Certified Payments Professional Credential Could Become Vital

ETA’s administering of the Certified Payments Professional credential for a full year could place ISOs and agents under more pressure to acquire certification, according to Secure Payment Systems’ Steve Eazell. ETA reports that the credential is designed to demonstrate the holder’s expertise, and once retailers familiarize themselves with the CPP, they can use a registry on ETA’s Web site to find certified ISOs and agents. The association also hopes its promotion of CPP as a training and retention tool for ISOs hoping to educate and keep agents will raise the level of industry professionalism. Eazell also expects competition to continue into 2013, so ISOs should redefine and revolutionize their business offerings accordingly. He cites the solid relationships ISOs and agents can nurture with retailers as a key factor for maintaining a niche in the payments industry regardless of technological disruptions. Although Eazell acknowledges that there is no way to precisely predict how the economy will improve in the coming year, he says merchants are always on the lookout for the better deal. This will work to ISOs’ advantage as long as they can professionally persuade retailers that they can save them money. Still, Eazell cautions that “price is important, but ultimately merchants are looking for value.”

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From “Certified Payments Professional Credential Could Become Vital”
ISO & Agent Weekly (12/20/12) Giusti, Autumn Cafiero