Services – Connie Russell Consulting

My Services

Most merchants don’t know what they don’t know. While many aspects of the cost involved in processing a transaction are fixed and determined by the Networks, there are some aspects of those processing costs that you may be able to control. The very basis of my relationship with you begins with understanding how you are processing, and what pain points you are experiencing. Only with that critical step, can I determine ways that will not only be more cost effective, but also more operationally efficient. My end goal is to provide you with a plan of action that you and your staff can implement.

Evaluating and Benchmarking Processor Fees

Most organizations I have encountered over the years don’t truly know what they are paying for their transactions. And when they have asked their provider why the cost is so high, they are often told “that’s a network fee that we can’t control”. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. Years of experience help me separate fact from fiction, which drives transparency for you. I know what they do, how they do it, and where they hide it from you, and I have spent a career dedicated to uncovering all the extra dollars that should be included in your profitability. If there is an excessive fee to be found, I’ll help you find it.

Evaluation of Contractual Relationship

Merchant agreements can be the cause of tremendous frustration for a variety of reasons. Navigating the contractual language that is prevalent in the merchant industry can be cumbersome to say the least. The Bank Card Rules and Regulations drive many elements in a merchant agreement and are truly non-negotiable. However, after years of reviewing merchant agreements, I know where to find the language that can present issues and tilt the agreement toward the side of the processor. I will work with you to create language that will be mutually equitable.

Propose and Develop Network Negotiating Strategy

After reviewing current practices, fee structures and the contractual status, acting as a genuine advocate for you begins. From strategic to operational, I can bring additional resources to the table when further bandwidth or specialized expertise is required. By utilizing those additional resources to make appropriate recommendations, I will assist you in positioning your business for the most favorable result, carrying benefit for the long term. You can take comfort that I have a singular unbiased agenda, which is to act on your behalf.

RFP Process Management

I have responded to numerous RFP’s over the years. I have an appreciation of how daunting the process can be for a merchant and how it can tie up valuable resources. With a variety of pricing models, fee structures, and solution offerings from Payments Providers, making an “apples to apples” comparison is nearly impossible for a merchant. I oversee the process and will provide you with an easy-to-understand summary of the results with an unbiased perspective. Allowing you to make a truly educated decision that will enhance revenue and improve your efficiency is the end goal. My recommendations are specialized, transparent, and adapted to the complexity of each situation and its’ unique requirements.

Data Breach Response/Recovery

Network hacking and identity theft are becoming more prevalent, with no signs of slowing down. Compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is not enough to prevent a breach from happening. As innovations in security continue to evolve, so do the tactics used to breach them. While a breach protection plan is a must, companies should also prepare for the inevitable. How companies respond to a breach can greatly impact customer loyalty and brand reputation.

Contact me for more information.