Chai Jagarlamudi 
If you’re a local business, you might feel that your standing in the community and local marketing strategies are enough. While that might be true, if you ever want to grow and protect yourself against the threat of larger competitors, you need an online presence. An effective online presence will open the door to new … Read more
Today’s customers want services and products that are bigger, better, and faster. We live in the age of drive-thru dry cleaners, fast food, convenience packaging, and super-size soft drinks. These innovations are driven by consumer demand, and it only seems to be growing. The digital age has brought all sorts of new technologies that can … Read more
The U.S. Government recently revealed to us that Aliens are in fact real. We’ve finally reached the War of the Worlds part of the Sci-Fi movie timeline. Just kidding… I think. Things that everyone thought would never happen in our lifetime are actually happening now. This brings the question of what the future holds for other aspects … Read more
Apps have become an integral part of people’s everyday lives. Where would we be without them? We rely on these digital wonders more than we’d like to admit. Can you even remember the last time you didn’t use an app to navigate your day-to-day life? Social media, games, banking, fitness, GPS. There’s an app for … Read more
Duolingo sends you a daily reminder to maintain your streak. Fitbit celebrates when you hit 10,000 steps. Khan Academy awards badges for mastering algebra. These aren’t coincidences—they’re carefully designed gamification systems that have transformed how millions of people learn, exercise, and engage with digital platforms. Key Takeaways Gamification means applying game design elements—points, badges, levels, … Read more
You’re at work and lunch time is getting closer and closer. You open your phone and open up one of the many different 3rd party online ordering apps you have downloaded. The options are endless, your scrolling is making you salivate. Do you want pizza? No, you had pizza yesterday. Maybe today is a burger … Read more
Going green isn’t just about doing the right thing for the planet—it’s becoming essential for small business survival in 2026. With customers demanding visible eco actions, energy costs climbing, and new environmental regulations rolling out, businesses that prioritize sustainability are positioning themselves for long-term success even as they navigate rising operating costs and slowing demand. … Read more
Reputation Management Tips for Small Business In today’s digital world, where one online review or viral post can either launch your small business into stardom or sink it faster than a leaky ship, managing your online reputation is not optional — it’s survival. Positive brand associations can significantly influence consumer perceptions and help small businesses … Read more
Imagine waking up to headlines screaming about a massive data breach, exposing thousands of customers’ credit card information to malicious hackers. The aftermath: shattered trust, financial penalties, and a tarnished reputation. As businesses increasingly rely on electronic payments, the need to protect sensitive cardholder data has never been more critical. Enter PCI compliance—the ultimate fortress … Read more
Trade shows! These conventions bring a huge amount of businesses in the same industry and customers together every year. Trade shows allow businesses to showcase products and services to potential customers, competition, and complementary businesses. A strong trade show presence is about making a measurable impact and standing out among competitors. Creating a memorable brand … Read more
Food trucks have revolutionized the dining scene by providing a delectably distinctive experience that is unmatched by more formal restaurants. There are several advantages to having a food truck, including more visibility, greater flexibility, financial savings, and more. For many aspiring entrepreneurs, owning a food truck is a way to live the dream of running … Read more
Key Takeaways A credit card surcharge is a separate fee (typically 1–3%) added to credit card payments to recover processing costs from card-using customers. A cash discount program posts higher “card” prices as the standard price and gives an immediate discount to customers who pay with cash, check, or ACH. Debit cards and prepaid cards … Read more
The future is here. Contactless point-of-sale has revolutionized the way we make purchases. We thought paying with the chip was easy and convenient. Now all we have to do is tap our card on the machine and boom. The transaction is complete. No inserting, no swiping, no change. What’s even easier is paying with your … Read more
Are you continually getting rejected by payment processors? Or, if you finally get accepted you end up paying outrageous processing fees? If so, your business may be considered “high risk”. Whether you think it’s fair or not, high risk businesses need to jump through a few more hoops to be able to start accepting payment. … Read more
Cryptocurrency, crypto, crypto-currency. The new form of money that the world is talking about. But what is this magical internet money and why is it important? In this blog I’ll explain what cryptocurrency really is and the possible effects it has on the world of payment processing and small businesses. According to google, cryptocurrency is … Read more
Running a tattoo studio in 2026 means managing more than just ink and needles. Between consent forms, booking calendars, payment processing, and client records, the administrative load can eat into the hours you’d rather spend on actual tattooing. The good news? Clover’s App Market now offers specialized tools that handle these tasks directly from the … Read more
Starting April 15th 2023, there will be a new change to Visa’s surcharge rule. This update is part of Visa’s rules for merchants, and it is important for businesses to understand these requirements to remain compliant. The Visa notice has stated that they are capping credit card surcharges to 3%, it was previously set at … Read more
Tax season. The most wonderful time of the year. People dust off the old calculator, start rummaging through old receipts, financial records, and gathering all the different forms. It’s like a real-life scavenger hunt, but with more stress and fewer prizes. Filing your taxes and giving away more money to the government can feel like … Read more
Running and growing a business is a balancing act. Not only do you have to manage clients, vendors, employees, and the million “unexpected” problems that pop up, but you also have to maintain consistent, healthy cash flow. Business funds are essential for daily operations, paying vendors, and supporting growth initiatives. And let’s be honest—that’s not … Read more
Inflation. Not quite a topic that many people like to discuss. In fact, I’d bet it’s on the list of top 5 things people hate talking about. But, if we don’t talk about uncomfortable topics and choose to ignore them instead, we’re not really doing ourselves any favors. Business owners should have an idea of … Read more
Gaining loyal customers in 2026 requires more than occasional discounts or slick marketing campaigns. It demands consistent value delivery, trust-building at every interaction, and personalized experiences that make customers feel valued across every channel they use. Key Takeaways Customer loyalty is earned from the very first purchase through fast service, fair pricing, and relevant content—these … Read more
Self-service technology has transformed the way businesses and customers interact, making everyday transactions faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Self-service kiosks are at the forefront of this shift, offering customers the ability to complete purchases, access information, and manage their own transactions with minimal staff assistance. By implementing self-service kiosks, retail stores can streamline operations, reduce … Read more
If your business accepts credit cards, then you should also offer a cash discount program. Cash discount programs are a cost-effective solution for reducing payment processing costs and saving money. At Velocity Merchant Services, we are happy to help our clients to establish cash discount programs of their own. These programs save clients money on … Read more
Whether you’re starting a new retail food store, a farmers market, or you’re looking for a way to offer more opportunities to pay to your existing customer base, becoming an EBT retailer can help add more to your bottom line. However, accepting EBT payments is only possible if you have the right processing equipment. That … Read more
A merchant that accepts EBT or SNAP point of sale purchases can help give their customers more options to pay. But beyond the benefit to the customer, there are many benefits to becoming an EBT/SNAP retailer. You’ll have to be approved and accepted into the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS). … Read more
Anyone that runs a business knows that you can’t go very long with something that upsets your payment processing. When it comes to retailers that process EBT or food stamps, any hiccups can mean losing your customer base. EBT processing equipment provides both retailers and customers with easy access to government assistance benefits, streamlining the … Read more
A scan data loyalty program can boost sales at your business and retain customers for years. These programs are especially relevant in the tobacco industry, where engaging consumers and meeting industry standards is crucial. Loyalty programs reward your clients for sticking to your business. If you obtain a point-of-sale terminal, you can easily set up … Read more
A point of sale (POS) system is the backbone of modern business, allowing merchants to accept payments, track inventory, and integrate with payment processors. POS systems consist of two main components: POS software, which handles transaction processing, cost calculation, and integration with other business tools, and POS hardware, such as mobile card readers, handheld terminals, … Read more
The cannabis industry is thriving in the United States. With recreational marijuana legal in 24 states and medical marijuana approved in over 38, dispensaries are seeing explosive growth. In 2019, the U.S. cannabis market was valued at over $52 billion—and that number is expected to triple by 2025. But there’s one major buzzkill: cannabis credit … Read more
If you’re a business owner, then you know that you need to maximize your profits by using your time effectively. You can do this by taking advantage of scan data loyalty programs as you scan those products. Keep reading to learn more about these loyalty programs, why they exist, and how they can benefit your … Read more
Credit cards are so ubiquitous in modern society that we hardly think about them at all. We just swipe and take our purchases and leave. It may not cross our minds that there’s a system hard at work behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. That system is credit card processing, and, while it … Read more
In 2026, accepting credit card payments isn’t optional for most small businesses—it’s essential. With debit and credit cards accounting for approximately 52% of all US consumer transactions and digital wallets adding another 15-20% in urban areas, customers expect to pay with plastic or their phones almost everywhere they shop. The good news? Any small business … Read more
its core, a Point of Sale (POS) system is the place where your customer makes a payment for goods or services. It’s the point in time when money changes hands—physically or digitally. In the old days, this might have been a cash drawer and a receipt book. The first mechanical cash register, invented by James … Read more
Cannabis and CBD dispensaries are doing amazing business in the US. They’re legal in 33 states for medical marijuana and 11 states for recreational marijuana. In the United States in 2019, the marijuana market was worth more than $52 billion, and it’s expected to triple by 2025, with the US cannabis industry projected to reach … Read more
As digital capabilities continue to increase the possibilities for small businesses, one feature stands out. Restaurant online ordering software are taking the world by storm, especially in recent years — and they don’t show any signs of slowing down. Growth research estimates the value of this industry at $111.32 billion, and it is expected to reach … Read more
Key Takeaways Understanding credit card processing terms directly impacts your fees, approval rates, and cash flow. Merchants who know the terminology negotiate better contracts and avoid hidden costs. Core concepts include how transactions move through authorization, batching, and settlement, who gets paid through interchange, assessments, and processor markups, and what risks exist around fraud, chargebacks, … Read more
If you’ve recently invested in a point-of-sale (POS) system like the Clover Duo or Clover Mini for your business, you’re likely already enjoying the speed and organization Clover can provide. Clover’s POS systems log and categorize daily sales, automatically batch credit card payments, and help you generate a wide variety of sales and inventory reports, … Read more
How long are your checkout lines? Some people might tell you a long line is good for business. Think again. According to surveys of grocery store buyers, 32% of customers choose to shop elsewhere to avoid a long line — and 11% of shoppers abandon their trip altogether. What does that mean for sales? Retailers’ long lines sent 15.8 … Read more
One of the biggest questions facing businesses today is whether or not they should accept cryptocurrency as a valid payment method from customers. While cryptocurrency is innovative and revolutionizing the types of currency available to businesses, it’s a volatile currency that comes with a significant amount of risk. More companies are starting to accept Bitcoin … Read more
If you own a cash-only business, then you handle all payment transactions yourself. However, if you want to accept payments beyond cash—including offering your customers a variety of payment options such as credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments—you’ll need to partner with a merchant service provider, or MSP. MSPs handle the complexities of processing credit … Read more
Credit card fraud is an ever-present danger for small businesses all around the world. In fact, the Nilson Report estimated that global credit card losses due to fraud reached $27.85 billion in 2018, a 16.2% increase from 2017. Credit card fraud can result in significant financial and reputational damage for your business. It also financially damages customers, … Read more
If you’re a merchant, you already know that credit and debit cards are the most common payment method today, but did you know that, as of 2018, 70% of consumers say they use cash for some or all of their purchases? That’s a lot of customers that are potentially willing to pay in cash. However, … Read more
The food truck industry in the U.S. continues to thrive, with no signs of slowing down in 2025. From tacos and fusion bowls to gourmet coffee and vegan bites, food trucks have evolved into fully mobile, culinary brands. The freedom, lower overhead, and creative potential make food trucks a top choice for entrepreneurs looking to … Read more
Hey small business owners, as the saying goes, you never have a second chance to make a first impression. This is especially true in the competitive world of business, where a single negative review or bad experience can send prospective customers (and their dollars) elsewhere. Even if your prices and customer satisfaction levels are beyond … Read more
When choosing a bank for your small business, there are many factors to consider. While it may be tempting to go with the bank down the street from your office for convenience, they may not offer the best services for your small business or startup. That’s why it’s important to understand exactly what you need … Read more
If you’ve ever visited a store and tried to purchase something, but realized that they only take cash when you get to the register, you know how frustrating the experience can be. While many businesses offer the option to pay with a variety of methods, some companies are still a cash-only business. Many cash-only businesses … Read more
If there’s one thing you hear a lot these days, it’s probably that retail is changing. For a while, people believed online shopping would mean the end of in-person or brick-and-mortar stores. What’s instead happened is that the line between online and in-person shopping has become blurred. Consumers might start shopping online, for instance, but end … Read more
Even if you’re too young to remember, we can assure you — debit and credit cards haven’t always been the preferred way to pay for things. Cash used to be king at the register — even though it’s been largely displaced from its throne in favor of credit and debit cards and mobile wallets, giving … Read more
Key Takeaways A payment gateway is the secure technology that connects an online checkout with banks and card networks, acting like a digital point of sale terminal for electronic transactions. Choosing the right payment gateway in 2026 affects approval rates, transaction fees, customer satisfaction, and your ability to sell globally while accepting digital wallets, BNPL, … Read more
For businesses, a chargeback on a credit card purchase a customer has made can be stressful. It can mean losing money and often not knowing why a customer decided to order the chargeback instead of returning a product or trying to resolve the dispute with the business. Over time, chargebacks can severely impact the bottom … Read more
Merchant Services Midwest dba is a nationwide payment processing company helping small business owners thrive with customized merchant services and payment processing solutions.
