Running a business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities – but also challenges, especially when it comes to setting up essential systems like payment processing, point-of-sale (POS), and payroll solutions. Too often, business owners are caught off guard by hidden fees, misleading contracts, and poor customer support because they don’t know the right questions to ask up front.
I’ve heard far too many stories about sales reps who mispresented, oversold and then underdelivered. Unfortunately, there are often hidden fees and high rental costs, fees that look good up front but then suddenly increase. With so much on their plate, the last thing a business owner needs is to struggle with expensive, inefficient, or deceptive service providers.
Choosing the right partners to work with from the start can save you significant time, money, and frustration down the road. That’s why understanding how these systems work and what to look out for is crucial.
After years of working in payments processing, POS, and payroll, I’ve seen firsthand how the wrong choices can hurt a business. I’ve also helped numerous owners avoid costly mistakes by educating them on what to look for and what to avoid. If you’re in the process of setting up your business – or reconsidering your current setup – asking the right questions before you sign a contract can make all the difference.
It’s so important to know the right questions to ask up front, to understand what makes sense for your business, and then select people who are a good fit to work with. Considering the heavy expenses related to accepting credit cards and running a point-of-sale system, this decision should be made through due diligence and strategic planning.
Educating new and current owners so they know what to avoid and how to best forward, is the fun part of my job. I enjoy advising people on the “do’s and don’ts” of setting up business payment processing, point-of-sale systems, and a payroll service.
By keeping these key questions in mind, business owners can avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions that support long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your current setup, taking the time to evaluate your options can lead to significant savings and better service in the long run.
The right payment processing, POS, and payroll solutions can streamline your operations, improve cash flow, and protect your business from unnecessary fees and headaches. Getting there does requires due diligence, transparency, and asking the right questions before signing any agreements. The effort to ask questions and evaluate more than just price up front is well worth the time and energy!
Your business deserves partners who care about your success – not just their bottom line. Be informed, be proactive, and build a team of service providers around you that support growth and efficiency.
Crystal Cole is a business consultant in Maine and New Hampshire. She has helped dozens of businesses save thousands of dollars by providing the right solution(s) at a fair price, and then following that with commitment and service. Outside of work, she can be found working out, indoor rock climbing, or writing her latest book. Feel free to reach out to her - she’ll be happy to help any business owner keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets! Check out Crystal's Listing
