Selena Ayub 
TL;DR Starting in 2026, twelve U.S. states will restrict purchases of candy, soda, and certain snack foods, such as chips and treats, with SNAP/EBT benefits. For small businesses that accept EBT, this means: You may need to update your POS inventory Training your staff will be crucial Staying compliant is essential to avoid fines or … Read more
TL;DR If you’re shelling out 3–4% in credit card processing fees every month without question, Mark Cuban would say you’re getting fleeced. Kevin O’Leary would call your business model a financial disaster. This satirical take imagines what the Sharks would say if they got a look at your merchant statement—and why it might be time … Read more
If your checkout counter looks like a cluttered museum of outdated hardware, it’s time to rethink your setup. Many small business owners are still using a Frankenstein mix of separate machines—receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash registers, loyalty card systems, time clocks, and more—just to keep operations running. The truth? All of this can be replaced … Read more
The U.S. economy is a mixed bag right now—rising interest rates, inflation, and shifting workforce dynamics have put pressure on businesses nationwide. But in spite of it all, America’s small business owners aren’t just holding on—they’re planning to grow. A recent Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” survey reveals a surprisingly positive outlook: 69% … Read more
Schools today do far more than just educate. In order to meet the general goal of a school institution- to raise generations of hard working future leaders- schools must go above and beyond in keeping up to date and teaching important life skills in the everchanging fast paced world. They host clubs/extracurricular activities, after school … Read more
How to Turn a Slow Summer into a Money Machine for Business Growth Summer can be a blessing or a burden for small businesses. For some, it’s the busiest time of the year. For others and business growth, it’s a ghost town. When your regular customers are off on vacations, school’s out, and foot traffic … Read more
</div > By: Selena Ayub What Gen Z Wants from Your Small Business (and How to Give it to Them) Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z has officially arrived—and they’re not just scrolling TikTok anymore. They’re shopping, dining, working, starting businesses, and shaping entire industries. As of 2026, they make up over 40% of … Read more
For many small businesses—especially those serving lower-income communities—the ability to accept EBT payments isn’t just a convenience. It’s essential. It can be the difference between closing a sale and turning a customer away. Many businesses have been waiting for a more reliable and secure terminal solution to handle EBT payments. But a major change is … Read more
When “Free POS Systems” Really Means “Hidden Fees” If you’re a small business owner, you’ve likely seen the ads: “Get a FREE POS system today! No cost, no hassle.” Sounds like a dream, right? But here’s the truth—in the world of payment processing, “free” almost always comes with strings attached. Many POS providers use the … Read more
Every customer leaves with one—but almost no one uses it right. We’re talking about the humble receipt. It might seem like a throwaway, but with the right strategy, your printed or digital receipts can become a mini billboard for your business. However, paper receipts are often a missed opportunity for companies to engage customers and … Read more
Every successful business starts with a dream. Sometimes that dream is born in a basement or garage, fueled by grit, late nights, and a whole lot of coffee. These are the stories that remind us why we believe in small business—and why we work so hard to support them at VMS. Whether it’s a corner … Read more
Let’s be honest—just hearing the word recession can send a chill down any business owner’s spine. Sales drop, consumers get cautious, and suddenly you’re watching every penny like it’s your last. But here’s a truth most headlines won’t tell you: some of the strongest small businesses are born during recessions. So how does your business … Read more
Every 4th of July, Americans gather for fireworks, food, and freedom. But for small business owners, there’s another spark worth igniting—a flash sale. The 4th of July is known for some of the biggest sales of the year, with major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target offering significant independence day deals. Many retailers participate … Read more
Picture this: A customer stands at your counter, ready to pay. From the moment of customer entering the queue line, it’s crucial to manage their experience and ensure a smooth transition to payment. They pull out their phone and ask, “Do you have Apple Pay?” You hesitate. You fumble. Maybe your machine does, maybe it doesn’t. Either … Read more
Ask any business owner what happens when they open a second location, and you’ll get the same answer: It’s a different ballgame. Your time gets stretched, employees need more oversight, inventory control becomes a headache, and suddenly, those healthy margins from your first store start looking a little… thinner. Beyond these initial hurdles, the challenges … Read more
Why Gen Z Hates Waiting in Line at Coffee Shops — and What You Can Do About It Picture this: It’s 8:02 AM. A Gen Z customer walks into your coffee shop, AirPods in, eyes on their phone. They glance at the line — five people deep — and hesitate . A quick internal debate … Read more
TL;DR: Your Perfect Clover Match in One Minute Clover Flex: You’re on the move. Great for mobile vendors, line-busting, and tableside checkout. Clover Mini: You like sleek, compact power. Perfect for salons, coffee shops, and boutiques. Clover Station Duo: You run a tight ship. Ideal for full-service restaurants, retail, or high-volume businesses. Clover Go: You … Read more
If you’ve ever hovered awkwardly in front of a tablet, debating between 15%, 20%, or “custom tip,” congrats—you’ve been gently nudged by behavioral science. And businesses that use modern touchscreen Point of Sale (POS) systems like Clover? They’re loving it. These systems serve as the central digital hub for restaurant operations, handling everything from order … Read more
The way people pay is changing fast — and it’s not just about the latest tech. It’s about expectations, habits, and convenience. If your checkout process feels like a relic to some of your customers, it could be costing you more than just patience. It could be costing you sales. Each generation has its own … Read more
Looking for a life hack to increase your sales? You know how we all love a good happy hour—discounted drinks, extra foot traffic, a little buzz (pun intended)? Well, guess what? Your Clover POS has a built-in Happy Hour feature, and most people don’t even know it exists. The goal of the Happy Hour app … 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.
