Choosing the right partner for payment gateway integration matters more than choosing the cheapest quote. The wrong choice usually costs twice: once for the first attempt and again to fix or rebuild it. These are the questions, warning signs and contract points that separate a reliable company from a risky one.
Questions to ask every company
- Which gateway suits our business registration? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- How will payments be verified server-side? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- How are refunds handled? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Will finance get reconciliation reports? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Will card data ever touch our server? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
Red flags
- Marking orders paid from the browser redirect
- Storing card data
- No sandbox testing
- Pressure to sign quickly with a large upfront payment
- No named person responsible for your project
Freelancer, agency or in-house team?
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | Small, well-defined tasks and tight budgets | Availability, continuity and limited skills outside one area |
| Software house or agency | Projects needing several skills, deadlines and accountability | Make sure senior people actually work on your project |
| In-house team | Long-term core products with constant work | Hiring time, salaries and management overhead |
What to compare in proposals and contracts
Compare the written scope, milestones and payment schedule, warranty and support, and ownership of code, designs and accounts. The contract should include an NDA, IP assignment on payment, a change-request process and an exit plan with full handover.
Typical price levels to expect
| Level | Price (PKR) | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Plugin-based integration | 60,000 – 150,000 | Gateway on WooCommerce or Shopify |
| Custom integration | 150,000 – 450,000 | API integration in a custom app |
| Multi-gateway with reconciliation | 450,000 – 1,200,000 | Several gateways, subscriptions and reports |
At RankGhar we put these answers in writing before you commit. See how we deliver payment gateway integration, read our process, or ask for a proposal.