Author: Maria Sparagis

  • Stripe vs PayPal: Pros, Cons, Best Use Cases

    Choosing the right payment processor can make or break your business. Two giants stand out in this arena: Stripe and PayPal. These powerhouses have revolutionized online payments, making it easier than ever for businesses to accept money from customers worldwide and for customers to pay in a flash. But which one should you choose—or should…

    Stripe versus PayPal
  • Stripeholdingfunds! How to Survive When Stripe Withholds Funds

    Stripe powers millions of online businesses, processing billions in transactions annually. As a vital cog in the e-commerce machine, it is a powerful player in moving money from your customers to you. But sometimes, this process hits a snag when Stripe decides to hold onto your funds. Understanding why Stripe holds funds and how to…

    Lock and chain on top of a 100 dollar bill
  • Payments 101: A Guide to Payment Processing

    Whether you’re a small business owner, an e-commerce entrepreneur, or simply a curious consumer, understanding the basics of payment processing is important in our increasingly cashless world. This crash course in Payment Processing 101 will guide you through the fundamentals. We’ll explore the key players involved, break down the lifecycle of a transaction, and delve…

    Pos terminal and payments systems. Financial transactions. Hand hold a bank card and payment terminal for the successful payment process. Credit card payment at pos terminal. Vector illustration.
  • FTC Targets Deceptive AI Claims, Shopify and Stripe Users Are Warned

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a crackdown on deceptive artificial intelligence (AI) claims. This aggressive move targets companies that exaggerate their AI capabilities or misuse consumer data under the guise of AI-powered services. For direct response businesses and those relying on platforms like Stripe and Shopify, this regulatory action demands immediate attention and…

    Businessman's hand on the left giving a thumbs up, robot hand on the right giving a thumbs down.
  • DOJ Visa Lawsuit, What This Means for Merchants

    The Department of Justice (DOJ) has thrown down the gauntlet, launching a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit against Visa, the card network giant. At the heart of this lawsuit lies a bold accusation: Visa has allegedly weaponized its dominant market position to stifle competition and maintain an iron grip on online debit transactions. The DOJ claims that…

    man wearing a suit passing a document with a bold "LAWSUIT" title across a desk