The SwipeSum Platform: A Brewer's Choice for Processing

Running a brewery involves much more than crafting great beer. Managing multiple revenue streams, handling distribution, ensuring compliance, and creating a smooth customer experience are all critical to running a successful brewing operation. At the heart of these tasks lies payment processing, a crucial element that can significantly impact your bottom line. Whether you’re operating a small craft brewery, expanding into online sales, or managing a large-scale operation with a restaurant or pub, choosing the right payment processing solution can make or break your efficiency.

Here’s everything you need to know about payment processing for breweries.

The Unique Challenges Breweries Face with Payment Processing

Breweries face multiple challenges when it comes to payment processing due to the diversity of their operations:

• Distributors: Managing payments for large wholesale distributors and retailers involves different fee structures compared to consumer sales.
• Point of Sale (POS): In-house payments need to flow smoothly through taprooms, brewpubs, and restaurants.
• Online Sales: E-commerce introduces complexities with tax, shipping, and security compliance.
• Multi-channel Integration: Breweries often sell products through physical locations, online, and at events or festivals, requiring versatile payment solutions.

Each of these revenue streams must be managed efficiently to avoid losing money through high transaction fees, poor integration, or compliance issues.

Key Features to Look for in Payment Processing for Breweries

To meet the unique demands of your brewery, your payment processing system should include the following key features:

• Multi-channel Payment Processing: Whether you're accepting payments online, in-store, or via mobile, the payment processor must seamlessly integrate across all sales platforms.
• POS System Integration: Taproom and brewpub payments must be quick and efficient. After selection your Point Of Sale ask about the available payment gateways in order to discover which payment providers you can use.
• Contactless Payments: Breweries are increasingly adopting NFC-based payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay to improve customer experience and speed up service.
• Inventory and Distribution Tracking: Many modern payment processors offer integration with inventory management systems to help track raw materials, finished products, and distributor orders.
• Loyalty Programs: Building customer loyalty is crucial in the brewery business. Payment systems that offer loyalty integrations allow breweries to track repeat customers and offer rewards.

Popular Payment Processing Solutions for Breweries

The best payment processing solution depends on the size and complexity of your operations. Here are the top contenders:

Swipesum

Swipesum is a payments consultancy that works directly with breweries to reduce processing fees, eliminate hidden costs, and create custom payment solutions that fit unique business needs. They negotiate better rates across multiple revenue streams, including distributors, taproom sales, gift shops, and online orders.

Square for Retail

Square is a versatile and easy-to-use platform that integrates inventory management, e-commerce, and in-person sales. It supports multiple payment methods, including mobile wallets and tap-to-pay, which are essential in today’s post-pandemic world.

Toast POS

Toast offers one of the most comprehensive POS systems for restaurants and breweries, featuring real-time data tracking, mobile payments, and loyalty programs. Toast integrates well with restaurants, making it a perfect fit for breweries that serve food.

Cost Considerations

Payment processing fees can vary greatly depending on the provider and the type of transactions. Here are key cost components to consider:

• Transaction Fees: Usually 2.5%–2.9% + $0.10–$0.30 per transaction for credit cards. However these costs can be considerably reduced through a payment consultant.
• Monthly Fees: Some processors charge a monthly fee for service or for additional features like reporting and loyalty program integration.
• Hidden Fees: Watch out for extra fees, such as PCI compliance fees, statement fees, or gateway fees, which can add up.

Swipesum, for example, helps breweries eliminate these hidden fees by auditing your current processor's rates and finding savings across the board.

Navigating Compliance and Security

Compliance is a critical aspect of payment processing for breweries. A reliable payment processor should include:

• PCI DSS Compliance: Ensures that your brewery is following industry standards to protect cardholder data. These monthly fees will eat away at your profitability, leverage Swipesum to eliminate these fees.
• End-to-End Encryption: Protects customer data from the moment it is entered.
• Tokenization: Replaces sensitive card information with non-sensitive data, reducing the risk of fraud.

Emerging Trends in Brewery Payment Processing

As technology advances, breweries are seeing new trends in payment processing that enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency:

• Mobile Payments: The rise of mobile payments through digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay has made payments faster and more convenient.
• QR Code Ordering: Post-pandemic, QR code menus and payments allow customers to order from their own devices, speeding up service and increasing tabs.
• Contactless POS Systems: Brewers are moving towards contactless POS systems that allow staff to serve customers anywhere on the premises, reducing queues and increasing sales.
• Loyalty Programs: Integrated loyalty programs help breweries reward repeat customers and gather data on purchasing habits.

Tips for Breweries to Maximize Savings

To get the most from your payment processing system:

• Audit Your Current Fees: Regularly audit your processor's fees to ensure you aren't overpaying. Tools like Swipesum’s Staitment software can automatically audit statements and find savings.
• Negotiate Rates: Don’t settle for standard processing rates. Work with payment consultants like Swipesum to negotiate better rates and terms.
• Leverage Data: Use reporting tools provided by your payment processor to gain insights into sales trends, popular products, and customer behaviors.
• Integrate Inventory and Sales Data: A POS system that integrates inventory management helps reduce wastage and keep popular brews in stock.

Conclusion

The right payment processing solution can simplify operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience for your brewery. Whether you're running a small taproom or a multi-location brewery with online sales and distribution, focusing on customized payment solutions like Square, Toast, or Swipesum will help streamline your processes, save money, and let you focus on what you do best—crafting great beer.

For more detailed advice or to learn how to optimize payment processing for your brewery, reach out to a consultant at Swipesum.

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