Merchant Sales Podcast

Discover an innovative program, SimplePay Restaurant Revitalization Plan, that empowers ISOs and agents to help restaurants come back stronger from pandemic slowdowns. The program offers cash discounting, along with cash grants and marketing support, explains Ray Zak, SimplePay's CEO. Plus, Patti reports on consumer spending plans, and James discusses cash discounting and surcharging compliance.

B2B is a HUGE market opportunity, but if you're selling just on price, "your hitting singles, not grand slams," says Roger McNamara, President, Guide2Interchange. Discover how Guide2Interchange trains agents to be power hitters selling B2B. Plus, James has a tip for grabbing a merchant's attention when cold calling, and Patti reports on potentially ominous stirrings in Washington.

As demand for contactless commerce grows, text-to-pay has become a must-have for every ISO and agent toolkit. The upside is a new source of recurring revenue, explains Larry Talley, Founder & CEO at Everyware. Plus, Patti offers new consumer spending insights, and James explains why Apple Pay is poised for growth.

KastenBerry COO Carrington Fisk describes steps this newcomer ISO has taken to succeed as a start-up in a time of Covid. For starters, all sales agents are W2s. Also, "We treat our agents as professionals, rather than as bonus mules," said Fisk. Plus, Patti and James discuss debit card trends, and some misinformation out of Visa about surcharging.

"Card not present is what got us through Covid," says Jaron Rice, Founder and CEO of Magothy Payments. Also this week, James offers additional insights on effective delegation, and Patti reports on how the global chip shortage threatens new card issuance.

There are 200,000-plus independent convenience, tobacco and liquor stores in the U.S., and the vast majority still rely on 20th Century cash registers. Discover what National Retail Solutions is doing to harness that opportunity with its all-inclusive POS bundle. "We're giving them everything they need," says Eli Katz, President & CEO. That includes connectivity to wholesale distributors and a cash discounting program. And stick around for Patti's update on buy now pay later, and James's take on delegating work.

The agent today asks James, “What is your opinion of giving written proposals?” Many people in our industry don’t agree with the practice of giving merchants a written proposal. There is always the possibility that a written proposal might be used by prospects for other vendors or to go to their current processor for negotiation. (Read to the end to find answers to two more questions!)

Learn how MetisPro has built Quantic, a multi-channel and customizable POS solution that empowers ISOs and agents to compete with Toast for restaurant accounts. "We're reseller driven and processor agnostic," explains Vigyan Kaushik, Co-Founder & CEO. Plus Patti discusses the latest news on the buy now pay later (BNPL) front, and James offers some insightful marketing tips.

This week James and Patti explore important considerations for agents - new and experienced - from compensation models and agreements to scaling up your business and branding. Then stick around for Patti's reporting on consumer spending trends.

The question today comes from an agent asking how to decide which pricing to use for merchants. Will interchange or tier pricing be the best option for the agent? How does the size of the business influence this decision

This question comes up a lot when ISOs are building out their sales teams, and this week Patti interviews James about considerations that inform the best answers. Then, stick around for Patti's reporting on a new push by PayPal into the brick-and-mortar merchant space.

Learn how Enroll & Pay, a card-linked loyalty service, helps merchants drive sales and ISOs and agents grow their portfolios. "It's a real churn killer," says Brian Booth, CEO and Founder. Plus, James has advice for choosing the right processor to sell for, and Patti reports on how "weaponized content" is driving the fraud economy.

ISOs and agents that aren't selling online merchant solutions risk obsolescence. Danny Mikhail Founder & CEO of Zuza, explains why in this week's featured interview. But don't abandon terminal sales just yet, James adds during his segment, and he offers a formula for evolving your business. Download the free ebook, Evolve of Die, at ccsalespro.com/zuzaebook, and discover how you can become an ambassador of change in your market.

Discover how Quincy McKnight is creating a referral network to help his company, Covenant Pay Partners, build a book of big business accounts. And stick around for Patti's report on the latest developments in crypto payments, and James' take on the 3 pillars of effective training.

The question this week is from a director of client services for a processing company. He also partners with marketing companies to create very personalized, niche specific cold email campaigns to generate appointments. He asks, “What kind of messaging or angle could be used in a cold email message to encourage a 10-15 minute conversation with business owners in the payment processing industry?”

Learn how and why Phil McCuiston, President of Wholesale Payments Direct, sold his portfolio of Canadian merchants to build a book of U.S. businesses, relying solely on telemarketing. Hint: cash discounting plays a role. Then stick around for Patti's report on upcoming PayPal fee hikes, and tips from James on firing up agents to sell more.

The agent’s question today involves a big account - a 45 location fast food chain doing a few million per month and as many as 200,000 transactions per month. An irate customer felt there was extra tax charged. How do I explain that to satisfy the customer and the merchant?

Did you know that 8 in 10 SMBs outsource payroll processing? This week, Robert Heinrich, VP of Sales at Simpay, explains why and how MSPs should pitch payroll processing to their merchants. "It's a lifetime residual opportunity," he says. Plus Patti reports on the latest state to greenlight surcharging, and James has some pointers for accessing capital to grow your portfolio.

The agent today is newer to the world of cash discounting. He has a car dealership client seeing more customer dissatisfaction than expected toward cash discounting. What advice can James give to make easier implementation of the program and offer better training to business staff?

To get the attention of any merchant and close the sale, a salesperson must be a good STORYTELLER! Here's why...

Learn how chargeback solution providers work with ISOs and merchants to protect against chargeback losses. Chargeback solutions will help improve the lifetime value of a merchant relationship, says Colin Eddy, Partner & Alliance Guru at Chargeback Gurus. Then Patti reports on EMV compliance hurdles at fuel stations, and James offers advice on getting slow-to-sign merchants across the finish line.

The question today comes from an agent who’s getting objections to cash discounting. She wants to know how to overcome these objections.

The leap to integrating cash discounting and surcharging to POS, card not present, gateways, etc. is more possible than you may believe. Here's how...

Tune in to learn how Dynamic Merchant Processing has succeeded in selling cash discounting to large merchants. These monster merchants are seeing minimal customer pushback, and their valuations are rising because of cash discounting, says Dustin Wilkins, President at Dynamic. Plus Patti reports on a new Square-Plaid collaboration and James answers questions from the field.

The agent today is from the UK. She asks what to do when the merchant says, “You’re the sixth person to call today about card services!” How can you get past that instant barrier?

With over 1,000 POS system providers in the market, identifying those that address your merchants' needs, are processor agnostic and payment processing friendly, can be challenging. POSHeros.com simplifies the task. It's a comprehensive directory of POS software and processor compatibility, and it's creator, Derrick Hess, explains what went into creating the directory and how it works in this week's featured interview. Then James offers tips on pitching merchants not using processor-agnostic POS systems, and Patti reports on Fed and legal actions involving debit cards.

Here is my take on the approach YOU should take when choosing to start your own ISO or merchant service company!

Learn first-hand how Beyond is building a software and services sales powerhouse. The big payback is lower attrition, explains Brent Rose, Chief Revenue Officer at Beyond. And stick around for James's tips on selling software and Patti's report on consumer and small business payment trends. Learn first-hand how Beyond is building a software and services sales powerhouse. The big payback is lower attrition, explains Brent Rose, Chief Revenue Officer at Beyond. And stick around for James's tips on selling software and Patti's report on consumer and small business payment trends. Visit https://www.ccsalespro.com/training to get free 14 day access to our new video course, "How to Sell Software to SMBs" and our entire library of video training. Visit https://www.ccsalespro.com/jumpstart to learn more. This one on one coaching program with James Shepherd includes weekly coaching calls and over 30 hours of video content, structured across 6 weeks of training. James Shepherd is the CEO and Founder of CCSalesPro, the leader in merchant sales training and technology. Get one on one coaching sessions with James through our 6 week jump start program. Visit https://www.ccsalespro.com/jumpstart to learn more. We offer custom video training creation for ISOs as well as a branded learning management system to train a team of agents. Visit https://www.ccsalespro.com/iso to learn more. Our Statement Analysis Tool provides the ability for instant, on the spot analysis and proposal. Visit https://www.instantquotetool.com to learn more. Join our Pro Club for Individual Merchant Sales Agents and get a monthly workshop session with James as well as access to our entire video library. Visit https://www.ccsalespro.com/pro/ to learn more. Connect with James on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccsalespro/ Follow CCSalesPro on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ccsalespro/

Learn how integrating payment processing with ISVs and VARs leads to a pipeline flush with solid leads that become sticky customers. "ISOs and agents should really be thinking about these strategic opportunities," says Gary Liu, President of Priority IS. Plus Patti reports on the latest developments in QR code payments, and James talks about making the transition from payment processing to software sales.

Discover how you can offer a native processing solution for companies using Netsuite and Salesforce. It's a sticky proposition, explains Ben Frisch, Director of Business Development at Accept.Blue. Then stick around for Patti's report on the latest in crypto payments, and James' take on barriers to successful sales strategies.

The agent this week has several prospective clients who use Shopify. She asks how to overcome the objection of penalty fees for switching? What is the talking point?

Your beliefs may be holding you back from earning more money and happiness! Here's why...

No ISO/MLS wants one of their merchants placed on the MATCH list. But it's not a death knell either, says James Huber, an attorney who specializes in helping merchants get off the card brands' "naughty list." Plus, Patti shares promising economic news, and James offers advice on how to drive sales successes by transforming negative beliefs.

This week’s question is from an agent whose clients are mostly eCommerce merchants. Many eCommerce merchants are well satisfied with Stripe. She asks, “What is the talking point and strategy to engage satisfied Stripe customers?”

Tune in to discover how Dylish helps ISOs and agents go toe-to-toe with national restaurant delivery services, undercutting the big guys' fees and dishing out big margins on delivery and processing fees - upwards of 700bp, says Dylish's John Sarabia. Plus, Patti reports on card fraud trends, and James tackles the question of when is the right time for an agent to go out on their own.

The question this week is from an agent whose cash discount client has some concern about legal threats from that ½ of 1% of disgruntled customers. The client is a 45-location well-known fast-food chain in the southeast which has completed the first month with the agent.

Tune in to learn how Level 2 and Level 3 optimization works, and why ISOs and MLSs should care. "B2B is a $20 trillion opportunity," says Roger McNamara, President of Guide2Interchange. Plus Patti reports on the latest legal salvos targeting interchange, and James discusses the top 3 criteria for selecting a processing partner.

The question this week comes from an agent concerning a large client he’s had for a couple of years. Work is in progress for a custom solution which will allow the business to surcharge through a virtual terminal environment. However, will compliance issues prevent this business from picking and choosing which customers receive the surcharge?

Tune in to learn about NMI's recent acquisition of USA ePay and how the combination will help ISOs and agents deliver omnichannel solutions and expand into new markets. "We're a bring your own MID gateway provider," explains Vijay Sondhi, NMI's CEO. Plus Patti reports on one powerful U.S. Senator's reaction to Visa and Mastercard plans to raise interchange, and James explains how and when to make a one-call close.

Discover how gift card programs help businesses improve cash flow and customer engagement, while improving your merchant retention. SwipeIt.com will even convert merchants with existing gift card programs for free, Gift Card Guru Larry Rubin told us. And stick around to learn about upcoming interchange fee changes, and leveraging LinkedIn to land more sales.

The question this week is from an agent with a big opportunity to sell a multi-location business of drive-through coffee shops. This is a small transaction business with average ticket size of $5 to $6. They are currently processing with PayPal at 2.7% and no swipe fee and they are open to eliminating their processing fees.

Fresh off a legal victory regarding the constitutionality of merchant surcharging in Kansas, Jonathan Razi, CEO at CardX, talks about the lawsuit and what the court decision means for credit card surcharging in Kansas. Then Patti reports on retailers' 2021 priorities in tech and customer engagement. And James explains why it's important to act strategically when presenting merchants proposals.

Discover how Elevate Payment Alliance helps card-not-present merchants benefit from cash discounting. The solution leverages the low-cost ACH network, Hawkins Siemon explains , Elevate's Founder & CEO. Patti gives an update on consumer spending. James answers the question: What's the value of a merchant statement?

Learn how NRS Petro works with ISOs and agents to move the EMV compliance needle at gas stations with pay at the pump. Payment processing at these locations may seem complicated, but Eric Goldberg, Vice President at NRS explains how they have simplified it for sales partners and merchants alike. Plus Patti provides an update on Venmo's merchant-acceptance play, and James offers sound advice on closing sales without seeming pushy.

Tune in for an in depth discussion on pricing strategies and statement analysis, as Patti probes James on a range of topics, including fee padding, interchange optimization, surcharging and cash discounting. Then Patti reports on a new merchant satisfaction survey, and James tackles a question from the field on cash discounting and sales tax. Download a free eBook on cash discounting and sales tax at ccsalespro.com/salestax; and visit GetISOAmp.com for a trial run and to learn more about the statement analysis service developed by James.

Tune in to discover how Zuza has created a single platform that works across multiple verticals to support businesses’ multiple ordering and payment channel needs. It’s processor agnostic, and can be private labeled by ISOs, said Danny Makhail, Founder and CEO of Zuza. And stick around to hear Patti describe recent payment and fraud trends, and for James’ prediction for cash discounting’s tipping point.

This week Michael Richardson, President of URHOST, details how chat bots are being leveraged to automate mobile ordering and payments for restaurants. "It's a tool customers get excited about," he says. Patti reports on what ongoing consumer adoption of P2P payment apps could mean for payments to merchants. And James addresses the role of sales managers.

"You're doing a deal, not just making a sale," explains Jaron Rice, CEO at Magothy Payments. Learn how that plays out as Jaron walks you through what it took to land Magothy's first bank referral agreement. Plus, Patti reports on Mastercard & Visa efforts to move more merchants to contactless payment acceptance, and James fields a question on waiving surcharges.

Making things easy makes for sticky merchants," says Eric Bernstein, COO at ValorPaytech. Learn how ValorPayTech makes things easy for merchants with an omni-channel processor-agnostic payment acceptance solution that supports cash discounting. Plus Patti reports on year-end consumer spending, and James offers his take on interchange padding.

There's a lot of value to be gained from partnering with independent software vendors (ISVs), "but it needs to be a two-way street," says Cal Grant. Grant, a 15-year veteran of merchant services, has spent much of his career forging relationships with ISVs and is now Chief Revenue Officer at Caseroads, an ISV specializing in automating law offices. Learn first hand what ISVs are looking for from payment processing partners, and about opportunities for selling to law firms. Plus Patti updates listeners on the latest round of PPP loan funding, and James offers a how-to on predicting revenue streams from cash discounting merchants.