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CoverStory

Also, we're building much more of a web presence and Steve Sotis
putting more resources online. eProcessing Network

4. The fintechs want to eat our lunch. Their tech stacks 1. eProcessing Network LLC (ePN) has been a dependable
are impressive, but they lack a personal touch. Those gateway service provider for over 20 years, no matter
of us who build value, use tech as a tool, not as a goal, what challenges have been presented. Faced with any
and connect with our clients will get our share of the obstacle, we see it as an opportunity to enhance our
business. Finally, if you want 2021 to be the best year services to better adapt to a new environment. NFC/
ever, put your plan in place now and work on it every contactless payments have been a standout for us, along
day from now till January 2nd. There is no substitute with enabling functionality like convenience fee and
for great preparation. tips via our ePNBillPay (email invoicing.) And we're
seeing a strong adoption of merchants using our cash
discount feature, now compatible with our ePNJPOS,
Michael Nardy and ePNMobile apps.
Electronic Payments
We've also certified another Level III processor (TSYS,
1. When COVID-19 hit and the economy shut down, we Fiserv North, and now Elavon) which ensures much
looked to help/protect our merchants and our agents. better rates for our B2B merchants. From dealing with
First, we launched our COVID-19 resource center on Hurricane Harvey to conforming to new pandemic
our EPI homepage, giving guidance and direction guidelines, our service has remained strong and steady.
for merchants. We finalized development on our
DeliverMe online ordering product and waived all 2. More marketing! Education is our biggest hurdle, and
fees for SIM cards, so our merchants could go curbside the more we communicate consistently and frequently,
and contactless with as little friction as possible. We the more our resellers will be aware of the solutions
also immediately launched an agent bonus program and services we offer to make their merchants' lives
to make up for lost revenue if they were able to board easier. We also make the resellers' lives easier through
accounts. various tools and educational materials offered for free
through our Reseller Support Center (RSC). Webinars
Finally, all monthly fees for our POS products (both standard and custom), training videos, brandable
(Exatouch® and TableTurn®) were waived for sales sheets and social media ads are provided in the
three months, plus waived for all new merchants. RSC to help resellers market effectively to both existing
Additionally, we communicated on conference calls and potential merchants.
during the height of the pandemic and shut downs and
over the summer as the pandemic waned. Now we are 3. More certifications enabling more options when
seeing a resurgence of cases and are continuing the it comes to processing platforms, such as EPX and
bonus programs we started eight months ago now. WorldPay. More hardware options will also be
presented for every environment, from brick & click to
2. I think we tackled the challenge head on and with mobile service providers on the go.
care and consideration for the various partners and
merchant customers, so I don't think we would have 4. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's taught us that
done much differently. being flexible and responsive to how customers shop
has been key to staying open; knowing what solutions
3. Really, more of the same. We constantly develop are needed and being able to quickly implement them
new products and services for our partners. I think into play will be key.
the cases will continue to fluctuate, and there may be
pockets that have shut downs or curbed hours—we Here at ePN, we offer free support to help ensure our
are already seeing that. It's all about adapting to the resellers know our products, which in turn helps their
changing environment and keeping your head down merchants feel confident that they've chosen the best
so you can emerge stronger on the other side after the provider. We are always here to help and honestly
pandemic subsides. believe that many hands make light work.

4. I see more consolidation, more tight integrations of Our experience and tenure allow us the flexibility
payments and more competition. For those that want to to quickly adapt to the technological needs of the
have the best year ever, lead with technology, and don't merchant, and partner successfully with resellers to
just rely on price to help you win deals. We've already tailor services and solutions that make sense for their
seen that price elasticity is not as sensitive when there businesses—now and in the future.
is a compelling technology that provides value to the
merchant.

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