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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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?
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
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
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 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
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:
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 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
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
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.
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
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
In the past year, numerous apps and different types of software have been developed to help owners take their business to a new level of efficiency. As a hard working c-store owner, you need every piece of technology to save time, money, and keep your business running smoothly. Take a
2016 was a successful year for the convenience retail and gas station industry. Now 2017 is here, and soon, a new President will be inaugurated. Most citizens are expecting change, but many are not sure what kind and to what extent. For many business owners, whether small or large, new
Consumers are inundated daily with marketing messages, all competing for their attention. From social media feeds, to TV commercials, billboards along the street, and store signage – so much visual clutter can result in overload. Consumers may just tune out the noise and disengage, limiting opportunities for retailer engagement.
We live in a world of “right now”. We also live in a world of rapidly evolving mobile technology that makes “right now” a reality. With the average person using their smartphone about one-third of the time they are awake, it’s as though humans have the world literally right at
2017 will be a race to the top for loyalty integration into mobile payments. Due to the coming wave of branded mobile wallets, Apple and Android Pay’s days as top wallet are numbered. Banks and financial institutions in the US are aggressively rolling out branded mobile wallets. Heavy competition
As a payment service provider, your retailers view you as a trusted partner. By assisting your retailers in developing a loyalty marketing strategy, you can become a partner in profitability as well as payments. Many payment service providers offer branded loyalty programs, an excellent strategy to increase merchant loyalty
An effective loyalty program is a must-have for today’s retailers. To remain relevant, retailers of all sizes must be able to provide their customers with an engaging, personalized shopping experience. As a payment service provider, you’re in an ideal position to help your retailers develop a strategy that is
Payment innovations and consumer trends are changing every aspect of retail sales. This effect is especially evident in the rapidly growing market of unattended retail. No longer the domain of simple vending machines selling candy bars and soda, unattended retail has developed into a high-growth, multi-layered and profitable segment
Store owners in the convenience store industry obviously rely on convenience to succeed. However, some fail to realize that in today’s retail landscape, convenience is a priority of every business. Most retailers are making changes to the standard retail store to improve the customer experience. Today, the fight to keep
The exchange of currency has been changing continuously and rapidly since it first began, and in today’s technological world, it’s evolving at an amazing rate. As touch screens and even wearable communication devices become “the norm”, the standard POS has morphed into a multi-faceted business-building, communication, and organization tool. Owners
Contactless technology is ushering in a whole new way to think about payments. It’s not just about a set of procedures at the point of sale. Rather, contactless technology is part of a paradigm shift in consumer and merchant interactions. By understanding how contactless technology fits into this new
Here in the US, we have an endless appetite for the latest and greatest in technology: smartphones, tablets, and even wearables. But there is one area where the US lags far behind: contactless payments. By looking at the status of contactless technology in the rest of the world, we
The Millennials. The generation made up of people who are now between the ages of 18 and 34 years old and the largest, most influential group of people in today’s society. This generation was raised in an age of technology and financial struggle. They are considered to be the
NFC is more than just a payment technology. When combined with mobile wallets and loyalty apps, NFC becomes an avenue for added value, for both merchants and consumers. Once merchants realize the benefits contactless payments bring to their business, they will be eager to adopt this technology.
The payments industry is evolving at an incredible rate of speed. Social media and online accessibility have revolutionized the way consumers and businesses interact. In our connected culture, it’s crucial to understand the ever-changing data security challenges merchants face. Adhering to protocols such as EMV and PCI are a start,
We always keep our eyes and ears open for what’s next and what’s important in the convenience and small grocery store industry. We also enjoy sharing this information with the store owners and operators that need it. Of course, what may be most helpful to you and your business might be different
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a truly innovative, secure payment method, and it’s here to stay. NFC harnesses the benefits of secure EMV protocols, low cost, fast transaction speed, and the convenience of tap-and-go payments. But if NFC is so great, why has it been so slow to gain traction
Pay-at-the-pump technology was a game changer for the gas station and convenience store industry. Because of this advancement, today’s average fuel consumer only has to spend about five minutes filling their tank and paying at the pump, and never has to wait in a line or walk into a building.
The mobile payments industry in the US is evolving at a fantastic rate. Contactless payments at the point of sale, using technology such as NFC, are a fast-growing segment of this industry. By 2017, contactless payment transactions will reach $61.75 billion, with 50.2 million users. These revenues have an
For decades, store owners in the convenience and small grocery store industry have been primarily focused on meeting the needs of the customer on-the-go. In years past, this customer has sought out the usual bag of chips, candy bars, bottled soda, or even quick-serve hot foods like hot dogs or
CDE, the payment industry’s leader in customized POS support solutions, has recently partnered with Castles Technology Co, Ltd. Together, they will provide merchants in the United States access to secure and innovative devices like the PaySaber MP200, and other affordable EMV-ready solutions. CDE’s P2PE capabilities make them the ideal partner
The payment processing industry has seen many developments in technology and security since its early days. In the past 50 years or so, we’ve watched the processing of credit and debit cards evolve from a manual process requiring clunky equipment and long processing times, to transactions that can happen in
Are your customers pulled to be loyal to your store beyond physical convenience? One problem goEBT customers have described is the difficulty of gaining new loyal customers, besides the ones that live nearby. One goEBT customer said, “Most of my customers are people who live within 100 feet of my
In your typical C-Store or small grocery store, every item on every shelf has an image and writing on it and the same goes for everything on your walls and windows. With all that visual “white noise” consumers report noticing virtually no signage in a typical c-store or small grocery
As a total solutions provider, we handle POS devices from purchase all the way to the time that they have to be recycled. We understand the importance of maintaining security throughout the entire life cycle of a device. We also understand that there are a lot of factors that
One key factor in maximizing your sales is paying close attention to the trends in your sales as the day goes on. In the c-store industry, the different times of the day have long been referred to as “dayparts” and they have been the cornerstone upon which many stores have
Like most companies do, CDE had recently reached a point in time where it was clear that some “refreshing” was definitely in order. The team was looking for a new, vibrant, up-to-date look to liven up our image and match the work that’s being done in the business. Technology was
Are you outsourcing parts or all of your hardware management operations such as procurement, inventory management, deployment, etc.? Are you using several different vendors to handle different steps in the process? If so, then you probably experience the difficulty of trying to keep track of all your equipment, parts, and
As a small store owner, it can often seem like you’re in a deadlock when wanting to add to your store and build your business. Obstacles often present themselves in a number of ways. We’ve heard from merchants that site property limitations, small budgets, legal hurdles, security concerns, and even
CDE has remained a family owned business for over 25 years. As a fairly small business, with about 65 employees, we maintain a pretty close-knit environment. We believe in doing things that allow all employees to connect with each other while doing something fun or rewarding. We have monthly birthday
If you’re the owner of a grocery or convenience store, having loyal customers is probably a priority of yours. If not, it should be. When you have customers that value your business and actually prefer to spend their money at your store, your overall success is much more likely. The
No matter the business, the customer always come first. Sure, it may sound cliché, but this is actually important to keep at the top of mind when caring for merchants and their needs. When your customer base continues to grow, it’s easy to begin worrying about just simply running business
One of the key strategies that payment solutions companies often use to build business, is investing in new technology. In a world of continuous research and development that leads to continuous advancements in technology, these investments are typically necessary. However, there are times when acquiring the latest devices or implementing
Technology’s constantly evolving for one reason or another. When it comes to technology in the payments industry, it’s usually for one of two reasons: security or convenience, sometimes both. When these changes take place, it’s generally a necessity for businesses to upgrade accordingly and avoid vulnerabilities or the stigma that
Hardworking entrepreneurs rely on the vendors they use for various services, including payment processing, to provide the quality service they need to continue building a successful business. In today’s world, businesses rely heavily on electronic payments to process their daily transactions and make money. When you are the owner and
Even as electronic payment processing continues to evolve with the use of cards, and now even contactless payments, cash transactions are still very important. As cash continues to be a need for consumers, ATMs remain an important piece of technology as well. Businesses can benefit a great deal from having
Now that you’ve decided to become an authorized SNAP retailer through the USDA and FNS, your first step is filling out the application. FNS has made this process pretty simple by putting the whole application into an easy to navigate website portal. That means, you don’t even have to worry
If you are like the large majority of us, you probably expect a certain level of quality in every product or service you pay for. As you can imagine, the managers and owners of businesses are dedicated to seeing their businesses succeed and want to be sure that they
After over 25 years in the business, CDE remains a family owned business with employees that value a close-knit culture. As a CEO, Mr. Joe Barna takes great pride in ensuring that his employees are healthy and happy, both inside and outside of the workplace. One of his key initiatives
Food Stamps are provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (a program provided by the USDA), to help people in need purchase groceries for their household. Many people only view SNAP as a way to provide help to members of the community in need, but business owners do
Part of accepting EBT or SNAP payments in your store is making sure that you are carrying the right food and beverage products to not only remain an authorized SNAP retailer, but also keep cardholders satisfied. Adhering to the USDA’s regulations on SNAP eligible items and also meeting customer demands
CDE was founded with the dedication to changing the ways businesses handled the acquisition, distribution, and maintenance of their critical point of sale terminals. This spirit of innovation has remained in the company for over 25 years and is still alive today. Part of our most recent efforts to
The decisions about how to process payments electronically is a difficult one. With the ever-changing technology of both hardware and software, the continuously evolving habits and demands of consumers, and all of the “moving parts” of transactions, making these choices can become overwhelming. Despite all of the complexities of choosing
Bluefin became the first North American company to receive PCI validation for a P2PE solution in March 2014 and today offers P2PE products for retail, mobile, kiosk, and call center environments.
It’s 2016, and just like any other year, many of us are starting off the year with new goals and new plans to accomplish them.
The United States has officially made the switch to EMV technology. For all of the country’s businesses, this means there will be a number of changes and adjustments to be made. Although changing anything about the way you do business or collect payment may seem like a troublesome task, there
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