In recent years, local payment methods (LPMs) have experienced substantial growth, becoming critical in the global e-commerce landscape. 

What Are Local Payment Methods?

Local payment methods (LPMs) are payment options tailored to consumers’ preferences and cultural practices in specific regions of the world. Examples include digital wallets and transfer apps like Zelle in the U.S., Alipay in China, and iDEAL in the Netherlands. By aligning with regional consumer expectations, businesses offering LPMs typically see improved conversion rates and greater customer loyalty. 

The Rise of Local Payment Methods

Consumer demand for localized payment solutions is rapidly growing, significantly influencing purchasing behaviors worldwide. Offering familiar and trusted payment options can greatly increase conversions and customer satisfaction, reducing friction at checkout. Roughly 13% of consumers abandon their shopping carts due to the lack of preferred payment methods, emphasizing the necessity for businesses to incorporate LPMs.

Why Local Payment Methods Matter to Your Business

1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Offering localized payment solutions aligns with customer expectations, creating an easier, more intuitive checkout process. Addressing this need can significantly reduce cart abandonment rates, directly improving sales and customer retention.
2. Global Market Expansion: Businesses leveraging local payment methods can effectively enter and thrive in new global markets. These payment solutions facilitate smoother transactions, helping companies gain trust and acceptance from local customers enabling stronger international growth.
3. Improved Cash Flow and Efficiency: LPMs, such as digital wallets and real-time payments, offer merchants faster access to funds. This speed enhances cash flow, allowing businesses to reinvest quickly and maintain operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Local payment methods represent a significant opportunity for businesses to drive growth, enhance customer experiences, and enter new markets effectively. Companies that integrate these methods, backed by regulatory and consumer support, are more likely to succeed in a competitive global market.

Successfully integrating LPMs involves selecting payment providers that offer transparent pricing, strong security measures, and continual technology updates. Ensuring your payment partner stays ahead of regional trends and consumer preferences will position your business advantageously in a competitive marketplace.

References:

• Baymard Institute. (2024). Cart Abandonment Rate Statistics. https://baymard.com/lists/cart-abandonment-rate
• EY Parthenon. (2025). Key 2025 Payments Trends.
• Checkout.com. (2024). An Introduction to Local Payment Methods. https://www.checkout.com/blog/an-introduction-to-local-payment-methods

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The right payment processor can enhance your software’s value proposition, improve merchant adoption, and create new revenue streams. But with so many options, how do you choose the right embedded payments partner?

Here are the key considerations every ISV should evaluate when selecting a payment processor.

Frictionless Merchant Pricing and Sign-Up Process 

A long, complex onboarding process can be a deal-breaker for ISVs and their merchants. A payment partner should offer a seamless sign-up experience, transparent pricing, and minimal manual intervention for new merchant activations. For merchants, cash flow isn’t just important, it’s everything. Delays in receiving funds can disrupt operations, limit reinvestment opportunities, and even put businesses at risk of failing. Many small business owners operate with tight margins, meaning every transaction counts. If merchants have to wait days or even weeks to start accepting payments, they may abandon the process altogether. The faster you can get them their funds, the happier they’ll be.

“Merchants expect the funds processed from a card to be deposited into their bank accounts as quickly as possible.” (PayNation, 2024)

A frictionless sign-up experience ensures merchants can start processing transactions quickly, leading to faster revenue for ISVs. BOLD ensures that ISVs and their merchants can focus on growth without complications.

Support for Multiple Payment Methods & Future-Proof Solutions 

Beyond onboarding, ISVs also need to think about how their merchants accept payments. Customers expect to pay how they want, whether it’s credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, or virtual cards. However, businesses today are also exploring alternative payment solutions such as ACH, bank transfers, real-time payments (RTP), and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. ISVs must ensure their embedded payments partner can accommodate a wide range of payment preferences, including emerging payment methods, to meet evolving customer expectations.

“According to a recent Forbes survey, 53 percent of respondents use digital wallets more often than traditional payment methods, so it’s important to choose a payment processor that supports virtual card capabilities.”​ (PayNation, 2024)

When evaluating a payment processor, ISVs should look for a partner that supports all of their unique and complex use cases and payment flows. Including but not limited to attended and unattended self-service, mobile and softPOS applications, plus pay-by-app, e-commerce, recurring payments, and broad omnichannel payment flows. The processor should also offer a seamless integration process to ensure merchants can provide a smooth checkout experience across all channels. Future-proofing is critical; ISVs should choose a provider that continuously innovates, ensuring compatibility with emerging technologies such as tap-to-pay and embedded finance solutions. By selecting a payment partner with broad payment method support and a commitment to innovation, ISVs can enhance merchant adoption, reduce churn, and stay competitive.

Transparent Pricing & Revenue Share Opportunities 

Pricing models can make or break a partnership. Look for a processor that offers clear, competitive pricing and revenue share models that help maximize profitability. Unexpected fees or complex rate structures can create frustration, erode margins, and make it difficult to scale.

“Make sure your payment processor explains the total cost of payment processing, including interchange fees, transaction fees, monthly fees, chargeback fees, and sometimes also less obvious costs, such as membership fees, set-up fees, and Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance fees.” (PayNation, 2024)​

Beyond transparency, a strong revenue share program can significantly enhance an ISV’s profitability. Payment processing should not only be a necessary function of your software but also a strategic revenue driver. When assessing potential partners, ISVs should evaluate the percentage of revenue share offered, how payments are structured, and whether real-time transaction-level reporting is available to maintain full financial visibility.

The importance of transaction-level transparency isn’t just a best practice, it’s why BOLD Integrated Payments exists today. In 2009, our Chief Strategy & Quality Officer, Gary Liu, founded BOLD after discovering a major gap in his own payment processor’s reporting system. Instead of detailed, transaction-level insights, he was only provided with aggregated data, making it impossible to audit charges properly or understand the true cost of payment processing. Recognizing that ISVs and merchants alike need clear, actionable financial data to run their businesses effectively, Gary built BOLD with transparency as a core principle, ensuring that every partner has access to real-time, transaction-level reporting.

Choosing the Right Embedded Payments Partner 

Selecting an embedded payments partner is a strategic decision that impacts merchant satisfaction, revenue growth, and long-term scalability. The right processor should offer easy onboarding, seamless payment method integration, transparent pricing, and a strong revenue-sharing model, all while future-proofing your business.

BOLD’s offerings set the industry standard:

• Streamlined merchant sign-up process with intuitive workflows.
• Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
• Eliminates unnecessary friction to increase conversion rates.
• Auto-approval for low-risk merchants in 30 minutes or less.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re an ISV looking for the right embedded payments partner, let’s talk. BOLD Integrated Payments offers fast and easy onboarding, automated merchant approvals, and industry-leading support to help you scale.

References:

PayNation. (2024). Eight Key Considerations for ISVs When Choosing a Payment Processor for Maximum Success and Profitability.

Forbes. (2024). Credit Card Statistics And Trends.

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Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) continuously want more control over the experience they deliver to their clients. As their growth plans continue to quickly evolve, they have recognized the importance of embedded payments. And as they take on additional payment-related responsibilities, they gain a higher share of the processing fees. However, not all payment providers offer the same level of support or economic advantages.

Key Considerations for ISVs Selecting a Payments Partner

The 2023 Software Study Report by TSG and ETA highlights the 3 primary factors ISVs evaluate when choosing a payments provider:

• Competitive Economic Split
• Quality Customer Support Team
• Easy Merchant Onboarding Process

TSG, 2023 Software Study Report, Page 16

What Many Integrated Payments Providers Lack

Many embedded payments providers simply fall short and fail to deliver on these critical components, leading to frustration for ISVs and their merchants. ISVs often cite concerns over unclear revenue-sharing models, slow merchant onboarding, and inadequate customer support. As a true partner, payments providers should actively contribute to the ISV’s growth and success going beyond just processing transactions.

Why Embedded Payments Are More Important Than Ever

According to the TSG study, 73% of ISVs are reevaluating their payments strategies. By selecting the right embedded payments partner, ISVs can unlock new growth opportunities while strengthening their software’s value proposition.

How BOLD Stands Out

BOLD Integrated Payments is committed to addressing these industry gaps, and giving control to ISVs:

• High Revenue Share Programs – ISVs receive true high revenue share with transparency on all income and expenses.
• Comprehensive Support Framework  – We are a nimble organization with engaged, personable, and responsive team members.
• Frictionless Merchant Onboarding – ISVs manage merchant pricing and sign-up process plus benefit from automated merchant approval and quick activation.

At BOLD, we believe that knowledge is just as valuable as service. Our goal is to equip ISVs with the insights and tools needed to further power their payments strategy, not just sell them a solution.

Let’s talk about your specific requirements and explore BOLD’s unique approach and industry insights.

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently proposed the Click to Cancel rule, a regulation aimed at simplifying the subscription cancellation process for consumers. For businesses that rely on subscription models, this rule brings new requirements designed to ensure transparency and fairness. ISVs (Independent Software Vendors), VARs (Value-Added Resellers), and merchants must understand these changes and adapt to remain compliant while maintaining a seamless customer experience.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key elements of the Click to Cancel rule, why it’s important, and how ISVs, VARs, and merchants can prepare.

What Is the Click to Cancel Rule?

The Click to Cancel rule mandates that businesses offering subscription services must provide consumers with an easy and straightforward way to cancel their subscriptions. The cancellation process must be:

• As Easy as Signing Up: If customers can sign up for a subscription online, they must be able to cancel it through the same channel without unnecessary hurdles.
• Transparent: Businesses must clearly communicate cancellation options, including any conditions or steps required.
• Efficient: No lengthy phone calls, complicated procedures, or unnecessary delays to process cancellations.

This rule is part of the FTC’s broader efforts to protect consumers from deceptive subscription practices, such as auto-renewals that are difficult to cancel.

Why Does This Rule Matter?

The Click to Cancel rule is designed to address consumer frustrations, but it also has significant implications for businesses:

1. Compliance Requirements:
   Merchants must update their systems to ensure compliance, which may involve technology upgrades and policy revisions.
2. Enhanced Transparency:
   Clear cancellation processes build trust and improve customer relationships.
3. Potential Churn:
   Easier cancellations may lead to higher churn rates, requiring businesses to focus on retention strategies.

For ISVs and VARs, helping merchants adapt to these changes presents an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and add value to their offerings.

How ISVs and VARs Can Support Merchants

As trusted technology providers, ISVs and VARs play a crucial role in helping merchants navigate the Click to Cancel rule. Here’s how you can support them:

1. Offer Cancellation-Ready Software

Ensure your solutions provide merchants with tools to offer seamless cancellation processes. Features like self-service portals, online cancellation forms, and automated workflows can simplify compliance and improve customer satisfaction.

2. Educate Merchants on Compliance

Provide training and resources to help merchants understand the rule and how it impacts their operations. Clear guidance on updating subscription terms, improving transparency, and tracking cancellations will set them up for success.

3. Focus on Retention Strategies

Encourage merchants to strengthen their retention efforts. Strategies such as personalized communication, loyalty rewards, and flexible subscription options can help mitigate the impact of increased cancellations.

4. Leverage Analytics

Offer tools that track customer behavior and cancellation trends. Analyzing this data helps merchants identify at-risk subscribers and take proactive steps to retain them.

5. Stay Ahead with Automation

Automated solutions can handle cancellations efficiently while providing a seamless experience for customers. Automation reduces the administrative burden on merchants and ensures compliance with FTC regulations.

Implications for Merchants

For merchants, the Click to Cancel rule isn’t just about compliance—it’s also an opportunity to improve customer relationships. Here’s what merchants should focus on:

• Simplify the Customer Experience: Streamlined cancellation processes can demonstrate a commitment to transparency and fairness, fostering trust and long-term loyalty.
• Strengthen Retention Tactics: Focus on understanding customer needs and offering incentives or alternatives to cancellation.
• Adapt Quickly: Merchants who implement these changes early will gain a competitive edge in the subscription market.

Balancing Compliance with Customer Retention

While the Click to Cancel rule makes cancellation easier, businesses can view this as a chance to strengthen customer loyalty. By offering value beyond the subscription itself—such as personalized experiences, superior service, and flexible options—merchants can turn potential churn into an opportunity for growth.

For ISVs and VARs, this is where your expertise can shine. Providing merchants with the tools and insights they need to adapt ensures compliance while reinforcing your value as a partner.

Conclusion

The FTC’s Click to Cancel rule is set to change the subscription landscape, pushing businesses to prioritize transparency and ease of use. For ISVs, VARs, and merchants, adapting to these changes isn’t just about compliance—it’s an opportunity to improve customer relationships and build trust.

By working together, businesses and their technology partners can create a seamless, customer-friendly subscription experience that fosters loyalty and drives growth. Ready to take the next step? Let BOLD Integrated Payments help you stay compliant and competitive in the evolving payments landscape.

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Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) validation plays a critical role in ensuring compliance and avoiding unnecessary complications for businesses in payment processing and merchant services. For Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Value-Added Resellers (VARs), understanding TIN validation and helping merchants navigate its requirements can be key to providing exceptional service and building trust. 

What Is TIN Validation?

A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to track and manage tax obligations for businesses and individuals. Common types of TINs include:

• Employer Identification Number (EIN): Assigned to businesses for tax reporting.
• Social Security Number (SSN): Used by sole proprietors or individuals.
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Issued to individuals who are not eligible for an SSN.

TIN validation is the process of verifying that the TIN provided by a business matches the legal name associated with that number in the IRS database. This validation ensures the accuracy of tax reporting and compliance.

Why Is TIN Validation Important?

TIN validation is more than just a bureaucratic step; it’s a crucial part of maintaining compliance and avoiding financial penalties. Here’s why it matters:

1. Avoiding IRS Penalties:
   Incorrect or mismatched TINs can trigger penalties from the IRS. Merchants who fail to validate their TINs may face backup withholding, where a percentage of their payments are withheld for tax purposes.
2. Ensuring Accurate Tax Reporting:
   Accurate TIN validation ensures that tax information reported to the IRS is correct, preventing discrepancies and potential audits.
3. Building Merchant Trust:
   For ISVs and VARs, helping merchants with TIN validation shows attention to detail and a commitment to compliance, strengthening trust and long-term relationships.
4. Streamlining Operations:
   Addressing TIN validation issues proactively can save merchants from future disruptions in their payment processes, such as withheld payments or delayed transactions.

How ISVs and VARs Can Help Merchants with TIN Validation

As trusted partners, ISVs and VARs are uniquely positioned to support merchants in navigating the complexities of TIN validation. Here’s how you can help:

1. Educate Merchants on TIN Validation Requirements:
   Many merchants may not fully understand the importance of TIN validation or how it works. Provide clear, accessible information about why accurate TINs and legal names are essential for compliance and how they can avoid penalties.
2. Offer Tools for Easy Validation:
   Partner with payment processors or third-party services that provide automated TIN validation tools. These tools can quickly verify TINs against the IRS database, reducing errors and ensuring compliance.
3. Proactively Identify Issues:
   Monitor your merchants’ accounts for mismatched TINs or potential compliance issues. Proactive communication can help merchants address problems before they escalate into penalties.
4. Simplify the Onboarding Process:
   During onboarding, guide merchants through the steps of entering their TIN and associated legal name correctly. Having these details verified upfront can save significant time and hassle later.
5. Provide Ongoing Support:
   Make TIN validation an ongoing part of your service offering. Regularly remind merchants to review their tax information and update it if necessary. Offer assistance in resolving discrepancies when they arise.
6. Highlight the Benefits:
   Emphasize how proper TIN validation protects merchants from penalties, streamlines tax reporting, and ensures smooth payment processing. This positions you as a partner who values their long-term success.

The Role of Automation in TIN Validation

Automation can simplify the TIN validation process for both ISVs/VARs and merchants. Many payment platforms now offer automated TIN matching services that:

• Validate TINs in real time during the onboarding process.
• Flag discrepancies for immediate resolution.
• Provide reporting tools to monitor compliance over time.

Integrating these automated tools into your offerings not only enhances your value as a partner but also ensures merchants can focus on their business operations without worrying about compliance issues.

Conclusion

TIN validation is a critical component of payment processing and tax compliance that every merchant needs to understand. For ISVs and VARs, offering support in this area is an opportunity to add value, build trust, and strengthen relationships with your merchants. By educating clients, offering validation tools, and providing proactive support, you can help ensure compliance while making their operations smoother and more efficient.

Ready to make TIN validation easier for your merchants? At BOLD Integrated Payments, we provide tools and expertise to help ISVs and VARs streamline compliance and drive merchant success. Reach out to learn more about how we can help you elevate your services!

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Late payments are a challenge nearly every business faces, regardless of size or industry. They disrupt cash flow, strain client relationships, and create unnecessary stress. The good news? With the right strategies in place, you can minimize late payments and keep your invoicing process running smoothly. In this blog, we’ll explore practical ways to improve invoicing practices, follow up effectively, and protect your bottom line.

Why Late Payments Happen

Before tackling late payments, it’s important to understand why they occur. Common causes include:

• Unclear Invoices: Missing details like due dates, payment terms, or amounts can confuse clients.
• Poor Communication: Clients may not know an invoice is overdue if reminders aren’t sent.
• Cash Flow Issues: Your customer may be struggling to pay on time due to their own financial situation.
• Manual Processes: Relying on paper invoices or outdated systems increases the likelihood of missed payments.

Understanding the root cause helps you implement solutions that not only reduce delays but streamline your invoicing process for the future.

1. Send Clear, Professional Invoices

Your invoices should be straightforward, professional, and easy for clients to act on. Here are key components every invoice should include:

• Invoice Number: A unique identifier for easier tracking.
• Payment Due Date: Be clear about when the payment is due (e.g., “Net 15” or “Due on Receipt”).
• Payment Options: Include methods such as ACH, credit cards, or digital wallets.
• Itemized List: Break down the goods or services provided to avoid confusion.
• Late Payment Terms: Clearly state any penalties or fees for overdue payments.

Tip: Use invoicing software to generate clean, professional invoices automatically. This reduces errors and ensures consistency.

2. Automate Invoicing and Payment Reminders

One of the most effective ways to handle late payments is to automate your invoicing system. Automation helps you:

• Send invoices promptly after work is completed.
• Schedule payment reminders before and after the due date.
• Reduce the time spent on manual follow-ups.

Automated reminders are a polite nudge that keeps invoices top of mind for clients. Tools like email notifications or invoicing platforms can help you send reminders without creating unnecessary tension.

Example Reminder:
“Hi [Client’s Name], This is a quick reminder that Invoice #12345 for [Amount] is due on [Date]. Please let us know if you need any assistance. Thank you!”

3. Set Up Clear Payment Terms

Clarity on payment terms can prevent misunderstandings. Discuss payment policies upfront and outline them on every invoice. Here are a few strategies to consider:

• Shorter Payment Terms: Instead of “Net 30” (30 days), consider “Net 15” to encourage faster payments.
• Late Fees: Implement a small penalty for overdue payments to incentivize timely transactions.
• Upfront Deposits: For larger projects, request a percentage upfront to secure part of the payment.

Tip: Be firm but professional about enforcing your payment terms to maintain respect and consistency.

4. Offer Flexible Payment Options

Simplifying how customers pay can significantly reduce late payments. Offering multiple payment methods makes it easier for clients to complete transactions quickly. Options include:

• Credit/Debit Cards
• ACH Transfers
• Mobile and Digital Wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Recurring Billing for ongoing services

The more convenient the payment process, the less likely clients are to miss their due dates.

5. Follow Up Promptly on Overdue Invoices

If an invoice becomes overdue, don’t wait to follow up. A friendly yet firm reminder can go a long way. Here’s a simple process for following up:

• Step 1: Polite Reminder (1–3 days overdue): Send a short email or message to check in.
• Step 2: Follow-Up Call (7–10 days overdue): Reach out with a phone call to discuss the delay.
• Step 3: Escalation (15+ days overdue): Consider formal steps, such as a payment demand letter or involving a collections agency.

Example Follow-Up Email:
“Hi [Client], I wanted to follow up on Invoice #12345, which was due on [Date]. Please let us know if you have any questions or need additional information. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter!”

6. Build Strong Client Relationships

Strong relationships with clients can help reduce payment delays. When clients trust and value your business, they’re more likely to prioritize your payments. Here’s how to build better relationships:

• Communicate regularly and keep them updated on work progress.
• Be understanding of occasional delays, especially with loyal clients.
• Work together to find solutions, like payment plans, if needed.

Balancing professionalism with a human touch can improve long-term payment habits.

7. Monitor and Track Payments

Stay organized by keeping a close eye on your accounts receivable. Regularly track:

• Outstanding invoices
• Payment statuses
• Patterns of late-paying clients

Using invoicing software with real-time reporting tools can help you spot trends and take action quickly. If certain clients consistently pay late, you can adjust terms or request upfront deposits for future work.

8. Know When to Seek Help

If late payments persist, you may need to escalate the issue. Consider:

• Collections Agencies: For unpaid invoices after multiple follow-ups.
• Legal Assistance: For large sums, consult a legal professional about your options.

While these steps should be a last resort, they’re sometimes necessary to protect your business’s financial health.

Conclusion

Late payments are a reality for most businesses, but with the right strategies, you can significantly reduce their impact. Start by streamlining your invoicing process, offering flexible payment options, and following up promptly when issues arise. Combining clear communication with automation and a professional approach will help you maintain steady cash flow and strong client relationships.

At BOLD Integrated Payments, we provide tools that simplify invoicing and payment collection, helping you get paid faster and stay focused on your business. Ready to improve your invoicing process? Reach out to us today!

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