General Consultant Discussion

I know I very late to this party. My first customer (using SAGE 100 ERP v4.4) is asking about adding Credit Card Processing powered by SPS. They currently use a custom Access database to record orders, take deposits, and maintain customer credit cards, etc. They are looking to change their merchant service provider. Here are some of my questions and understanding so far - please correct any misconceptions: 1) The CCP module had a list price of $1,100, but in the August 1, 2013 SAGE 100 ERP price list it's list at $0.00. Is that correct? 2) In order for me to set my customer up on CCP, I have to become an agent of SPS and complete and sign a Processing Agreement with SPS. 3) My customer will be subjected to SPS Underwriting Process and Credit Guidelines that might include a) two years complete corporate tax returns, b) D&B report with financial data, c) audited or reviewed accountant prepared Financial Statements, d) some type of approval from their bank, e) something called a complete MOTO questionnaire 4) Then in order to find out what the fees and discount rate SPS will offer to my customer, they will need to submit copies of past merchant service statements, and will need to talk with a salesperson? at SPS and if all goes well sign an agreement with SPS. 5) They currently use some type of card swipe device at their four locations in different cities. Do I have to be concerned if these devices are compatible with CCP and SPS? When you swipe a card I assume the card is placed in CCP and cannot be viewed in the future if you needed to authorize a transaction outside of SAGE 100? 6) Any steps or requirements that I am missing? Thanks in advance for an education on CCP and SPS.

1) Yes, it's free with a SPS agreement 2) Yes, or have them sign under another partner with an SPS agreement already if you don't want the residual. Some of them aren't very much, depends on the volume of transactions to determine if it's worth it. 3) Yes and all the compliance reporting goes out the window with a personal guarantee and decent credit. I've not had anybody denied yet. Financials are required if no personal guarantee is provided. Never had a request for audited info, just internally prepared statements have been sufficient. 4) I equate it to the old Long Distance shopping day's. Show them the statements so they can make sure to beat your current rate. The rate from SPS has always been better than the current rate. 5) They have been able to reprogram all the machines we have had. Sign up for the Virtual Terminal and then you can see all the transactions online and process if the machine is down. 6) I think that about covers it. If you go through with the process, let me or Bernie know and we can send you our checklist. There are a few things you need to make sure SPS does to allow credits and a couple other setup items. Avoids the phone call the first time the customer can't process an odd transaction. Your rep should be Miah Green. Let me know and I can send you his contact info. We've had great luck with him as our rep and he is very responsive to any issues.

Same feedback as Kevin - I don't think most of my customers have had to provide as detailed financial information. Also from memory there was some discussion that when you sign with SPS as a partner/agent/reseller the wording may preclude you from offering competing processors - I'm unsure if this has been changed but pretty sure the topic came up maybe a year ago. From a technical standpoint the SPS integration is night and day easier to support.

Only v2013 can be used with CC swipe readers AND get the swiped rate. I have a client using v4.4 and swipe readers and they still get hit for the keyed rate. Hoping to change this soon. Regarding the purchase of the CC module, you could probably get this waived if you want to move July, otherwise wait to 8/1. Regarding reseller paperwork, there is that to sign if you are wanting a quarterly ""thank you"" commission from Sage. If you don't want to complete the reseller paperwork, let mw know so I can sign your client up....... #3 is the standard underwriting process that everyone has to go through. Hopefully, your client isn't in an industry that SPS doesn't want to be associated with. #4 Merchant statements are a primary way to figure out the volume of transactions. Be forewarned that the number SPS returns will be their BEST estimate and as a consequence the fees are higher. If you remain in v4.4 and use the CC module, the fee structure will be at the keyed rate, not the swiped rate. This can be SIGNIFICANT!!! Find out who your SPS rep would be (I can ask mine if you'd like) and get them involved. They will pretty much do it all for you thus making your role in all of this minor. #5 Good question. Really depends on how the process will work. Again, if you use the CC module, you will lose the swipe rate even if you swipe the data into MAS. If they do enroll, they will also have to pass a PCI compliance audit within a couple months of signing, otherwise there will be another fee added to the merchant statement. Honestly, unless you get them to v2013 so they can obtain the swipe rate, they WILL be paying more through SPS. The big question is how much is the ease of use with the CC module actually worth to the client.

I believe you get the swiped rate on v4.5 if you use SWK POS module.