Uncensored Direct Marketing

Stripe holding your money or freezing payouts? Here’s why reserves happen — and what ecommerce brands, subscription businesses, and online sellers can do to get their funds released faster.If Stripe is suddenly holding your money, placing a “% reserve,” freezing payouts, or delaying transfers, you’re not alone. Thousands of ecommerce brands, subscription businesses, coaches, SaaS companies, and online sellers get hit with Stripe reserves every year. When Stripe thinks your business model, refund rate, dispute patterns, or chargeback risk are too high, they lock down your funds — and once a reserve is in place, getting your money back can feel impossible.In this video, we break down why Stripe freezes your funds, the difference between a fixed reserve and a rolling reserve, the most common reserve triggers, and what actually helps you get payouts released faster.You’ll learn:► What a Stripe reserve really means► How reserves work (rolling reserve, capped reserve, and upfront reserve)► The risk signals Stripe uses to flag merchants► How long reserves typically last — and when you’ll get your money back► What YOU can do to show Stripe you’re reducing risk► Why now is the time to add a backup payment processor before things get worseStripe reserves rarely come out of nowhere — but they definitely feel like it. If you want stability, predictable cash flow, and fewer frozen payouts, it might be time to look at a high-risk merchant account that won’t surprise you with sudden fund holds.Are you ready to switch to a merchant account and protect your payment processing? Reach out to DirectPayNet today!

Are you sinking thousands into third-party invoicing tools — when your accounting software and payment gateway can handle everything without extra fees or subscriptions?In this video, Maria breaks down the high costs of popular invoicing platforms like Bill.com, Chargebee, and Chargezoom — from monthly subscription fees to the extra percentages they take off every transaction. She explains how connecting your existing accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero) directly to your own payment gateway can eliminate those costs, simplify billing, and give you full control of your client data.Maria compares popular third-party invoicing software to the modern-day solution, uncovering why these tools have become an unnecessary layer.✅ Solve your invoicing woes by integrating your gateway directly with your accounting system — it’s faster, cheaper, and smoother than you think.💡 Modernize your billing system, keep full control of your customer data, and stop paying for invoicing tools you don’t need.What You’ll Learn:The real cost of using platforms like Bill.com, Chargebee, and ChargezoomWhy third-party invoicing tools create double work for your teamHow to connect your accounting software directly to your payment gatewayThe benefits of owning your data and reducing unnecessary software layersHow modern payment gateways make invoicing easier, faster, and more secure🚀 Need help setting up your gateway or finding the right merchant account?Visit DirectPayNet.com to get expert guidance and unlock better control over your payments today.

The BNPL world just changed — and if you’re a merchant, you’re not as safe from it as you think.The CFPB’s new Buy Now, Pay Later regulations are aimed at BNPL providers, but the fallout will hit sellers next. Expect higher fees, tighter approvals, and more limits on who can use these services — especially if your store falls under “high-risk”.And it doesn’t stop there. These changes will also affect how customers see and use BNPL. As fees rise and approvals drop, BNPL could become a less appealing checkout option — hurting conversions and your overall payment flexibility.In this episode, payments expert Maria Sparagis breaks down what’s happening behind the scenes, how these new BNPL rules will impact merchants directly, and what you can do right now to stay ahead — from reviewing your BNPL performance to adding better alternative payment methods before costs skyrocket.Because when BNPL fees jump or customers start getting declined… it’s your sales that take the hit.✅ You’ll learn:What the CFPB’s BNPL regulations actually changeWhy merchants will feel the ripple effects firstHow rising BNPL fees can erode profit marginsWhy high-risk stores may lose access entirelySmart next steps for merchants in 2025If you’re offering Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm, this is your BNPL wake-up call.As BNPL rules tighten, flexible payment options will matter more than ever.DirectPayNet helps merchants diversify with ACH, international, and high-risk payment solutions built for growth. Get in touch today!

Using Stripe — or thinking about it? Here’s what most business owners don’t realize about how Stripe really works compared to a merchant account.If you process payments online, you’ve probably come across Stripe payments — one of the most popular tools for eCommerce stores, SaaS companies, and digital entrepreneurs. But is Stripe really the same as having a merchant account, or do they work differently behind the scenes? In this video, Maria breaks down everything you need to know about how Stripe works, what a merchant account actually is, and the key differences that affect your business when it comes to payment processing, fees, account control, and scalability. Whether you’re building an eCommerce store, managing recurring payments, or running a high-risk business, understanding how these systems operate will help you choose the setup that best fits your growth goals. 📍 What You'll Learn1:09 What is Stripe and how Stripe payments work 3:23 What is a merchant account (and how it differs from Stripe) 4:50 Why choose a merchant account over Stripe for ecommerce 7:09 The key differences between Stripe and your own Merchant Account 12:16 Which payment setup is right for your business 17:07 How to transition from Stripe to a dedicated merchant accountOnce you understand how Stripe and merchant accounts really work, you’ll see why picking the right setup matters so much for growth, stability, and getting paid on time—especially as your business scales.👉 If you’re outgrowing Stripe or need a payment setup built for your business, DirectPayNet helps you get approved with the right merchant account for long-term growth.

Whether you’re applying for your first high-risk merchant account or looking to add a backup payment processor for extra stability, this video walks you through every step to set your business up for success.Maria covers exactly how to get a high-risk merchant account approved, what documents underwriters expect, and how to position your business to present the best first impression to merchant account providers. Even established merchants using Stripe, PayPal, or Square should maintain a secondary processor to protect revenue and avoid downtime.What you’ll learn:✅ Required documents for high-risk merchant account approval✅ How to prepare your website and business before applying✅ Choosing the right high-risk payment processor for your industry✅ What to do in your first 90 days to keep your account healthy✅ Why every high-risk merchant should have a backup processor or multi-MID setupWhether you’re in supplements, coaching, subscriptions, adult, crypto, travel, or any other high-risk vertical, this step-by-step guide will help you optimize your payment processing strategy and keep your transactions flowing smoothly.You’ll learn insider tips for staying compliant, improving approval odds, and maintaining strong relationships with your processors — so you never have to worry about frozen funds or sudden terminations again.If you want to scale your high-risk business with reliable, long-term payment processing, this video is your complete roadmap.👉 Need help getting approved a merchant account?Connect with our team of experts and get matched with the right high-risk processor for your business.

Are your credit card declines climbing and your approval rate dropping? Every failed transaction means lost revenue. In this episode, Maria breaks down how to fix payment declines, boost approval rates, and recover more sales through smarter payment processing strategies.If you run an ecommerce store, sell online, or operate in a high-risk industry, this episode will help you uncover why payments fail — and what you can do to fix it.You’ll learn how to:✅ Read and interpret decline codes that actually matter✅ Retry soft declines safely (and avoid hard declines)✅ Fine-tune your fraud prevention tools to stop false declines✅ Use AI and address verification (AVS) to improve approvals✅ Align your MCC and business descriptor with what you sell✅ Optimize transaction routing and use dynamic currency conversion (DCC) for higher approval ratesIf your current payment setup isn’t getting enough approvals, Maria explains what to change — fast. Whether you’re using Shopify, WooCommerce, or your own checkout, these insights will help you recover lost revenue and keep transactions flowing.💡 Still fighting high decline rates or unstable approval percentages?Visit DirectPayNet.com — we help ecommerce and high-risk merchants get the right merchant account setup, routing, and fraud tools to dramatically cut declines and keep payments moving.

Visa’s new fraud monitoring rules are officially in effect — and the Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) could put your business at risk if you’re not prepared.In this episode, Maria breaks down exactly what VAMP means, why Visa introduced it, and how to protect your business from fraud penalties and shutdowns.You’ll learn:✅ What Visa’s VAMP program is — and how it works✅ Why stricter fraud monitoring is rolling out now✅ The key metrics Visa monitors (and what they mean for you)✅ 10 practical steps to protect your merchant account and stay compliant✅ How to reduce fraud ratios and keep your payments flowing smoothlyWhether you run an ecommerce store, subscription site, or high-risk business, this episode will help you navigate Visa’s new rules with confidence.📥 Download your FREE VAMP Survival Guide for Merchants:💬 Need help keeping your account compliant or finding a processor experienced with high-risk businesses? Contact Maria at DirectPayNet Today!

Most businesses only find out they’re high-risk after getting shut down. Learn what the label really means and how it impacts your ability to accept payments.Are you running an online business and wondering if you’re considered high-risk? High-risk merchant accounts are one of the most misunderstood parts of payment processing. The truth is, most e-commerce, subscription, and digital product businesses fall into the high-risk category — even if they’ve never had issues with payments before.In this video, Maria breaks down what a high-risk merchant account is, why businesses get labeled high-risk, the differences between high-risk and regular merchant accounts, and what that means for your fees, approvals, and chargebacks. If you’re asking “Do I need a high-risk merchant account?” or “Is my business high-risk?”, this guide will give you the answers.What You’ll Learn: ✅ What qualifies as a high-risk business✅ Why payment processors use the “high-risk” label✅ High-risk vs. regular merchant accounts✅ The real implications for your business (fees, approvals, chargebacks)✅ What to do next if you’re high-risk Understanding how high-risk merchant accounts work can save your business time, money, and stress. If you need a reliable merchant account tailored for your business, DirectPayNet can help!

Amazon’s $2.5B FTC settlement is a warning for subscription businesses. Learn the new rules and 5 compliance practices you need now.The FTC recently hit Amazon with a record $2.5 billion settlement over deceptive subscription practices — from unclear free trial terms to making it difficult for customers to cancel.This isn’t just about Amazon. The case highlights how the FTC is cracking down on subscription businesses and setting new compliance standards that every company must follow. If your business relies on recurring billing, subscriptions, or free trial offers, these rules apply to you.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why the FTC targeted Amazon — what practices regulators flagged and how they crossed the line✅ What the $2.5B settlement means for subscription businesses — and why smaller companies aren’t immune✅ Beyond compliance: customer satisfaction — how building trust can reduce churn and boost long-term revenue✅ 5 practices you need to adopt now — clear disclosures, easy cancellations, and more to avoid becoming a targetThe Amazon vs. FTC settlement is a wake-up call: subscription merchants need to update their practices now to avoid regulatory action and keep customers happy.Need help staying compliant while scaling your subscription business? At DirectPayNet, we specialize in helping subscription businesses navigate compliance, reduce chargebacks, and set up the right merchant accounts.Get in touch today: directpaynet.com/contact-us

Visa has introduced new chargeback rules through its Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP). While it’s aimed at acquirers, merchants can’t afford to ignore it because, as acquirers scramble to protect their portfolios under Visa’s stricter fraud guidelines, merchants will be the ones who get cut off, restricted, or penalized.📥 Get your free downloadable guide to protect your business from VAMP here.In this video, Maria breaks down:✅ What VAMP is and why Visa launched it✅ How the fraud-to-sales ratio works (1.5% now, moving to 0.9% in 2026)✅ Why acquirers and processors are tightening controls✅ Why high-risk industries (supplements, CBD, digital content, coaching) are most at risk✅ How subscriptions and recurring billing models could trigger disputes✅ The end of relying on chargeback alerts to stay safe✅ Practical fraud prevention steps to protect your merchant accountWith Visa enforcing stricter fraud thresholds starting October 1, 2025, merchants must take immediate action. If you’re in a high-risk industry or run subscriptions, you can’t afford to ignore VAMP.👉 Need expert help navigating VAMP and fraud prevention? Reach out to our team at DirectPayNet for tailored help.📌 Subscribe for the latest payment processing news, updates, and strategies to stay compliant and profitable.

Are tariffs eating into your profits?Import duties, trade talks, and sudden tariff changes are creating chaos for online businesses, dropshippers, and eCommerce store owners. In this episode, Maria Sparagis breaks down practical strategies to stay profitable through the tariff mess while keeping your customers happy and avoiding costly disputes or chargebacks.You’ll learn:✅ How tariffs affect dropshipping and imported products✅ Why radical transparency with customers prevents chargebacks✅ Checkout page strategies to avoid surprise duty fees✅ How to offer prepaid duties and inclusive pricing models✅ The role of strong customer support in reducing disputes✅ Whether sourcing domestically or using U.S. fulfillment centers can protect your margins✅ How to manage small price increases without losing customer trustIf you’re sourcing products outside the U.S. or running a dropshipping business, this guide will help you weather the storm, protect your reputation, and stay profitable during uncertain tariff times.📌 Need help with disputes or payment processing? Reach out to Maria and her team at DirectPayNet. maria@directpaynet.com👍 Like this video if you found it helpful, and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly strategies to make your online business more profitable.0:00 Tariffs Can Destroy Your Business1:02 Avoiding Tariff-Related Chargebacks2:28 Be Transparent5:27 Pre-Paid Duty7:09 Send a Receipt9:23 Actively Inform11:13 Stay Up to Date11:55 Local Fulfillment13:39 Adapt Accordingly14:45 Profiting Through Tariff UncertaintyNeed a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us

Friendly fraud is one of the most frustrating challenges for business owners—and despite its name, there’s nothing “friendly” about it. In this episode, Maria Sparagis breaks down what friendly fraud is, why it happens, and how you can protect your business from rising chargebacks.With Visa estimating chargebacks will rise by 42% in 2026, business owners need to understand the real costs of disputes: lost sales, product costs, service hours, and even the risk of losing your payment processor entirely.👉 In this video, you’ll learn:- The difference between friendly fraud vs. criminal fraud- Why chargebacks are increasing across industries- The hidden risks for “high-risk” businesses like supplements, coaching, and digital products- Practical prevention strategies (clear checkout pages, billing descriptors, receipts, cancellation links, and more)- How to handle disputes strategically and avoid getting match-listed- Why choosing the right payment processing partner is critical for survivalIf you’re dealing with chargebacks or worried about losing your merchant account, this episode will give you actionable tools and insider knowledge to protect your profits.💡 Need help setting up chargeback alerts or a backup payment processor? Contact Maria and her team at DirectPayNet for expert support. maria@directpaynet.com👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes on payment processing, fraud prevention, and growing your online business.0:00 Chargeback Statistics2:17 What Is Friendly Fraud?4:37 Why Fraud Tools WON’T Target Friendly Fraud6:43 Consequences of Friendly Fraud8:37 How to Prevent Friendly Fraud14:30 Fighting the Dispute17:22 Choosing the Right Provider

Thinking about starting an online store or want to swap services but not sure if Shopify is the right fit? In this video, we break down the best Shopify alternatives in 2025 — including WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento (Adobe Commerce), and Shift4Shop so you can choose the right eCommerce platform for your business.We’ll cover:✅ Why Shopify might not be the best option for certain businesses✅ Shopify Payments limitations & hidden fees you should know about✅ How WooCommerce gives you low-cost flexibility and control over your customer data✅ Why BigCommerce is powerful for scaling brands and B2B businesses✅ How Magento (Adobe Commerce) supports enterprise-level eCommerce with advanced tools✅ Budget-friendly options like Shift4Shop for quick setup with no extra payment processing feesWhether you’re selling dropshipping products, print-on-demand, supplements, digital products, or direct-to-consumer goods, this guide will help you compare Shopify with other platforms and make the best decision for your store.💡 BONUS: We’ll also talk about payment processing freedom — why owning your customer data and having a backup payment processor is critical to protect your business long-term.👉 If you need help setting up your payment processing or choosing the right platform, drop a comment or reach out. maria@directpaynet.com

Think Stripe’s fees are just 2.9% + 30¢? Think again. In this video, Maria Sparagis (payment processing expert and owner of DirectPayNet) breaks down Stripe processing fees, reveals their hidden charges, and shows you exactly how to read your Stripe balance report so you can uncover the real cost of doing business.We’ll cover:Stripe transaction fees explainedHow to find Stripe’s additional feesUnderstanding foreign transaction & currency feesDispute & chargeback costsStripe fees vs. your actual processing costHow to protect your account from holds and reservesIf you want to know the true cost of Stripe and how to spot unnecessary fees, this guide is for you.Takeaway tip: Download your monthly Stripe Balance Report in PDF and check every single fee line—knowledge is power when negotiating rates or switching providers.0:00 Why your Stripe fees are higher than advertised0:57 The balance report you NEED to download2:13 High-risk merchant & out-of-region fees3:39 Foreign exchange & risk reserves explained5:29 Payout differences & surprise debits7:32 Why 2.9% + 30¢ is misleading8:28 How to track Stripe fees monthlyNeed a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us

Confused by payment processing fees? In this episode, Maria Sparagis breaks down the real costs behind merchant account statements — beyond the advertised “2.9% + $0.30.”Whether you're using Stripe, Shopify, or have a standalone merchant account, this is the ultimate guide to uncovering hidden fees, understanding interchange rates, and negotiating better deals.🔍 Learn what "interchange plus" really means, how to spot PCI compliance penalties, refund and chargeback traps, and why your true processing costs might be MUCH higher than you think.📊 Maria walks you through an actual merchant processing statement and explains line-by-line what each fee represents — so you can protect your profits and make smarter business decisions.🛠 Need help analyzing your own statement? Reach out to Maria and the DirectPayNet team for expert support.🔗 Useful Links:→ Shopify Fee Breakdown (Related Episode): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbGsvCa7eJ8→ Open a Merchant Account: maria@directpaynet.com💬 Drop your questions in the comments — and if you’ve ever spotted a hidden fee, let us know!0:00 Intro1:44 3 Processing Fee Models4:20 Merchant Statement Breakdown14:56 Chargeback Fees16:39 Other Fees19:53 Summing Up24:23 Outro

Has Shopify Payments frozen or shut down your account out of nowhere? You're not alone—and you're not helpless.In this episode, Maria Sparagis, owner of DirectPayNet, explains exactly what to do when Shopify pulls the plug on your payment processing. From understanding why it happened to setting up real alternatives that can handle high-risk businesses like supplements, digital goods, CBD, coaching, and subscriptions—we’ve got you covered.✅ Learn how to:- Get clarity from Shopify (even when they ghost you)- Send a physical letter to escalate your case- Switch to alternative gateways that won’t shut you down- Set up a merchant account to avoid future disruptionsIf you're doing $25K/month or more, Shopify Payments is too risky to be your only option. Get backup systems in place today.📩 Need help? Reach out or drop a comment below.maria@directpaynet.com0:00 Intro0:49 Contact Shopify Online6:58 Contact Shopify by Mail8:40 Shopify Alternatives14:04 Merchant Accounts16:11 Final Thoughts🔗 Related videos:Stripe Alternatives for High-Risk Businesses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJLzaK7e6OI&tHow to Write a Payment Processor Appeal Letter: https://youtu.be/ddLt38NVdSg?si=ItUDJOVV4qzJEHaZ

Visa’s VAMP rules are here and they’re reshaping how online businesses handle fraud, chargebacks, and card testing. In this episode, Maria Sparagis (with over 20 years in payment processing) breaks down exactly what the Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) is, how it affects merchants, and what you must do to stay compliant.What's Covered:✅ What Visa’s VAMP rules mean for your business✅ How acquirers are passing fraud liability to you✅ The tools you should already be using to prevent disputes and card testing✅ Why 3DS (3D Secure) is your new best friend—especially for high-ticket or international orders✅ How AVS, CVV, and IP filters can make or break your fraud defenses✅ The underrated risk of confusing billing descriptors✅ What to know about chargeback alerts like RDR & Ethoca✅ And what you need to do today to keep your payment processor happy💸 Fraud prevention isn’t optional anymore. Get ahead of the curve before Visa or your processor shuts you down.🔗 Referenced Episodes & Tools🔹 Watch my original episode on VAMP rules:    • Visa Will SHUT DOWN Your Sales with New VA...  🔹 Need help implementing these tools? Drop a comment or reach out—we're here to help. maria@directpaynet.com📌 Like, share, and subscribe for more episodes on how to protect and grow your e-commerce business.

Why Stripe Declines Upsells & How to Fix It: Optimize Your Funnel for More ConversionsIf your upsells are getting declined—especially after the front-end sale goes through—this episode is a must-watch. 💳 In this in-depth breakdown, Maria Sparagis explains exactly why Stripe and other payment processors may be flagging your upsell offers, and what you can do to increase approval rates in your checkout funnel.🔍 Learn:- Why upsells and order bumps get flagged—even after a front-end sale- How Stripe Radar rules and default settings could be killing your conversions- The importance of vaulting (tokenizing) customer card data- Why low front-end price points might backfire on your funnel- Pro techniques like "authorize and settle" for multi-step checkouts- The risks of duplicate price points & how to avoid “do not honor” declinesWhether you're using Systeme.io, ClickFunnels, WooCommerce, or any other cart tool—if you rely on Stripe for payment processing, this episode will help you recover lost sales and maximize your AOV (average order value).📈 For those running DTC funnels or subscription models, Maria shares specific Stripe Radar settings to audit, tweak, and monitor.💬 Questions? Need help with Stripe or merchant accounts?Contact Maria’s team at DirectPayNet to get expert guidance and hands-on support. ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us0:00 Intro1:02 Stripe Causing Declines2:59 #1 Tokenize Data5:14 #2 Price Test7:05 Stripe Radar Tweaks8:11 Velocity Checks11:51 Gradual, not Rapid12:59 Don’t Contact Stripe14:11 Increase Conversions18:33 Bonus Tip22:14 Summary👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if this helped you!

Choosing the Best Payment Processor for Your Online Business in 2025Wondering which payment processor is right for your online store? In this episode, Maria Sparagis (CEO of DirectPayNet) explains the crucial differences between popular PSPs like Stripe, PayPal, Braintree, and getting your own dedicated merchant account.What you’ll learn:- How Stripe and PayPal work for startups vs. scaling businesses- Hidden fees you might be ignoring- Why your business might outgrow Stripe sooner than you think- How a merchant account can increase your approval rates and protect you from sudden shutdowns- Easy integration tips that debunk the “merchant accounts are hard” mythWhether you sell digital products, subscriptions, coaching, or physical goods, this guide will help you pick the best payment processor in 2025 to maximize your revenue and keep your business stable.Many small businesses get lulled into Stripe’s convenience — until it bites them later with freezes, zero human support, or hidden fees. Graduating to a merchant account is not only about saving money but protecting your cash flow from algorithmic shutdownsSubscribe for more payment processing secrets, fraud prevention tips, and e-commerce success strategies!0:00 into0:53 2 Types of Processors2:00 Why Not Choose a PSP5:42 Scaling Your Business10:45 Plug-and-Play12:48 Application Process14:07 PSP vs Merchant Account21:31 OutroNeed a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us

Are webinars really making a comeback? 🤯 In this episode, I sit down with Gia Liossis of GIAffiliate Management to find out why webinars might be your brand’s untapped goldmine—especially if you’re in health, beauty, supplements, or coaching.We get into:- Why webinars still work in 2025 (and who they don’t work for)- The best affiliate audiences for webinar conversions- Tips to get people to actually show up live (hint: it’s not just giveaways)- Live Q&As vs. product discounts – which builds more trust?- What kind of opt-ins and show-up rates you should aim for- Whether you need a doctor or influencer to run one (spoiler: nope)Gia also shares behind-the-scenes stories from high-converting campaigns, including one affiliate who 10xed their earnings per click (EPC) just by running a webinar.If you’ve been sleeping on webinars—or think they’re "so 2008"—this one will wake you up. 😅0:00 Meet Gia Liossis2:54 Who Are Webinars For?5:17 How to Get People to Join7:24 Where to Find Webinar Traffic13:19 Free vs Paid16:18 How to Get People to Opt In22:08 Providing Value25:33 Webinar Targeting27:57 Best Hosting Time30:05 How to Start34:30 Outro💬 Got questions about affiliate traffic or want to connect with Gia? Drop a comment below, DM me directly, or get in touch with her at https://www.facebook.com/gia.liosi#AffiliateMarketing #Webinars #DigitalMarketing #HealthBrands #InfoProducts #EntrepreneurshipNeed a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us