As the payment industry continues to evolve, it’s important that businesses are making technology accessible to all consumers, including those who are disabled. As merchants seek options that allow disabled consumers to pay at their businesses, providers in the payment space are tasked with the innovation that makes this possible.
Throughout the year gas prices rise and fall affecting your customers shopping and fueling habits. It is important to know how to keep your customers happy no matter what the price is at the pump so that your profits stay consistent all year long.
In recent years, consumers have been enjoying the fruits of innovation when it comes to new payment solutions like Venmo and Google Pay. And thanks largely to FinTech and cloud technology, more businesses are also beginning to streamline payment methods, especially B2B payments.
Most c-store owners understand that advancements in payment technology are causing fuel consumers to come into the c-store from the pump less and less. Because gas margins are so thin compared to those on items sold inside the c-store, this is a troubling trend for store owners. C-store owners can
By the end of 2016 there were over 150,000 convenience stores across the United States. As this number continues to grow, we see that there is a huge demand for convenience as they help to expand the communities that they are apart of. Take a look as we dive into the top five
Tech trends constantly make just about every aspect of our daily lives faster, from speedier Internet access to the ability to make remote bank deposits. The ability for the businesses to process payments faster is no exception. Now, cutting-edge advancements have made real-time payment processing a reality, although the widespread
Moving beyond snacks and sodas, sandwiches are one of the more recent trends emerging in c-stores across the country. Customers are wanting quality meal options that are satisfying and quick to pick-up and go. Creating a fresh menu filled with variety will please customers and ensure that they will pick your
In recent years, most Americans can’t help but take note of the many retail stores and chains closing their doors. Every month we hear of store closings and bankruptcies such as Macy’s, Kmart, Payless Shoe Store, RadioShack, Christian Bookstores and others.
July is almost over and temperatures are still high. If you haven’t already began offering frozen drinks to your consumers, it’s not too late to start. With more consumers shifting the way they think about food and beverage choices, there are plenty of frozen dispensed beverage trends to take advantage
June and July were big months for legislation changes and reform affecting c-stores. Depending on what city or state you are in, changes may range from new taxes to attempting to overturn old reforms. Stay up-to-date on what new regulations could help or hurt your c-store’s profits.
Over the years, the use of prepaid cards across the world has continued to become more prevalent. Today’s consumers use this payment method for a number of reasons, from a lack of nearby banks to budgeting efforts. In 2015, the FDIC reported that 9.8% of U.S. households used prepaid cards.
E15 may be one of the best options for additional fuel profits for c-store owners. E15 is one of the newest gas alternatives that appeals to both environmentally conscious customers and c-store owners looking to spend less on fuel.
Many of the best convenience stores are filled with products of all kinds. These different products often come from several brands and in an assortment of varieties. For the c-store shopper, choosing the right product can be a challenge when standing among all their options. Because many convenience customers are
Since tobacco has continued to suffer under heavy government regulations, major tobacco firms have began funding the research and development of vape products. People are overall smoking less and beginning to switch to vaping, a new nicotine alternative.
Technology is evolving at an exponential rate and the way that consumers view cash is changing with it. As new methods of payment become available, consumers are adapting the way they shop and spend their money. In recent years, many payments industry reports have said that cash will soon be
As more electric vehicles (EV) emerge, many are wondering if there is a future for gasoline powered automobiles. Looking at the overall progress of alternatively fueled cars can help us understand what is happening now and what will come in the future.
Bitcoin has frequently been the topic of discussion in the financial and payments industry. Although the anonymous virtual currency has long been associated with the black market and fraud, the reputation for bitcoin has changed in recent years. Today, accepting bitcoin for goods and services is an opportunity for all
Now that Summer has arrived, shoppers are reaching for cold and satisfying treats to help deal with the rising temperatures. With gas prices at all-time lows, customers are able to spend more money on the food items they want inside of c-stores. When it comes to frozen treats customers are becoming more
In 2016, it was estimated that almost $7 billion would be spent on food for the Fourth of July. Otherwise known as America’s Independence day, this holiday has become an annual time of relaxation and celebration with family and loved ones. With most spending the holiday eating, it is important that
Business owners of all kinds want to know that they’re getting the most out of the money they invest in their business. When it comes to credit and debit card processing, most merchants have a hard time understanding just what they’re getting when they pay their providers and where all
Mandeep and her husband are the owners and operators of American Eagle, a gas station and convenience store in Toccoa, Georgia. In a small country town like Toccoa, American Eagle has become a hub for the community. Because large grocery stores or even fast food chain locations are few and
In 2016, it was predicted that 35 percent of Americans are planning to take a family vacation 50 miles or more away from home. With so many people traveling you need to make sure your store is appealing so that customers are more likely to stop in and make a purchase.
Today’s payments landscape has become very complex as the demands of consumers have changed, security measures have become more rigorous, and technology has continued to evolve quickly. These challenges make navigating the payments industry difficult for everyone involved in the payments industry, including merchants. This is especially true for businesses
In January 2017, 63.8 percent of c-store shoppers made a candy or gum purchase. This makes your customers’ favorite sugar cravings an important category in your c-store. Learning about who they are and why they are buying can help you offer the best selection.
Have you ever walked into a retail store and completed an entire shopping trip without ever interacting with a single store employee? If so, you know how impersonal this feels and how it can cause you to have a more negative impression of that store. On the flip side, there
The convenience industry is an exciting fast paced world where owner’s can look forward to exciting growth in the coming years. Within the last thirty years the number of c-stores has dramatically increased by 63%, showing that people are taking advantage of how profitable owning a convenience store can be.
Jack Link’s has rolled out a whole new twist on their famous meat links. Now introducing a breakfast line with high and complete protein meat that will allow customers to enjoy Jack Link’s any time of day. Jack Link’s A.M. will allow customers to pick from bacon or sausage flavors that
The future of cash payments has been a hot topic in the payments and fintech industry for quite some time now. Over time, innovators have created a number of alternatives for consumers to use as payments in their daily transactions. However, mobile payment adoption has grown slowly and consumers
We are proud to announce that CDE is now a PCI validated P2PE v.2 facility. This new certification is more proof that we’re keeping payment security top of mind. With our P2PE v.2 validation, we have an even better opportunity to help make the lives of our partners and their
By now, all c-store retailers should be aware of the importance of optimizing the shelves in their store. Where a product is placed can make all the difference in whether it sells. There are several best practice concepts that store owners can use to best organize their store shelves and
Rewards programs are emerging as one of the most helpful tools that c-store’s can use to keep customers coming in. Rewarding your customers for being loyal is not just for big chains anymore. Creating a program can be easy and stress-free if you have the right information and tools.
Summertime is well underway and while the kids are out of school and families have a little extra free time, consumers will likely be spending some extra money. Between vacations, summer camps, and school shopping there are more than enough reasons for consumers to spend in the summer months and
By 2018 there will be more mobile devices than people on the planet. This means that mobile is one of the easiest ways to communicate and build relationships with your customers. A mobile application for your store will allow you to engage with them in their preferred method of communication, and
Ravi Patel is the owner of Little Giant convenience store in Calhoun, Georgia. For the last six years, Patel has strived to make his business better than his competition by going above and beyond in the areas of customer service and convenience.
Candy dollar sales are predicted to grow 1.8 percent in 2017. Take advantage of this growth by learning the current trends that customers will want to buy from your c-store.
In the payments industry, technology is everything. However, no matter how many consumers are excited by the latest and greatest in payment processing and other financial technology, companies must invest in marketing to sell their products. In today’s very noisy world, standing out amongst all the other advertisements is harder
While gasoline purchases are the number one reason why shoppers go to convenience stores, food and beverages follow close behind at number two. Consumers of all ages are drawn to the ease of grabbing a quick drink whether it’s on their way to work or before they get back on
Your product packaging is a key factor in merchant satisfaction and your company’s image. If your goal is to ensure that merchants have a positive experience and remain loyal to your business well into the future, you should definitely be paying attention to everything they receive from your business. When
During the Summer months, customers will be pouring into c-stores in search for their favorite products. As your store begins to gain heavier foot traffic, prepare for the increase in customers by optimizing your store’s space. Many store owners find that their store is lacking organization or structure that can be hindering their
With today’s consumer, convenience is everything. The increasing demands for easier, more user-friendly ways to pay have fintech players working hard every day to find newer, faster, better solutions. However, as those in the payments industry work hard to make life easier for consumers, fraudsters are following closely behind looking
C-store sales often get a summertime boost due to thirsty out-of-school kids. Take advantage of the 4.5% increase in sales by choosing items specifically for warmer months. Picking the right products and learning how to market towards children can make a huge splash in your Summer profits.
Studies say that most people spend 53 hours a year at the grocery store. However, as technology has evolved and the consumer demand for more convenience has grown, more consumers are turning toward grocery delivery options. In fact, as of 2015 a quarter of global respondents were already ordering groceries
On June 27, 1967, the world’s first automatic teller machine (ATM) made its debut outside a Barclays bank branch just outside of London. Now, there is a plaque memorializing that early machine and with ATM usage on decline, the machines’ days seem to be numbered.
In today’s food and retail industries, choices are seemingly endless and several trends are driving the way that consumers purchase and eat food. One trend, healthy eating, continues to be critical to the success of many food retailers and restaurants today. Over time, Americans have become more health conscious than
Colleges and universities remain one of the prime targets for hackers and identity thieves. However, stopping the criminals from accessing the sensitive data has been no easy feat for educational institutions. The large quantities and variety of data in the broad networks of universities makes protecting the organization from cyber-attacks
Large companies are on the hunt to acquire c-stores. Just in 2017, there have been hundreds of stores acquired pushing new competitors into the c-store market. As companies compete for growth it is important to know the latest company acquisitions, the pros and cons of selling your store, and what
In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was passed. This legislation protected small business owners and consumers alike, by placing a limit on the fees that banks could charge businesses for debit and credit card swipes. The fee reform meant business owners could grow their bottom
In a scientific telephone survey of 1,000 adult Americans, 75 percent said they have made an impulse purchase. By definition, impulse buying is the act of purchasing something unplanned after feeling the sudden urge to buy a product. This often happens when a customer has come into your c-store to
By now we’ve all heard of the Internet of Things (IoT). But what does it mean for everyday merchants? And what should payment service providers know about this trend?
The convenience store is a staple in almost every neighborhood. Although these neighborhoods and the people who live in them are all different, some studies have shown that trends do exist across the convenience industry and the customers that frequent stores across the country. While your “regular” customers may frequent
We’re well into the year 2017, and the May 17th deadline for ensuring your store is up to date with new SNAP retailer stocking regulations is fast approaching. If you haven’t already, look over the changes that have been made to stocking requirements and make sure your store is carrying
Seasonality is more important than you may think to your store’s success. It’s June now and you can surely count on your customers to start coming into your store for those summertime essentials. Sure, your regular customers will likely still visit to pick up their typical items, but many will
The checkout counter is the last chance to get customers to purchase additional items and leaves a lasting impression in customers’ minds. Making sure your counter has a tempting “selling zone” that draws in impulse shoppers to increase your profits. Understanding what is working and how you can improve can
Owning and operating your very own business comes with a lot of responsibility, which for some people, can mean a lot of worry. While it can be easy to get caught up in the anxiety of failing or making mistakes, operating your c-store in a constant state of fear could
There are over 155,000 c-stores in the Unites States alone. Competition is on every owner’s mind. Whether it is a new business opening down the street or a rival store that you’ve been competing with for years, understanding how customers think and why they might choose another store over you is the first step
In 2016, a Ponemon Institute study of 383 companies across the world showed that the average total cost of a data breach is $4 million. This was a 29% increase in the cost since 2013. Although businesses and financial institutions seem to be fighting for tougher data security, thieves are
In today’s regulatory environment, health inspectors are evaluating retailers on the efforts they are making to keep their consumers safe rather than what might already be wrong. Inspections are no longer only intended to check for obvious potential dangers, but also to examine the procedures and standards in an individual
Keeping the right products in your store is about more than simply finding the ones you get a great deal on, the ones other stores are carrying, or even the ones customers have bought before. Deciding what products you should stock in your store, and how, should rely on a
Spring is in full bloom and while many people might be cleaning closets or re-organizing their garage, the season could also be a great time for merchants to consider sprucing up their point of sale. While it is easy for businesses to become complacent, there is plenty of opportunity to
To get ready for spring some of the biggest chocolate companies are rolling out holiday-themed versions of their most popular candies. Check out what yummy items you could carry this spring to bump up profits and draw in customers with a sweet tooth!
It’s no secret that EMV compliance is a boon for your merchants’ security. Visa reports that fraudulent card-present transactions have dropped 43% for merchants who have made the switch1. However, criminals are not easily deterred. As card security measures become more sophisticated, so do criminals’ techniques. Here are 4
The 2016 United States presidential election left a considerable portion the country with many uncertainties about the future. One major area of concern going into 2017 is the country’s economy and the outlook for current and potential business owners. While 80% of roughly 1,400 executives from small and mid-sized businesses
The first self-service, interactive kiosk was developed and implemented at the University of Illinois in 1977 for easy access to campus information. By 1991, the first commercial kiosk with internet access was introduced. Since then, technology has made leaps and bounds. The rise of technology is allowing consumers and businesses
Out of stock can sometimes mean out of business, according to Jim Callahan of Convenience Store Decisions. Many owners have not been paying attention to the effects that out-of-stock products can have on a c-store. It is important to understand how this is happening and how it can cause you
Things are really looking up for EMV migration in the US. According to recent Visa statistics, 39% of US merchants now utilize EMV capable terminals, representing 49% of in-store Visa transactions1. So while we’re not quite over the tipping point with EMV terminals, we are quickly heading in that direction.
We really can’t say this enough: Owning and operating a convenience store is a tough job. When you are a single store owner with very little help, this job is even harder. Not only do many c-store owners independently own and operate their store, they are often actually doing the
Today’s consumers are all about convenience. To meet this demand, mobile technology has continued to work its way into almost everything that we do in our everyday lives, including making payments. Fintech professionals are working every day to find ways to get rid of the classic wallet and make paying
One of the most important aspects of owning a c-store is deciding product pricing to make the most profit. Learning to develop your pricing strategies, knowing what to avoid, and understanding the importance of knowing your competition’s prices helps you be informed and make the best pricing decisions. The following information
When someone says “convenient store” or “c-store” some people think of a very small store, often connected to a gas station, filled with snacks and beverages. Many people frequent c-stores for their junk food fixes or grab-and-go meals. However, many business owners are redefining the c-store by making the most
A large part of being successful within the convenience industry is being able to provide great customer service. One way many owners fall short is by not understanding how much communication with your customers can affect this service. It is important to learn the common errors that occur and how
Setting up, staffing, and managing a call center is no easy feat. However, when done right, this department of your business could make all the difference. Whether you decide to host an in-house call center or outsource, you could enjoy all of the following benefits:
Nearly two-thirds of convenience stores are independently owned and operated. The single-store or family owned business has recently re-emerged as a major trend in convenience. Some large stores are even remodeling their locations to achieve the small business and more local aesthetic. With new and innovative trends still giving the larger companies and chains a competitive advantage, Mom
If anyone needs a cutting edge POS solution, it’s restaurants. In a fast paced, dynamic environment, restaurants need a system that helps streamline and coordinate the many channels they must keep balanced. Tablet based POS systems hit all the marks for efficiency, flexible design and profitability, making them a great
In the food and beverage retail industry, women make up more than half of the workforce but are only 27% of its management. The women who do hold these roles within the c-store industry are making a difference. Due to their numerous achievements, these women are pushing past challenges and taking their companies
As the frequency and amount of credit and debit card payments increased throughout the 90s and into the 2000s, there were many small businesses that were left unable to maximize their profits due to the difficulty and expense involved with obtaining a card processing system. That’s when a company called
Recently, the USDA passed a new rule regarding minimum stock requirements for SNAP authorized retailers. The changes to the rule are significant, but should not be very difficult for convenience store owners to comply with.
In the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s, the FBI took great strides in educating and protecting c-store chains from crime. In recent years, many new ‘Mom and Pop’ single owner stores have emerged into the c-store industry. Without the proper knowledge and resources, these stores have become vulnerable to crime, especially those
In the ever-evolving payments industry, advancements made in the name of added convenience and consumer preferences typically call for new and improved security measures. Unfortunately, the enhancements in cyber security and fraud prevention typically mean less convenience for consumers making payments and the businesses accepting them. Now, there’s an
One of the toughest, yet most important, responsibilities that comes with being the owner and operator of a convenience store is keeping your store stocked with all of the products your customers want and need. This task is especially difficult when you’re a single store owner with nowhere near the
Know Your Location’s Risks
In 2014, healthcare had the second largest number of security breaches. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve and become more dependent upon patient payments, the complexity involved with protecting patient data grows. Healthcare organizations, large and small, hold a great deal of responsibility in protecting their patient’s personal data,
Running a c-store is becoming increasingly complex. Combine together new trends with changing technology and new competitors, and you’ll find that running a c-store can seem overwhelming. Here are the top five most confusing c-store concepts explained so you can understand what is going on with the convenience industry today.
As a merchant services provider, your goal is to ensure that the merchants you serve can complete payment transactions with ease all the time. However, in today’s complex and continuously evolving payments landscape, doing this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Because of the many factors involved with providing payment
Today, there are roughly 44.2 million Americans receiving food stamp benefits, including children. With an average of $125 in benefits being issued to each individual in the program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical part of the federal aid available to low income Americans. Over the years,
Omnichannel is all the buzz in 2017. But what does it mean for your retailers?
C-store’s are evolving quickly as a younger generation of owners are coming in and changing the way we view convenience. The “modern convenience concept” includes an array of new techniques that appeal to both older and younger customers. Below are some of typical “modern” c-store components to help you understand what
Tablet-based POS systems bring amazing new customer engagement opportunities for retailers: customized promotions, loyalty tie-ins, instant discounts, and so much more. As a payment service provider, you’re in a key role to educate your merchants on the various revenue-building options they may employ. However, you might also find yourself
Tax Season is well underway, and while most of us would probably like to think about taxes as little as possible, it’s important that both you and your store are ready. Between filing your own business’ tax returns and your consumers filing theirs, there is plenty to consider between now
54.8% of consumers celebrate Valentine’s Day. Every February customers spend money on candy, flowers, and other holiday related products. With total spending expected to reach $18.2 billion, it is important to make sure your store is stocked and ready for Valentine’s Day.
Trying to decide what you should sell in your store can be stressful. Cigarettes and alcohol sales have been a major factor in c-store sales over the last several years. Now with recent changes in government regulations make sure you are aware of what is happening and how it can
It’s 2017 and W-2s have been printed and mailed. While you’re planning for you own tax obligations, be aware that many consumers are filing their own taxes and likely receiving a refund. According to IRS data, “8 out of 10 US taxpayers will get a refund averaging just under $3,000”1.
W-2s have been printed, mailed, and delivered by now and as we near mid-February, retailers are not only planning to file their own taxes, but also preparing for an influx of consumers ready to spend their income tax refunds. Merchants will be working to increase their traffic and sales while
Throughout the year there are many different events that are specifically intended to benefit the convenience store industry. From food and drink expos, to discussions about new government regulations, there is an event that every c-store owner can benefit from. Look through the list we compiled below to see which events
CDE, a leader in POS security and compliance solution execution, is now partnering with USAePay to provide more secure payment processing to merchants through contactless EMV and P2PE solutions. CDE’s Key Injection Facility (KIF) is an integral part of encrypting the PaySaber MP200 device and offering a complete EMV solution
The complicated framework of the payments industry incorporates regulation from various government entities. Between the OCC, FRB, FDIC, CFPB, FTC, and NCUA new regulatory guidance is always in the works and being handed down to payment technology companies. As payment technology evolves and new innovations go to market, new
To prepare for the Super Bowl, U.S. consumers spend $14.3 billion every year, with 79% of people purchasing only food items[i]. No matter where your c-store is, you will undoubtedly be catering to customers who are coming to stock up on all the most popular game day essentials. This means
The average time from the moment a merchant says yes to the time they are full onboarded is three to five days. In this time frame, the merchants’ anticipation of what is to come with their new service is building. With so much pressure on the payment service provider to
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