When a customer pays with a credit or debit card at your bar, restaurant, or brick and mortar or online store, it feels instant. But behind the scenes, their money takes a complex journey through banks, networks, and your point-of-sale (POS) system before it lands in your merchant account. Understanding this process helps you appreciate […]
Bars and restaurants thrive on energy, hospitality, and consistency. The hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, the rhythm of a busy shift — it’s what makes this industry so alive. But every owner knows there’s a shadow that creeps in each year: seasonal employee turnover. Summer Staff, Holiday Bartenders, and College Kids It starts […]
Coffee Shop vs. Café: What’s the Difference? When you’re choosing where to enjoy your next cup of coffee, you might notice some places call themselves coffee shops while others call themselves cafés. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe two different styles of experience. Coffee Shop Café Quick Comparison Feature Coffee Shop Café […]
Level 2 and Level 3 credit card processing refer to different types of data required for processing transactions, primarily for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) purchases. These enhanced data levels provide additional information beyond the basic Level 1 data (such as the card number, expiration date, and transaction amount) to facilitate more detailed reporting, better […]
A point of sale (POS) system can make and save a business money in various ways beyond discounting, employee theft prevention, online ordering, and customer retention programs. Here are some additional benefits that contribute to a business's financial success: 1) Improved transaction speed and accuracy: A modern POS system streamlines the checkout process, resulting in […]
A virtual terminal is a web-based application that allows merchants to process credit card payments without the need for a physical point-of-sale (POS) system or credit card terminal. It enables businesses to accept card payments by manually entering the customer's credit card information into the virtual terminal interface, typically accessed through an internet browser on […]
Interchange in credit card processing refers to the fee paid by the merchant's bank (also known as the acquiring bank) to the cardholder's bank (also known as the issuing bank) for each transaction made using a credit or debit card. This fee is a necessary part of the electronic payment ecosystem, as it helps cover […]
Interchange plus pricing and tiered pricing are two common pricing models used in credit card processing. Interchange plus pricing is a transparent pricing model that breaks down the cost of each transaction into two parts: the interchange fee, which is set by the credit card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), and the markup fee, which is […]
A cash discount program is an innovative method that allows you, as a merchant, to offer your customers a discount on their purchases if they choose to pay with cash or check, instead of using a credit or debit card. By encouraging customers to use cash or check, you can significantly reduce the overall cost […]
PCI Compliance refers to the process of adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. By being PCI compliant, businesses can effectively minimize the risk of […]
Signing and tipping on screen, also known as digital tipping, can increase tips for businesses by leveraging technology to make the process more user-friendly, convenient, and socially influencing. Here are some reasons why digital tipping can lead to higher tips: 1) Suggested tip amounts: Digital tipping interfaces often provide suggested tip percentages or amounts, making […]
While some businesses can successfully implement a credit card surcharge, there are several factors that may hinder its success or make it less appealing: 1) Legal restrictions: Surcharging is prohibited in Many U.S. states, making it illegal for businesses in those jurisdictions to implement such a program. 2) Card network rules: Major credit card networks […]
