Think you’re paying too much in processing fees? You just might be. Discover the layers of charges baked into every transaction, from interchange to hidden markups. With the right knowledge, you can cut costs and take control of your bottom line.
Episode Transcript
Hey everyone, and welcome to Firearm Payments 101, brought to you by TacticalPay!
Today, we’re breaking down something that every firearm business and FFL needs to understand: payment processing fees. Specifically, we’re talking about interchange fees, processor markups, and how to make sure you’re not overpaying.
Let’s start with interchange fees. These are the base fees set by the credit card networks—like Visa and Mastercard—and they go directly to the card-issuing banks. These fees are non-negotiable and apply no matter who your payment processor is. They’re typically the largest portion of your overall processing costs, and they can vary depending on the card type, transaction method, and your business category.
Now let’s talk about processor markups. This is the portion of your fee that goes to your payment processor, and it can be structured in a few different ways. The most common pricing models are flat-rate, tiered, and interchange-plus.
Flat-rate pricing offers simplicity. You pay the same percentage for every transaction, which makes it easy to predict your costs. This can be a good option for smaller firearms businesses or those that want straightforward billing, even if it might not always be the lowest-cost model in every case.
Tiered pricing groups transactions into categories like “qualified,” “mid-qualified,” and “non-qualified.” The rates you pay depend on how each transaction is categorized. While this model can seem reasonable at first glance, it’s often less transparent, since processors decide how transactions are grouped.
Interchange-plus pricing is widely considered the most transparent. With this model, you pay the actual interchange fee plus a clearly defined markup. It gives you a clear breakdown of where every penny goes and is a great fit for FFLs looking to optimize their processing costs.
Regardless of the pricing model you choose, reviewing your monthly statements is essential. Make sure that you understand any extra charges like monthly minimums, PCI compliance fees, or statement fees. These small costs can add up over time.
Also, be cautious about long-term contracts with cancellation penalties. A good processor should be upfront and transparent with their terms.
Thanks for tuning in! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe for more industry-specific payment tips. And if you’re looking for payment solutions tailor-made for firearms businesses, visit TacticalPay.com today.