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In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, the key to success lies in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and embracing innovative solutions. One such groundbreaking advancement is the Samsung Ordering Kiosk, a powerful tool designed to enhance your restaurant's performance and streamline the ordering process.

Product Overview:

As a valued Clover customer, integrating self-service ordering has never been easier. The Ordering Kiosk by Nanonation empowers your restaurant by allowing your team to focus on what they do best—producing and delivering more orders. This kiosk takes care of the order-taking process, freeing up your staff to provide fast, efficient, and friendly customer service.

The Power Trio:

What sets the Samsung Ordering Kiosk apart is its integration of three best-in-class solutions, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for both your staff and customers.

1. Samsung KM24A Kiosk:

Built for the self-service environment, the Samsung KM24A Kiosk is an enterprise-grade solution designed to withstand the rigors of the restaurant industry. Its durability ensures that it can stand up to years of use, making it a reliable and long-lasting addition to your establishment.

• Nanonation Software:

Driving the kiosk's functionality is Nanonation's cutting-edge software. As a top provider of interactive kiosk solutions, Nanonation brings its expertise to the table, creating a user-friendly interface that enhances the overall customer experience.

• Clover POS System:

At the heart of the solution is the Clover POS system that you already know and trust. With the Samsung Ordering Kiosk, there's no need to recreate your menu or manage content and prices in multiple systems. The integration with Clover ensures that your existing setup is utilized, making the transition to self-service ordering smooth and hassle-free.

Features:

The Hardware:

• 24” Commercial Touch Screen with Antimicrobial Coating:

The kiosk features a spacious 24-inch commercial touch screen with an antimicrobial coating, ensuring a hygienic and user-friendly interface for customers.

• Countertop and Floor Stand Options:

Choose the setup that best fits your restaurant's layout with both countertop and floor stand options available for the Samsung KM24A Kiosk.

• Clover Flex 3 Payment Terminal:

Seamlessly integrate payments with the Clover Flex 3 payment terminal, providing a secure and efficient transaction experience for your customers.

• Uses Standard 3-1/8” Thermal Receipt Paper:

Keep operations simple with the use of standard 3-1/8” thermal receipt paper, widely available for easy replenishment.

The Software:

• Direct Menu Integration from Clover POS System:

Connects to and pulls your menu directly from your Clover POS system, ensuring that your items and pricing are always in sync for a hassle-free management experience.

• Customizable Item Images:

Customize the visual appeal of your menu by pulling item images directly from Clover or by adding your own, creating an enticing and interactive ordering experience.

• Seamless Order Processing:

Orders placed on the kiosk seamlessly integrate with your kitchen workflow, showing on your Kitchen Display System (KDS) or printing to your kitchen printer just as if they were placed at your counter.

• Web-Based Tool for Easy Configuration:

Easily manage your kiosk settings with a web-based tool, allowing you to turn categories, menu items, or modifiers on/off effortlessly.

• Personalized Attract Loop:

Take advantage of the attract loop by adding your own content, promotions, and specials to engage customers when the kiosk is not in use, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Benefits for Your Restaurant:

1. Enhanced Efficiency:

The Samsung Ordering Kiosk streamlines the ordering process, reducing wait times and increasing the overall efficiency of your restaurant. With customers inputting their orders directly, your staff can focus on fulfilling orders promptly.

• Improved Customer Experience:

The user-friendly interface of the kiosk, coupled with Nanonation's intuitive software, creates a positive and seamless ordering experience for your customers. Quick and accurate orders contribute to heightened customer satisfaction.

• Integration with Existing Systems:

The integration with the Clover POS system eliminates the need for duplicating efforts. Your menu, content, and prices remain consistent across all platforms, reducing the risk of errors and simplifying management tasks.

• Durable and Reliable Hardware:

The Samsung KM24A Kiosk ensures durability and reliability in a self-service environment. Its robust design can handle the demands of high-traffic settings, providing a long-term solution for your restaurant.

Ready to transform your restaurant experience? Take the first step towards a more efficient and customer-centric future by getting in touch with Universal Payments. Reach out to us at sales@universaláyments.ca or give us a call at +1 844-634-1100 ext. 225 to request a quote and order your Samsung Ordering Kiosk today.

In the dynamic realm of the restaurant industry, online orders have become a cornerstone of business growth. As more customers opt for the convenience of ordering meals online, restaurant owners face the challenge of efficiently managing and tracking these orders. Deliverect, an innovative platform seamlessly integrated with Clover, is poised to revolutionize how restaurant owners handle their online orders. The Deliverect app available in the Clover App Market tracks and manages all online orders originating from different platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Skip the Dishes. It provides the capability to transmit these orders directly into your Clover POS system.

The Power of Deliverect's Clover Integration

Deliverect's integration with Clover brings a new level of efficiency to restaurant owners. This dynamic partnership seamlessly connects online ordering platforms with the restaurant's point-of-sale (POS) system, resulting in a unified and streamlined order management process.

Effortless Order Tracking

The heart of Deliverect's value lies in its ability to centralize incoming orders from various online delivery platforms, such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and more, directly into the restaurant's Clover POS system. This integration ensures that orders are accurately processed, reducing errors that often occur during manual order entry. Say goodbye to the headache of managing multiple tablets and systems – Deliverect brings all your orders under one roof.

Real-time Communication

Deliverect doesn't just stop at order processing; it excels in customer communication as well. Automated order confirmations, updates, and delivery notifications are sent to customers in real time. This proactive approach not only enhances the customer experience but also minimizes customer inquiries about order status, freeing up restaurant staff to focus on preparing delectable meals.

Seamless Workflow

Restaurant owners can now bid farewell to the inefficiencies of manually transferring orders from tablets to the kitchen. With Deliverect, online orders flow seamlessly from the Clover POS system to the kitchen for preparation. This integration optimizes the entire workflow, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring orders are promptly and accurately fulfilled.

Data-driven Insights

Deliverect goes the extra mile by offering insightful analytics tailored to restaurant owners. Uncover valuable data on sales trends, peak order times, and popular menu items. This information empowers restaurant owners to make informed decisions, refine their menu offerings, and strategize for greater success.

Bottom Line

For restaurant owners navigating the fast-paced world of online orders, Deliverect's Clover integration is a game-changer. This powerful platform streamlines order management, centralizes orders, and fosters seamless communication with customers. With its intuitive integration into the existing Clover system, restaurant owners can enjoy newfound efficiency, reduced errors, and improved customer satisfaction. Embrace the future of restaurant operations with Deliverect, and elevate your online order management to new heights. Your patrons will experience unparalleled convenience, and your restaurant will thrive in the digital age.

In today's fast-paced business world, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. One area where this is particularly evident is in the realm of point-of-sale (POS) systems. While old legacy POS systems may have served businesses well in the past, the time has come to embrace new technology and upgrade to modern, feature-rich solutions. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why businesses should consider upgrading their old legacy POS systems and the benefits that await those who make the transition.

1. Improved Efficiency and Streamlined Operations

One of the primary reasons to upgrade to new technology is the potential for improved efficiency and streamlined operations. Legacy POS systems often lack the advanced features that modern solutions offer, such as inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and real-time analytics. By upgrading to a new POS system, businesses can automate time-consuming tasks, gain access to comprehensive sales data, and make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information. This, in turn, leads to more efficient operations, reduced manual errors, and increased productivity.

2. Enhanced Customer Experience

In today's competitive market, providing exceptional customer experiences is essential for business growth and customer retention. Legacy POS systems may fall short in this aspect, lacking the necessary tools to personalize interactions and deliver a seamless purchasing journey. Modern POS systems come equipped with features like customer profiles, loyalty programs, and integration with online sales channels. These capabilities enable businesses to offer personalized discounts, targeted promotions, and a consistent shopping experience across different touchpoints, ultimately delighting customers and fostering long-term relationships.

3. Flexibility and Scalability

As businesses grow and evolve, the need for a flexible and scalable POS system becomes paramount. Old legacy systems often lack the ability to adapt to changing business needs, leading to compatibility issues and limitations in expanding operations. New technology offers cloud-based solutions that provide businesses with the flexibility to access their data from anywhere, seamlessly integrate with other systems, and easily scale up or down as required. Whether it's adding new locations, expanding online sales, or incorporating emerging payment methods, a modern POS system can accommodate these changes without disrupting business operations.

4. Security and Compliance

With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and stricter data protection regulations, security and compliance should be top priorities for any business. Legacy POS systems may lack the robust security measures necessary to protect sensitive customer data, leaving businesses vulnerable to breaches and regulatory non-compliance. New technology brings advanced security features like encryption, tokenization, and secure payment gateways, reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing customer trust. Upgrading to a modern POS system ensures that your business stays up-to-date with the latest security standards and compliance requirements.

5. Integration and Analytics

In today's data-driven world, the ability to gather, analyze, and act upon valuable insights is crucial for making informed business decisions. Legacy POS systems often lack integration capabilities with other business tools, making it difficult to gain a comprehensive view of the business's performance. Modern POS systems offer seamless integration with various applications, such as accounting software, inventory management systems, and CRM platforms. This integration enables businesses to consolidate data, gain deeper insights into sales patterns, customer behavior, and inventory management, and make data-driven decisions that drive growth and profitability.

Consider switching your old POS device to Clover

One modern POS system that businesses should consider upgrading to is Clover. Clover is a comprehensive and versatile POS solution that offers a wide range of features and benefits. It provides businesses with a sleek and user-friendly interface, making it easy for both staff and customers to navigate. Clover offers a suite of apps that can be tailored to specific business needs, including inventory management, employee management, and customer engagement. With its cloud-based architecture, Clover allows businesses to access real-time sales data and manage operations from anywhere, at any time. Additionally, Clover provides robust security features, including encrypted payment processing and data protection, ensuring the safety of sensitive customer information. With its seamless integration capabilities and advanced analytics, Clover empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions, optimize operations, and drive growth. Whether you run a small retail store, a restaurant, or a service-based business, upgrading to Clover can revolutionize your POS experience and help take your business to new heights.

Bottom Line

Upgrading from old POS systems to new technology, such as the robust Clover POS system, is a strategic move that can revolutionize your business operations. Clover offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance efficiency, improve the customer experience, and provide the flexibility and scalability needed to support your business growth. With Clover's user-friendly interface, cloud-based architecture, and seamless integration capabilities, businesses can access real-time data, streamline operations, and make informed decisions. Moreover, Clover's advanced security measures ensure the protection of sensitive customer data, fostering trust and compliance with data protection regulations. By upgrading to Clover, you're not just investing in a modern POS system but also embracing a powerful tool that empowers your business to thrive in the digital age. Don't let outdated technology hold you back—make the switch to Clover and unlock the full potential of your business.

In recent years, QR code payments have gained popularity as a convenient and contactless way to accept payments. Clover, a leading Point-of-Sale (POS) system, offers QR code payment capabilities that provide businesses and customers with a seamless payment experience. In this blog post, we will delve into how Clover QR code payment works and explore the benefits it offers for businesses and customers alike.

1. Generating QR Codes: Clover enables businesses to generate unique QR codes for their products or services. This can be done through the Clover POS system or the Clover app on a smartphone or tablet. The QR code can be customized with relevant information such as the payment amount, product details, or order number. Once generated, the QR code can be displayed on a screen or printed on receipts, invoices, or product packaging.
2. Scanning the QR Code: Customers can easily make payments by scanning the Clover QR code using their smartphone's camera or a dedicated QR code scanning app. The QR code contains all the necessary payment information, eliminating the need for manual entry or swiping of cards. By simply pointing their smartphone at the QR code, customers initiate the payment process.
3. Payment Authorization: After scanning the QR code, customers are prompted to authorize the payment through their preferred payment methods, such as a linked credit or debit card or a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. The customer's payment information is securely processed, ensuring a safe transaction.
4. Confirmation and Notification: Once the payment is authorized, both the customer and the business receive instant confirmation of the transaction. The Clover POS system updates the payment record and generates a receipt for the customer. Businesses can choose to send electronic receipts via email or SMS or provide a printed copy. This streamlined process saves time and enhances customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Clover QR Code Payments:

a. Convenience and Speed: Clover QR code payments eliminate the need for physical cards or cash, allowing customers to make quick and hassle-free payments using their smartphones. This convenience enhances the overall customer experience, leading to increased customer loyalty.

b. Contactless and Secure: QR code payments provide a contactless payment option, which is particularly relevant in today's health-conscious environment. By reducing physical contact during transactions, businesses and customers can prioritize safety and hygiene. Additionally, Clover ensures that payment information is encrypted and securely processed, minimizing the risk of data breaches or fraud.

c. Versatility and Integration: Clover QR code payments seamlessly integrate with the Clover POS system, enabling businesses to track sales, manage inventory, and generate comprehensive reports. The versatility of QR codes allows businesses to accept payments across various channels, including physical stores, online platforms, and even pop-up events or marketplaces.

d. Enhanced Efficiency and Accuracy: QR code payments eliminate the need for manual data entry, reducing the chances of human error. This streamlines the payment process and ensures accurate transaction details for both businesses and customers.

Clover QR code payment simplifies the payment process for businesses and customers alike, offering convenience, security, and versatility. By generating unique QR codes, businesses can provide a seamless payment experience, while customers enjoy the speed and ease of scanning and authorizing payments with their smartphones. Embracing Clover QR code payments not only enhances customer satisfaction but also streamlines operations and improves efficiency for businesses. As the adoption of QR code payments continues to grow, integrating this technology into your business strategy can keep you at the forefront of payment innovation.

For more information about Clover products, email us at merchantservices@universalpayments.ca.

In today's technology-driven business landscape, having a reliable and feature-rich Point-of-Sale (POS) system is essential for businesses across various industries. Clover POS systems have emerged as a popular choice, known for their robust functionality, user-friendly interface, and versatility. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why Clover POS systems are an excellent choice for modern businesses looking to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and drive growth.

1. All-in-One Solution: Clover POS systems offer an all-in-one solution that combines hardware, software, and payment processing capabilities. Whether you need a countertop terminal, a mobile device, or a self-service kiosk, Clover provides a range of options to suit different business needs. The system seamlessly integrates with various peripherals like barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers, enabling businesses to create a customized setup that fits their requirements.
2. Robust Features and Applications: Clover POS systems come equipped with a wide range of features and applications designed to streamline business operations. From inventory management and employee scheduling to customer loyalty programs and advanced reporting, Clover offers a comprehensive suite of tools. The Clover App Market further expands the system's capabilities by providing access to numerous third-party applications that integrate seamlessly with the POS system. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their Clover setup to suit their specific needs and industry requirements.
3. Enhanced Payment Processing: Efficient payment processing is crucial for any business, and Clover excels in this area. It supports multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and even contactless options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Clover also offers built-in EMV chip card readers, ensuring secure transactions and reducing the risk of fraud. Additionally, the system provides options for splitting payments, issuing refunds, and accepting tips, making the checkout process smooth and convenient for both businesses and customers.
4. Cloud-Based and Mobile-Friendly: Clover POS systems leverage cloud-based technology, enabling businesses to access real-time data and manage operations from anywhere with an internet connection. This accessibility is especially beneficial for multi-location businesses or business owners on the move. Clover's mobile-friendly capabilities allow you to use smartphones or tablets to accept payments, manage inventory, and view sales data on the go. This flexibility empowers businesses to stay connected and in control of their operations at all times.
5. Exceptional Customer Support: Clover is renowned for its dedicated customer support, providing assistance to businesses whenever they need it. Whether you require technical support, guidance in using specific features, or help with troubleshooting, Clover's customer support team is readily available. They offer phone support, live chat, and a comprehensive knowledge base, ensuring that businesses can quickly resolve any issues and maximize the benefits of their Clover POS system.

Clover POS systems have established themselves as a leading choice for modern businesses seeking a reliable, feature-rich, and versatile POS solution. With their all-in-one design, robust features and applications, enhanced payment processing capabilities, cloud-based accessibility, and exceptional customer support, Clover POS systems empower businesses to streamline their operations, enhance customer experience, and drive growth. Whether you run a retail store, a restaurant, or any other type of business, choosing Clover POS can be a smart decision that positions you at the forefront of technology and provides you with the tools necessary to thrive in today's competitive marketplace. By embracing the power of Clover, you can take your business to new heights of efficiency, productivity, and success.

If you have any questions about Clover payment solutions, feel free to reach out to us at 1-844-634-1100 ext. 225.

As a business owner, you know how important it is to have a reliable payment processing system in place. It's the backbone of any successful operation, and it's what allows your customers to make purchases with ease. But with the ever-evolving payments industry, it can be challenging to navigate the various payment providers available, and this is where Universal Payments comes in to help you.

Universal Payments is a payment processing platform that offers a wide range of payment options, making it easy for businesses to accept payments from customers around the world. This system helps you navigate merchant acquiring, providing a more seamless experience for you and your customers.

Here are some reasons why Universal Payments can benefit your business:

1. Increased Payment Options with Universal Payments, your business can accept a wide range of payment options, including credit and debit cards, and more. By offering these payment options, you're providing your customers with the flexibility to pay using their preferred method, which can result in increased sales and customer satisfaction. Universal Payments also provides all solutions to run your business from retail to restaurant solutions.
2. Global Reach In today's digital world, your customers can be located anywhere in the world. Universal Payments offers payment processing solutions that can cater to different countries and currencies. With this, you can easily expand your business globally without worrying about payment barriers.
3. Security Security is a top priority when it comes to payment processing. With Universal Payments, you can ensure that your transactions are secure and protected from fraud. The platform offers various security features such as encryption, tokenization, and fraud detection, which helps safeguard your business and customers' sensitive information.
4. Simplified Merchant Acquiring Universal Payments offers a simplified merchant acquiring process, making it easier for businesses to accept payments from customers. The platform handles the payment process from start to finish, including payment authorization, settlement, and reconciliation, eliminating the need for you to deal with multiple payment providers.
5. Cost-Effective As a business owner, it's essential to keep your costs under control. Universal Payments offers competitive pricing and transparent fee structures, making it easier for you to manage your payment processing costs.

Universal Payments provides a range of benefits that can help your business navigate the ever-evolving payment processing landscape. With increased payment options, global reach, enhanced security features, simplified merchant acquiring, and cost-effective pricing, Universal Payments is a solution worth considering for your business.

To learn more, reach out to one of our specialists here.

A few variables are important to consider when choosing a payment provider if you own a new business or are switching providers. Understanding the concept of merchant services and the variables that you need to look at when making this decision is key, and it will define the way you will accept payments and do business with your customers.

Below are some important questions to research when choosing a merchant services provider for your business.

• Do they offer the devices/hardware and software I need to run my business?
• Are the costs and rates simple to comprehend?
• How long has the provider been in business?
• Are there any termination fees?
• Is the merchant services support agent helpful and accessible?
• Do they offer other services and tools that I will require if I decide to expand my business?
• Are there any hidden fees not discussed in your quote?

Rates & Fees

Always talk to the merchant provider about your fees, and be sure you understand how is your pricing model (flat rate, interchange plus, tiered rate), how is the length of the contract, and if there are any termination fees.

Security

To minimize risks related to accepting payments, it’s important to work only with PCI-compliant payment providers who offer advanced fraud protection – including tokenization, encryption, hosted payment forms, and other fraud management tools.

Payment integration

Make sure you partner with a merchant provider that has a variety of payment processing technology that is compatible with your current software provider. This is important to automatically import your sales to your POS device without having to enter them manually. In addition, check if your merchant provider has software that is fully integrated with their terminal offering.

Merchant Services Support

You never want to deal with payment processing issues when you’re busy doing other things in your business. But when you need it it’s essential to have support available 24/7 to troubleshoot the problem and switch your device as soon as possible if necessary. Make sure you have extra support from your merchant services provider if you need support.

Bottom Line

To discover the best merchant services for your business, look for providers who can assist you in managing and expanding your business and who are open and honest about their prices, and who offer the hardware and software that will suit your business needs. Universal Payments has been in business since 2009, we believe in a transparent and understandable pricing model to offer to our merchants. Our merchant support is always available to help, and we strive to offer our merchants the best-in-class payment technology available in the market. Our team has been involved in different businesses prior to being involved in payment processing, so we completely understand all of your concerns. We are here to help and keep you as a customer for many years and have a great working relationship as we are on your team.

Universal Payments was Incorporated in February 2009. It was founded to help merchants navigate their way through the murky waters of the credit card payment industry.

The world of credit card acceptance is very convoluted and confusing, and at Universal Payments, we try to simplify and present the products, services, and rates easily and understandably to our merchants.

Our founder adapted this methodology as he was a merchant prior to getting into the payment industry. Not knowing about all the different rates and hidden fees in the credit card industry he just acknowledged his credit card fees as a cost of doing business.  Once he entered the credit card industry he educated and saved thousands of merchants’ money on their current fees. 

How we work

We feel dealing with a small provider in the scope of the pie you get a personal service and a dedicated team to help you navigate all the different products and providers in the credit card-acquiring world. We also are here to step in if you have an issue and dealing with your terminal provider.  No one is excited about being on hold and speaking to more than one person to troubleshoot your device.  If for any reason you are on a prolonged hold we will assist and use our channels to help with your issue.

We act as your extension in managing your account and step in if you encounter any issues along the way.  We also will help set up, assist, and support any POS software on your environment that we provide in conjunction with your point-of-sale terminals.

Our services

We provide different models on all credit card rates depending on your business from a Flat Rate program where you know what you will be charged on every transaction, this is a good solution as the fluctuation in the industry will not affect your rates and you will always know your cost in so that you can calculate that into your cost of goods.

Our second offering is our Discount Rate program, where you will get a fixed “Interchange” rate on cards that don’t have associated loyalty or points programs.  There will be an uplift on all the associated loyalty/points-type cards.  This program benefits merchants that have a higher volume of cardholders that don’t have a loyalty or points program.

Finally, we have an “Interchange Plus” program where we pass along our cost from Visa, MasterCard, and an agreed-upon markup. This is a catch-all type program where you will see all the costs from Visa, MasterCard, etc., plus our nominal markup.  This is our most popular pricing model as you will provide the cost for all the different card types and our markup is clearly marked on your statement.

To start understanding the Interchange Plus Pricing Model, it’s necessary first to comprehend what are interchange fees and how they are calculated. In addition, you should know about the other popular pricing models to be able to compare their characteristics and decide among them which will be the most beneficial to your business.

What are interchange fees and how are they calculated?

Every time a consumer uses a credit or debit card to make a purchase from a business, the merchant is required to pay transaction fees (interchange fees) to their bank. Each credit card brand, Visa for example, has its own interchange fees for each card type (Visa Classic/Gold/Platinum 1.25%, Infinite 1.57%, Infinite Privilege 2.08%), plus a card brand fee (0.10%). These fees are collected by the merchant’s bank to cover handling expenses, fraud, bad debt costs, and risks associated with payment approval. The debit card also charges transaction fees; however, these are lower due to the level of risk associated with debit transactions.

Credit card issuers set and periodically modify their interchange rates based on the expenses associated with moving money, the time value of money in terms of current interest rates, and the relative risk involved. For instance, rates for Visa and Mastercard are changed twice a year, in April and October. While there are other costs associated with accepting credit and debit cards, interchange fees are the most significant of all fees paid by businesses to banks.  

Also, there are 2 main rates associated with credit card fees.  Qualified, and Non-Qualified Rates. Qualified can be called the base rate, ie Visa is 1.25% for a credit card with no loyalty or extra points programs, this is what the banks and acquirers would pay Visa for a plain Visa card charge, plus the card brand fee. A Non-Qualified charge is an uplift fee for any card with a loyalty or points program associated with that issued card, these rates vary as there are many different types of programs available.  Also, business issued cards also carry a higher interchange rate.

Click here for the current Interchange Fees.

Types of pricing models

There are three types of pricing models in credit card processing: 

• Flat Rate
• Tiered Pricing
• Interchange Plus

Flat rate

Flat rate is popular among small business owners as it’s a simple way to calculate credit card processing fees. The flat rate means the merchant will always pay the same static rate for all credit card transactions regardless of the volatility of the interchange rates of each card brand (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and card type. This is the most secure method to know what your cost will be for accepting a credit card purchases, in so that you can calculate your costs and know where you stand on accepting a credit card payment.

Tiered pricing

Merchant account providers "sell" tiered pricing to offer usually a lower rate on qualified transactions, like 1.35% for example, but then they increase fees on non-qualified transactions. Tiered pricing is commonly used as deceptive marketing on pricing by merchant providers as it`s hard to determine how much the merchant is paying on top of the interchange fees for non-qualified transactions, which many times can be the most of the sales volume, while the qualified transactions can be 35% only of the credit card sales transactions.

Interchange plus

Interchange plus is one of the most popular pricing models nowadays and the most transparent for merchant accounts. Interchange plus means the payment processor provider will pass through all the fees from banks and card brands to the merchant (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and add a fixed markup on these rates which usually is negotiated with the merchant according to their sales volume. In other words, with the Interchange Plus pricing, the merchant will see an interchange plus 40 basis points, or 0.40%, for example. That will be the profit for the payment processor and all other fees will be passed through at cost, but vary due to card type and Non-Qualified program they are associated with.

Why Interchange Plus?

Most merchants usually have a debate about choosing either a flat rate or interchange plus. Undoubtedly, one of the advantages of the flat rate is that merchants always pay the same rate, regardless of the type of card being used by their clients. On the other hand, the interchange plus model has become more popular because, in addition to being a more transparent pricing model, it also usually saves the merchant more money. As a comparison, let's say that a merchant chose a flat rate pricing model of 2.6%, and a customer uses a credit card whose interchange rate is 1.5%, in this case, scenario, the merchant will be paying to their processor bank 1.1% over the interchange cost on that transaction. On the other hand, if the merchant had an interchange plus pricing model with a 40-basis points markup rate, the merchant would be paying 1.9% on that transaction and would save 70 basis points on that sale.

In summary, Interchange plus can be confusing to understand as the interchange rates change every year, but it gives to the merchant more flexibility in their pricing model and help them to save money on transactions in which the interchange rates are lower.

Have questions?

Universal Payments is ready to help you with any questions you might have regarding payment processing solutions. Please reach out to our team merchantservices@universalpayments.ca.