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Shaw Merchant Group
Thursday, January 02 2025
Considering a career in merchant services? Here's what you need to know first!

Merchant services is quickly becoming one of the hottest industries to be in. There are a variety of factors that are attracting people in masses to this industry including flexible work schedule, increased earnings, and an exciting, fast-paced career in business. However, not every corner of this industry is a cookie-cutter example of the perfect life. There are certainly benefits to be had by working in merchant services, but there are also things that you should know beforehand if you want to really get the most out of your experience. With these facts in hand, you can be sure that your career in merchant services more closely follows what you actually want to be doing and how you envision your perfect work life.

Different Types of Merchant Services Careers

The first thing to understand if you are thinking of a career in merchant services is that there are several different areas within the broad umbrella of merchant services that you can do. Merchant services such as processing are offered by more than one company and is a highly competitive industry. This means that not only agent positions are available, but also various other support positions that surround sales. If you want to become a merchant services agent, there are a couple different ways that you can go.

The first way to become a merchant services agent is to apply for a position at a large corporation or bank in a standard sales role. In this role you would be expected to meet sales goals, have a manager to answer to, and otherwise be restricted by the rigidity of how they do business. The other option is to become a merchant services agent that is independent and works with a merchant services partnerships program to earn a commission of each sale. Each of these positions have their benefits, and we will review them here.

The first type of merchant services sales position that we mentioned was with a larger company that has a manager to answer to. In a position like this, a merchant services sales professional would have a very small territory that doesn’t generally expand much beyond where they are based out of. As a result, commission opportunities are rather limited. Someone that works in this position would have very limited upside potential and room for error if they want to earn a good living with selling merchant services. In addition, they would be limited by the corporate structure of the company that they are working for. In this situation, it is hard to find passion in the job because you feel more like an account manager than a real sales professional with control over their destiny.

That brings us to the other type of merchant services sales position. This sales position is much more independent and operates on a commission structure out of their home or wherever they would like their office to be. Because they are not beholden to corporate offices or territories, their sales scope is much larger and they can serve almost anybody that they please. They can travel to visit their merchants, forming a tighter and more lucrative bond. Their earnings potential is unlimited because their merchant selection is also unlimited. They are happier in their job, make more money, have more flexibility, and are not tied to the desk. Someone in this position is usually much more pleased with their career in merchant services and generally makes more money, as well.

If you are choosing a career in merchant services, knowing about the two different paths that you can take is absolutely essential. When people talk about the benefits of being in merchant services and what a great career it can be, they are generally referring to those that choose to work independently with a merchant services partner program and earn commissions on their own schedule instead of being restricted by a desk in a corporate office. You should think carefully about which of these situations is better for you before you select a career pathway in merchant services so that you can plan accordingly and ensure that you put yourself in a good situation to succeed.

Earnings Difference Between Types of Merchant Services Careers

One of the most stark differences between those that work for large corporations to sell merchant services and those that choose a more independent path is the earnings potential. For those stuck in a corporate job, the earnings potential is far more restricted and the path to a high income is basically impossible. The reason is that these individuals are mainly restricted by their contracts which award them very little for a sale and instead keep more of the profits for the company. In this structure, sales professionals are hardly incentivized to sell and are rarely rewarded for their hard work.

In contrast, those that decide to work for themselves have a much different experience. Yes, you risk more upfront because nothing is guaranteed in this line of work, but the long-term payoff can be so much better. When you work independently or under a ISO agent program, the earnings potential is unlimited and restricted only by how hard and how much you work. If you want to achieve a high income, you can put in the work to attain it. You are rewarded for how hard you work and you have flexibility in what you do.

Is a Career in Merchant Services Right for you?

With this information in mind, the decision you must make is whether merchant services are right for you. WIth the right career path, a job in merchant services sales can be one of the most liberating careers out there. However, if you choose to restrict yourself in a corporate merchant services job, you might quickly find that this type of merchant services sales doesn’t make for a very fulfilling career. You should carefully consider these two possible pathways before you jump into merchant services sales and decide which one is going to be right for you.

Posted by: Scott Shaw AT 02:15 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

Merchant services agents play a crucial role in the world of commerce. They are responsible for selling credit card machines and providing businesses with the ability to accept credit and debit card payments. Becoming a merchant services agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. In this article, we will discuss how to become a merchant services agent and start selling credit card machines.

What is a Merchant Services Agent?

A merchant services agent is a salesperson who works with businesses to help them set up the ability to accept credit and debit card payments. This typically involves selling credit card machines (also known as point-of-sale terminals) and setting up merchant accounts with payment processors. Merchant services agents may also provide other services such as payment processing solutions, invoicing software, and loyalty programs.

Benefits of Becoming a Merchant Services Agent

There are several benefits to becoming a merchant services agent. First and foremost, it can be a highly lucrative career. Businesses of all sizes need the ability to accept credit and debit card payments, so there is a constant demand for merchant services agents. In addition, agents typically receive commissions on the sales they make, which can add up to a substantial income.

Another benefit of becoming a merchant services agent is the flexibility it offers. Agents can work independently or with a merchant services provider, and can often set their own hours and work from anywhere. This makes it a great career option for those who value freedom and autonomy in their work.

Finally, becoming a merchant services agent can be a rewarding career. Agents help businesses grow by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in today's digital economy. By helping businesses accept credit and debit card payments, agents are helping them reach a wider customer base and increase their revenue.

Steps to Becoming a Merchant Services Agent

If you are interested in becoming a merchant services agent, here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Understand the Industry: Before becoming a merchant services agent, it's important to understand the industry and how it works. Research different payment processing solutions, types of credit card machines, and payment processors. Familiarize yourself with the terminology and common practices in the industry.

2. Obtain the Necessary Licenses: Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a license to sell credit card machines and provide merchant services. Check with your local government or regulatory agency to determine what licenses are required in your area.

3. Choose a Merchant Services Provider: To become a merchant services agent, you will need to partner with a merchant services provider. This provider will provide you with the tools and resources you need to sell credit card machines and set up merchant accounts. Look for a provider that offers competitive rates, a wide range of payment processing solutions, and good customer support.

4. Complete Training: Once you have chosen a merchant services provider, you will likely need to complete training to become certified as an agent. This training will cover topics such as how to sell credit card machines, set up merchant accounts, and provide customer support. Some providers offer online training modules, while others may require in-person training sessions.

5. Develop a Sales Strategy: As a merchant services agent, your primary responsibility will be to sell credit card machines and payment processing solutions to businesses. Develop a sales strategy that outlines how you will target potential clients, generate leads, and close sales. This may involve cold calling, networking, attending trade shows, and utilizing online marketing strategies.

6. Build Your Client Base: Once you have completed your training and developed a sales strategy, it's time to start building your client base. Reach out to businesses in your area and pitch them on the benefits of accepting credit and debit card payments. Offer to set up a free consultation to assess their needs and provide a customized solution.

7. Provide Excellent Customer Service: As a merchant services agent, it's important to provide excellent customer service to your clients. Be responsive to their needs, address any issues or concerns promptly, and follow up regularly to ensure their satisfaction. Building strong relationships with your clients will help you retain their business and generate referrals.

8. Stay Current with Industry Trends: The payments industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time. Stay current with industry news and developments to ensure you are offering your clients the most up-to-date payment processing solutions. Attend conferences, webinars, and training sessions to stay informed and sharpen your skills.

Starting a career as a merchant services agent can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity. By following these steps and putting in the hard work and dedication required, you can build a successful business selling credit card machines and providing merchant services to businesses in your area. With the right training, sales strategy, and customer service skills, you can thrive in this competitive industry and help businesses grow and succeed.

Thursday, January 02 2025
Considering a career in merchant services? Here's what you need to know first!

Merchant services is quickly becoming one of the hottest industries to be in. There are a variety of factors that are attracting people in masses to this industry including flexible work schedule, increased earnings, and an exciting, fast-paced career in business. However, not every corner of this industry is a cookie-cutter example of the perfect life. There are certainly benefits to be had by working in merchant services, but there are also things that you should know beforehand if you want to really get the most out of your experience. With these facts in hand, you can be sure that your career in merchant services more closely follows what you actually want to be doing and how you envision your perfect work life.

Different Types of Merchant Services Careers

The first thing to understand if you are thinking of a career in merchant services is that there are several different areas within the broad umbrella of merchant services that you can do. Merchant services such as processing are offered by more than one company and is a highly competitive industry. This means that not only agent positions are available, but also various other support positions that surround sales. If you want to become a merchant services agent, there are a couple different ways that you can go.

The first way to become a merchant services agent is to apply for a position at a large corporation or bank in a standard sales role. In this role you would be expected to meet sales goals, have a manager to answer to, and otherwise be restricted by the rigidity of how they do business. The other option is to become a merchant services agent that is independent and works with a merchant services partnerships program to earn a commission of each sale. Each of these positions have their benefits, and we will review them here.

The first type of merchant services sales position that we mentioned was with a larger company that has a manager to answer to. In a position like this, a merchant services sales professional would have a very small territory that doesn’t generally expand much beyond where they are based out of. As a result, commission opportunities are rather limited. Someone that works in this position would have very limited upside potential and room for error if they want to earn a good living with selling merchant services. In addition, they would be limited by the corporate structure of the company that they are working for. In this situation, it is hard to find passion in the job because you feel more like an account manager than a real sales professional with control over their destiny.

That brings us to the other type of merchant services sales position. This sales position is much more independent and operates on a commission structure out of their home or wherever they would like their office to be. Because they are not beholden to corporate offices or territories, their sales scope is much larger and they can serve almost anybody that they please. They can travel to visit their merchants, forming a tighter and more lucrative bond. Their earnings potential is unlimited because their merchant selection is also unlimited. They are happier in their job, make more money, have more flexibility, and are not tied to the desk. Someone in this position is usually much more pleased with their career in merchant services and generally makes more money, as well.

If you are choosing a career in merchant services, knowing about the two different paths that you can take is absolutely essential. When people talk about the benefits of being in merchant services and what a great career it can be, they are generally referring to those that choose to work independently with a merchant services partner program and earn commissions on their own schedule instead of being restricted by a desk in a corporate office. You should think carefully about which of these situations is better for you before you select a career pathway in merchant services so that you can plan accordingly and ensure that you put yourself in a good situation to succeed.

Earnings Difference Between Types of Merchant Services Careers

One of the most stark differences between those that work for large corporations to sell merchant services and those that choose a more independent path is the earnings potential. For those stuck in a corporate job, the earnings potential is far more restricted and the path to a high income is basically impossible. The reason is that these individuals are mainly restricted by their contracts which award them very little for a sale and instead keep more of the profits for the company. In this structure, sales professionals are hardly incentivized to sell and are rarely rewarded for their hard work.

In contrast, those that decide to work for themselves have a much different experience. Yes, you risk more upfront because nothing is guaranteed in this line of work, but the long-term payoff can be so much better. When you work independently or under a ISO agent program, the earnings potential is unlimited and restricted only by how hard and how much you work. If you want to achieve a high income, you can put in the work to attain it. You are rewarded for how hard you work and you have flexibility in what you do.

Is a Career in Merchant Services Right for you?

With this information in mind, the decision you must make is whether merchant services are right for you. WIth the right career path, a job in merchant services sales can be one of the most liberating careers out there. However, if you choose to restrict yourself in a corporate merchant services job, you might quickly find that this type of merchant services sales doesn’t make for a very fulfilling career. You should carefully consider these two possible pathways before you jump into merchant services sales and decide which one is going to be right for you.

Posted by: Scott Shaw AT 02:15 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

Merchant services agents play a crucial role in the world of commerce. They are responsible for selling credit card machines and providing businesses with the ability to accept credit and debit card payments. Becoming a merchant services agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. In this article, we will discuss how to become a merchant services agent and start selling credit card machines.

What is a Merchant Services Agent?

A merchant services agent is a salesperson who works with businesses to help them set up the ability to accept credit and debit card payments. This typically involves selling credit card machines (also known as point-of-sale terminals) and setting up merchant accounts with payment processors. Merchant services agents may also provide other services such as payment processing solutions, invoicing software, and loyalty programs.

Benefits of Becoming a Merchant Services Agent

There are several benefits to becoming a merchant services agent. First and foremost, it can be a highly lucrative career. Businesses of all sizes need the ability to accept credit and debit card payments, so there is a constant demand for merchant services agents. In addition, agents typically receive commissions on the sales they make, which can add up to a substantial income.

Another benefit of becoming a merchant services agent is the flexibility it offers. Agents can work independently or with a merchant services provider, and can often set their own hours and work from anywhere. This makes it a great career option for those who value freedom and autonomy in their work.

Finally, becoming a merchant services agent can be a rewarding career. Agents help businesses grow by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in today's digital economy. By helping businesses accept credit and debit card payments, agents are helping them reach a wider customer base and increase their revenue.

Steps to Becoming a Merchant Services Agent

If you are interested in becoming a merchant services agent, here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Understand the Industry: Before becoming a merchant services agent, it's important to understand the industry and how it works. Research different payment processing solutions, types of credit card machines, and payment processors. Familiarize yourself with the terminology and common practices in the industry.

2. Obtain the Necessary Licenses: Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a license to sell credit card machines and provide merchant services. Check with your local government or regulatory agency to determine what licenses are required in your area.

3. Choose a Merchant Services Provider: To become a merchant services agent, you will need to partner with a merchant services provider. This provider will provide you with the tools and resources you need to sell credit card machines and set up merchant accounts. Look for a provider that offers competitive rates, a wide range of payment processing solutions, and good customer support.

4. Complete Training: Once you have chosen a merchant services provider, you will likely need to complete training to become certified as an agent. This training will cover topics such as how to sell credit card machines, set up merchant accounts, and provide customer support. Some providers offer online training modules, while others may require in-person training sessions.

5. Develop a Sales Strategy: As a merchant services agent, your primary responsibility will be to sell credit card machines and payment processing solutions to businesses. Develop a sales strategy that outlines how you will target potential clients, generate leads, and close sales. This may involve cold calling, networking, attending trade shows, and utilizing online marketing strategies.

6. Build Your Client Base: Once you have completed your training and developed a sales strategy, it's time to start building your client base. Reach out to businesses in your area and pitch them on the benefits of accepting credit and debit card payments. Offer to set up a free consultation to assess their needs and provide a customized solution.

7. Provide Excellent Customer Service: As a merchant services agent, it's important to provide excellent customer service to your clients. Be responsive to their needs, address any issues or concerns promptly, and follow up regularly to ensure their satisfaction. Building strong relationships with your clients will help you retain their business and generate referrals.

8. Stay Current with Industry Trends: The payments industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time. Stay current with industry news and developments to ensure you are offering your clients the most up-to-date payment processing solutions. Attend conferences, webinars, and training sessions to stay informed and sharpen your skills.

Starting a career as a merchant services agent can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity. By following these steps and putting in the hard work and dedication required, you can build a successful business selling credit card machines and providing merchant services to businesses in your area. With the right training, sales strategy, and customer service skills, you can thrive in this competitive industry and help businesses grow and succeed.

Thursday, January 02 2025
Considering a career in merchant services? Here's what you need to know first!

Merchant services is quickly becoming one of the hottest industries to be in. There are a variety of factors that are attracting people in masses to this industry including flexible work schedule, increased earnings, and an exciting, fast-paced career in business. However, not every corner of this industry is a cookie-cutter example of the perfect life. There are certainly benefits to be had by working in merchant services, but there are also things that you should know beforehand if you want to really get the most out of your experience. With these facts in hand, you can be sure that your career in merchant services more closely follows what you actually want to be doing and how you envision your perfect work life.

Different Types of Merchant Services Careers

The first thing to understand if you are thinking of a career in merchant services is that there are several different areas within the broad umbrella of merchant services that you can do. Merchant services such as processing are offered by more than one company and is a highly competitive industry. This means that not only agent positions are available, but also various other support positions that surround sales. If you want to become a merchant services agent, there are a couple different ways that you can go.

The first way to become a merchant services agent is to apply for a position at a large corporation or bank in a standard sales role. In this role you would be expected to meet sales goals, have a manager to answer to, and otherwise be restricted by the rigidity of how they do business. The other option is to become a merchant services agent that is independent and works with a merchant services partnerships program to earn a commission of each sale. Each of these positions have their benefits, and we will review them here.

The first type of merchant services sales position that we mentioned was with a larger company that has a manager to answer to. In a position like this, a merchant services sales professional would have a very small territory that doesn’t generally expand much beyond where they are based out of. As a result, commission opportunities are rather limited. Someone that works in this position would have very limited upside potential and room for error if they want to earn a good living with selling merchant services. In addition, they would be limited by the corporate structure of the company that they are working for. In this situation, it is hard to find passion in the job because you feel more like an account manager than a real sales professional with control over their destiny.

That brings us to the other type of merchant services sales position. This sales position is much more independent and operates on a commission structure out of their home or wherever they would like their office to be. Because they are not beholden to corporate offices or territories, their sales scope is much larger and they can serve almost anybody that they please. They can travel to visit their merchants, forming a tighter and more lucrative bond. Their earnings potential is unlimited because their merchant selection is also unlimited. They are happier in their job, make more money, have more flexibility, and are not tied to the desk. Someone in this position is usually much more pleased with their career in merchant services and generally makes more money, as well.

If you are choosing a career in merchant services, knowing about the two different paths that you can take is absolutely essential. When people talk about the benefits of being in merchant services and what a great career it can be, they are generally referring to those that choose to work independently with a merchant services partner program and earn commissions on their own schedule instead of being restricted by a desk in a corporate office. You should think carefully about which of these situations is better for you before you select a career pathway in merchant services so that you can plan accordingly and ensure that you put yourself in a good situation to succeed.

Earnings Difference Between Types of Merchant Services Careers

One of the most stark differences between those that work for large corporations to sell merchant services and those that choose a more independent path is the earnings potential. For those stuck in a corporate job, the earnings potential is far more restricted and the path to a high income is basically impossible. The reason is that these individuals are mainly restricted by their contracts which award them very little for a sale and instead keep more of the profits for the company. In this structure, sales professionals are hardly incentivized to sell and are rarely rewarded for their hard work.

In contrast, those that decide to work for themselves have a much different experience. Yes, you risk more upfront because nothing is guaranteed in this line of work, but the long-term payoff can be so much better. When you work independently or under a ISO agent program, the earnings potential is unlimited and restricted only by how hard and how much you work. If you want to achieve a high income, you can put in the work to attain it. You are rewarded for how hard you work and you have flexibility in what you do.

Is a Career in Merchant Services Right for you?

With this information in mind, the decision you must make is whether merchant services are right for you. WIth the right career path, a job in merchant services sales can be one of the most liberating careers out there. However, if you choose to restrict yourself in a corporate merchant services job, you might quickly find that this type of merchant services sales doesn’t make for a very fulfilling career. You should carefully consider these two possible pathways before you jump into merchant services sales and decide which one is going to be right for you.

Posted by: Scott Shaw AT 02:15 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

Merchant services agents play a crucial role in the world of commerce. They are responsible for selling credit card machines and providing businesses with the ability to accept credit and debit card payments. Becoming a merchant services agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. In this article, we will discuss how to become a merchant services agent and start selling credit card machines.

What is a Merchant Services Agent?

A merchant services agent is a salesperson who works with businesses to help them set up the ability to accept credit and debit card payments. This typically involves selling credit card machines (also known as point-of-sale terminals) and setting up merchant accounts with payment processors. Merchant services agents may also provide other services such as payment processing solutions, invoicing software, and loyalty programs.

Benefits of Becoming a Merchant Services Agent

There are several benefits to becoming a merchant services agent. First and foremost, it can be a highly lucrative career. Businesses of all sizes need the ability to accept credit and debit card payments, so there is a constant demand for merchant services agents. In addition, agents typically receive commissions on the sales they make, which can add up to a substantial income.

Another benefit of becoming a merchant services agent is the flexibility it offers. Agents can work independently or with a merchant services provider, and can often set their own hours and work from anywhere. This makes it a great career option for those who value freedom and autonomy in their work.

Finally, becoming a merchant services agent can be a rewarding career. Agents help businesses grow by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in today's digital economy. By helping businesses accept credit and debit card payments, agents are helping them reach a wider customer base and increase their revenue.

Steps to Becoming a Merchant Services Agent

If you are interested in becoming a merchant services agent, here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Understand the Industry: Before becoming a merchant services agent, it's important to understand the industry and how it works. Research different payment processing solutions, types of credit card machines, and payment processors. Familiarize yourself with the terminology and common practices in the industry.

2. Obtain the Necessary Licenses: Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a license to sell credit card machines and provide merchant services. Check with your local government or regulatory agency to determine what licenses are required in your area.

3. Choose a Merchant Services Provider: To become a merchant services agent, you will need to partner with a merchant services provider. This provider will provide you with the tools and resources you need to sell credit card machines and set up merchant accounts. Look for a provider that offers competitive rates, a wide range of payment processing solutions, and good customer support.

4. Complete Training: Once you have chosen a merchant services provider, you will likely need to complete training to become certified as an agent. This training will cover topics such as how to sell credit card machines, set up merchant accounts, and provide customer support. Some providers offer online training modules, while others may require in-person training sessions.

5. Develop a Sales Strategy: As a merchant services agent, your primary responsibility will be to sell credit card machines and payment processing solutions to businesses. Develop a sales strategy that outlines how you will target potential clients, generate leads, and close sales. This may involve cold calling, networking, attending trade shows, and utilizing online marketing strategies.

6. Build Your Client Base: Once you have completed your training and developed a sales strategy, it's time to start building your client base. Reach out to businesses in your area and pitch them on the benefits of accepting credit and debit card payments. Offer to set up a free consultation to assess their needs and provide a customized solution.

7. Provide Excellent Customer Service: As a merchant services agent, it's important to provide excellent customer service to your clients. Be responsive to their needs, address any issues or concerns promptly, and follow up regularly to ensure their satisfaction. Building strong relationships with your clients will help you retain their business and generate referrals.

8. Stay Current with Industry Trends: The payments industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time. Stay current with industry news and developments to ensure you are offering your clients the most up-to-date payment processing solutions. Attend conferences, webinars, and training sessions to stay informed and sharpen your skills.

Starting a career as a merchant services agent can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity. By following these steps and putting in the hard work and dedication required, you can build a successful business selling credit card machines and providing merchant services to businesses in your area. With the right training, sales strategy, and customer service skills, you can thrive in this competitive industry and help businesses grow and succeed.

    ©2025 Shaw Merchant Group is a registered DBA of EPX, a registered ISO of BMO Harris Bank N.A., Chicago, IL, Fresno First Bank, Fresno, CA, and Citizens Bank N.A., Providence, RI.