eCommerce Glossary
This e-commerce glossary features over 250 essential terms every online seller should know to succeed in digital commerce.
An Independent Sales Organization (ISO) is a third-party entity that facilitates the process of signing up merchants to accept credit card payments on behalf of acquiring banks. ISOs act as intermediaries between merchants and banks, providing services to help businesses set up and manage their credit card processing systems.
How Does an Independent Sales Organization (ISO) Work?
ISOs operate as outsourced sales representatives for acquiring banks, handling the recruitment and onboarding of merchants who wish to accept credit card payments. They typically offer a range of services including setting up merchant accounts, providing payment processing solutions, and offering customer support. ISOs earn commissions based on the number of merchants they sign and the volume of transactions processed.
Benefits of an Independent Sales Organization (ISO)
- Expertise and Efficiency: ISOs provide specialized knowledge and streamlined processes, allowing banks to avoid the costs and complexities of managing a dedicated sales team.
- Increased Reach: By leveraging ISOs, acquiring banks can extend their market reach and onboard more merchants without expanding their internal resources.
- Comprehensive Support: ISOs often offer additional support and services to merchants, such as training and troubleshooting, which can enhance the merchant’s experience.
Considerations of an Independent Sales Organization (ISO)
- Commission Costs: Merchants may incur additional costs in the form of commissions or fees associated with the services provided by ISOs.
- Dependence on Third Parties: Relying on an ISO for sales and support can introduce variability in service quality and merchant support.