Clearent Blog for ISOs

IRS Relaxes Treatment of 1099-K

The IRS relaxed its approach regarding the new 1099-K, which has instilled both relief and confusion for merchants with respect to their credit card payment processing. First, a disclaimer: I am not a tax accountant or a tax expert, and I didn’t even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Please consult a true [...]

Don’t Give Up on Discount Pricing

What if selling was easy? What if all it took was for you to introduce yourself and the merchant would sign immediately for your credit card processing service? Wouldn’t that be great? Just think of all the money you would make. No, this isn’t another “I can make your life easier and you can make [...]

Using Tablets to Grow Your Credit Card Processing Business

Recently I needed a home repair professional. Because it wasn’t a simple job, I decided to get a few estimates. I made several phone calls, and received four proposals. Since these were just that, estimates, I expected hand-written documents or to have something emailed to me later. In one case, it was hand written, but [...]

NEAA Highlights & the Importance of Networking

It was great seeing many of you this week at the Northeast Acquirers Association (NEAA) Winter Seminar in Mt. Snow, VT! With attendance up 20% over last year’s show, Terry Nawara and I were able to see a lot of familiar faces, plus meet many new ones. Our compliments go out to the NEAA and [...]

It’s Here: the New 1099-K for Merchant Card Payments

After many months of planning, it’s now time for credit card processing companies to deliver the first Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099-K to their merchant customers. As described in a previous post, the IRS now requires acquirers such as Clearent to report merchants’ annual payment card transactions on a new form called the 1099-K, [...]

Are Acquiring Trade Shows Worth The Cost?

It’s trade show season, and I’m often asked the same question, “Should I go to a trade show?” I know they’re looking for a yes or no answer, but it’s not that easy. There are many variables and personal questions one should address before deciding whether or not to attend a trade show. In the [...]

Stop Selling & Grow Your Credit Card Processing Business

As we begin the New Year, you’re not alone if one of the goals for your credit card processing business is to sign more merchants. This is a common goal, and I’ve heard it from many of your peers in the merchant processing industry. The answer for how you’ll accomplish that goal is also familiar, [...]

Twas the Night Before Big Residuals Would Appear

While doing my part to keep the economy rolling by purchasing numerous gifts for family and friends, my thoughts turned to how nice it is to have accurate, timely residual payments to help finance all of my holiday purchases. As you ready my poem below, I’m curious to know if this sounds like a credit [...]

Your Merchant Processing Holiday Wish List

As children, one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season was writing our “wish list” of all the wonderful things we so desperately hoped would be under our tree on Christmas morning. Even as adults it’s fun to participate in this tradition, which helps ensure we’ll get what we want most, instead of [...]

Evaluating the ROI for Your Credit Card Processing Business

As another year draws to a close, now is a great time to look back at your credit card processing business and identify your accomplishments for the year. This self-examination will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and will give you the tools you need to repeat your successes. Most ISOs I talk to [...]