Supplier requesting credit card details & copy of signature

At the moment I'm looking for new suppliers for my business, one of the suppliers is Software Outlet and they require my credit card details and a copy of my signature. I'd just like to know why they are asking for this, is there a legitimate reason that they need both the CC details and my signature?

I know that if they turn out to be bad then I can do a chargeback through my bank, but at the same time it's the first time I've come across this...

Find a different supplier. That's a horrible policy that signifies one of three things:

1) Idiots. They don't understand what a massive potential breach of security they are exposing their customers to.

2) Scammers. They're just going to take your details and go on a shopping spree.

3) Incompetents. They can't get a real merchant account for online transactions without being charged an arm and a leg, so they're using the "signature workaround" that has been an outdated practice for online merchants for more than ten years. Either them directly, or whomever is providing their merchant cc services. Either way, this is incompetent.

In other words, even if they aren't outright crooks, there's no upside to dealing with these people. Hell, it might be better if they were crooks -- as Alexander Dumas said, "I prefer rogues to imbeciles, because rogues sometimes take a rest."


Frank

I could not have said it any better than Frank.

I would just like to verify is this the Link hidden: Login to view you are referring to? If it is please let us know so we can get in touch with them about this policy.

Cheers!

Yes, I didn't feel completely comfortable with giving out my signature so I thought I'd check, just as well... yes they are the same people as in the link, when you apply for a wholesale account one of the steps takes you to a link with a pdf file to print, fill out and fax to them... here is the link to that file on their b2b site:

Link hidden: Login to view

Thanks Dan :) I have sent them an email just now about the required credit card details and signature. Once I hear from them I'll be sure to update you.

Cheers!

Asking for a credit card for some suppliers is normal however asking for the signature isn't, I wouldn't pay by credit card on the first transaction anymore I would pay either escrow, PayPal,TT or some other method just to see if the order gets to you.


Alex C Ryan
Managing Director
Import Export Exposed
startimportingnow.com.au

Can you please check on entertainmentearth.com too. They are also asking for cc detaiks and signature. Thanks.

Hello twinkle_28,

I viewed their application and everything looks very legit and even the review made by our powerseller reviewer, Lance is nothing but great!

To shed light into the subject I have emailed them to inquire about the subject matter. As soon as I hear from them I will let you know!

Talk to you soon :)

Thank you richellemonfort, have they got back to you yet? Thanks