You're SOL without SSL
Congratulations! You've finally decided to enter the world of online commerce. You've setup an online store, hired a web designer and have something that looks pretty legitimate. But before you flip on the switch, make sure you have a secure checkout! Nothing will make web shoppers hit the back button faster than having a page asking for credit card information that isn't secure. And putting a logo up like Verisign or Authorize.net (shown) won't make it secure by itself.
For a page to be secure, it needs to begin with HTTPS, which also puts the friendly padlock icon in the bottom of your browser, telling folks that everything's kosher.
You have to be a little comfortable with setting up websites and dealing with ISPs and whatnot to install your own SSL (secure socket layer) certificate. Otherwise, ask your webguy or gal to make sure you have one setup (and test it out to make sure your checkout is HTTPS and you get the padlock icon w/o any error messages!). It'll cost you about $60/yr to maintain a certificate from a place like RapidSSL.
If you're using a site like Yahoo stores, they include SSL with their package, so you should be cool with them. Same goes if you're using PayPal
