3 Questions Every Merchant Should Ask

Choosing a payment processor can feel like a chore. You know you need one, but the whole process is filled with confusing terms, shady sales pitches, and the nagging feeling that you’re about to get ripped off. It’s easy to just sign on the dotted line to get it over with, only to regret it when you see your first monthly statement. 

Let’s change that. You’ve worked way too hard to build your business to let hidden fees and clunky tech eat into your profits and frustrate your customers. It’s time to take control. The good news is, you don’t need to become a payment processing expert overnight. You just need to ask the right questions. 

Think of this as your secret weapon. We’ve boiled it down to three essential questions every merchant should ask before committing to a payment processor. Asking these will help you cut through the noise, avoid the common traps, and find a partner that actually helps your business grow. 

1. "Can you show me a full breakdown of all fees? Like, all of them?"

This is the big one. The payment processing industry has a reputation for its creative fee structures, and for good reason. Many providers will hook you with a super-low rate, but they conveniently forget to mention all the other charges that will magically appear on your bill. 

Your goal is to get beyond the advertised "low rate" and understand the total cost. Don’t let them get away with vague answers. You need to press for specifics. 

Key things to dig into: 

• Interchange Fees vs. Flat Rates: Ask how they structure their pricing. Is it a flat rate for all transactions (like 2.9% + 30¢), or is it an "Interchange-plus" model? Neither is inherently better, but you need to know which one you’re getting and how it works. 

• The Junk Drawer of Fees: This is where they hide the bodies. Ask for a list of every single potential fee. This includes monthly fees, statement fees, PCI compliance fees, batch fees, and our personal favorite, the dreaded "non-compliance" fee. If they hesitate to provide a full list, consider that a massive red flag. 

• Early Termination Fees (ETFs): Are you locked into a long-term contract? What happens if you’re unhappy and want to leave? Some providers will hit you with a massive penalty for trying to switch. You should know this number upfront. 

The Pro Move: Ask them about Dual Pricing. This is a game-changing model where you can virtually eliminate your credit card processing fees altogether. The system offers customers a choice to pay a lower price with cash or a slightly higher price to cover the cost of a card transaction. A provider that offers and explains this transparently, like AFS, is focused on saving you money, not nickel-and-diming you. 

2. "What happens when things go wrong? Who do I call?"
   

Imagine it’s your busiest day of the year, your line is out the door, and your credit card terminal suddenly decides to take a vacation. Panic sets in. Who do you call? If the answer is an anonymous 1-800 number that leads to an endless phone tree and a 48-hour callback window, you’ve got a problem. 

Your payment system is a critical part of your business operations. When it goes down, your business stops. Support isn't a "nice-to-have"; it's an absolute necessity. 

Get straight answers on their support system: 

• Is support in-house or outsourced? In-house support teams are generally more knowledgeable and invested in solving your problem quickly. 

• What are the support hours? Your business isn’t just open from 9-to-5, and your support shouldn’t be either. Look for a provider that offers support when you actually need it, including nights and weekends. 

• Will I have a dedicated representative? Having a single point of contact who knows you and your business is invaluable. It’s the difference between feeling like a valued partner and just another account number. 

You're not just buying a piece of hardware; you're entering a partnership. Make sure your partner is going to have your back when you need them most. Don’t settle for chatbot-level service for a mission-critical part of your business. 

3. "How does your technology help my business grow?"

In the past, a payment terminal was just a tool to swipe a card. Today, modern payment solutions should do so much more. Your payment processor should be a technology partner that provides tools to help you run your business more efficiently, understand your customers better, and open up new revenue streams. 

If a provider is just trying to sell you a basic, standalone terminal, they’re stuck in the past. Your business deserves technology that works as hard as you do. 

Ask about the technology that moves the needle: 

• Modern POS Systems: Does their hardware do more than just take payments? Look for smart terminals and Point-of-Sale (POS) systems that can manage inventory, track sales data, and run customer loyalty programs. 

• Omnichannel Capabilities: Can you seamlessly accept payments in-store, online, and on the go? Your customers expect a consistent experience everywhere they interact with your brand. Your payment system should facilitate that, not complicate it. 

• Software Integrations: This is a big one. Does their payment platform integrate with your accounting software (like QuickBooks), your ERP, or other business management tools? The right integrations can save you countless hours of manual data entry and reconciliation. 

Your payment system should be the hub of your business, not just a necessary evil. It should provide you with actionable insights and tools that free you up to focus on what you do best: running your business. 

Find a Partner Who Gives You the Right Answers 

Asking these three questions will instantly tell you whether you’re talking to a true partner or just another vendor. A great payment processor won’t shy away from these conversations. They’ll welcome them. They’ll be transparent about fees, proud of their support, and excited to show you how their technology can help you succeed. 

At AFS, we built our entire business around providing the right answers. We believe in transparent pricing models like Dual Pricing that save you money. We believe in providing a dedicated, human-powered support team that’s there when you need us. And we believe in offering modern, integrated payment solutions that empower your business to grow. 

Stop guessing and start asking the right questions. When you’re ready for a payment partner that checks all the right boxes, we’re here to talk. 

Why partners are obsessed with this: 

• It’s an easy conversation starter. You’re not haggling over basis points; you’re offering to solve one of their biggest headaches. 

• It closes deals faster. This value proposition is so strong that it significantly shortens the sales cycle. 

• It increases your residual income. Offering a premium, high-value program like this allows you to build a more profitable portfolio. 

Our partners consistently tell us that leading with Dual Pricing changes the entire dynamic of their sales conversations. It shifts them from being a salesperson to a problem-solver. 

Contact AFS today.