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💰 Navigating Payment Processing Fees with CLEARswipe with Co-Founder, Jeremy Russo.

ClearSwipe, a company co-founded by Jeremy Russo, that helps businesses reduce or eliminate credit card processing fees through a strategy called dual pricing.

Jeremy Russo explains that these fees, often the third-highest cost for businesses, can be avoided by offering customers two distinct prices: a lower "cash" price and a slightly higher "credit card" price that includes the processing fee.

This discussion clarifies the nature of interchange fees, how different businesses (high-risk vs. low-risk) face varying rates, and the distinction between dual pricing (transparently displaying two options) and surcharging (adding a fee at the end of the transaction, which isn't compliant in all states).

CLEARSwipe aims to integrate seamlessly with existing accounting systems like QuickBooks and is designed to be a compliant solution for businesses of any size, offering next-day funding and month-to-month contracts.

Chapters

Introduction to CLEARSwipe @ 0:00

Jeremy Russo introduces ClearSwipe, a company that helps businesses avoid high credit card processing fees. He explains how he got involved in the business after realizing the significant costs his own company was paying in credit card fees.

Understanding Credit Card Processing Fees @ 3:42

Jeremy provides an overview of how credit card processing fees work, including the different types of fees (interchange, assessment, etc.) and how they vary based on the type of business and card used. He explains the concept of "dual pricing" where businesses can offer customers a cash discount.

Benefits of Dual Pricing @ 8:22

Jeremy dives deeper into dual pricing, explaining how it allows businesses to transparently display a credit card price and a cash price, giving customers the choice on how they want to pay. This enables the business to avoid credit card processing fees entirely.

Integrating CLEARSwipe with Existing Systems @ 11:54

Jeremy discusses how CLEARSwipe can integrate with various invoicing and payment platforms like QuickBooks, allowing businesses to seamlessly implement dual pricing without having to change their existing systems and workflows.

Compliance and Availability of CLEARSwipe @ 15:13

Jeremy clarifies that dual pricing is compliant in all states, unlike surcharging which has more restrictions. He also explains that ClearSwipe can be used by businesses of any size, locally or nationally/internationally.

Onboarding and Support with CLEARSwipe @ 18:24

Jeremy outlines the onboarding process for new ClearSwipe customers, including an initial discovery call, demo, and hands-on support to ensure a smooth integration and implementation.

Recap and Next Steps @ 30:38

Jeremy summarizes the key benefits of using ClearSwipe to save on credit card processing fees, and encourages listeners to explore the option even if they don't end up working with ClearSwipe, as the education alone can be valuable.

FAQs on CLEARSwipe: Eliminating Processing Fees with Dual Pricing

What are credit card processing fees and why do they exist?

Credit card processing fees are charges incurred by businesses when they accept credit or debit card payments. These fees are primarily made up of "interchange" fees, which are charged by card networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. These fees cover the cost of owning and using the card, as well as the processing of transactions. The exact percentage of these fees can vary based on several factors, including the type of business (e.g., high-risk versus low-risk, where high-risk businesses like tow truck services might incur higher fees due to potential chargebacks), the volume of transactions, and the specific type of card used (e.g., an American Express Platinum card with rewards will cost a business more to process than a basic debit card). Businesses ultimately bear these costs, which in turn fund the rewards and benefits consumers receive from their credit cards.

How do traditional payment processors like PayPal and Stripe compare to Clear Swipe in terms of fees?

Traditional payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and GoDaddy are widely known and trusted, making them convenient choices for many businesses, especially those just starting out. However, they typically charge higher processing fees, often ranging from 2.5% to 3.5% plus an additional 20 or 30 cents per transaction. While convenient, these fees can accumulate significantly, impacting a business's profitability, regardless of the average transaction size. Clear Swipe, on the other hand, focuses on eliminating these fees for the business by offering a "dual pricing" model, which passes the processing fee onto the customer who chooses to pay with a card. This allows businesses to retain 100% of their advertised price.

How does CLEARSwipe integrate with existing business systems like QuickBooks?

CLEARSwipe aims to minimize disruption for businesses by integrating seamlessly with existing systems where possible. For instance, CLEARSwipe has a platform that directly integrates with QuickBooks. Since QuickBooks doesn't natively support dual pricing, CLEARSwipe's system intercepts the invoice as it's being sent from QuickBooks, automatically calculates and applies the dual pricing, and then sends the invoice to the customer with both payment options displayed. This means businesses don't have to change their accounting or invoicing platforms. For other systems, particularly those with closed APIs that prioritize their own merchant processing, CLEARSwipe may offer workarounds, such as connecting their invoicing platform and then importing data to ensure businesses can maintain their primary CRM or bookkeeping system. The integration approach varies case-by-case, depending on the business's specific platforms, equipment, and payment acceptance methods.

How can a business get started with CLEARSwipe?

Businesses interested in Clear Swipe begin with a "discovery call" to determine if it's a good fit. During this call, Clear Swipe assesses the business's current payment processing methods, fees, and existing systems. Based on this, they propose the best platform solution. Most invoicing platforms offered by CLEARSwipe are inexpensive, typically costing $50 to $70 per month, which includes onboarding, integration, and 24/7 customer service. This fee also includes next-day funding for processed payments.

After the discovery call, a detailed proposal and a demo of the system are provided, allowing the business to see how it works firsthand. If the business decides to proceed, a basic application is completed for credit card processing approval. An onboarding team then assists with integration, data migration, and initial test runs, ensuring a smooth transition. Clear Swipe emphasizes a hands-on approach to ensure successful implementation.

Are there any contracts or long-term commitments with CLEARSwipe?

No, CLEARSwipe typically operates on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contracts. This flexibility allows businesses to test the system and ensure it's a good fit for their operations without being locked into a lengthy agreement. This approach aims to reduce the "hurdle of change" for businesses, offering them peace of mind that they can adjust if the solution doesn't meet their needs. However, due to the significant savings and benefits, Clear Swipe rarely sees businesses cancel.

What are the long-term benefits of using CLEARSwipe's dual pricing model?

The primary long-term benefit for businesses is the elimination of credit card processing fees, which can be a substantial expense. For some businesses, these fees can amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. By adopting dual pricing, businesses retain 100% of their advertised income, as customers choosing to pay by card cover the processing fee. This recovered capital can then be reinvested into the business for various purposes, such as increased marketing, hiring additional staff, providing employee bonuses, or even funding company events. This financial control and increased profitability can significantly improve a business's financial health and growth trajectory, leading to greater happiness and stability for business owners.

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