Welcome to another episode of the Profit Roadmap, where we interview experts to help you grow your field service business. In this episode, we're diving into payment processing, growth strategies, and operational efficiency with Heather Price and Jonathan Novoa-Miralles from Xplor Pay (Clearent by Xplor). Also joining us in this episode is special guest co-host Mike Callahan, entrepreneur and owner/president of SimpleGrowth, with 25+ years of experience as a successful business owner.

In this episode, we cover:

Why timely payments are critical for cash flow
The benefits of modernized payment solutions
How to overcome common objections to payment processing
PCI compliance and data security best practices
Strategies for managing high-ticket transactions and recurring revenue

About Heather and Jonathan

Heather Price (Field Integrated BDR at Clearent by Xplor) has spent her career helping businesses streamline operations and save money through innovative solutions. Her experience ranges from medical office management to sales, and now she focuses on empowering merchants with tools to grow their businesses efficiently.

Jonathan Novoa-Miralles (Product Enablement Manager at Clearent by Xplor) brings a ton of expertise in software sales and payment processing. As part of the Xplor Pay team, he helps sales organizations by implementing effective market strategies and making sure clients have access to cutting-edge resources.

Together, they provide valuable insights into how service businesses can optimize their payment processes while maintaining strong relationships with customers.

The Reality of Payment Challenges in Service Businesses

One of the biggest pain points for service business owners is getting paid on time. As Heather explained, "The most common [issue] that we hear is that it takes way too long to get paid." Lots of companies still use paper invoices, which often sit forgotten on counters and then don’t get paid.

This payment delay can cause cash flow problems, and this is especially true for smaller businesses. Mike Callahan shared this feeling going back to his days running a lawn care company: "Things fell through the cracks... If the guys were taking cash in the truck, it would literally disappear."

The Keys to Financial Success Through Modernized Payments

In order to make sure your service business gets paid quickly here’s what Jonathan and Heather recommended:

1. Implement Credit Card File Policies

Why It Works: Requiring credit cards on file guarantees payment and simplifies billing. "Literally if you ran all the cards... everything from last week, this Tuesday, the money was in the bank," said Mike.

Action Item: Use a system where customers can authorize automatic payments for recurring services. This reduces admin work and improves cash flow predictability.

2. Use Technology for Faster Payments

Tools to Use: Platforms like Xplor Pay offer things like next-day funding, automated reminders for expiring cards, and secure portals for customer payments.

Quote to Remember: "You're going to see that in your bank account on Wednesday" for jobs completed on Tuesday, Heather noted. This rapid turnaround helps businesses manage expenses better.

3. Focus on Security and Compliance

PCI Compliance Matters: Storing sensitive information improperly can lead to legal issues and loss of trust. Heather emphasized, "We don't ever see that full credit card number... It's all encrypted."

Best Practice: Avoid writing down credit card details or storing them insecurely. Instead, use tokenization and encryption technologies to protect customer data.

Overcoming Common Objections to Payment Processing

Many business owners hesitate to adopt digital payment systems because of concerns about fees and complexity. However, Heather and Jonathan shared compelling reasons to make the switch:

Addressing Fee Concerns

Build Fees Into Pricing: Treat payment processing costs as part of your overhead recovery budget. "It's not something that's surreptitious," Ryan Yelvington pointed out. Customers won’t feel misled if fees are transparently accounted for.

Save Time, Make More Money: By reducing manual invoicing and collections efforts, you free up time to focus on growing your business. "That's gonna give you more time back in your day to maybe cut two more lawns," Heather said.

Simplifying Implementation

Modern Solutions Are User-Friendly: Gone are the days of clunky integrations. Today’s platforms integrate seamlessly with existing software. "There's an all-in-one solution," Ryan highlighted. "You don’t even have to change apps."

Key Takeaways for Service Business Owners

Adopt Recurring Revenue Models: Whether you’re mowing lawns or installing HVAC units, setting up subscription-based agreements builds long-term value and attracts higher acquisition multiples.

Prioritize Customer Convenience: Offering multiple payment options (credit card, ACH, etc.) enhances satisfaction and loyalty. "We're doing everything we can to help you," Heather said.

Stay Compliant and Secure: Protect both your business and your customers by adhering to PCI standards and leveraging encrypted payment systems.

Learn More

Clearent by Xplor’s team offers personalized support and tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs of service businesses. To learn more about streamlining payment processes and boosting operational efficiencies, check out the following links below:

Clearent by Xplor:

Xplor Pay:

Xplor Pay's website

Related: Achieving Profitable Growth in Your Business With Jason Noel

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