Posting API-1 will cause a shipping information form to be returned to the shopping cart window. The shipping form requires the customer to provide name and address info and select one of two shipping options that you can specify in the API. The form can also include a gift information field if you check the gift box on the IAMS console > PROFILE > store profile page. A purchase order number is automatically generated at this stage.

After filling out and submitting the shipping form, a credit card information form will be returned. For customer convenience this form will be pre-filled with the previously entered shipping data. It is up to the customer to make changes where necessary. The customer enters their credit card information and submits the form.

API-2 and the associated demonstration form should be used where you have already captured the customer's shipping and billing information in your own shopping cart and just want to use the IAMS service to process the customer's credit card. Posting with API-2 will return an order summary page with a form for entering the credit card data only.

With either API, if the credit card authorization is rejected, the customer will receive an error message and be given the opportunity to go back and enter new credit card info. This re-entry can be done twice, after which the transaction is refused if the authorization is not approved. All of the information provided using either API is stored off-line in a secure database location for merchant access via the IAMS console.

If a transaction is successful, a thank you order confirmation page is returned, a confirming e-mail is sent to the customer's credit card e-mail address, and an order e-mail is sent to the store address specified in the API. NOTE: E-Mail can be unreliable. The order e-mail is just a reminder. The reliable order information is stored in the store database table which is accessed via the IAMS console.

The API-1 information      A test form to simulate the API-1 post.

The API-2 information      A test form to simulate the API-2 post.

A demonstration IAMS console where posted information is accessed when using the default Service ID and Store Name values present in the test forms.

For final testing, it is recommended that you use your own Service ID and Store Name in the test forms and switch your IAMS console > PROFILE > store profile to live mode and submit an order using a good credit card. As long as no shipping date is entered for the order in the console, the transaction will not be captured and no funds will change hands. You can void the order after reviewing the information. Be sure to review the console > MENTOR information for a complete review of the features, functions, and benefits available with your IAMS console.