Payment processing for car, RV, and power sports dealerships

Yes. The service advisor texts a payment link when the car is ready, the customer pays from their phone, and the repair order closes when they pay. No one reads card numbers over the phone.

It also shortens the line at the cashier window when everyone picks up after work.

For large amounts, yes. ACH moves money straight from the customer's bank, usually costs far less than a card on a big ticket, and takes a few business days to settle.

It works well for wholesale deals, fleet customers and large parts accounts. Cards stay available for customers who want them.

Get the deposit terms in writing and signed: the amount, what it holds, and when it is refundable. Take the card by tap or chip in person when you can, rather than keying it in.

If a buyer later disputes the deposit, that signed agreement and the receipt are what the bank looks at.

• Chargebacks explained

The markup above interchange. On large tickets, a small difference in that markup costs real money on every deal, and it is easy to hide inside blended or tiered pricing.

Also count your merchant accounts. Sales, service and parts each running their own account can mean monthly fees you never noticed.

• How to read your processing statement