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scope of merchants and processors. Many employ Mobile phone payments leverage the secure element
multilayered security to further protect transactions in mobile phones and robust infrastructure of estab-
from online fraud. According to recent reports, So- lished mobile networks. Merchants appreciate the
fort GmbH banking processes 3 million transactions prompt, cost-effective transaction processing and
a month across 30,000 ecommerce sites, and TrustPay, enhanced security of these mobile payment schemes.
licensed and regulated by National Bank of Slovakia, • Support cryptocurrencies, alternative payments
processes instant bank transfers from more than 60
European banks in 52 countries and supports 10 pay- Growing consumer and retailer adoption of bitcoin
ment methods. and other digital currencies has prompted gateways
Bank transfer payments, unlike other forms of credit, and service providers to support cryptocurrency
schemes. Online retailer Overstock disclosed Aug. 8,
securely move funds between consumer and mer- 2017, that it will accept all major "alt-coins." The com-
chant bank accounts, using the highest forms of secu- pany has accepted bitcoin for years and will now ac-
rity available while eliminating ancillary fees. Many cept Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, Monero, and Bitcoin
participating merchants pass through courtesy dis- Cash.
counts with every bank transfer transaction.
• Support in-app and phone payments Merchants who accept alternative payment methods
provide an expanded menu of payment options to
Javelin Strategy & Research predicted mobile prox- make payments safe and convenient for their custom-
imity payments will exceed $90 billion and retail pay- ers. Customers can check out with mobile payments,
ments via mobile apps and browsers will reach $318.8 prepaid cards, e-wallets, e-vouchers, bank transfers
billion in 2020. Developing countries are adopting and more. These options can help turn shoppers into
Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and other schemes, sup- buyers, while improving merchants' conversion rates
ported by mobile network operators, studies have and profit margins.
shown. Some, like DaoPay, which states it serves us- Dale S. Laszig, Senior Staff Writer at The Green Sheet and Managing
ers in 48 countries, require no credit card or bank ac- Director at DSL Direct LLC, is a payments industry journalist and content
count. Others, like Turkey's 3pay, work with multiple
carriers and offer prepaid and credit services. provider. She can be reached at dale@dsldirectllc.com and on Twitter at
@DSLdirect.
BoostYourBiz

Tapping into your Once you've identified this segment, it takes significant

pressure off your sales and marketing teams, Baxter
super-user base noted. Below are several tips to help you nurture your
own superuser group and cultivate more just like them:
• What does your superuser group do for you now?
Define the ways in which this group has helped
mpowered by the Internet, high-spending, your business expand. Is it new recruits, merchant
high-frequency "super shoppers" have emerged. referrals or boasting about your business in online
Representing only 13 percent of the general communities that has generated the most desirable
E population, this group accounts for 87 percent outcomes?
of all spending on physical goods purchased online each
month, according a global analysis by Worldpay. Robbie • What traits does this group have in common? Jot
Kellman Baxter, author of The Membership Economy, went down the similarities that exist among members of
so far as to call this group of "superusers" – as she defines this group. Do they share demographic similarities
this segment – a powerful secret weapon. or did they onboard through similar channels?
• What's in it for them? Define what motivates your
As an ISO or merchant level salesperson, tapping into superuser group. Superusers must have reasons to
core supporters can become more of a business asset, but back your enterprise. What needs do you uniquely
you must first identify them. "Your superusers are those fulfill and what feedback have you received that
customers who show up a lot, send you support requests, supports your thesis?
submit the most comments in your brand's community, • What can you do to cultivate look-alikes? Now that
speak at your events, serve as references and send tons you have a clear description of your prime users,
of members your way," said Baxter about creating a consider prospects with similar attributes who are
customer-centric strategy for recruiting loyal followers in not yet behaving as superusers. Determine what
the membership economy. differences you must overcome to meet them in the
middle. Then target and reward them.

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