is SSL a nececity for merchant sites

[3PC]

Hi just wondering if I have multiple websites and 3 of them are merchant sites. Do I have to use SSL or can my customers purchase without it? If I purchase the cheapest option, will this cover my 3 e-commerce sites?

[VodaHost]

Re: is SSL a nececity for merchant sites

Ask your self one question...Would you give out your details and your credit card
number to a site that does not care enough to spend US$25 on a SSL cert. to
make sure that your data is safe and secure???

Would you?