5 ways to get paid by international clients

In the digital age, the Caribbean is not left behind when it comes to leveraging online opportunities for income generation.

With the rise of the internet and the proliferation of digital tools, earning money online has become not just a possibility, but a reality for many in the region.

From the sun-kissed beaches of Jamaica to the bustling streets of TT, individuals and businesses are exploring innovative ways to monetise their skills, products and services.

This article will delve into the top five ways to get paid online in the Caribbean by international clients, focusing on the use of various payment tools that facilitate seamless transactions.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or simply someone looking to diversify your income streams, you will need to understand how to get paid by clients around the world.

Here are the 5 options:

PayPal

PayPal is the gold standard and the most popular platform used across the globe for moving money and getting paid.

You can use PayPal in a few different ways: You can connect it to your website and use the payment platform to process sales of your products or services, which connects to every website platform; you can send digital invoices to clients around the world and they can pay your invoices; and you can use PayPal's Pay link to easily distribute online, accept donations and more.

It’s an open link, so once people click on the link, they will specify how much money they are looking to send you.

In Trinidad, to use PayPal, you must have a JMMB, PSCU, Venture Credit Union visa debit card or a visa credit card.

Linx visa debit cards or Mastercard, do not work as you cannot receive money via PayPal.

Payoneer

Payoneer is a global financial services company that provides online money transfer and digital payment services.

For business owners, Payoneer offers a multitude of benefits. It allows them to receive payments from international clients easily and quickly, making it an ideal solution for those engaged in e-commerce or freelance work. Payoneer also supports transactions in multiple currencies, which can be a significant advantage for businesses operating in the global marketplace. Furthermore, it provides a platform for managing payments from different marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Airbnb, Fiverr, Upwork, 99Designs, Wish and Lazada. Payoneer will wire transfer the money received in its accounts to any local bank account.

WiPay

WiPay is a leading payment platform in the Caribbean, dedicated to transforming the way individuals and businesses conduct transactions.

The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including the ability to make and receive credit, debit, and cash payments securely through one platform. Wipay’s offerings extend to a service called WiPay Me, which allows for quick and easy money transfers directly to a WiPay account via a custom payment link.

The company is recognised as a registered Payment Service Provider, ensuring that all funds are held within the framework of regulated financial institutions.

Fygaro

Fygaro is an online platform designed to simplify the process of selling online for everyone, regardless of their background.

The platform offers a range of easy-to-use and accessible tools that empower users to create their online stores or sell products through their sites.

Additionally, Fygaro enables businesses to transform their social media accounts into store-fronts and accept payments through chat and WhatsApp. The platform is built with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, offering an affordable, reliable, and secure solution for eCommerce.

With over 23,000 plus registered independent businesses, Fygaro prides itself on its user-friendly interface, security measures, and extensive network of partners and integrations.

The Banks

Here in TT, we have a few banks that offer services to build your website, send digital invoices to global clients and use Payment Links for your products or services if you don’t have a website but are using social media.

A payment link is a unique URL that allows businesses to receive payments from customers without the need for a traditional online store-front or payment gateway.

It simplifies the transaction process by directing the customer to a secure page where they can make a payment using their preferred method, such as a credit card or digital wallet.

You can check Scotiabank’s E-Comm+, Republic E-Pay or FCB EasyBiz for these services.

The digital revolution has opened up a world of possibilities for businesses in the Caribbean, enabling them to reach and transact with international clients like never before.

The top five ways to get paid by these clients – through payment processors, payment links, and digital invoices – are not just methods, but powerful tools that can significantly streamline operations and boost growth.

As we navigate this increasingly interconnected global marketplace, it's clear that the future of business in the Caribbean is digital.

By leveraging these tools and embracing the opportunities they present, Caribbean businesses can ensure they are well-positioned to thrive in this new era of global e-commerce.

Keron Rose is a Digital Strategist that works with businesses to build their digital presence and monetise their platforms.

Learn more at KeronRose.com or listen to the Digipreneur FM podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcast.