Categories
Payment Processing

Payment Processing for Debt Collection Merchant Accounts

Are you a debt collection agency worried that traditional merchant accounts won’t accept your high-risk business?

Debt collection companies often face difficulty finding a suitable payment processor due to the high risk associated with their businesses.

Fortunately, payment processing solutions tailored to businesses in the debt collection industry exist. These processors offer high-risk businesses lower rates and more flexible payment plans than traditional merchant accounts.

This article will discuss how debt-collection businesses can safely and securely process payments while protecting their bottom line.

What Is a Collection Agency Merchant Account?

A collection agency merchant account is a specialized form of payment processing for debt collection businesses. It allows these companies to accept customer payments and securely process them into their accounts.

Merchant accounts are essential for any business taking credit cards or e-check payments. However, many traditional banks refuse these services due to the reputational risk associated with collection agency businesses.

Credit card companies are also unwilling to deal with and take on further credit card debt from customers of debt buyers and collectors.

For this reason, it is important to seek out collection agency merchant services with a company that specializes in providing high-risk merchant accounts. These providers have experience dealing with the specific risks associated with debt collection and can offer collection agencies more flexible solutions than traditional banks.

Some of these solutions may even come complete with chargeback protection and fraud prevention tools specifically designed for this industry. This can help ensure customer security while providing peace of mind for collection agencies dealing with a significant amount of the debt.

Types of Merchant Accounts for Debt Collection

Various types of merchant accounts are available for debt collection companies. They include debit cards, credit cards, ACH, and e-Check merchant accounts.

Debit Card Merchant Accounts

A debit card merchant account can make it much easier for your agency to accept such payments on a one-time or recurring basis.

But there’s also a catch—unfortunately, the payment data often changes each year when it comes to debit cards.

Over 20% of all debit cards must be reissued due to expired dates, lost or stolen cards, and data breaches. That means you must collect updated payment information from debtors every time their card is reissued.

Updating the payment information is especially important if you’re using recurring billing. Otherwise, the payments will decline unless the data is accurate and up-to-date.

This waste of time and labor can be avoided with ACH/e-check payments—bank accounts rarely change, eliminating the need to update payment data regularly.

ACH & e-Check Merchant Accounts

ACH and e-check payments allow you to electronically debit funds from debtors’ bank accounts. These payment methods offer less risk than card payments—an important consideration when running a business in the debt collection industry.

These payment methods are more reliable for recurring payments as bank accounts don’t often change.

For instance, people often have direct deposits tied to their accounts and use them for household bills. Or they use their banks for direct salary deposits.

When consumers switch banks, there’s no need to update data. Bank accounts tend to remain the same and stable in the long run. They rarely need to change payment information tied to their bank accounts.

This makes ACH and e-Check Merchant Accounts perfect for recurring payments; it increases cash flow stability and avoids revenue leaks.

Credit Card Merchant Accounts

Getting qualified for a credit card merchant account for debt collection agencies is no easy feat. Most acquiring banks classify debt collection agencies as higher risk due to chargebacks. After all, disputing a credit card transaction is the go-to move for many debtors looking to buy time or default on their payments.

Furthermore, credit card companies are often unwilling to let merchant accounts take on more debt from unpaid balances.

That said, getting approved isn’t the biggest hurdle for this type of account—it’s keeping chargebacks down. And when chargebacks rise too much, it can seriously affect your long-term credit card processing ability.

With credit card merchant accounts, it’s crucial to have chargeback management in place.

Why Are Debt Collectors Labeled High-risk?

Here are reasons why debt collectors are considered high-risk:

Nonpayment/Inconsistent cash flow: If a debt collector fails to collect payments on time (if at all), it can result in significant losses for the company and its business operations.

Chargebacks: Debt collectors have no control over customer disputes or fraud-related incidents that may lead to chargebacks. Card companies can also reject payments based on the amount of risk the debt collector represents. This can result in significant financial losses and damage to the reputation of debt collectors.

Reputational risks: Debt collection businesses are vulnerable to reputational risks due to the nature of their work and their collection efforts with customers. A debt collector seen as having aggressive collection actions or engaging in deceptive practices could lead to consumer complaints and public criticism.

Subscription/Recurring billing: Each month, the debt collectors must ensure that their customer base doesn’t decrease or default on payments. If customers don’t renew contracts or are past due on paying, the debt collection company will suffer significant losses.

How to Apply for a Debt Collection Merchant Account

When applying for a Debt Collection Merchant Account, you will need to provide the following documents to ensure quick approval:

Proof of your business bank account: This must be a bank statement, checkbook, or voided check with your name and address printed on it. This is to ensure that the funds from the processing will be settled into the correct bank account.

Compliant website: Your website should adhere to industry standards set by PCI Security Standards Council and comply with any country-specific regulations that apply to your business.

Processing history: Three months of the most recent processing statements showing customer transactions and payments.

Business financial history: Three months of the most current bank statements showing activity within the business account, such as deposits and withdrawals.

Personal financial history: For businesses owned by one person (sole proprietorship), providing three months of personal bank statements can help speed up the process and avoid delays due to additional verification requirements being needed.

Photo ID: A valid photo ID must be presented for every signer on an application so that we can verify their identity to protect against potential fraud or malicious activities related to our services.

Age of business: The age of your business is also essential for determining if you qualify for an account and how long it will take to get approved. Generally speaking, companies that have been operating within one year are more likely to get approved than those which are new or just starting out in their operations.

Von Payments Is Ready To Help With Debt Collection

As a business owner in a high-risk vertical or industry, you must ensure your debt collection practices are secure and compliant.

That’s where Von Payments comes in. We specialize in helping debt collectors process payments quickly and safely.

We offer numerous features that ensure you follow the credit bureaus‘ regulations while securely managing customer data. Our advanced fraud detection system flags suspicious activity instantly, so your customers’ security is always top of mind.

Von Payments provides end-to-end encryption to guarantee payment information remains safe and secure while offering tokenization technology, making storing customer data easier and more cost-effective under one centralized platform.

At Von Payments, we understand how important it is to have a secure payment processing system when dealing with high-risk industries—which is why we are dedicated to providing the highest level of protection for both customers and businesses.

Contact us today to discover how Von Payments can help you get high-risk merchant accounts!

 

Categories
Credit Card Processing

What Are Credit Card Processing Fees?

The modern world of commerce has already shifted to digital payments.

During the 12 months leading up to October 2021, over 25% of US consumers opened a new credit card—a significant rise from 15.7% one year prior and consistent with pre-pandemic figures as revealed by data from The New York Fed.

With this spike in credit card usage, it’s crucial to understand credit card processing fees as it impacts your business’ bottom line.

But ever wondered how these fees are calculated and what they cover?

Especially if you’re a business owner in high-risk verticals, credit card processing fees tend to be higher than those of low-risk businesses.

Credit card payment processing fees are unavoidable in business, but they don’t have to be a burden. Understanding these fees and how they can impact your bottom line can help you maximize profits as a merchant.

In this guide, we’ll help you get to grips with what credit card processing fees mean for your high-risk business. We’ll share valuable insights into how to lower your credit card processing fees using high-risk payment processors.

What Are Payment Processing Fees?

Credit card processing fees are the costs for accepting card payments or other electronic payments. These fees typically comprise two components: an interchange fee and a payment processor fee

Merchants may also incur other types of fees, such as regular subscription fees, statement fees, service fees, chargeback fees, credit card surcharges, equipment rental charges, or setup/activation fees.

These fees can range from 2.87% to 4.35%, and this doesn’t include any merchant service provider fees. It’s important to note that these charges can add up quickly, reducing your profits and potentially impacting your business’s bottom line. 

Those operating in higher-risk verticals or industries are likely to face even higher processing fees that may put a strain on their finances. Therefore, small business owners need to take the time to research potential processing fees and compare prices among different credit card processors.

How Do Credit Card Processing Fees Work?

Credit card processing fees are a necessary evil in running a business. But understanding how credit card processing companies work and additional fees can help you maximize profits.

Here are the different types of credit card processing fees and how they’re calculated.

Interchange Fees 

Set by the card networks like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, interchange fees are calculated as a percentage of each transaction plus a flat fee.

Interchange fees cover costs associated with verifying the transaction—such as authorizations and fraud protection—and serve to incentivize banks that issue the cards to keep offering them. 

These fees range from 1.5%-3% of each transaction. 

Payment Processor Fees 

The payment processor fee is compensation for hosting and maintaining the technology used to secure transactions. 

Payment processors charge fees to—well, process payments—and facilitate transactions at a flat rate or based on transaction volume. These fees include monthly, per-transaction, equipment lease, and statement fees

Depending on the payment processor, these costs can range from a few cents to a few percent of each transaction. 

Assessment Fees 

Assessment fees in payment processing are small yet important charges applied to credit card transactions. Typically, these fees amount to a percentage of the total transaction value. The major credit card networks set and charge them.

Factors such as card type (credit card versus debit card), types of transactions, and transaction volume can affect the rate at which these assessment fees are charged.

Additionally, foreign transactions may incur extra costs due to currency conversion or other factors.

Payment Processing Pricing Structures 

You can use several strategies to reduce your rates, such as shopping around different payment networks or negotiating rates with current providers. You can also consider various pricing structures and decide which will work best for your business.

Flat-Rate Pricing

Flat-rate pricing is a payment processing model that allows you to pay a fixed fee for each transaction. This fee includes interchange fees, card brand fees, and the processor charges or own margin fees.

This structure can benefit businesses that want the predictability of their monthly costs, making budgeting easier. But if other variables could lower your interchange rate, you may not benefit from those savings with a flat-rate pricing structure.

Additionally, processors may charge a flat monthly fee in addition to their per-transaction fees, which can increase your overall costs without adding additional processing services or benefits.

Tiered Pricing

Tiered pricing is a popular payment processing structure among merchants in high-risk verticals and industries.

This structure offers merchants a discount rate under the “qualified” tier. But they will need to pay higher fees for transactions outside that tier.

This pricing model allows businesses to enjoy low rates on only certain cards or transactions while paying higher fees for other types, such as rewards cards.

Additionally, the non-qualified tier may also include higher costs based on features such as transaction size and frequency.

With tiered pricing, even though the qualified rate may seem attractive initially, it usually only applies to a small fraction of transactions. For this reason, merchants should carefully weigh the cost implications before deciding if tiered pricing is right for them.

Interchange-Plus Pricing

Interchange-Plus pricing is a payment processing model that provides businesses with the most cost-effective way to process payments. It offers you lower interchange rates and the ability to predict your fixed fee.

Interchange-plus pricing lets you budget more accurately and get better value for money. It usually works best for businesses in high-risk verticals and industries like retail, e-commerce, hospitality, and travel. It reduces their risk of unexpected costs.

The processor’s fee will depend on monthly transaction volume, industry sector, and processing history.

Membership or Subscription Pricing

Membership or subscription pricing structures are handy for businesses in higher-risk verticals and industries. This type of payment processing offers a fixed monthly fee with an additional charge per transaction—meaning that overall costs may be lower than with other models.

However, when considering this type of pricing, consider the number of transactions and business volume, as it may not always result in savings. And while the processor won’t charge you a percentage-based markup, you will still have to pay the membership fee.

Lower Your Processing Fees With Von Payments

If you’re a business owner in a high-risk vertical or industry looking to reduce your processing fees, you’ll benefit from Von Payments and its Zero-Fee Processing Program.

These PCI-compliant and comprehensive solutions help you avoid the typical interchange and assessment fees charged by most processors and eliminate any additional processing costs that would otherwise be incurred.

Furthermore, Von Payments provide high-risk merchant accounts, so you won’t have to deal with higher processing fees from issuing banks and credit card issuers that perceive your business as having greater risk exposure.

With Von Payments, you’ll save up to 10x on credit card transactions and other digital payments, freeing up capital that can be used for other significant investments.

Plus, Von Payments uses advanced technologies such as tokenization and fraud protection tools to ensure your customers’ highest level of security.

Sign up today to take advantage of these savings!

 

Categories
Credit Card Processing

Cash Discount Credit Card Processing

Cash Discounts in Credit Card Processing

Cash discounts help small businesses save money on credit card processing fees. By offering a cash discount, merchants can lower their prices for customers who choose to pay in cash—a win-win situation that results in cost savings for everyone.

A cash discount program works for the merchant as it incentivizes the customers to pay cash. If they still choose debit or credit card transactions, a 3-4% service fee is added. This offsets the merchant’s card processing fees.

With Von Payments, businesses can save on payment processing costs from card brands like Visa and Mastercard while offering discounts to customers spending with cash.

Our easy-to-use platform lets you quickly set up discounted pricing for cash payers, saving you money from day one.

The Zero-Fee Card Acceptance program helps reduce transaction fees by providing dual pricing options—cash or credit/debit card. You won’t have to worry about calculating the difference in cost.

Plus, our PCI-compliant point-of-sale or POS system and terminals are designed to work wherever your business is located—whether it’s a physical store or online.

Benefits of Having Cash Discounts

A cash discount avoids the cost of processing credit card payments. It encourages customers to use cash or checks instead of credit card or debit card transactions

At the same time, it also makes them pay earlier than with a card. 

As a merchant services provider, you benefit from a cash discount by reducing late payments while offering customers flexibility in payment methods.

  • Cash Is King – With a cash discount, merchants avoid high credit card fees—especially for businesses without a high-risk merchant account. And as an added bonus for your clientele, a discounted cash price awaits if a customer pays without using a card!

 

  • No Fees – A cash discount lets businesses pass their merchant processing costs to buyers. This means they don’t have to pay additional fees (i.e., merchant service fees, surcharge fees, service charges, and credit card processing fees)for accepting payments via card.

 

  • Keep More Money – Cash discounts help business owners keep more of their hard-earned money, as the merchant receives an immediate cash payment, usually at a discounted rate. This helps businesses by reducing processing costs, getting payments sooner than card transactions, and avoiding costly chargeback fees.

 

  • Clear Verbiage – Clear verbiage helps customers understand the difference between payment options and cash discounts. By clearly detailing different payment options and their associated discounts, you can encourage customers to take advantage of your cash discount option—ultimately saving you money in the long run.

How Does Cash Discount Processing Work?

  • Easy To Operate – With Von Payment, taking payments from customers has never been easier! Its intuitive design and user-friendly interface simplify processing transactions for even the most tech-challenged business owners.
  • Cut Costs Where It Counts – You can increase your profit margin with Von Payment’s cash discount feature. Avoid paying credit card processing fees while offering a cash discount to customers who pay with cash! Cut costs for your business, get happier patrons, and enjoy more money in your pocket!

  • Save Money On All Payment Types – Customers who pay with cash will receive a discount, and you—the merchant—can skip those costly credit card processing fees.

 

  • No SurchargeWith Von Payment’s cash discount feature, you can avoid the dreaded credit card surcharge fees when customers pay with credit cards. By offering a discounted price to those who use cash, you can reduce processing costs from your payment processor and eliminate any surcharge program.

Conclusion

At Von Payments, we quickly set up custom discounts tailored to your business needs without additional cost or effort. Our zero-cost solution helps you reduce fees from credit card processors, saving you money with every purchase.

Cash discount programs can help businesses attract bargain-seeking customers, increase their cash, and manage accounts receivable more efficiently.

With our simple setup process, you can immediately take advantage of these benefits.

Take control of your finances today with Von Payments’ cash discount program!

Get in touch now and see how much you can save!

 

Categories
Payment Processing

A Business Owner’s Guide to Ecommerce Payment Processing

Gone are the days of strictly in-person shopping and swiping cards at physical point-of-sale (POS) systems. 

Are you a business owner struggling to find reliable and secure ecommerce payment processing options? Do you feel frustrated navigating the complex world of financial requirements, compliance, and uncertain costs?

Or maybe you’re overwhelmed by the complexity of e-commerce payment processing regulations and unsure what solutions will work best for your business.

You’re not alone. Many business owners struggle with these same issues.

We’ve created this guide to help small businesses understand ecommerce payment processing so you can find solutions that work for your unique business needs.

In this article, we will dive deep into ecommerce payment processing—how it works and how to choose the best payment solution for you. 

What Is Ecommerce Payment Processing?

Ecommerce payment processing is the process of securely accepting payments from customers online. Businesses can use specialized terminals or ecommerce payment gateways, from credit card payments to online wallets.

Payment processing services streamline ecommerce transactions by connecting customers’ payment details with your business’ bank account, making receiving money in exchange for goods or services much easier and faster.

There are no set-up fees, monthly fees, or long-term contracts like traditional merchant accounts—making it easy for online business owners to get started quickly.

Over 70 percent of ecommerce shoppers abandon shopping carts due to slow or limited payment options. With ecommerce payment processing, businesses can offer customers a wide range of options, including debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), online wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and other digital payment methods (Amazon Pay).

Ecommerce payment processing also adds a layer of security (and complexity) to online transactions since it takes payments through a digital ecommerce platform like Shopify or own ecommerce site.

Transactions are encrypted using secure socket layer (SSL) technology, so personal information is kept safe. And when purchasing online, customers can also use two-factor authentication (2FA) for added peace of mind.

How Does Ecommerce Payment Processing Work?

Here’s how ecommerce payment processing helps business owners provide a smooth checkout experience for online shopping:

  1. You link your ecommerce store with a trusted payment processor.
  2. Customers enter their personal and financial information into a secure form on your website.
  3. Their card details are encrypted and passed to the processor via a secure third-party gateway called a Payment Service Provider (PSP).
  4. The processor requests the consumer’s bank to verify customer identity, whether sufficient funds are available, and whether purchase limits exist.
  5. If everything checks out, the PSP processes the transaction and sends you and your customer confirmation that the purchase was successful. The customer’s account gets deducted.

Make sure that your ecommerce store has all of its security measures and functionalities in place, including SSL certificates, and fraud prevention steps such as data encryption and verification steps at checkout.

Payment Processor

A payment processor facilitates all communication between the customer’s bank or credit card company and the merchant’s account

The payment processor verifies that the customer has sufficient funds before transferring them into the merchant’s account. A payment gateway makes this possible as it securely sends customer information across multiple layers of encryption to protect the customer and merchant from data theft. 

Payment processors also offer features such as fraud detection, dispute management, and compliance solutions, ensuring customers get secure payments every time they shop with you.

Payment Gateway

The payment gateway is an intermediary between your ecommerce store and the payment processor. It securely transfers data between the two entities. 

The payment gateway facilitates authorization or decline information to be sent back to the customer-facing website, allowing customers to check out quickly and securely. 

Payment gateway encrypts sensitive credit card information over an SSL connection—protecting customer data from cybercriminals and malicious actors. 

Ecommerce merchants can choose from various payment gateways depending on their needs. Some of the most popular options are PayPal Payments Pro and Stripe

You may also need to integrate additional features to ensure smooth checkout processes, such as fraud protection tools and loyalty programs.

Merchant Account

This is an account that your online store sets up with a bank so that you can accept digital payments from customers. 

To set up a merchant account, you must partner with a merchant services provider that offers solutions like virtual terminals and digital accounts.

A payment processor and gateway authorize and settle the funds, then deposits them into your merchant account. The funds will transfer to your business bank account in one to two business days. 

Security software then encrypts every transaction to ensure maximum data protection for all parties—merchants, banks, and customers. Banks also use fraud detection services to monitor transactions for potentially fraudulent activity, which helps protect merchants and their customers from unwanted activity. 

Merchant accounts may require additional levels of verification from customers before completing the transaction to ensure all payments being processed are legitimate.

High-Risk Merchant Accounts

High-risk merchants may face more stringent requirements when applying for a merchant account. Businesses in the gaming, entertainment, healthcare, and travel industries are considered high-risk due to their increased propensity for chargebacks, fraudulent transactions, or higher volumes of returns.

As a result, they may be charged higher processing fees than other merchants or need to provide additional documentation to support their application.

High-risk payment processors like Von Payments provide secure platforms to accept payments from shoppers without exposing merchants to financial risk. Von Payments offers various services designed specifically for high-risk merchants looking to improve their chargeback ratio and increase customer satisfaction.

Von Payments’ Chargeback Management enables businesses to address disputes before they become chargebacks with real-time monitoring and alerts. This service also provides helpful data analytics on customer behavior so merchants can identify potential issues before escalating into costly chargebacks.

What is Tokenization?

Tokenization ensures that online payments are secure and efficient for buyers and sellers. It allows businesses to store customers’ sensitive data—such as credit card numbers or bank account details—in an encrypted form. 

With tokenization, businesses don’t have to store payment information in their databases. Instead, they can save an encrypted token pointing to the customer’s details. 

Even when the business suffers a data breach, the stolen information will be useless as it shows no real credit card or bank account numbers.

Tokenization also allows customers to quickly check out without needing to enter their payment information every single time. 

How To Choose the Right Ecommerce Payment Processor

Here are three things you need to consider when choosing the right ecommerce payment processor:

Security

Security is essential in protecting your payment system with an SSL certificate, which encrypts communication and card transactions

You’ll want to ensure that your processor is compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and that it follows the regulations set out by credit card companies to ensure your payments are secure. 

Types of Payments Allowed

Select a processor supporting various payment methods like credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google and Apple Pay, Venmo, etc. 

Also, look for processors supporting international currencies, bank accounts, and tax systems in multiple countries. 

Pricing and Fees

When selecting a payment processor, look into the most common fees: 

  • Set-up costs can be free, but the paid ones usually range from $250. Monthly subscription fees cost $10 and $50. 
  • Transaction fees are a percentage of each transaction plus a flat fee, typically no more than 25¢ per transaction. 
  • Some processors may also charge additional fees, such as costs for PCI compliance or additional software integrations. 

Von Payments Is the Answer to Your Ecommerce Business

At Von Payments, we understand how important it is for businesses to have reliable payment solutions that meet their needs. 

Von Payments offers comprehensive ecommerce payment processing solutions, giving you access to various features such as fraud prevention and secure checkout. We also allow customers to pay with multiple currencies and major credit cards, giving them the convenience they demand from an online purchase. 

Von Payments’ simple setup lets you get up and running quickly and easily so you can start accepting payments immediately!

Discover our easy setup process and take advantage of the many benefits of using Von Payments!

Categories
Payment Processing

Clover: A POS System That Does It All

Are you in the market for a comprehensive point-of-sale system to organize your invoicing and finances? Perhaps something customizable and used to run your business from anywhere? If so, we’ve got something that might be the perfect fit for your business needs.

Von Payments has partnered with Clover to provide merchants with a customizable POS system that does it all: invoicing, debit and credit card processing, virtual terminals, and more.

This partnership allows businesses like yours to access everything in one convenient platform. The secure payment processing solutions offered by Clover integrate seamlessly with Von Payments, allowing users to monitor their finances from their smartphone or through the app.

Discover how Von Payments and Clover have created a full-service solution to meet merchants’ POS needs and how this platform caters to businesses of all sizes.

What Is a Point-of-Sale System?

A point-of-sale (POS) system is an efficient and cost-effective business management method. It combines hardware and software to process transactions, record sales, and store customer information.

POS systems can accept payments, track inventory, provide real-time analytics, manage employees, and more. They’re relatively easy to set up and use—new users can become quickly familiar with a gentle learning curve.

By automating specific processes associated with daily transaction handling, POS systems help businesses save time and money. They reduce errors in manual data entry and facilitate better inventory management.

The data collected through a POS system gives businesses invaluable insights into customer behavior that can be utilized for marketing strategies, pricing decisions, or product development.

Best of all, POS systems are incredibly versatile. Because they come in different forms ranging from customer-facing, traditional registers with cash drawers and barcode scanners to cloud-based mobile apps, they can fit the needs of any business regardless of size or industry.

Why Clover’s Customizable POS System?

The Clover point-of-sale system is designed to make your life easier. Its easy-to-use interface and cloud-based technology simplify complex tasks, so you’re always in control of your sales, inventory, employee information, and more. All you need is reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data and a smartphone (i.e., Android or iOS.)

Clover‘s merchant account and services provide e-Commerce businesses with the tools they need for growth. With no setup fees and a low monthly fee, Clover‘s PCI-compliant and PTS-certified technology is designed to process payments quickly and securely. 

And with Von Payments, Clover becomes an essential tool for high-risk merchants that need flexible payment processing solutions.

Discover various products by Clover (also available on the Clover app market):

  • Clover Flex is the perfect all-in-one POS system for small businesses. It allows merchants to accept all payment types, gets deposits quickly and easily, and tracks their business in real time. With no monthly fee, Clover Flex is an affordable solution for businesses of any size.
  • Clover Go is a versatile and portable POS solution that makes it easy to serve customers in line or on the go. This powerful tool allows merchants to accept payment cards (both traditional magnetic stripe and EMV credit/debit) and NFC technologies like Apple Pay.
  • The Clover Mini from Fiserv (formerly First Data) is an excellent choice for a simple yet powerful credit card terminal. This compact device accepts all major payment cards (including traditional magnetic stripe and EMV credit/debit cards) and NFC technologies like ApplePay.
  • Clover Station Duo serves as a powerful and flexible payment processor. This two-screen POS system allows merchants to run their business efficiently while allowing customers to initiate payments quickly and securely on either screen.

Invoicing

Clover‘s invoicing solutions make it easy to get paid faster online. Your customers can conveniently pay you online with their credit or debit card. The system can handle all incoming payments, whether in-store orders, mail or telephone orders, or invoices.

Send digital receipts via email, keep tabs on all your transactions from a single dashboard, and streamline the whole process with our point-of-sale system. Of course, the Clover stations have a receipt printer if you and your customers need a hard copy.

You can create professional invoices and email them to your customers with a few clicks (or taps on the touchscreen). You can then keep track of customer information and generate reports.

No need to worry about syncing data or manually entering it into other accounting systems— all data is securely stored within Clover’s cloud platform and updates automatically.

Your customers will also benefit from email invoicing:

  • Easier payments: Clover allows customers to pay their bills quickly and securely with just a few clicks
  • Better recordkeeping: Customers don’t have to waste time trying to locate a lost or misplaced statement—they’re all found in the Clover dashboard
  • Less waste: Paperless billing helps reduce waste, making your business more eco-friendly and attractive to potential customers.

Debit & Credit Card Processing

Make running your business a breeze with Clover devices and payment solutions. Accept debit card and credit card payments on virtually any device—computers, tablets, or smartphones—and send email requests for payments online.

Clover offers small business owners various debit and credit card processing services. It’s designed to make accepting payments easy, with no set-up costs or long-term contracts. And with Von Payments, card processing fees, and transaction fees are friendly to high-risk industries.

Quick service restaurants quickly and securely accept Visa and Mastercard payments through Clover’s Restaurant POS System & Software Solution. Its payment processing feature is integrated directly into Clover’s POS system so restaurants can manage their transactions in one place.

Clover and Von Payments offer customers contactless and mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Virtual Terminals

Clover‘s virtual terminals take the stress out of online payments so you can enjoy a simpler, safer way to transact.

Clover‘s Virtual Terminal is a robust and secure payment processing solution that enables businesses to accept credit cards over the phone or by mail. You don’t need special equipment or POS software—it operates entirely through your Clover POS device, allowing you to process payments anywhere.

With a simple login to Clover‘s Web Dashboard, you can issue refunds and accept various payment types like credit cards, debit cards, and ACH in one easy-to-use system—no hardware needed.

Whether on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can count on secure, efficient transactions that keep your sales flowing. And with every transaction processed through the Virtual Terminal, you can track sales across various Clover POS devices.

Sales Tracking & Reporting

Clover‘s sales tracking and reporting give you the power to unlock actionable insights from your point-of-sale data. With real-time metrics like customer demographics, purchasing patterns, and average order values, you can better understand how to boost performance and maximize profits.

Get a granular view of your sales data when the POS reports break down the busiest times, best-selling items, and monthly trends for you. With Clover‘s real-time insights, you can accurately and quickly assess your sales data.

Multi-location businesses can also get a comprehensive overview of their combined sales across all stores and online channels.

Grow Your Customer Base

Get to know your customers with Clover Customers. This feature automatically collects customer data like contact info, birthdays, recent orders, workplaces, and more from credit card sales and digital receipts. Every time someone swipes a credit card or opts in for a digital receipt via SMS or email, a customer record is created so you can get the most out of your CRM.

With Clover, you can ensure customer engagement reflects tailored recommendations, personalized promos, and other VIP treatments. Your staff can access their names, transaction histories, and further details such as allergies, birthdays, favorite products, and past purchase history.

If you specialize in pet stores or services, you might even be able to access pet names! All of this comes free and easy with the Clover system.

Employee Management

Clover takes the guesswork out of measuring employee performance. Get detailed reports on top sales and development performers. Easily see who’s up to speed and make sure your team is on the same page.

Show your staff that you appreciate their hard work and dedication with Clover‘s customizable tip screens, tip pooling, gratuity distribution, and revenue sharing. Calculate commissions for individual employees or your team using the Clover app.

Time Clock by Homebase allows you to do it all in one place—schedule, manage, and pay employees, track labor costs, budget accurately, and get a real-time view of each employee’s sales data.

Even More Extras

  • Offer and accept gift cards. Offer branded physical gift cards in just minutes. Customers can choose from over 70 design templates or upload their custom designs. They can make buying and redeeming gift cards easier with digital gift cards, which work on any smart mobile device. Offer discounts to recent purchasers or an incentive for off-peak hours. Encourage customers to sign up for a loyalty club or newsletter by offering exclusive access to new products or a 10% discount code when they enter their email/phone number.

  • Hear feedback directly from your fans. With Clover Feedback, you can hear your customers’ thoughts and directly respond to complaints quickly and easily. Keep negative reviews off the web using this private, one-to-one conversations feature at your point of sale. Get direct customer feedback and ensure your business is going in the right direction.

  • Launch and promote deals and discounts with Clover Promos. With Clover Promos, you can grow your repeat business in no time! Start off with the Audience Builder feature and create and maintain customer contact lists for announcements or promotions. It’s simple to use and comes free with your Clover POS.

  • Use the mobile app to keep your customers engaged, giving them rewards for sharing their first names and allowing them to order in advance and pay automatically—making transactions faster. Reach out and drive more traffic with digital offers, real-time promos, and in-store coupons.

  • Offer discounts to recent purchasers or an incentive for off-peak hours. Encourage customers to sign up for a loyalty club or newsletter by offering exclusive access to new products or a 10% discount code when they enter their email/phone number.

Partner up with Von Payments and Clover

From the introduction of contactless payments to the integration of AI-powered fraud detection systems, payment processing has become increasingly complex and specialized. As a business owner in high-risk verticals or industries, it can be daunting to keep up with these changes.

Luckily, the partnership between Von Payments and Clover has made it easier.

Von Payments is an innovative payment processing solution that provides businesses with a secure platform for accepting payments online. The partnership with Clover makes the process even simpler: the unique POS system stores all your credit card data in one place. It allows you to monitor your invoicing and finances on any browser or smartphone app.

With Clover‘s array of features, including EMV chip readers, contactless NFC transactions, inventory tracking, detailed customer insights, loyalty programs, gift cards, and more, you can create a seamless checkout experience tailored to your needs.

The combined Von Payments and Clover solutions help businesses streamline their operations while keeping them secure against fraud, empowering them to stay competitive in a constantly evolving market.

Discover the powerful combo of POS systempayment processing solutions that does it all.

 

Categories
Payment Processing

What Is Subscription Payment Processing?

Collecting payments for subscription-based services can be a hassle. You need to store customers’ credit or debit card information, manually process monthly payments, and deal with chargebacks and refunds.

It’s hard enough to keep your small business or startup running smoothly without having to worry about payments—you’re busy enough as it is!

Subscription payment processing is the perfect solution to this. It automates the entire payment process, from collecting payment information to issuing refunds.

This article will dive deeper into this type of payment processor, its benefits to your business, how it works, and how a reliable payment processor can streamline recurring payments.

What is Subscription Payment Processing?

Subscription payment processing is a convenient and reliable way for customers to pay for goods and services over time. This payment method allows customers to pay for their purchases in smaller installments instead of one lump sum.

In this model, customers sign up for the service and agree to have their bank account or credit card information stored to facilitate recurring payments. The merchant uses this stored payment information each time a new payment cycle begins.

With subscription payment processing, businesses can collect regular income on an ongoing basis.

Worldwide, subscription-based business models are experiencing significant growth, with an e-commerce market size hitting $97 billion USD in 2022. This figure is expected to reach $904.2 billion by 2026.

Subscription payment processing enables businesses and customers to conveniently manage payments regularly without worrying about missed payments or manually setting up invoices every month.

From automated billing processes that save time on administrative tasks to streamlined payment options that reduce errors, subscription payment processing eliminates friction from financial transactions between buyers and sellers alike.

How Subscription Payment Processing Works 

Subscription payment processing starts when customers sign up for the service or product they wish to purchase. The customer provides their contact and payment details, including their debit or credit card information.

After this step, the customer doesn’t need to enter their personal details again, as the merchant has them saved in the payment system.

The merchant will then use an online payment gateway (such as Stripe or PayPal) to store credit card data securely. The payment gateway ensures that all transactions are encrypted while maintaining compliance with security standards like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

When a new payment cycle begins, the merchant’s online payment gateway will automatically pull up the customer’s stored credit card information to make the necessary charge for that cycle.

If the customer wants to make an additional purchase from the same merchant later on, they can do so quickly—their information is automatically available from the merchant’s payment gateway.

Recurring billing works differently based on the type of business. Automatic payments for some businesses are typically billed with the same monthly fees and on the same day each month, i.e., gym membership. Others vary in pricing and dates based on payment plans or how the customer uses the product or service, i.e., household utilities.

Benefits of Subscription Billing

Subscription billing offers many benefits for both merchants and customers. Because it’s largely automated, it streamlines the merchant’s billing operations while maintaining data security.

Subscription billing helps merchants save time and resources since there’s no need for manual intervention during each payment cycle.

Let’s dive deep into the benefits of subscription payment processing:

Predictable Cash Flow

Businesses can ensure they receive consistent revenue with minimal effort. E-commerce businesses typically have inconsistent cash flow, so having subscription billing guarantees a reliable and consistent income for each billing cycle. Recurring payments help businesses better budget for their operations and assess their financial growth.

Streamlined Customer Experience

Subscription billing streamlines the customer experience. Automated payments make it easier for customers to complete their payments without manually entering their billing information for each billing cycle.

Subscription billing also removes the need for manual payment processing, essentially any hassle from customers having to remember when or how much to pay each month. It eliminates potential delays from forgotten or late payments.

With subscription billing, customers can also spread out the cost of their purchases. It minimizes the friction when buyers decide whether to purchase—increasing conversions for your business.

Creating Add-On Subscriptions

Subscription models can build customer loyalty.

There’s something in the ongoing use of your offerings that instills brand advocacy among customers, especially when you consistently provide high quality and maintain high customer satisfaction.

This model helps make upselling or cross-selling of your products or services more accessible—especially when you’ve proven the value of your offerings.

Customers don’t have to do anything else but click the “buy” button at the checkout page. Every payment detail from the first purchase will be used for subsequent ones.

Minimizes Customer Churn

The automated nature of recurring payments means that customers are less likely to forget their subscriptions and are more likely to stay subscribed.

The absence of friction in renewing saves businesses time and resources trying to win back former customers—resulting in higher average customer retention rates over time.

Businesses Who Would Benefit From Subscription Payment Processing

Businesses of all kinds can benefit from having a reliable and secure subscription payment processing service. Recurring payments benefit subscription businesses that offer subscription boxes, replenishment subscriptions, software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings, content platforms, and professional services.

Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes are popular among customers who wish to receive packages containing an assortment of items tailored to their preferences.

Subscription boxes are typically based on specific day-to-day activities, interests, and hobbies, such as cooking or fitness. It usually involves the customer receiving meal kits, snacks, beauty products, or wellness items.

Hello Fresh and Usual Wines are examples of subscription boxes.

Replenishment Subscriptions

Replenishment subscriptions offer recurring deliveries of consumable items like pet food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, snacks, and other essential household items. Customers can receive recurring deliveries of consumable items at their convenience, reducing the need to shop continually for replenishments.

Petco, Dollar Shave Club, and Harry’s are examples of companies providing replenishment subscriptions.

Software as a Service (SaaS) 

Software as a Service (SaaS) is an increasingly popular way for businesses to access the latest software solutions without committing to long-term contracts or paying upfront costs.

SaaS products are often subscription-based, allowing customers to receive ongoing access to the service and updates as they become available.

Companies providing SaaS offerings include Salesforce, Dropbox, Zoom, and Slack.

Content Platforms

Content platforms offer subscriptions for access to a range of content, such as videos, music, books, or magazines.

Netflix, Spotify, and Audible are popular content platforms offering subscription services to access their films and TV shows libraries.

Professional Services

Subscription billing can be used by professional service providers like accountants, lawyers, consultants, and freelancers to automate and streamline their operations, such as with billing and invoicing.

Quickbooks and Freshbooks are examples of companies offering professional services subscription billing.

Setting Up Subscription Payment Processing with Von Payments 

Subscription billing is an incredibly powerful tool that can offer many benefits for businesses looking to streamline their payment processing while adding value and convenience for their customers.

Von Payments offers comprehensive payment processing solutions for businesses tailored to the specific needs of high-risk businesses. Our payment solutions include high-risk merchant processing, chargeback management, extensive banking/BIN options, and tailored solutions for clients’ needs.

With fast and easy approvals and no requirement for processing history, we are here to help business owners hit the ground running.

By setting up a subscription management platform with Von Payments, your business can enjoy all the benefits of automated billing with peace of mind knowing their customers’ financial information is safe and secure.

Get in touch today to see how our customer payment and subscription payment processing solutions can help your business.

Categories
Payment Processing

What Is A Merchant Service Provider?

A Merchant Service Provider (MSP) is a company that facilitates the processing of payments for businesses. It allows businesses to accept debit and credit cards and other digital payment methods such as ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.

Knowing which Merchant Service Provider is right for your business can be tricky. There are a lot of different providers out there, and it can be tough to figure out which best fits.

This article will discuss what a Merchant Service Provider is and its features. We’ll also cover the different types of MSP and how you can choose the best one for your business.

What is a Merchant Service Provider?

A Merchant Service Provider provides an end-to-end suite of services to make accepting various forms of payments easier for business owners. They offer business owners tools and services required to set up merchant accounts, integrate payment gateways, prevent chargeback, and process payments for subscription-based services.

MSPs provide merchants with point-of-sale technology, reporting tools, fraud protection, and chargeback management services.

MSPs come in different models. Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) and third-party MSPs include PayPal, Square, Stax, and Stripe. Established banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo also provide merchant services.

Various MSPs are also available depending on a company’s needs and preferences. For example, some MSPs offer interchange-plus pricing while others use flat or tiered pricing models.

Some MSPs specialize in specific industries, such as retail stores or restaurants, while others may offer services tailored specifically for high-risk industries like gaming or travel ticketing companies.

Some providers focus solely on providing software solutions like POS systems, while others offer full-service solutions that include hardware options.

Types of Merchant Service Providers

As businesses become more reliant on digital payments, understanding the different types of Merchant Service Providers is essential for determining which best suits their needs.

Merchant Account Providers

A merchant account provider is a company that allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments from customers through mobile readers, POS systems, or terminals they provide in exchange for a fee or commission on each transaction processed through the account provider’s services.

These providers offer processing services that integrate with credit card networks such as Visa, American Express, and Mastercard.

Using a merchant account provider can be useful if you do not have access to merchant accounts because you’re considered a high-risk business.

Merchant accounts provided by these entities will usually come with features like payouts within two days, chargeback protection, customer support options, and more – depending on the type of service chosen by the business owner.

Payment Service Providers

Payment service providers allow a business to accept electronic payments without having a designated merchant account. The most common PSPs include Square, PayPal, and Stripe.

PSPs enable small businesses and startups to accept online payments without needing a separate merchant service provider to process debit and credit card payments. These accounts are pooled with multiple merchants, so there is no unique ID number given for each user.

PSPs may offer additional benefits over merchant accounts, such as lower transaction fees, easier integration into existing software solutions handling customer data collection, etc. This makes them an excellent choice for smaller businesses looking to expand their payment options quickly and cost-effectively.    

However, using PSPs comes with higher risk factors as they can freeze or terminate your account without warning upon violating any terms or conditions.

Payment Gateway

A payment gateway provider is necessary if you plan on accepting online credit card payments from customers through your website or mobile app.

Payment gateways provide secure encryption methods which protect both parties from any potential fraudulent activities that could occur during an online transaction.

Many payment gateways also come equipped with features like recurring billing cycles, virtual terminal integration with websites, easier organization of customer records, etc.

Some payment gateways offer you the option of getting a merchant account as part of the package, while others provide gateway-only services.

Features of Merchant Service Providers

Merchant Service Providers offer a range of features that help businesses accept customer payments.

Merchant Account

A merchant account is an essential feature of a merchant service provider as it acts as a middleman between your customers and issuing bank accounts.

When you have established a merchant account, you will receive an ID number which helps protect against fraudulent activities that may occur during debit or credit card transactions. The money from payments made by customers with payment cards is stored in the merchant’s account before they are deposited in your business’ bank account

Merchant accounts are typically created in partnership with an acquiring bank, allowing them to manage all aspects of the payment transaction, including authorization, settlement, and reconciliation.

Credit Card Terminals

A credit card terminal is a device that enables merchants to process payments from customers using their credit cards. They are available in in-person and virtual formats, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes and types.

Physical or in-store terminals can be connected to a merchant’s point-of-sale (POS) system or used as a stand-alone device, while virtual terminals are typically for online stores accessed through a portal or app.

Credit card terminals allow merchants to accept almost any payment, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and more. Depending on the terminal, they can also accommodate contactless payments and those made via smartphones.

Merchant service providers will typically offer physical and virtual terminals and other services, such as secure payment processing systems and fraud prevention measures. This can help businesses reduce the risk of fraud and ensure that all transactions are carried out safely and securely.

Additionally, some providers offer integrated software solutions so merchants can track sales history and manage inventory more efficiently.

Some of the features available with more comprehensive terminals include:

  • Contactless payments (Apple Pay)
  • Security measures like PINs or chip readers
  • Support for different payment methods (cash, check, debit/credit cards)
  • Integration with existing POS
  • Smartphone compatibility (for mobile payments)
  • Record-keeping capabilities that track sales data and customer orders

Point-of-Sale (POS)

Point-of-sale systems are computerized solutions that provide a way to accept customer payments. Typically, POS systems are used in retail settings, including stores and restaurants.

A POS system typically consists of a computer terminal with a screen, a barcode scanner for scanning items, a receipt printer, and sometimes other components such as a credit card reader, swipe machine, or cash drawer. 

POS systems enable merchants to securely authorize customer payments using EMV Chip technology, contactless payment solutions, or magstripe cards. Many POS systems also have the ability to accept digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which can help to reduce time spent at checkout and increase sales potential.

Here are some of the things that point-of-sale systems do:

  • Process credit or debit card payments or other forms of customer payments
  • Automate several tasks, i.e. automatically calculating the tax on purchases and tracking inventory levels in real-time
  • Store customer information such as contact details and purchase history, allowing businesses to personalize their services and send targeted promotions or discounts to their customers
  • Allow direct integration with payment processors so payments can be processed quickly and securely without manually inputting card details
  • Generate detailed reports about sales performance and customer behavior

Some POS systems also come with additional features like loyalty programs or gift cards, which help businesses build relationships with their customers over time and increase repeat business.

Additionally, most POS solutions come with advanced analytics and data tracking tools, allowing businesses to understand their customers’ purchasing habits better.

Payment Gateways

Payment gateways connect merchants and banks, enabling secure online payment transactions. They serve as an alternative to a credit card terminal.

By connecting your service provider’s payment networks with your website or e-commerce store, these gateways allow you to accept payments over the internet securely. They encrypt sensitive customer data during transmission so it cannot be read or intercepted by malicious third parties.

Additionally, they can authorize payments instantly and store multiple payment methods on file for recurring billing or subscription-based payment processing.

Payment gateways also provide detailed analytics about each transaction which helps merchants better understand their business performance over time.

You may need to pay a monthly fee for a payment gateway as part of a merchant account or payment service provider’s package—and on top of payment processing fees.

How to Choose the Right Merchant Service Provider 

Choosing the best merchant service provider for your business can be daunting, with several options available. But if you know what to look for, you can ensure you get the best deal and the most reliable service.

Here are a few things to consider when selecting a merchant service provider:

Fees and Pricing

When selecting a merchant service provider, understand precisely what you’ll be paying for each transaction and how that cost is calculated. Depending on the type of business, different payment processing options may be more beneficial than others.

For example, subscription-based businesses may benefit from providers that offer membership fees or interchange plus plans, while small business owners may find flat-rate pricing more cost-effective.

Some merchant service providers offer tiered pricing structures with variable transaction rates based on sales volume.

Additional fees may be added, such as chargeback fees, early termination fees, credit card surcharges, or gateway fees.

Consider the total cost of ownership, including all associated costs such as application or set-up fees. Different payment processors also have varying payout cycles and hold times for funds to become available.

Additional features like fraud protection services can help protect your business from losses due to fraud—but they can come with an additional charge.

To make an informed decision about the most suitable provider for your business, it’s essential to read through the terms and conditions and identify any hidden charges or extra payments for using their services. Seek out customer reviews. Research multiple providers thoroughly to compare the different pricing options.

Ease of Use

Your choice of merchant service provider should be based on how easy it is to use their platform.

Does it have intuitive user interfaces online and via mobile applications? Are customer support services reliable and accessible? Does the provider offer detailed instructions and onboarding for various tools and features?

Make sure that the provider you select offers a streamlined system that employees with minimal technical knowledge can easily navigate. 

The last thing you want is to waste time figuring out how to operate the software. This can lead to delays in processing payments, which affects customer satisfaction and your bottom line. 

Features

Explore all the features offered by different providers before making your final decision. Merchant service providers typically offer various services tailored to different types of businesses. Ensure you find one that offers features specific to your online products or services.

Look for additional features, such as automated payments or recurring billing options, which can help streamline processes further and make things easier for everyone in your organization. 

Choose a merchant service provider that offers an easy-to-use payment gateway or can easily integrate into various gateway options. Streamlining the entire payment process will allow customers to make quick, secure payments without spending time learning how to navigate a complicated payment experience.

Other User Reviews

Take some time to look over customer reviews from past users to get an accurate picture of how reliable they are and what kind of experience other users have had with them. This will give you an idea of whether they’re an ideal fit for your business needs.

Security

Security is always paramount when handling financial transactions online, so your chosen merchant service provider must take appropriate measures to protect customers’ sensitive data. Ensure that the provider uses up-to-date encryption technology and provides safe authentication methods like two-factor authentication.

Seek out providers that have achieved PCI compliance. A reliable merchant service provider should also offer tokenization, fraud prevention, and 3D Secure authentication. 

Von Payments Can Help With Your Merchant Service Needs

A merchant service provider is a company that provides payment processing and related services to merchants. This can include credit card processing, check processing, fraud protection, and other financial services that help businesses accept payments from customers and clients.

For businesses looking for a reliable merchant service provider that can provide innovative solutions tailored specifically to high-risk businesses, Von Payments is a perfect choice. With cutting-edge technology, expert customer support, and professional advice, you can trust Von Payments to keep your business running smoothly without any hassle or worry about payment or fraud.

Get in touch with us today for your merchant service needs.

 

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Credit Card Processing Payment Processing

Low-Fee Credit Card Processing: What To Know

Credit card processing fees can quickly add up and eat into your profits, which can be an unnecessary expense for small businesses.

Credit card companies like Visa, American Express, and Mastercard apply processing rates that range from 1.5% to 3.5%.

At the same time, it’s also hard to find the best credit card processor that offers low fees. And while there are a few options available in the market today, not knowing what to look for can take up a business owner’s valuable time.

This article will walk you through the benefits of low-fee credit card processing and how to find a suitable processor for your business. Discover the low-cost options for small businesses that want to save on credit card processing fees through low rates and no hidden fees.

What Is Low-Fee Credit Card Processing and How Does It Work?

Low-fee credit card processing allows businesses to accept and settle in-store, online, and mobile payments with credit cards while paying much lower fees than traditional merchant accounts. This type of processing helps businesses save money on payment processing costs, allowing them to keep more revenue from their sales.

Credit card processing fees can vary depending on the type of credit card used, the merchant category code (MCC), and the transaction type. These fees can add up for small businesses and eat into profits. Low-fee processing can reduce these costs by offering lower rates for specific credit card transactions.

Low-fee credit card processing typically works by using an intermediary that aggregates transactions from multiple merchants, reducing the fees for each transaction.

 

Benefits of Low-Cost Credit Card Processing

When accepting credit card payments, low-cost credit card processing offers many benefits—making it an attractive choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

 

Avoid monthly fees: With low-fee credit card processing, businesses can avoid expensive monthly fees that can quickly add up and eat into their profits. Low-fee credit card processing saves companies money from hidden fees and additional charges.

 

Freedom to adjust pricing for your product/service: Low-cost credit card processing gives businesses the flexibility to change their pricing structure and tailor it to the cost of their product or services—enabling them to maximize profits and reinvest more into their business.

 

Security against invalid charges: Low-fee credit card processing provides an added layer of security, as you will only be charged for legitimate purchases made with valid cards. This shields your business from invalid and fraudulent charges. Some credit card processors offer fraud protection, chargeback management and prevention, and dispute resolution tools.

 

Invest more into the business: Low-fee credit card processing helps businesses save money on payment processing fees. This enables them to reinvest more of their profits back into their business.

 

Types of Businesses That Work Well With Low-Fee Processing 

Certain types of businesses are more inclined to use low-fee payment processing solutions.

 

High-risk merchants are particularly well-suited to take advantage of low-fee payments. They include those with high chargeback fees or greater exposure to fraud, such as:

 

  • Adult entertainment
  • Nutraceuticals and supplements
  • Travel and tourism
  • Subscription-based services
  • CBD
  • Vape and e-cigarettes
  • Debt consolidation

 

Because high-risk businesses carry more risk than low-risk merchants, many traditional payment providers shy away from them or charge higher fees.

 

Low-fee payment providers recognize the need for high-risk merchants to access reliable payment services and offer lower transaction fees.

 

Small businesses benefit significantly from the cost savings associated with low-fee payment processing.

 

For small business owners operating on tight budgets, reducing their merchant account fees can significantly improve their profit margins while still providing customers with a convenient way to pay via credit cards, debit cards, and other digital wallets.

What to Look For in a Low-Fee Credit Card Processor

When looking for a low-fee credit card processor, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you get the best service and value for your money.

Pricing

Some processors offer competitive rates, while others have hidden costs or additional fees such as:

  • Interchange fees (sometimes referred to as interchange rates) are charged by a credit card issuer (bank or other financial institution) to process and complete a transaction.
  • A payment processor charges service fees for providing credit card processing services.
  • Many processors charge set-up fees for setting up a merchant account and providing related services.
  • Credit card networks charge assessment fees, typically a percentage of each transaction.
  • PCI compliance fees cover the costs associated with ensuring your business meets PCI standards
  • Termination fees are charged by some processors when a merchant account is closed.

Choose low-fee payment processors with transparent pricing and options for flat-fee structure instead of tiered pricing models or interchange-plus pricing.

Additionally, review any contract cancellation fees before signing to avoid any surprises down the line.

Point-of-Sale Requirements

Understand what equipment is necessary to process payments. Assess how user-friendly the point of sale or POS system is for customers.

Research different payment terminals and their capability levels, i.e., whether you’ll need additional software (e.g., virtual terminal) or hardware (e.g., credit card reader) to get up and running quickly.

Evaluate how easy they are to use for either card-present or card-not-present (contactless) transactions. Can they quickly and securely process in-person transactions and online payments? Do they have smooth integrations with payment gateways like Square, Stripe, and PayPal?

Setting Up Surcharging

Find out if you can set up surcharging with your chosen provider to pass on credit card fees directly to cardholders. This can be especially helpful for businesses that experience high transaction volumes.

Whether It Fits Your Business Type

Understand whether the credit card processing company provides the necessary services for your business type. Are you in a high-risk industry? If so, you’ll need a processor with a track record of working with high-risk businesses.

For example, industries such as cannabis may require special licensing from state governments for payment processing to occur legally.

Businesses should double-check this before signing a long-term contract with a credit card processor.

Get Zero-Fee Processing with Von Payments 

Von Payments provides a zero-fee credit card processing solution for small businesses and startups, helping them reduce business costs.

With Von Payments, your business can accept all types of payment methods without paying additional fees—all while enjoying the same secure and reliable service as larger companies.

Enjoy reliable high-risk merchant services, fast and easy approvals, no requirement for credit history, and knowledgeable customer support. You can sleep soundly at night, knowing that each customer transaction is handled securely and efficiently.

Contact us to make your e-commerce business more profitable today by switching to low-fee credit card processing with Von Payments!

Categories
Payment Processing

Credit Card Processing For High-Risk Companies

High-risk companies have long been frustrated by their inability to access the same credit card processing services as low-risk businesses.

Finding a credit card processing company that understands and works with high-risk businesses can be challenging. 

For high-risk businesses, not having a reliable means to accept credit card payments can mean lost sales and potential customers. They need a high-risk merchant account provider with experience in dealing with them.

This article will dive deep into high-risk credit card processing, choosing a reputable payment processor, and how Von Payments can help you secure credit card processing solutions tailored specifically for a high-risk business.

What is High-Risk Credit Card Processing?

High-risk credit card processing is a type of payment processing that deals specifically with higher-risk businesses.

They may include those in travel, CBD, gaming, adult entertainment, gambling, e-cigarettes and tobacco, multilevel marketing (MLM), and other businesses deemed to have high chargebacks and fraud.

Due to their high-risk category, these types of businesses must often pay more for their credit card processing fees than standard merchants. They may also be subject to longer approval times and additional security checks from traditional payment processors.

What Makes A Business High Risk?

A business may be considered high risk for various reasons:

    • New Merchants – New merchants and startups are often viewed as risky because they lack a track record that would enable the financial institution to assess their potential profitability and sustainability. 
  • High-Risk Industries – Specific industries are deemed high risk due to a history of high chargeback ratio, fraud, or other issues. They may also be considered high-risk due to their association with polarizing activities such as gambling and adult entertainment. Some high-risk verticals include travel, gaming, e-cigarettes, vape and tobacco, CBD, firearms, nutraceuticals and supplements, subscriptions, and trials. 
  • Low Credit Score – Bad credit scores or those in need of credit repair indicate a lack of business experience or a weak financial standing. These factors create a perceived likelihood of defaulting on payments. 
  • High Transaction Volume – Some credit card processors may view high transaction volume as high-risk, as a larger transaction volume may indicate an increased risk of chargebacks or fraud. Businesses with a high volume of payments can also be considered at higher risk because of the sheer number of transactions and costs associated with monitoring them. 
  • International Payments – Banks and payment processors may be wary of accepting payments from customers outside their jurisdiction due to the added complexities and compliance issues of cross-border payment processing. Processing payments from international customers also makes verifying the customer’s identity and contact information more difficult.

How To Choose A Reputable High-Risk Payment Processor

When selecting a payment processor for your business, it’s essential to consider multiple aspects of the service.

Experience

Choose an experienced platform with a long processing history working with high-risk merchants. Do they have a robust list of high-risk businesses they have supported through the years? Do they have an excellent track record of offering more competitive rates?

Verify the payment processor’s security measures. Do they offer advanced fraud protection tools, encryption technology, and other security features?

Type of support

Find out what kind of customer support you will receive from the processor. What is its customer service record for queries and disputes? 

Ask about the reliability and availability of their support services. Do they have live chat, 24/7 phone support, or prompt email communication?

Pricing

Compare fees associated with credit card transactions and other processing costshigh-risk businesses tend to have higher fees. Ensure you’re getting competitive rates for services and solutions.

Research their fee structure and understand how it impacts your profit margins. Do they have a flat fee or interchange plus pricing? Does the platform support multi-currency payments and any other features that could facilitate your operations in the future?

Access to funds

Understand the terms and conditions of when funds will be available. There may be delays for high-risk businesses, so confirm the timeframe for access to your funds in advance.

Reserve requirement

Be sure to confirm the payment processor‘s rolling reserve requirement. Some service providers may require you to maintain a certain amount in your account to protect against chargeback fees or other losses.

Whether the terms of the agreement can change

Enquire whether the terms of the agreement can be changed in the future. This is important, as some payment processors may tighten their restrictions on high-risk businesses over time, and you could be subject to additional fees or reserve requirements. 

Find out if they have early termination fees and how much compared to other high-risk payment processors.

How To Get Credit Card Processing for a High-Risk Business

Once you have chosen the ideal payment provider for your company, it’s time to apply for a merchant account.

The application process requires several business-related documents and tax information to determine whether you are a high-risk or low-risk merchant. These documents must be current and accurate for the approval process to be as quick and easy as possible.

The payment processor might ask for more information, such as evidence of insurance coverage, an explanation of any ongoing legal proceedings connected to earlier processing activities, or a thorough list of the company’s owners and their relationships.

A business strategy or financial forecasts could also be required from high-risk companies.

Once everything has been finalized, you will receive confirmation that your account has been set up successfully and is ready for use.

Your payment processor will provide a secure payment gateway to start processing e-commerce payments via credit card or other payment methods such as PayPal, bank transfers, e-wallets, or card-not-present payments.

When applying for credit card processing—mainly if it is for a high-risk business—conduct due diligence during the application stage so that no unnecessary risks are taken by either party involved in the process.

Von Payments Can Offer Payment Processing For Your High-Risk Businesses

Finding merchant accounts and payment processing services can be difficult for businesses seen as “high-risk” due to their industry, products, or services.

Thankfully, Von Payments offers secure and reliable payment processing solutions and high-risk merchant services to ensure your business needs are met and your e-commerce shop is up and running.

If you’re a business owner looking for an experienced provider of payment processing solutions for your high-risk business, Von Payments’ comprehensive suite of services provides secure payment processing, unrivaled customer service, and technical support.

Contact us today, and let’s start building the perfect payment processing solution for your business!