Sorry, but it's true. Your visitor will likely surf to a competitor who can handle secure transactions via credit card on the web. Hassle, hassle, hassle, and often the program doesn't work effectively. Or the bank doesn't honor the checks. Or the confused customer fails to enter the data appropriately, and the burden falls on you to track the customer and re-secure the payment info, IF you can.
Net users are often impulse buyers, and often change their mind.
Not a good idea. Most potential customers won't work that hard to give you their hard-earned money. Accepting credit cards online is critical to your success. I realize that's something most folks don't want to hear, but it's a truth that must be faced if you are to develop a profit strategy. This gives your customer the kind of immediate feedback they're hoping for.