Author: Maria Sparagis

  • Credit Card Decline Code 05: Do Not Honor (solution)

    , , , , ,

    Is your store riddled with “Do Not Honor” messages? You’re not alone. These codes harm your business and can ultimately lead to account termination. A cleaner processing statement not only looks better but also improves your odds of getting better rates. These decline codes are also not card network-specific. They apply to Visa, Mastercard, Discover,…

    do not honor error code stripe credit card decline code 05
  • Split Testing for Pricing Will 10x Your Global Sales

    I’ve seen countless businesses leave money on the table by using one-size-fits-all pricing. Let’s explore how strategic price testing across different regions can dramatically boost your conversion rates. OPTIMIZE YOUR CHECKOUT Geographical Price Testing I discovered throughout the years that geographical split testing for pricing can transform businesses. Companies implementing this strategy consistently see growth…

    The hand of a man wearing a suit holds a piece of chalk onto a chalkboard that says "Pricing Strategy"
  • Is Stripe Holding Money? How to Keep Your Business Alive

    Your Stripe account shows held funds and you need answers ASAP. Let me walk you through exactly why this happens and the fastest way to get your business running again. AVOID ACCOUNT SHUTDOWNS Common Triggers for Stripe Fund Holds I see merchants facing Stripe holds every day, and understanding these triggers helps you avoid or…

    Business man holding a wad of cash
  • Shopify Sucks for 2025: The Shopify Transaction Fees Trap

    Shopify’s transaction fees are eating into your profits more than you realize. Let me break down why their fee structure creates significant challenges for growing businesses. SWITCH FROM SHOPIFY The Fee Trap Shopify’s rigid fee structure creates a costly trap for growing businesses in 2025. On the Basic plan, you’ll pay 2.9% + $0.30 for…

    Blue black ground with a four stacks of coins growing in height and wooden blocks that spell out “FEES”, one block on each stack of coins.
  • Best Return Policy to Avoid Chargebacks Post-Holiday Sales

    ,

    The holiday rush has ended, but a new challenge emerges: the dreaded “Returnuary.” As merchants, we face a staggering 40% increase in chargebacks during the post-holiday period compared to November and December. This surge is a critical threat to your bottom line that demands immediate attention. Here’s how to avoid chargebacks with best refund policy…

    Writing note showing Return Policy. Business photo showcasing Tax Reimbursement Retail Terms and Conditions on Purchase Yellow paper keyboard Inspiration communicate ideas orange markers