Recently, within a 48 hour period, we received two separate requests to add two separate, new payment gateways to WordCamp.org for processing Indian currency (INR). One is for a service called Razorpay, and the other is for a service called Instamojo. These are in addition to the existing INR payment gateway we already have available, called KDC Pay.
One thing that seems clear to me from this is that the KDC Pay gateway is not an optimal solution for everyone, although it should be noted that the WordCamps in India that are currently using it are successfully selling tickets.
Ultimately my question to the community, though, is how many INR payment gateways do we need?
As someone who helps to maintain the WordCamp.org network, I think it’s not ideal for us to have all three, because:
- Each plugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory https://wordpress.org/plugins/ or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party we add to the network increases the maintenance burden. It’s another piece of software that we need to keep updated and be vigilant for related security issues.
- Every gateway has its own API An API or Application Programming Interface is a software intermediary that allows programs to interact with each other and share data in limited, clearly defined ways. that we have to monitor so we don’t get caught unprepared if breaking changes are introduced.
- Each additional gateway is a new platform we have to learn in order to troubleshoot payment issues when they arise.
Ideally, we would identify one INR payment gateway that works for everyone and just offer that moving forward.
With that said, I’d like to gain some perspective on online payment processing in India. I invite all community members who have some perspective on this to weigh in so we can come up with a solution that works for everyone.
cc @arvindsinghu @sanyog @bornforphp @adityakane @mbigul
