Launching a new business is exhilarating—new ideas, fresh opportunities, and the thrill of growth. But as a startup merchant, one area can quickly turn excitement into stress: payment processing. Whether you’re selling online, in-store, or both, how you handle transactions sets the tone for cash flow, customer trust, and scalability. For new businesses, getting it right from the start is key. Here are seven essential tips to build a payment processing foundation that fuels your journey from startup to success.
Choose a Processor That Grows With You
Startups evolve fast—what works for 10 sales a day might collapse at 100. Pick a payment processor with scalable solutions that match your growth trajectory. Look for flexible volume caps and systems that handle spikes without freezes. A provider stuck in “small biz” mode can stall you just as momentum builds, so plan for the future now.
Keep Fees Low to Protect Your Margins
Every dollar counts when you’re starting out. Generic processors often charge 2.5-3% per transaction—or more with hidden fees—eating into your slim margins. Research providers offering competitive, transparent rates tailored to new businesses. Even a 1% savings can fund marketing or inventory as you scale.
Get Funds Fast to Fuel Operations
Cash flow is a startup’s lifeline, and slow payouts can choke it. Some processors hold funds for days or weeks, leaving you scrambling to pay suppliers or staff. Opt for same-day or next-day funding to keep money moving. Quick access to cash means you’re running your business, not waiting on it.
Accept Every Payment Type Customers Want
Your customers won’t wait for you to catch up. From credit cards to digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) to emerging options like BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later), they expect flexibility. A processor that supports all major payment methods—online and in-store—widens your reach and boosts sales from day one.
Don’t Fear the High-Risk Label
Selling non-conventional products or services—like CBD, subscriptions, or digital goods—might tag you as “high-risk.” Traditional processors may reject you or slap on steep fees, but don’t let that stop you. Seek out providers experienced with high-risk merchants who offer fair approvals and support, not roadblocks.
Invest in Equipment That Works Smarter
Clunky terminals or glitchy gateways can sour first impressions—fast. Startups need reliable, modern hardware that’s easy to set up and use, whether it’s a sleek countertop terminal or an e-commerce plugin. Look for processors offering free or low-cost equipment options to save upfront costs without sacrificing quality.
Lean on Expert Support When You Need It
As a new merchant, you’re learning the ropes—payment hiccups shouldn’t leave you stranded. Choose a processor with responsive, one-on-one support, not just automated chatbots. A dedicated account manager can troubleshoot declines, explain fees, or guide you through growth, saving you time and stress.
Real-World Impact
Take a new online retailer selling artisanal goods. They started with a big-name processor charging 2.9% per sale, holding funds for three days, and rejecting half their orders due to “risk.” Switching to a startup-friendly provider cut fees to 1.5%, delivered funds daily, and approved every legit sale. Within months, they doubled revenue—proof that the right processing partner turns hurdles into headway.
Leap Payments: Your Startup’s Payment Ally
From your first sale to your thousandth, payment processing shouldn’t slow you down—it should propel you forward. At Leap Payments, we’ve got new businesses covered with everything these tips demand. Enjoy fast approvals in as little as 24 hours, a free top-notch terminal*, and lower rates than big-box processors like PayPal or Stripe. We specialize in supporting high-risk merchants—think non-conventional or niche products—with dedicated account managers to guide you one-on-one. Accept all forms of payment, get same-day funding to keep cash flowing, and rely on higher volume caps with fewer freezes as you grow. Ready to build a payment foundation that lasts? Fill out our contact form and see how we turn startup challenges into success stories.
Start Strong, Scale Smart
Payment processing isn’t just a startup necessity—it’s a growth engine. With these seven tips, you can sidestep pitfalls and set your new business up for the long haul. Leap Payments is here to make it happen—because your success is our priority.
*for qualifying merchants
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