AIP-340: ApeCoin Payment Gateway

PROPOSAL NAME

ApeCoin Payment Gateway

PROPOSAL CATEGORY

Ecosystem Fund Allocation - Funding of ApeCoin Payment Gateway white label software solution.

TEAM DESCRIPTION

Craig Moss
Project Manager / Operations

I am a Software Engineer who is passionate about web3 and thrives on creating pixel-perfect software applications. I have a keen eye for detail and enjoy working in a Senior Front-end role, building and refining user interfaces and solving UI & UX problems.

My professional experience extends to full-stack development where I have worked on a fair share of web applications. I have experience in Project management, Testing and devops and have worked in the IT sector since 2010.

I’m an active member of the ApeCoin DAO and community.

Dedicated Support Team / Services

Along with the white label software solution provided, a dedicated team will be allocated to the project to provide full support for the software solution.

  1. Blockchain Consultant x1
  2. Project Coordinator x1
  3. UI/UX Designers x2
  4. Web Developers x2
  5. Testing Engineer x1
  6. Server Engineer x1

ABSTRACT

This proposal aims to launch the ApeCoin Crypto Payment Gateway allowing online stores to easily accept APE token as a preferred payment method.

The ApeCoin Payment Gateway will include an API to connect with other platforms and integrate Shopify and Wordpress payment plugins for merchants and online stores.

Offer lower transactions fees for using ApeCoin as a payment method.

BENEFIT TO APECOIN ECOSYSTEM

  1. Increase the use cases and utility of ApeCoin.
  2. Encourage ApeCoin adoption by offering ApeCoin payment options to merchants and online stores
  3. Increase participation in the ApeCoin ecosystem.
  4. Offer ApeCoin as an a preferred payment method with a low transaction fee of 1%
  5. Offer ApeCoin payment options to regular web2 online stores and users.
  6. Additional incentives and benefits for ApeCoin communities, eg. discounts, reduced fees, rewards and more.

KEY TERMS

White Label Solution
White label solutions refer to products or services that are created by one company for the purpose of being sold by another company under that company’s own unique branding.

Cryptocurrency Payment Gateway
Cryptocurrency payment gateways allow businesses to accept transactions of cryptocurrencies as payment from customers in exchange for goods or services. These systems accept payments from any country and put an emphasis on security due to the nature of blockchain-based cryptocurrencies.

When the customer makes a purchase using a cryptocurrency as payment, the transaction often goes through the payment gateway at a fixed exchange rate and automatically converts to traditionally recognised fiat currency so the merchant can avoid the volatility of the cryptocurrency markets. However, some cryptocurrency payment gateways do not automatically transfer the cryptocurrency to fiat currency, allowing the merchant to hold the digital coins as long as they prefer, usually inside a cryptocurrency wallet.

Cryptocurrency payment gateways tend to offer lower fees than traditional credit card payment systems. Some of these tools can be highly customizable and provide native dashboards to help track all payments.

PLATFORMS & TECHNOLOGIES

The following technology and tools are used to create a powerful crypto payment gateway website and/or mobile app.

Technologies used include but not limited to Bootstrap, MongoDB, MySQL, Node, Java, Swift, Flutter, Kotlin and Angular.

KYC verification of merchants and latest security measures are used on the website and payment gateway.

Kindly review the provided demos below, these serve as examples of available functionality. The forward facing website can be styled and customized to ensure continuity in the ApeCoin brand and guidelines.

Demo: https://kryptonica.net/
Demo: https://bluuchip.com/
Demo: https://new.demozab.com/demopayment/user/public/

STEPS TO IMPLEMENT & TIMELINE

Estimated timeframe to implement the white label software solution and website will be approximately 35 to 55 working days.

Once the solution is in place and tested, we will move to the onboarding and promotional phases to grow our client and user base and increase ApeCoin adoption.

  1. Begin setup of the ApeCoin Payment Gateway website and software modules.

  2. Implement crypto payment gateway white label solution with API to connect with other platforms.

  3. Integrate 6 crypto wallets: APE / BTC / ETH / BNB / USDC / USDT

  4. Integrate Shopify and Wordpress plugins for online stores.

  5. Implement customised UI/UX as per ApeCoin brand guidelines and requirements.

  6. Soft launch of the ApeCoin Payment Gateway to merchants and online stores.

  7. Full Testing of the software solution.

  8. Promotional launch and marketing via ApeCoin community channels.

  9. Focus on onboarding MBA licensed merchants to adopt ApeCoin as a payment method on their websites and online stores.

  10. Ongoing monthly promotions and marketing to grow our client and user base.

Key Performance Indicators

Month 1: Establish project and begin implementation of the crypto payment gateway white label solution.

Month 2: Complete implementation of the software solution, API, Shopify and Wordpress plugins. UI customisations, testing and soft launch of the ApeCoin Payment Gateway.

Month 3: Promotional launch via ApeCoin communication channels.

Thereafter ongoing monthly promotions and marketing to grow the user base and transaction volumes for the payment gateway.

Fee Structure

We will charge a flat fee of 1% for all ApeCoin transactions using the ApeCoin payment gateway.

A higher fee of 1.5 to 2% will be charged on other cryptocurrencies, we aim to offer a competitive solution overall to increase adoption and use of the APE token. Competitors charge approx 2% on average.

Expectations of the Ape Foundation

Once the ApeCoin Payment Gateway is ready, we would request a review of the solution provided.
On approval, we would request that a link be added to the apecoin.com website.

OVERALL COST

Project Setup Cost Breakdown

User and admin software modules = $3 000.00
Wallet installation (6 Coins x $750 ) = $4 500.00
Includes: APE / BTC / ETH / BNB / USDC / USDT
Merchant API, merchant tools & button maker = $2 800.00
2x Online Store Plugins (Shopify, Wordpress) = $3 500.00
Implementation of security mechanisms, ssl certs, etc. = $2 200.00
Testing, UI and refinement of solution = $2 000.00

Total Project Setup Cost = $18 000.00 once off

Monthly Operational Cost Breakdown
Server Hosting = $50.00 p/m
Dedicated Support service = $400.00 p/m
Marketing/ Designs / Promotions Budget = $400.00 p/m
Project Management / Operations = $1 800.00 ( 90 to 100 hours p/m @ $20 per hour )

Project manager rates currently average $40 to $60 per hour in the USA. Rates set at 50% less to reduce AIP costs, times given are an estimate of operational tasks and duties to manage project, handle merchant KYC, onboarding processes and any other tasks associated.

Total Monthly Operations Costs = $2 650.00 per month
12x Monthly Costs = $31 800.00 per annum

Total Grant Request
$49 800.00 USD equivalent in ApeCoin token (Approx 45 272 APE at $1.10 current price

Targets:

  1. Reach $100 000.00 transaction volume @ 1% = $1 000.00 per month. Month 4
  2. Reach $200 000.00 transaction volume @ 1% = $2 000.00 per month. Months 5 to 8
  3. Reach $400 000.00 transaction volume @ 1% = $4 000.00 per month. Months 9 to 12

800 Made by Ape stores with $500.00 transactions per month will give us $400 000.00 total per month.

Proposal Notes:

  1. I have opted to leave out certain extras we could include like Jumpseller and Primer plugins for online stores. These are not currently available as part of the white label solution and development cost is an additional $3500.00 each
  2. We can include additional tokens at $750.00 each for wallet installation/integration.
  3. The application will not integrate with any banking solutions or credit card providers initially and will utilise crypto wallets to store funds. We would like to launch an ApeCoin credit card
    facility in future.
  4. Additional features and plugin integrations will be funded via earnings received to continue adding features and functionality to the platform.
  5. Monthly reporting will be provided for transparency.
  6. We aim to give back to the ApeCoin community via ThankApe and the ApeCoin Innovation Fund initiatives.
6 Likes

Definitely feel like this could be something very useful rather than relying on plugins from coinbase commerce, bitpay etc.

5 Likes

It’s an excellent idea but also some agreements with 3rd parties should be signed if I understood You correctly. So, it’s necessary to understand which merchants are more useful for gateway users. And mass adoption of $APE holders is vital for sure.

3 Likes

Hi @0xWebMoss ,

Your topic will be moving to the AIP Draft phase in less than 24 hours. Are you content with the feedback received or do you wish to extend community discussion for another 7 days?

If we do not hear from you within 48 hours after your topic closes, your topic will be moved straight to the AIP Draft process.

We look forward to hearing from you.

-@Facilitators

2 Likes

Kindly extend good sir.

I’ve received some initial cost estimates on a white label solution and have just updated the AIP idea.

Will let community comment and provide feedback

4 Likes

This sounds super useful!! We’ve learned recently that integrations/plugins from Coinbase Commerce etc take a long time to be approved (if at all), and it’d be super helpful to have an internal solution where we’re not reliant on many other parties :white_heart:

Thanks again for your time and research on this @0xWebMoss!

2 Likes

The idea is really cool, it would be a great way to attract even more interest to the community and give even more use to the currency, leaving it side by side with other forms of fiat payment.

5 Likes

Go make it happen! Many would use it.

4 Likes

This topic was automatically closed after 7 days. New replies are no longer allowed.

Hi ApeCoin DAO Community,

@0xWebMoss has requested to extend the community discussion period for this AIP idea. This topic will automatically close a further 7 days from now. We encourage the community to continue to engage in thoughtful discussions through constructive criticism, honest feedback, and helpful suggestions.

Follow this Topic as further updates will be posted here in the comments.

-@Facilitators

1 Like

I like the idea because seems really useful

1 Like

Hi ApeCoin DAO Community,

@0xWebMoss has completed editing their AIP Idea to be their AIP Draft.

Follow this Topic as further updates will be posted here in the comments.

Kind Regards,

-@Facilitators

2 Likes

Hope it works out pretty well

1 Like

Hi ApeCoin DAO Community,

Our team has reviewed and discussed @0xWebMoss 's AIP Draft and have sent a list of initial questions. We await answers.

Follow this Topic as further updates will be posted here in the comments.

Kind Regards,

-@Facilitators

Looks great. Would love to see it come to fruition

1 Like

Hi ApeCoin DAO Community,

@0xWebMoss has responded to our questions and has provided consent to share them in this forum for the community.

The platform will have various security measures in place as follows.

We provide our clients with extra security options in addition to blockchain security based on their requests. Since our exchange software is connected to multiple layers of the security wall, we secure your business by employing these walls to prevent fraud and hacking in your transactions.

We have well-developed defense modules for the security of your exchange software like the HTTPS Authentication, Anti-DDoS, Blockchain, Data encryption measures, 2-Factor Authentication, etc.

All security plans and measures will be shared with the ApeCoin DAO including any audits completed.

The company providing the white label solution has a full team as indicated.

I do not have particulars on each individual at this time as we have not signed any contracts or begun use of the services provided.

As per company website…

We have an enthusiastic team of blockchain developers, well-collaborative project managers, programmers of front-end and Back-end, UX/UI developers, quality analysts, iOS/Android app developers, and customer support executives.

A leading blockchain development company with 7 years of experience in the market.

No, the payment gateway only collects standard payment information, the Merchants information
or data is stored on our platform as they require KYC to operate an account. We would adhere to normal regulations around any merchants user data stored.

Users performing payments would normally be stored on merchants platforms and stores like shopify or WordPress sites as orders and we would not have access to that information and would be the responsibility of the merchants and out of our control.

No, all features will be free to use, only a standard KYC will be performed for merchant accounts.

Transactions fees can include withdrawals and a flat 1% fee is charged for all transactions.

The fees are customizable so we can remove withdrawal fees on MBA merchants for example, and only implement a fee on actual sales transactions. This will allow us to offer further discounts, rewards, etc. for our different ApeCoin communities.

Yes please, the aim is to match the current look and feel of the ApeCoin website and strictly adhere to brand guidelines.

The clients or merchants would be responsible for their own web3 wallets and funds and we would not have access to their wallets.

Only funds received from the 1% transaction fees would be kept or stored in individual wallets per coin or token we integrate, which I would need to custody via the admin backend. These fees would be utilised in operating the platform and any costs associated in the process.

No, a separate domain will be established and hosted on Digital Ocean at our own cost. The foundation will not be responsible for this.

A domain name must still be selected and secured.

Please note the examples given are only demos of sites and their functionality, etc. that will be implemented.

The selected example will be styled and made to look like the current ApeCoin websites look and feel and is part of the solution and cost breakdown.

The company providing the solution is called redacted, a leading blockchain development companies with 7 years of experience in the market. We assist you to innovate your dream cryptocurrency business into reality by providing first-class blockchain development solutions.

Our end-to-end blockchain solutions will help you to enter the WEB3.0 space rapidly. Our in-depth analysis, design thinking-driven methodology, and industry-leading solutions in strategy consulting, technology, and operations produce a ground-breaking roadmap to assist businesses all over the world in making conventional technology platforms move from blockchain-based systems.

We are an award-winning company in the blockchain development sector. We’ve worked with more than 500+ clients. We are an enthusiast of facing challenges in the works and determined to be ahead of the crowd.

Yes

A DAR package is being worked on and upon completion this AIP will move into Administrative Review. Follow this Topic as further updates will be posted here in the comments.

Kind Regards,

-@Facilitators

3 Likes

Hi ApeCoin DAO Community,

We have no further questions for @0xWebMoss . This AIP is now under Administrative Review.

Follow this Topic as further updates will be posted here in the comments.

Kind Regards,

-@Facilitators

1 Like

Some excellent comments and questions by Bradley Zastrow

1 Like

This proposal is live for Snapshot vote at Snapshot. The voting period closes next Wednesday at 9PM EST.

The AIP implementation is administered by the Ape Foundation. Implementation may be immaterially or materially altered to optimize for security, usability, to protect APE holders, and otherwise to effect the intent of the AIP. Any material deviations from an AIP, as initially approved, will be disclosed to the APE holder community.

1 Like