Yes, PayPal has thorough instructions for setting up an account at www.PayPal.com, but it can take some time to get through the process. Since almost any web product that allows you to sell something takes PayPal as a payment gateway, it's a slam dunk for generating revenue dollars.

If there is any possibility that you will use PayPal on your site, we recommend that you start the PayPal process as soon as you start your web site implementation. In fact, since it doesn't cost anything until you start processing transactions, why not start today? Here are the steps:

1) The username for PayPal is an e-mail address, and we recommend that we set up something generic that is either a shared email account or a mail list, like This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or something of that sort. Unless you're a one-man-show, it is likely that you will be on vacation from time-to-time, and might want someone else to trigger deposits (only to the specified account) or be able to issue refunds.

2) You set up an account using the e-mail above, tie to a personal social security number or company EIN, and enter your checking account information.

3) PayPal will make 2 small deposits into the checking account.

4) You must check your account electronically or contact your bank for the details of these two transactions.

5) Log back into PayPal and enter the information about the deposits.

6) Enter your EIN or a credit card to verify (and lift the $500 withdrawl limit).

**Note: If you a re a non-profit, you can get reduced transaction fees, but you have to submit some additional paperwork that is actually reviewed by human beings. Add extra time if you're an official ".org".

Although some complain about this process, as one of the world's largest banks, PayPal knows a thing or two about making you money on the Internet!