The Green Sheet Online Edition
May 12, 2025 • 25:05:01
Staying nimble in uncharted economic waters
For ISOs, merchant level salespeople and other payments professionals, adaptability isn't just a skill—it's a survival strategy. And once again, the industry faces headwinds that call for resilience, creativity and leadership.
With new tariffs taking effect, merchants are bracing for price increases and potential product shortages. Retailers and restaurateurs worry about passing costs onto customers without losing loyalty. Meanwhile, shoppers may feel the pinch of higher prices just as they look forward to summer purchases, outings and celebrations.
Rise as trusted advisers
This moment presents payments professionals with an opportunity to rise as trusted advisers. Our role goes far beyond providing terminals and processing services. We can help merchants pivot with agility, navigate uncertainty and strengthen customer connections despite the challenges ahead.
Now is the time to review merchants' systems and ensure they're set up to weather pricing pressures. Flexible pricing features, such as dual pricing or cash discount programs, can help offset increased processing costs while giving customers choices. Loyalty programs can help merchants maintain engagement even when prices climb. Gift card solutions can encourage spending in advance of seasonal shortages.
Provide actionable insights
Merchants may also benefit from modern reporting tools that illuminate trends and inform smarter inventory and pricing decisions. Payments professionals can guide them toward systems that not only process payments but provide actionable insights—tools that help them stay nimble, competitive and customer-focused.
As supply chain disruptions loom, offering alternative payment methods—such as online ordering, curbside pickup, or buy now, pay later options—can ease friction for customers and provide merchants with more sales channels to buffer unpredictable inventory flows.
Show up with empathy
And don't forget the importance of showing up with empathy. Many small business owners are already stretched thin. By listening closely, offering solutions tailored to their realities and staying present as a reliable partner, we strengthen the long-term relationships that have always powered our industry.
Change is inevitable. But for payments professionals, every challenge is also an opening to innovate, advise and lead. Together, we can help merchants not just survive—but adapt, grow and thrive. 
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