Authorize.net-Authorize/Capture card later?

[markw10]

We are planning to use Authorize.net as our payment system and have looked at simply charging cards as soon as an item is ordered.

Since some items may be pre-orders or not shipped for a couple days we figured it was fair to authorize the card and then capture the number at shipping time, just before we ship. We also hope since often there is at least some minimal time frame before we ship it may even cut out a few fraudulent cards. I know how if a card is stolen and sold sometimes people act fast on charges and it has been cancelled within hours. We have a couple questions about this first though:

1. Are there additional fees for this transaction from the merchant? I know approximately what rates are but if it involves an authorization, then capture at a later date is there any additional fees or is it even charged twice? I hope not but want to check on this.

2. How is this set up? Can we set up to somehow charge when we ship or do we simply have to go into the order at order time, select to capture, then go to the screen to ship?

 

Thank you for your help with these questions.