Payments Insight

How to Sell Merchant Services to Mom and Pop Shops

Written by Jesus Lopez | May 15, 2024 6:10:47 PM

Mom and pop shops are quintessential to the fabric of local communities. Typically, these are independently owned businesses such as cafes, specialty retailers, auto repair shops, and more. They are characterized by their physical presence in local neighborhoods, offering a personalized touch to retail and services that larger chains often cannot replicate.

 

The Importance of Simplified Payment Processing For mom and pop shops, the adoption of payment processing systems like Square and Clover has been significant. These systems offer simplicity and ease of use, which are highly valued by small business owners who prefer not to deal with complex POS systems. These businesses often favor basic functionalities that efficiently manage customer transactions, track orders, and handle inventory without the fuss of advanced technology.

Current Trends in Payment Processing for Small Businesses The trend in payment processing for small businesses is moving towards integrated solutions, although a significant number still prefer standalone terminals for their simplicity and compactness. Understanding this preference is crucial for ISOs when presenting payment processing solutions.

Understanding Payment Types and Card Mix The type of payments accepted at mom and pop shops often depends on the average ticket size of transactions. These businesses typically see more consumer card usage than business-to-business transactions. This detail influences the relevancy of certain features like interchange optimization, which may be less crucial for these retailers.

Exploring Common Pricing Structures Historically, mom and pop shops might have used tiered pricing structures, but today, many are transitioning to more transparent models like flat rate or interchange plus pricing. This shift reflects their preference for straightforward, easy-to-understand pricing models.

Effective Selling Strategies for ISOs When approaching mom and pop shops, ISOs should start by understanding what the business currently uses and assess whether there is a desire for change. Many small business owners appreciate dual pricing options, such as differential pricing, where card transactions might incur a higher rate compared to cash transactions.

Promoting Simplicity and High-Quality Service Simplicity should be at the core of the solutions offered. ISOs should position themselves as local business owners who are capable of providing high levels of service, emphasizing easy-to-use and understand solutions that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses.