The Problem We Were Actually Solving,
The crux of the issue was not just being unable to use these services, but also trying to figure out why they were not working. I spent countless hours researching, debugging, and trying to find workarounds. Every platform had its own set of requirements and limitations that seemed to change weekly. It wasn't until I talked to my community that I realized I was not alone in this struggle.
What We Tried First (And Why It Failed),
At first, we tried using workarounds like PayPal's invoice function or virtual debit cards, but these solutions were either unreliable or insecure. I also attempted to use other popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, but they required a bank account, phone number, or a credit card, which I didn't have. The result was that we ended up losing sales and dealing with a never-ending cycle of technical debt.
The Architecture Decision,
After months of research and experimentation, we finally settled on a combination of tools that allowed us to sell digital art without using PayPal or a bank account. We started by using a cryptocurrency payment gateway, specifically Blockstream's Liquid Network, which allowed us to accept payments in the form of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. We then integrated it with a digital storefront called Open Collective, which had a built-in payment system that allowed us to accept donations and sales.
What The Numbers Said After,
The numbers spoke for themselves. By switching to this new payment system, we were able to increase our sales by 30% and reduce our transaction fees by 75%. The community also responded positively to our new payment system, with fewer complaints about payment issues and more enthusiasm for buying and selling digital art.
What I Would Do Differently,
Looking back, I wish I had done more research on the payment systems available in my country earlier on. I also wish I had explored alternative payment methods like cash or bank transfers. In retrospect, it would have been better to invest more time in developing a more customized solution that suited our specific needs. However, the experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of understanding the platform's constraints and finding creative solutions that work within those constraints.
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