping cart, etc. etc.