Why a payment processor matters (quick recap)
Every time someone pays you, cash, card, online, you’re handing your money to a third‑party. That company decides how much they’ll take in fees, what tools you get, and whether you’ll ever see that transaction slip through the cracks.
If you’re running a small shop, a restaurant, or an online store, picking the right processor can shave thousands off your yearly costs and free up time to focus on customers.
Helcim: Transparent, low‑cost for “real” cash‑in businesses
What you’ll love Why it fits you Interchange‑plus pricing – you see exactly what the card networks charge and only pay a flat fee on top. Good if you have a decent sales volume (think 10k–10k–50k/month). The more you sell, the cheaper per‑transaction becomes. Human support – phone or chat with a real person who knows your industry. Great if you’re not comfortable with chatbots or want a quick fix when something goes wrong. Built‑in fraud guard (Fraud Defender) and Helcim Fee Saver to pass surcharges to customers. Keeps you safe from chargebacks while letting you keep more of the sale. No monthly fees, no PCI costs – just a simple “no hidden charges” promise. If you’re watching every dollar, this is a huge win. When Helcim is your go‑to
- You’re in healthcare, retail, or professional services and want to keep all payment processing in one place.
- You already have some tech savvy (e.g., a POS system) but still need reliable card handling.
- You want to avoid “mystery” fees that pop up when you hit certain thresholds.
Square: All‑in‑one, fast‑to‑set‑up for retailers and foodies
What you’ll love Why it fits you Flat‑rate pricing – no surprises; a single percentage per sale. Easy to budget, especially if your sales are steady but not huge. Hardware + software combo – card readers, registers, inventory tools all in one ecosystem. No juggling multiple vendors or integrations. Instant online store builder & inventory management Perfect for shops that want a quick digital presence without hiring a developer. Add‑on services (e.g., payroll, loans) Useful if you’re looking to grow and need extra support, though some add-ons cost more each month. When Square is your go‑to
- You run a restaurant, boutique, or appointment‑based service that needs a POS in minutes.
- You want an intuitive interface that even a non‑tech person can master.
- You’re okay with paying a bit extra for “extras” like advanced inventory tracking or payroll.
Stripe: The developer’s dream and the best fit for e‑commerce
| What you’ll love | Why it fits you |
|---|---|
| Developer tools, SDKs, APIs – plug into your website or app with ease. | If you have a tech team (or a savvy friend) who can code, you’ll build custom workflows. |
| Multi‑currency & global support | Ideal for international customers or if you’re planning to expand overseas. |
| Subscription billing & automated invoicing | Great for SaaS or recurring revenue models. |
| Robust fraud protection (Stripe Radar) – though it can add extra cost. | Keeps your revenue safe while still letting you process high volumes. |
When Stripe is your go‑to
- You run an online store, marketplace, or SaaS platform that needs advanced payment logic.
- Your sales reach into multiple countries and currencies.
- You’re comfortable handling a little technical setup (or have someone who can).
Quick decision cheat sheet
| Business type | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Retail / food service | Square |
| Healthcare, professional services, or low-to-medium‑volume cash‑in | Helcim |
| E‑commerce / SaaS / international | Stripe |
(If you’re juggling multiple business lines, it might be worth mixing processors—for example, using Square for in‑store sales and Stripe for online orders.)
Still stuck? We’ve got your back
Choosing a payment processor isn’t just about the lowest fee; it’s also about the tools that help you run smoother day‑to‑day. Whether you’re leaning toward Helcim’s transparent pricing, Square’s all‑in‑one POS, or Stripe’s developer‑friendly ecosystem, we can set you up in minutes and keep the tech headaches at bay.
Contact us today for a free consultation on how to match your business with the right payment solution. Let’s make sure every dollar you earn stays where it belongs—right in your pocket.
Got questions? Drop us a line or give us a call. We’re here to help small businesses thrive, one transaction at a time