Author: Maria Sparagis

Maria Sparagis is President of DirectPayNet, where she's spent over 20 years helping businesses scale to six-, seven-, and eight-figure revenue through optimized payment processing. She works hands-on with business owners to solve merchant account challenges, reduce processing costs, and implement payment strategies that support real growth. Maria is a regular speaker at fintech conferences and writes about practical approaches that help businesses break through revenue plateaus.

Crypto Businesses Are the New Home for Luxury Goods

Shopping bag with the Bitcoin (BTC) symbol.

Welcome to a fascinating exploration of the luxury goods market and its exciting intersection with the world of blockchain technology. In 2022, we witnessed a remarkable trend: luxury goods accounted for a staggering 20% of items sold by crypto-enabled merchants. This statistic has piqued the interest of many, and we’re here to delve into the […]

Navigating FTC Compliance and Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in the Supplement Industry

Man standing behind a clipboard title "Compliance" with a completed checklist.

The supplement industry is booming with an ever-increasing demand for products that help consumers achieve their health and wellness goals. However, with great opportunity comes great responsibility, and in this dynamic industry, compliance and staying on the right side of the law are of utmost importance. Here at DirectPayNet, we’re well-versed in the realm of […]

Here’s How the “AI Summer” Pause Will Help or Hurt Your Business

Person holding up a white sign that has "AI" crossed out in protest on the street.

As a business owner, you’ve likely felt the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in one way or another. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, AI has rapidly transformed the business landscape. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Recently, Tesla’s Elon Musk and nearly 1500 technology leaders called for a six-month pause in AI […]

Easter Spending Expected to Reach All-Time High, Dropshippers Prepare!

Golden egg on top of large stack of cash.

Attention all dropshipping entrepreneurs! Easter is just around the corner, and it’s time to hop on this festive opportunity to boost your sales. With consumer spending on Easter-related items expected to reach an all-time high, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), there has never been a better moment to diversify your product offerings and […]

Block Inc Accused of Fraud, Is Square Payment Processing Unsafe?

Logos for Square payment processing and Block, Inc.

In the high-stakes world of e-commerce, payment processors play a critical role in the success and stability of your business. These platforms are the lifeblood of your online store, enabling seamless transactions between you and your customers. But what happens when the safety of your payment processor is called into question? The thought alone sends […]