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North American Bancard
Friday, March 11 2022
Finding Your Niche in Merchant Services Sales

In any business, it is extremely important to find a specific niche to work in, especially if you're starting out, and this isn't any less true when you're in merchant services. You are practically guaranteed to be swamped with competitors if you try to be too general in your approach. So the first thing you should do when deciding the direction of your business is to figure out what will make you different from the rest.

When I went to a conference for Merchant Services ISOs and sales agents recently, I couldn't help but make the observation that most of the companies did not see themselves as broadly-focused. Instead, the majority of the merchant services ISOs and sales agents set their focus towards a single niche of merchants that they concentrated on.

What do I mean by “niche”? Well, in this context, it basically means choosing a micro-market where your skills and talents would be best suited, and where you will meet fewer competitors. Instead of trying to please everyone (and likely failing), you will just please a handful of customers very well.

Now, what kind of niches can a merchant services sales agent exploit? There are actually many of them. For example, I met one individual at the conference who was looking to focus on POS systems. He wants to concentrate on getting the right kind of terminal to his clients, and of course also selling them the merchant account. Another businessman created a rewards program for his current clients for finding him new merchants, and this helped grow his enterprise. Yet another company was putting its energy into creating the actual POS software, so that its user base would get used to the interface and not want to switch to another.

Every one of these methods may be different, but they are all performed within their own niche, which makes them powerful. In any field that is very competitive, this is the best strategy to use.

What can you do to leverage your specific talents?

How can you find your own niche as a merchant services provider? Here are some ways that you can differentiate yourself:

  • By business type. For example, by focusing on selling to dentists, coffee shops, food trucks, etc.
  • By type of terminal. For example, selling tablet-based deals.
  • By area. In smaller communities, there may be less competition.
  • By language and culture. Maybe you speak Mandarin in a largely English-speaking area. This gives you the keys to an insular community.

If you're having trouble figuring out what niche would work well, then consider a few things:

  • So far, which businesses seem to bring in new leads for you via word of mouth?
  • What kind of merchants seem happiest with your services?
  • What sort of talents do you have that few other people do? Are you bilingual?
  • What kinds of merchants do you personally enjoy working with?

These can all give you clues that will lead you in the right direction. Finding a niche that you can fit into will make your ROI better and even your work life more enjoyable.

Have you decided on a niche yet? Let us know.

Posted by: Scott Shaw AT 10:12 am   |  Permalink   |  Email

How to Start a Payment Processing Business?

Starting a payment processing business can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful planning and consideration. The first step in starting a payment processing business is to conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for payment processing services in your target market. This research can help you identify potential competitors, determine pricing strategies, and pinpoint the needs of your target customers. Once you have a solid understanding of the market, you can begin to create a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, revenue projections, and marketing strategies.

After developing a business plan, the next step in starting a payment processing business is to choose a payment processor to partner with. This partnership is crucial, as the payment processor will handle the actual processing of transactions, so it is important to choose a reliable and reputable company. Additionally, you will need to secure any necessary licenses and permits to legally operate your business. Once you have everything in place, you can begin marketing your services to potential clients and building relationships with merchants who may benefit from your payment processing solutions. With hard work, dedication, and a strong business plan, you can successfully launch and grow a payment processing business.

With the rapid growth of e-commerce and online transactions, the demand for payment processing services has increased substantially. White label payment processing is a business model where a company offers payment processing services to merchants under their own brand name.

What is White Label Payment Processing?

White label payment processing is a service where a company provides payment processing services to merchants under their own branding. This means that the merchant will see the payment processor's branding, but the processing service is actually provided by a third-party company.

The white label payment provider takes care of all the technical aspects of payment processing, including payment gateways, security, and compliance, while the merchant focuses on growing their business.

Advantages of White Label Payment Processing:

  • Flexibility: White label payment processing allows merchants to customize the payment process to meet their specific requirements.
  • Branding: Merchants can ensure that the payment process aligns with their brand image, enhancing customer trust and loyalty.
  • Cost-effective: White label payment processing eliminates the need for merchants to invest in developing their payment processing system, saving them time and money.
  • Technical support: White label payment processing providers offer technical support to merchants, ensuring a smooth payment process.

How to Start Your Own Payment Processing Company

  • Research the Market: Before starting your payment processing company, it's crucial to research the market to understand the demand, competition, and potential opportunities.
  • Develop a Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan outlining your target market, revenue model, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
  • Obtain the Necessary Licenses: To operate a payment processing company, you will need to obtain licenses from regulatory authorities. Ensure you comply with all legal requirements.
  • Choose a White Label Payment Processing Provider: Select a white label payment processing provider that meets your requirements in terms of features, pricing, and customer support.
  • Customize Your Branding: Customize the payment processing service with your branding and integrate it seamlessly with your website or platform.
  • Market Your Services: Promote your payment processing services to merchants through marketing campaigns, partnerships, and networking events.
  • Provide Excellent Customer Support: Offer excellent customer support to merchants to build long-term relationships and grow your business.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Registered ISO for Merchant Services?

To become a Registered ISO (Independent Sales Organization) for merchant services, there are several costs involved, including:

  • Registration Fees: The registration fee to become an ISO can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the payment processor and the services offered.
  • Compliance Costs: ISOs are required to comply with industry regulations, which may involve additional costs for training, audits, and certifications.
  • Technology Costs: ISOs need to invest in technology infrastructure, including payment gateways, security systems, and software development.
  • Sales and Marketing Costs: ISOs need to allocate budget for sales and marketing activities to promote their merchant services and attract new clients.
  • Miscellaneous Costs: Other costs may include insurance, legal fees, and operational expenses.

In conclusion, white label payment processing is a valuable business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the payment processing industry. By partnering with a white label payment processing provider, you can offer payment processing services under your brand name, providing a seamless experience for merchants. Starting your payment processing company requires thorough research, planning, and investment, but with the right strategy and dedication, you can build a successful business in this growing industry.

    North American Bancard is a registered ISO of BMO Harris Bank N.A., Chicago, IL, Fresno First Bank, Fresno, CA, and Citizens Bank N.A., Providence, RI.

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