Author: Maria Sparagis

As President of DirectPayNet, I make it my mission to help merchants find the best payment solutions for their online business, especially if they are categorized as high-risk merchants. I help setup localized payments modes and have tons of other tricks to increase sales! I am an avid traveler, conference speaker and love to attend any event that allows me to learn about technology. I am fascinated by anything related to digital currency especially Bitcoin and the Blockchain.

Stripe vs PayPal: Pros, Cons, Best Use Cases

Stripe versus PayPal

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 […]

Payments 101: A Guide to Payment Processing

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.

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 […]

FTC Targets Deceptive AI Claims, Shopify and Stripe Users Are Warned

Businessman's hand on the left giving a thumbs up, robot hand on the right giving a thumbs down.

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 […]

DOJ Visa Lawsuit, What This Means for Merchants

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

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 […]

Used Car Insurance Pitfalls: Common Dealer Mistakes

One hand giving car keys to another hand.

Many dealers overlook the complexities and potential pitfalls when offering used car insurance. Missteps in this area can significantly impact your bottom line, leading to lost revenue, increased liability, and damaged customer relationships. These errors not only eat into your profits but also expose your business to unnecessary risks. From payment processing hiccups to chargeback […]