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  1. Thrifty Payments
  2. Blog
  3. What Are eCommerce Merchant Services? A Complete Guide for Online Stores
Thrifty Payments 6th January 2025

What Are eCommerce Merchant Services? A Complete Guide for Online Stores

Imagine you have just launched your dream online store. Your products are ready, your website is sleek, and you have set up social media ads to bring in customers.

But when they reach your checkout page, they hesitate. They don't feel confident about entering their payment details. This is where eCommerce merchant services come into play — turning a hesitant click into a completed sale.

Merchant services make payments secure and swift in the eCommerce world. They work quietly behind the scenes to make every transaction smooth, secure, and seamless. They help you process payments, keep customer data safe, and ensure that the money lands where it should, without a hitch.

Without merchant services, even the most well-designed online store would struggle to succeed. In this guide, we will walk through what eCommerce merchant services are, why they are essential for your online business, and how they can help you grow. Whether you are just starting out or looking to optimize your existing payment systems, this is your go-to guide for understanding the foundation of a successful online store.

What Are eCommerce Merchant Services?

At its core, eCommerce merchant services are the tools and processes that enable online businesses to accept payments. From the moment a customer adds an item to their cart and hits checkout, to the moment the payment is processed and deposited into your bank account, merchant services make every step possible.

They include payment gateways, merchant accounts, fraud protection, and even tools for recurring billing. But the magic lies in how these services work together to create a smooth, secure transaction experience for both you and your customers. Simply put, merchant services are the backbone of every online transaction, ensuring everything runs without a glitch.

When a customer makes a purchase, merchant services help transmit payment information securely, process the payment, and move the funds from their account to yours. Without these services, your eCommerce store would not be able to handle payments, putting your entire business at risk.

Why Are eCommerce Merchant Services Important?

Imagine running your store without merchant services — no easy way to accept payments, no secure system to process transactions, and no protection against fraud. It would be chaos. This is why merchant services are so crucial for online businesses.

  • Security and Trust

Customers want to feel secure when making online purchases. With eCommerce merchant services, sensitive payment information is encrypted, keeping your customers' data safe from hackers. Without this level of security, you risk losing customer trust and damaging your reputation.

  • Smooth Shopping Experience

A great shopping experience doesn’t end when customers find the products they want. The checkout process is just as important. Merchant services help streamline payment processes, ensuring customers can pay quickly and easily without delays or frustrations.

  • Efficiency for Your Business

Merchant services help automate many time-consuming tasks, such as managing transactions, issuing invoices, and integrating with accounting software. This lets you focus on what matters most — growing your business — while knowing the payment side is taken care of.

  • Growth and Flexibility

As your business grows, your payment needs will evolve. Merchant services are scalable, meaning they can grow with your business. From handling more transactions to accepting new payment methods, merchant services help you stay flexible as your store expands.

Without the right merchant services, your store may struggle to keep up with customer demands, payment complexities, and security risks.

Key Components of eCommerce Merchant Services

eCommerce merchant services are often bundled with solutions from eCommerce payment service providers, which means you get a comprehensive set of tools to accept payments and manage your online store's financial operations. These services typically include a merchant account for receiving funds, a payment gateway for processing payments, and fraud protection systems to secure customer data.

Think of eCommerce merchant services as a toolbox filled with different tools that help your business handle payments smoothly. Each component plays a critical role in making sure every transaction goes off without a hitch.

Merchant Account

A merchant account is like a holding account that temporarily stores the money from customer transactions before it's transferred to your business bank account. Without a merchant account, you wouldn’t be able to receive payments directly from customers. It ensures that funds are securely processed and available when you need them.

Payment Gateway

The payment gateway is the bridge between your customer and your business, securely transmitting payment information from their card to your merchant account. It’s the technology that makes sure payments are processed quickly, accurately, and most importantly, safely. This step happens every time a customer enters their payment details at checkout.

Fraud Prevention Tools

Keeping your customers’ data safe is a priority for any online business. Fraud prevention tools are built into your merchant services to help spot suspicious activity, protect against chargebacks, and secure payments from fraudsters. These tools offer a sense of security for both you and your customers.

Recurring Billing Solutions

If your business runs on subscriptions or repeat billing (like a membership site or a product delivery service), recurring billing solutions help automate the process. These tools ensure your customers are billed on time, every time, without manual intervention.

How Do eCommerce Merchant Services Work?

When you partner with eCommerce payment service providers, they provide the necessary tools to accept a variety of payment methods, from credit cards to mobile wallets. The payment service provider processes the payment securely, ensures the transaction is authorized, and deposits the money into your merchant account.

This process happens in real-time, so you can quickly and efficiently complete sales and manage your funds. Understanding how merchant services work is key to making the right decisions for your business. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the typical process:

  • The Customer Makes a Purchase
    When a customer selects their items and proceeds to checkout, they enter their payment information on your site. This could include credit card details, PayPal, or other payment options.

  • Payment Gateway Encrypts and Transmits Data
    Once the payment information is submitted, the payment gateway encrypts this sensitive data and securely transmits it to the payment processor. This is where the magic of security and encryption happens.

  • Verification and Authorization
    The payment processor verifies that the customer has enough funds or credit to make the purchase. They communicate with the customer’s bank or card issuer to approve or decline the transaction.

  • Funds Transfer
    Once the payment is authorized, the money is temporarily stored in your merchant account before being transferred to your business bank account. This happens almost instantly, so you can access the funds quickly.

  • Transaction Confirmation
    After the transaction is completed, the customer receives a confirmation email or notification, and you’re free to fulfill the order. The entire process is fast, secure, and smooth, which is essential for keeping customers happy.

Choosing the Right eCommerce Merchant Services Provider

Choosing the right provider for your merchant services is like picking a business partner—you need someone reliable, efficient, and easy to work with. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Fees
    Look for a provider with transparent pricing. Fees can include setup costs, transaction fees, and monthly service charges. Compare different options to find one that suits your budget and business model.

  • Payment Options
    Choose a service that supports the payment methods your customers prefer, including credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and digital payment systems.

  • Security Features
    Your customers’ trust depends on how well you protect their information. Ensure the provider offers robust security measures, such as encryption, fraud prevention tools, and PCI compliance.

  • Ease of Integration
    Your merchant services provider should integrate easily with your eCommerce platform. Whether you're using a major platform like Shopify or a custom-built store, look for a service that syncs effortlessly with your setup.

  • Customer Support
    When something goes wrong, you need a provider with fast, responsive customer support. Make sure the service offers 24/7 support to handle any issues that arise.

Conclusion

In the world of eCommerce, merchant services are more than just a necessity — they are the heartbeat of your online business. From processing payments to protecting your customers’ information, merchant services are the foundation of every transaction. By understanding how they work and choosing the right provider, you can offer a secure, seamless experience for your customers, increase sales, and set your business up for success.

As your business grows, so will your need for a robust payment system. With the right merchant services in place, you will have the tools you need to scale confidently and meet the demands of a growing customer base.

Ready to optimize your payment processing? Dive into the world of eCommerce merchant services and watch your business thrive. 

Reach Out to Us!

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns

About Us

Thrifty Payment is a leading credit card processing and merchant service that aims to provide its clients with unmatched payment processing solutions across the U.S. Using our services has significantly changed the online business industry. Thrifty Payments has become one of the most significant business technologies that can assist any online business sufficiently. We help companies to sell their products anywhere effectively and manage their inventories. These services unleash abundant opportunities from global chains to local shops.

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Product Specifications Details

Clover Flex 3 Summary

  • ❖ Clover Flex 3 is a full-featured, handheld POS with a nearly 6” screen.
  • ❖ Wireless charging is supported by the Clover Flex Wireless Cradle and it can also be charged with a USB-C cable.
  • ❖ Flex 3 supports a WiFi and LTE connection (LAN not available).
  • ❖ The battery life supports at least 8 hours of use for a typical SMB.
  • ❖ Its features include a receipt printer, barcode scanner (camera), wireless charging cradle and a headset port. A silicone sleeve is shipped in box.
  • ❖ Its optional compatible accessories include the Flex Travel Kit and an ADA compliant PIN Entry Aid.
  • ❖ Clover Flex 3 features the new Avocado payment flow UI.
  • ❖ It is fully integrated with Clover devices but cannot be tethered to any device over a wire.
  • ❖ Clover Flex 3 is well-suited for a variety of verticals, including full-service restaurants- tableside and curbside, retail, and for merchants in the field.
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Clover Flex 3 Positioning

Clover Flex 3 is a full-functioning POS device that accepts payments, tracks sales, and helps you run your business from the palm of your hand. Its LTE connectivity sets it apart so you can serve customers where they are- at tableside, in line, or out in the field. With an all-day battery, a built-in printer, wireless charging, and a bigger screen it’s the perfect solution for the evolving needs- and speed- of your business.

Speed, Power & Flex‑ibility

  • ❖ Equipped right out of the box
  • • Start your business right away with this mobile smart POS system needing minimal setup and training.
  • ❖ Count on the cloud
  • • Travel with your business anywhere you go. All your data, all your info, always at your fingertips.
  • ❖ Find the right fit for you
  • • Customize the Flex as you see fit. Same power and versatility of our larger devices, and can be configured the way you need.
Product Specifications Details
  • ❖ Online Reporting & Mobile App - Track sales, settle payments, and get real-time insights and analytics with the Poynt HQ portal and mobile app
  • ❖ Product Catalogue - Upload your products, create modifiers, and organize them by category
  • ❖ Customer Engagement - Store purchase history, engage customers with satisfaction surveys, and respond to feedback in real-time via the Poynt HQ portal
  • ❖ Cash Transaction Entry - Track cash payments and tips on your Newland N910 to get a consolidated view of your sales and revenue
  • ❖ Capacitive Multi-Touch Screen - Streamline your check out and experience with a 5-inch merchant-facing touchscreen
  • ❖ Customizable Branding - Upload your company design to the screen and add your branding to receipts
  • ❖ Payment Flexibility - Accept all forms of payment, including, chip (EMV), swipe (magstripe), and contactless (NFC)
  • ❖ Receipt Flexibility - Let your customers choose to receive print, email, or SMS text receipts
  • ❖ Wireless Freedom - Accept payment anywhere with extended battery life and wi-fi and 4G connectivity
  • ❖ Multiple Payments - Split bills between credit, debit, and cash in just a few quick taps
  • ❖ Safe-T Security - Protect your business with an extra layer of security, including end-to-end encryption and tokenization on your Newland N910 terminal
  • ❖ Multi-Location Capabilities - Keep track of all your business locations on your Newland N910 terminal. Easily switch between multiple business accounts as needed
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Product Specifications Details
  • ❖ Online Reporting & Mobile App - Track sales, settle payments, and get real-time insights and analytics with the Poynt HQ portal and mobile app
  • ❖ Product Catalogue - Upload your products, create modifiers, and organize them by category
  • ❖ Customer Engagement - Store purchase history, engage customers with satisfaction surveys, and respond to feedback in real-time via the Poynt HQ portal
  • ❖ Cash Transaction Entry - Track cash payments and tips on your Newland N910 to get a consolidated view of your sales and revenue
  • ❖ Capacitive Multi-Touch Screen - Streamline your check out and experience with a 5-inch merchant-facing touchscreen
  • ❖ Customizable Branding - Upload your company design to the screen and add your branding to receipts
  • ❖ Payment Flexibility - Accept all forms of payment, including, chip (EMV), swipe (magstripe), and contactless (NFC)
  • ❖ Receipt Flexibility - Let your customers choose to receive print, email, or SMS text receipts
  • ❖ Wireless Freedom - Accept payment anywhere with extended battery life and wi-fi and 4G connectivity
  • ❖ Multiple Payments - Split bills between credit, debit, and cash in just a few quick taps
  • ❖ Safe-T Security - Protect your business with an extra layer of security, including end-to-end encryption and tokenization on your Newland N910 terminal
  • ❖ Multi-Location Capabilities - Keep track of all your business locations on your Newland N910 terminal. Easily switch between multiple business accounts as needed
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SpotOn Poynt is a multi-tasking machine designed to accept virtually any payment type and give you advanced marketng and loyalty features, all-in-one. It’s easy-to-use, powerful, and elegant. Best of all, it’s flexible, enabling you to do business your way.

  • ❖ Accept cards, cash, mobile pay, and gi[ cards
  • ❖ Flexible design for countertop use or wherever your customers are
  • ❖ Dual screens, one for you, one for customers
  • ❖ Full integration with Spot-On Marketing, Loyalty, and Appointments
  • ❖ Use as a full point-of-sale or a simple payment terminal

Easy-to-Use with the Power of a Full Point-of-Sale

Thanks to the powerful, intuitive design of SpotOn Poynt, you can operate it as a simple payment terminal, where you process individual transaction amounts, or you can add a full product catalog and run it as a point-of-sale device.

Optimized for Your Business

Use SpotOn Poynt in “terminal mode” to quickly run transactions if you do not require a full product catalog or if you are using SpotOn Appointments Use SpotOn Poynt in “POS mode” to add and modify hundreds of items to your product catalog Optimize your catalog with a flexible hierarchy of Catalogs, Categories, and Products Easily add Open Items during the checkout that are not included in your catalog Add custom taxes, convenience fees, and discounts Operate an optional cash drawer

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Product Specifications Details

Drive customer engagement with loyalty apps

PAX A-series payment terminals don’t just look like high-end smartphones. Their PayDroid operating system also opens the door to a whole new world of marketing & analytics apps via MAXSTORE, ranging from the management of fidelity cards, meal vouchers, Petrol applications, to table order management, ticket validation and payment of bills.

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Product Specifications Details

A complete point of sale that’s better than ever

  • ❖ Larger touch screenThe upsized 8" touch screen has plenty of room to confirm orders, complete payments, and manage everything to run your business.
  • ❖ Payments are easierCustomers can dip or tap payments front and center with a conveniently located card slot and contactless reader.
  • ❖ Receipts with optionsCustomers can get a printed receipt with the built-in printer or you can send receipts by email or text.
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Everything, at your fingertips

  • ❖ Payment options for your customersMini makes it easy for customers to pay with swipe, dip, or tap. Credit or debit. And contactless payments like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and PayPal/Venmo®.
  • ❖ Anywhere anytime accessA small POS with real time 24/7 access to your data lets you check in and run your business from wherever you are.
  • ❖ Start small and expand when neededMini works with all other Clover devices and can expand with accessories to build a complete system so your system can grow as your business grows.
Product Specifications Details

Form and function by design

  • ❖ Two screens are faster than one
  • • Keep lines moving with a 14" HD display for you and a 8" touch screen for your guests to confirm their order, leave a tip, redeem rewards, pay, and request a digital receipt.
  • ❖ Beauty and brains all-in-one POS
  • • Attractive and easy-to-use hardware with a printer and included cash drawer and all the right software in one system.

Created for simplicity, speed, and security

  • ❖ Easy to use and ready to go
  • • Station Duo is ready for work right out of the box, and with intuitive software built in, training your staff is minimal.
  • ❖ Accept every type of payment
  • • Let customers pay however they want. Credit or debit. Swipe, dip, or contactless payments like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and next generation payments like PayPal/Venmo® QR codes.
  • ❖ We’ve got your back
  • • Protect your business and customer information with end-to-end encryption and integrated chip sensors.
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Manage your business from anywhere

  • ❖ Track, report, repeat
  • • Tracking and reporting is the lifeblood of your business. How was business today? This day last week, or last year? You’ve got the answers.
  • ❖ Help your team to succeed
  • • Run reports to know which employees are your best sellers, manage schedules and timesheets, and set system permission levels to keep track of your biggest assets.
  • ❖ More ways to get paid
  • • Make it easy for customers to pay you away from your counter with options like Virtual Terminal, invoicing, and recurring payments.
  • ❖ Get to know your customers
  • • Grow your business with a customers list built automatically from credit card sales.
  • ❖ Reward customer loyalty
  • • Your best customers deserve special attention—build rewards programs to keep them coming back.
  • ❖ Promotions with purpose
  • • Offer promos to your customers of what’s new or timely, like a fresh spring salad or a fall sweater.
Product Specifications Details

The right tools for the job

  • ❖ Room for you to work The 14" high-definition touch screen makes your work fast and easy, from inventory and employee management to payments and reporting.
  • ❖ Ready out of the box Comes with a cash drawer and receipt printer — all you need to get to work.
  • ❖ Keep your team in the loop Sync communication between your staff and back of house to enhance the way your business runs.
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One station to run your shop

  • ❖ Able to grow with you Station Solo works seamlessly with every other Clover device, letting you build a system that scales as your business grows.
  • ❖ Payments are easy Take swipe or dip payments from all major credit cards.
  • ❖ Speed, power, reliability Station Solo packs plenty of processing power to help you run your business more effectively and efficiently.

Clover helps you grow

  • ❖ Get your money fasterClover Rapid Deposit lets you transfer funds quickly to your bank account.
  • ❖ Turn future sales into cash todayTurn future credit card sales into working capital, with clear and easy payback terms that give you the flexibility to grow your business.
  • ❖ Gift cards are a win-winDrive immediate sales and get new customers with digital and physical gift cards.
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Product Specifications Details

Smooth sailing – at the till and behind the scenes

  • ❖ Customers can pay online when ordering, or on collection after click-and-collect. You can also offer contactless dining via QR codes on tables, encouraging seamless re-ordering.
  • ❖ Offer gift cards to boost sales and build brand loyalty. Create promotions and special offers. Bundle items to increase customers’ average order size.
  • ❖ Use forecasting and table booking to better plan staff timetables and reduce wait times. Send orders directly to kitchen printers to speed up service. Create time-based promotions to attract more customers during slow periods.
  • ❖ Keep a close eye on sales from anywhere, with real-time reporting and insights. Manage multiple locations and compare sales to identify trends and opportunities.
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We’ll help you manage your restaurant, your time and your payments all from one place, with point-of-sale software designed to maximise how you do business.

  • ❖ Customise menus
  • ❖ Split bills
  • ❖ Print to kitchen
  • ❖ Online click-and-collect
  • ❖ Gift cards – paper and digital
  • ❖ Help whenever you need it, with 24/7 phone support

Clover helps you grow

  • ❖ Get your money fasterClover Rapid Deposit lets you transfer funds quickly to your bank account.
  • ❖ Turn future sales into cash todayTurn future credit card sales into working capital, with clear and easy payback terms that give you the flexibility to grow your business.
  • ❖ Gift cards are a win-winDrive immediate sales and get new customers with digital and physical gift cards.
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Product Specifications Details

Self ordering, optimized

  • ❖ Boost efficiency Free up your staff to focus on value-added tasks rather than taking orders.
  • ❖ Improve customer experience Let customers browse menus at their own pace and customize their orders the way they want.
  • ❖ Grow your average ticket size Increase restaurant revenue by promoting cross-selling and upselling options on the ordering kiosk.
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Product Specifications Details

Make orders make sense

  • ❖ Bridge the gap between your front and back of house so you never get thrown off by order volume swings again.
  • ❖ Consolidate your order channels and put all on-premise orders and off-premise third party orders in one place.
  • ❖ Do away with paper ticket clutter in the kitchen. Place an order on any device in the restaurant, and it will fire straight to the KDS.
  • ❖ Print Runner tickets on any network-connected printer directly from the KDS.
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Keep operations running smoothly

  • ❖ Improve diner experience by speeding up service without losing order accuracy.
  • ❖ Track your team’s performance and adjust as you go with prep time and fulfillment reporting.
  • ❖ Reduce the risk of operational mistakes for on-premise ordering.
  • ❖ Increase orders and revenue.

Built for restaurants –and restaurants only

  • ❖ The Clover KDS is purpose-built for food service and kitchen environments with a temperature resistant body that has the highest heat tolerance (122°F) on the market.
  • ❖ Easy to clean and see with anti-fingerprint and anti-glare treatment.
  • ❖ Bi-directional speakers help alerts be heard even in the noisiest kitchens.
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Right‑sized for your fast‑paced kitchen

The Clover Kitchen Display System has plenty of room to manage all your orders, whether you choose the 14" or 24" model.

KDS Software Features

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Multi-Level Fulfillment

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Expo Mode

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Item Level Routing

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Prep Time Reporting

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Color-Coded Order Status

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Runner Ticket Printing