was the night before New Year's
and all through the house
ISOs tallied profits with a click of a mouse.
Using technology and much concentration
They calculated residuals with
great trepidation.

Their stockings were hung by the chimney with cheer
Next to cards from their processors
Sounding sincere.

These cards were filled with love and advice
And promises sure to make ISOs read twice.
They said, "Stick with us, and you'll be reimbursed
With the piles of residuals we always disperse.
Our statements are clear and we value your trust
Just ignore those small fees and be happy with us.

"No matter what happens, your merchants are yours
So bring us your restaurants, MO/TOs and stores.
You'll profit on them for the rest of your days
Regardless of whether you go or you stay.

"And our service is tops; you can call any time
Just ignore the machine that says, 'Hi, it's your dime.'
These are our promises, and we honor our word
So keep signing merchants, and don't be disturbed."

Unless, of course, you're tired of moving
To processors that guarantee merchant approving
Plus service, residuals, guaranteed money
And then, of course, there's the Easter Bunny.

If, instead, you want a partner forever
There are some things we should work on together.
It's time to start focusing on business solutions.
Please join us in making these new resolutions:

Come MasterCard, Visa, Discover and AmEx.
Come ISO, acquirer, those processing checks.
You know who you are and you know that it's time
To give all our merchants more bang for their dime.
No back-end fine print and no hidden fees,
Language that they can understand, please.
Rates that are clear and straightforward and true
Will limit the times that they have to call you.

Speaking of which, please answer the phone
Without so much anguish and pain in your tone.
Rather, rely on good faith and composure
To answer their questions with full disclosure.

Give your ISOs support, and help them to find it
With clearer direction, and training behind it.
Plus the tools that they need to close a good deal
And pricing that helps them afford their next meal.

Remember that honesty always comes first.
Integrity should never be coerced.
If these are the goals to which you adhere
You and your partners should have a good year.

If we work together with chemistry
It will benefit all in our industry.
Let us join forces to do what is right
Happy New Year to all, and to all a good night.

From your friends and associates
At Cynergy Data
Where service comes sooner
Rather than later.

Nancy Drexler is the Marketing Director of Cynergy Data, a merchant acquirer that provides a wide array of electronic payment processing services while continually striving to develop new solutions that meet the needs of its agents and merchants. In addition to offering credit, debit, EBT and gift card processing, along with check conversion and guarantee programs, the company offers its ISOs the ability to borrow money against its residuals, to have Web sites designed and developed, to provide merchants with free terminals and to benefit from state-of-the-art marketing, technology and business support. Founded in 1995 by Marcelo Paladini and John Martillo, Cynergy Data strives to be a new kind of acquirer with a unique mission: to constantly explore, understand and develop the products that ISOs and merchants need to be successful and to back it up with honest, reliable, supportive service.

For more information on Cynergy Data contact Nancy Drexler at nancyd@cynergydata.com .