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Shaw Merchant Group
Friday, February 16 2024
Merchant Services Partnership Program: Understanding the Basics

If you want to be successful as a merchant services agent or ISO, then you need to have access to a high-quality ISO agent program. ISO agent programs are a concentration of a variety of merchant services that you can offer to your merchants in exchange for a commission from the partner program. Having a good partner program for selling merchant services is essential to having success and being able to attract a high number of merchants to your services. With our insight into merchant services partner programs, you’ll know essential facts about working with partner programs and what you need to do to find one that puts you in the best position for success.

What Should you Look for in a Merchant Services Partnership?

If you’re looking to be a merchant services agent, then one of the most important steps in the process is finding the right merchant services partnership to work with. The merchant services partner program that you work with will have a large part in determining your level of success in the merchant services industry. If you want to get the most out of your merchant services agent experience, then these are the factors that you should be looking for when evaluating potential partner programs to work with. With these things in mind, you’ll find a partner that suits your needs and puts you in the best position to succeed.

Payout Dependability

If you don’t get paid accurately and on-time, then you can’t hope to have a healthy business model. Part of the relationship between you and your merchant services partner that you choose is getting reliable and accurate payouts from your merchant services provider. Without this, you can have cash flow and margin issues. So, when you start to look at potential partners for your merchant services endeavors, you should take into account the reputation that your merchant services provider has when it comes to payout dependability. Ideally, you want to work with a partner program that will pay you fairly, accurately, and on-time.

Support Staff

When you are considering what merchant services ISO agent program to choose for your business, you should take more than financials into account. One of the most important things that you should look at is what kind of support your ISO agent program has to offer. With merchant services being a highly technical field of expertise, your merchants will often need support and help using their solution. When that happens, you want to be sure that your ISO agent program has the support staff in place to help your merchant and make them happy. Without proper support, you might find your merchants being left dissatisfied with both the solution and you. This is a great way to lose clients and business.

Product Suite

The merchant services solution that your merchants will select will be largely impacted by what products you have to offer, and that is why the product suite and selection that your ISO agent program has available should play a large part in your decision of which partner to work with. You can’t offer services that you don’t have access to, and that is why you should aim to have access to as many as possible. Do this by exploring the products that your ISO agent program has available and ensuring they align with your needs and that you will be able offer your merchants the products and services that you wish.

Reputation

One of the best ways to tell if you should be working with any particular merchant services agent program is to find out what kind of a reputation they have with both merchants and agents. Whether a program is good or bad, there are bound to be individuals and businesses that have had experiences with them in business. If you can find those experiences, you can have the knowledge available to you to let you know whether you should be working with that merchant services partner program in the long-term.

Industry Specialization

When choosing a merchant services agent program, one of the most important considerations is whether they have a specialty or specialize in any certain industry. If you are in a very specific industry, you’ll want to make sure that your merchant services partner program specializes in your area of business or at the very least, offers services that fit your needs. For general merchant services agents, you’ll want to seek out a partner program that has a wide range of solutions to fit any need.

Posted by: Scott Shaw AT 03:47 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

In today's digital age, the need for businesses to accept credit card payments has never been more crucial. As a result, the merchant services industry is booming, creating opportunities for individuals and companies to capitalize on this growing market. One way to enter this lucrative industry is through a Merchant Services Partner Program, also known as an Independent Sales Organization (ISO) or Merchant Service Provider (MSP) program. 

What is a Merchant Services Partner Program?

A Merchant Services Partner Program is a business partnership between a payment processing company and individuals or companies looking to sell merchant services. These programs provide training, support, and resources to help partners become successful in selling credit card processing services to merchants. Typically, partners are compensated through commissions on the sales they generate, creating a lucrative opportunity for those looking to enter the industry.

Payment Processing Partnerships for Selling Merchant Services

As a payment processing partner, you will be responsible for acquiring new merchant accounts by selling credit card processing services. This can include setting up merchant accounts, providing equipment, and ensuring that merchants are able to accept credit card payments seamlessly. Payment processing partnerships can be a great way to build a steady stream of residual income, as merchants typically pay processing fees on a monthly basis.

How to Start a Payment Processing Company

Starting a payment processing company can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Research the industry: Before starting a payment processing company, it's important to understand the industry landscape, including current trends, competition, and regulations.

2. Develop a business plan: A comprehensive business plan will help you outline your goals, target market, pricing strategy, and financial projections. This will also be crucial when seeking funding or partnerships.

3. Obtain necessary licenses and certifications: In order to operate a payment processing company, you will need to obtain the appropriate licenses and certifications. This may include registering as a Registered ISO with major credit card associations like Visa and Mastercard.

4. Choose a payment processing partner: Partnering with a reputable payment processing company will provide you with the technology, support, and expertise needed to succeed in the industry. Look for a partner that offers competitive rates, reliable customer service, and cutting-edge technology.

5. Develop a marketing strategy: Once you have your business set up, it's time to start acquiring merchant accounts. Develop a marketing strategy that targets your ideal customers and outlines how you will reach them.

Become a Payment Service Provider

Becoming a payment service provider (PSP) is another way to enter the merchant services industry. PSPs act as an intermediary between merchants and payment processors, providing a range of services including payment processing, fraud prevention, and risk management. By becoming a PSP, you can offer a one-stop solution for merchants looking to accept credit card payments online or in-store.

To become a payment service provider, you will need to:

1. Establish relationships with payment processors: As a PSP, you will need to partner with payment processors to facilitate payment transactions. This may involve negotiating rates, terms, and conditions with multiple processors to provide merchants with the best service.

2. Develop a payment gateway: A payment gateway is a technology platform that enables merchants to accept payments securely online. By developing or integrating with a payment gateway, you can offer merchants a seamless payment experience that meets their needs.

3. Ensure compliance with regulations: As a PSP, you will be responsible for ensuring that your merchants comply with payment industry regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This may involve conducting regular security audits and implementing fraud prevention measures.

4. Provide customer support: To be successful as a PSP, you will need to provide excellent customer support to merchants. This can include troubleshooting payment issues, assisting with account setup, and responding to inquiries in a timely manner.

Registered ISO/MSP

Becoming a Registered ISO/MSP is one of the most common ways to enter the merchant services industry. A Registered ISO (Independent Sales Organization) or MSP (Merchant Service Provider) is a third-party company that is authorized to sell credit card processing services on behalf of a payment processor. By becoming a Registered ISO/MSP, you can leverage the technology, resources, and expertise of a larger payment processing company to grow your business.

To become a Registered ISO/MSP, you will need to:

1. Register with major credit card associations: In order to sell credit card processing services, you will need to register as a Registered ISO/MSP with major credit card associations like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. This process involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and meeting specific requirements set by each association.

2. Partner with a payment processor: Once you are registered as an ISO/MSP, you will need to partner with a payment processor to provide merchant services. Look for a processor that offers competitive rates, reliable technology, and excellent customer support to ensure your success in the industry.

3. Train your sales team: As an ISO/MSP, you will be responsible for recruiting and training a sales team to acquire new merchant accounts. Providing ongoing support, training, and incentives can help motivate your team to succeed in selling merchant services.

4. Develop relationships with merchants: Building relationships with merchants is crucial to the success of your ISO/MSP business. By understanding their needs, providing excellent service, and offering competitive rates, you can attract and retain merchants to grow your portfolio.

In conclusion, a Merchant Services Partner Program can provide a lucrative opportunity for individuals and companies looking to enter the merchant services industry. Whether you choose to start a payment processing company, become a payment service provider, or register as an ISO/MSP, there are plenty of opportunities to succeed in this growing market. By partnering with a reputable payment processing company, developing a solid business plan, and providing excellent customer service, you can build a successful business selling merchant services.

White label payment processing is a valuable service for merchant services agents who want to offer their clients a seamless and branded payment processing solution. By partnering with a white label payment processing provider, agents can offer their clients a fully customizable payment processing platform that is tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

What is White Label Payment Processing?

White label payment processing is a service where a payment processing provider allows agents to resell their payment processing services under their own brand name. This means that when agents sign up for a white label payment processing solution, they are able to offer their clients a payment processing platform that is branded with their own logo, colors, and messaging.

White label payment processing providers handle all of the technical aspects of payment processing, including processing transactions, handling chargebacks, and providing customer support. This allows agents to focus on selling their services and growing their business, without having to worry about the complexities of payment processing.

Benefits of White Label Payment Processing for Merchant Services Agents

There are several benefits of white label payment processing for merchant services agents, including:

1. Branding - White label payment processing allows agents to brand the payment processing platform with their own logo, colors, and messaging. This helps agents build brand recognition and loyalty among their clients.

2. Customization - White label payment processing providers offer a high level of customization, allowing agents to tailor the platform to meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients. This can help agents attract and retain clients by offering a solution that is tailored to their unique requirements.

3. Revenue - White label payment processing can be a lucrative revenue stream for merchant services agents. Agents earn a commission on every transaction processed through their white label platform, providing a consistent source of income.

4. Support - White label payment processing providers typically offer comprehensive customer support to agents and their clients. This can help agents provide a high level of service to their clients, leading to increased customer satisfaction and retention.

How White Label Payment Processing Works

White label payment processing works by allowing merchant services agents to resell payment processing services under their own brand name. Agents partner with a white label payment processing provider, who handles all of the technical aspects of payment processing on behalf of the agent.

When a merchant signs up for payment processing through an agent's white label platform, the transaction is processed by the white label provider. The provider handles all of the necessary tasks, such as verifying the transaction, processing the payment, and handling any chargebacks or disputes. The agent earns a commission on each transaction processed through their white label platform.

White label payment processing providers typically offer a range of services to agent partners, including payment gateway integration, fraud protection, multi-currency support, and reporting and analytics tools. This allows agents to offer their clients a comprehensive payment processing solution that meets their needs.

Choosing a White Label Payment Provider

When choosing a white label payment processing provider, merchant services agents should consider a number of factors to ensure they partner with the right provider for their business. Some key factors to consider include:

1. Reputation - Agents should look for a white label payment processing provider with a strong reputation in the industry. This can help ensure that the provider has the expertise and experience needed to deliver a high-quality payment processing platform.

2. Customization - Agents should choose a provider that offers a high level of customization for their white label platform. This can help agents tailor the platform to meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients.

3. Support - Agents should partner with a white label payment processing provider that offers comprehensive customer support. This can help agents provide a high level of service to their clients and address any issues that may arise.

4. Pricing - Agents should consider the pricing structure of the white label payment processing provider. Agents should look for a provider that offers competitive pricing and a transparent fee structure, so they can maximize their revenue potential.

5. Security - Agents should prioritize security when choosing a white label payment processing provider. Agents should ensure that the provider offers industry-standard security measures to protect their clients' payment data and prevent fraud.

In conclusion, white label payment processing is a valuable service for merchant services agents who want to offer their clients a fully customizable and branded payment processing solution. By partnering with a white label payment processing provider, agents can earn a lucrative revenue stream, build brand recognition, and provide a high level of service to their clients. Agents should carefully consider factors such as reputation, customization, support, pricing, and security when choosing a white label payment processing provider to ensure they partner with the right provider for their business.

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