Don’t Let These Scary Things Affect Business Operations

Each month there are critical checkpoints you should make. In honor of Halloween and being a third of the way through the 4th quarter of 2025, here are our top 13.  Don’t let these scary things affect business operations. From Financial controls to PCI compliance and lost customers to lower revenues – you have to be ready and able to address the things that can go bump in the night.

1. You realize you have been paying monthly PCI fees because your other merchant provider didn’t remind you and now they can’t help. Remember: TransAct consistently reminds of this and reaches out proactively to clients with reminders – but we can’t do it for you!
2. Your POS didn’t e-mail the customer their order and they start a charge back.  Set up your POS right from the start with the support and onboarding we offer.
3. Employees don’t change their password and you are hacked. This is a new requirement and no longer just a best-practice – 2FA is also highly recommended.
4. Inventory is short because you didn’t use the forecasting tools in your POS (or you don’t have a POS that allows for inventory tracking). Do you need a new POS that does more for you and your business?
5. Just realized that QuickBooks sunsetted the system you use and you need to update (like yesterday). We advised on this several times but you can still act and update your systems with the right tool that is right for you and your business. 
6. You forgot to log out of the system – it didn’t get hacked, but someone stole money from customers and your business. Unfortunately this will likely be your cost; get the proper training and set new protocols in place today.
7. Your payroll company never paid your employee wage taxes. We can make introductions for a new payroll provider – always use a reputable company with a referral – yes, we know people. 
8. POS fees are going up now that your provider has a lion’s share of the market. Be open to new ideas, proprietary apps and the latest tech available.
9. You have multiple processing accounts for retail, online and e-commerce. You only need one – with the right tools you can combine all payment processing into your own merchant account. 
10. Your best referring company is going in “another direction”. Diversify now – before you need to do so (we can’t emphasize this enough.)
11. You realized that your lender is going to mandate a change you don’t want to make. Reach out to us ASAP you should be able to make the choices you want for your business.
12. You added surcharging or a credit card fee program and customers hate it. You are in good company. This is not popular in many industries. Connect with us to review other options that are customer friendly and help you overcome this challenge and solve the real problem.
13. You chose the wrong system and it has proprietary hardware now you feel trapped because you don’t want to start over. There may be an option, or you may need to change. But, don’t throw good money after bad. Make the decision you need to move forward. 

Control Your Financials and Take Charge

You have to control what you can and be proactive. At this time of the year, there are many things you can do ahead of the annual close. Get started today and make a positive impact on your business with two months left. Begin 2026 on a positive and be ready for what comes next! 

TransAct can help. Contact us today for help where needed. As you can see we have shared some secondary thoughts so you can avoid common pitfalls.

Happy Halloween from TransAct – be sure you avoid these and other scary (financial and merchant services) issues!!