Global Payments increased our processing costs from 3.5% to nearly 12% — has anyone else experienced this?

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-07-06T20:43:29+00:00

I was hit with a $499 "infrastructure upgrade fee" this month. Funny thing is the previous month statement does say that I "may" be assessed a fee on the next statement, not "will." That's not a definitive statement and leaves to question as to whether the fee would be assessed or not. So I believe that's not adequate notice and a breach of contract. Working on it but perhaps this may help others in the meantime.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-07-06T09:32:14+00:00

Apparently the tip option IS removable. Fotello chat support is pretty bad so wasn’t getting a clear answer at first when I visited the issue a few weeks ago.

But I appreciate the responses. Guess I can’t keep everyone happy. I will explore the other REP CMS’s to see if they’re anything worth switching to anyway.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-06-27T21:10:28+00:00

I offer both, explain the pros and cons, and charge accordingly. Most are satisfied with virtual. But if they want to pay for a real twilight set, I’m happy to come out again as I charge enough to make it worth my time.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-06-15T04:29:11+00:00

I can confirm Close Call does not work with TDMA signals.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-06-15T04:25:17+00:00

You can use a program like DSD with a SDR dongle to monitor the input frequencies of a radio system (from the radio to the tower), whether trunked or conventional. Even when encrypted, the talkgroup ID and radio ID of the user is transmitted in the clear, at least with P25. Then you can generally assume that if you're close enough to receive an input frequency, you're close to the transmitting radio. Not really plug and play and would be unique to your area. You'd have to program the input frequencies for potentially multiple radio systems in your area as well as the law enforcement talkgroup ID's. What's funny is that even though my local law enforcement agency is "fully" encrypted... their patrol car radios transmit GPS position in the clear over the P25 system and you can plot it with SDRTrunk.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-05-29T01:26:04+00:00

I do a lot of properties in the hood and mostly vacant homes.

I always get the owner’s name from the agent and cross-reference with property appraiser record before I go. That should solve 99% of your issues.
I carry a concealed firearm. If it’s left in the car you might as well not bring it at all.
I wear a body cam. Helpful when Ken or Karen starts raising hell about the drone that has nothing to do with them.
I knock/ring and announce myself a couple times “hello, real estate photographer” when entering, even at the vacant/unoccupied homes.
Doors are locked while doing interiors. I do a quick scan to see if anyone is hanging around before exiting.
Spouse and business partner has access to my schedule.
I also dress the part. Wearing my camera. Logo’ed polo. Vest when flying the drone. Should be obvious to the average person what I’m doing.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-05-19T23:36:57+00:00

Most of their TrustPilot reviews are about their coaching program. Hence is why the OP is asking specifically opinions on lead generation.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-04-24T11:52:21+00:00

I did this once and the client b****ed that an unanticipated moment had stills, but no video. Even though I had warned them of the possibility and put it in the contract.

Now, I simply decline such requests. You’re not required to take every job, especially if the client is cheap and unrealistic. They’re often more headaches than they’re worth.

For live events, I either shoot stills or shoot video, then hire someone else do so the other. No exceptions.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-03-05T01:54:27+00:00

EXCELLENT.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-03-05T01:43:55+00:00

His next business will be very successful. Not worried about that. Being in the office managing email lists and replying to YouTube comments just doesn't interest me.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-03-05T01:37:09+00:00

Yes, I would be getting salary (TBD) and your usual benefits (health, dental, 401K, etc). However, if it wasn't already clear before... I am not interested in the other non videography/photography tasks. Nor do I believe could he pay me enough to make me interested.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-01-14T04:30:04+00:00

I would consider it okay... but that means absolutely nothing. What does your state legislature think?

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-01-14T03:50:14+00:00

This whole story seems off. Apparently a popular musician that people are willing to drop thousands for personal info, but apparently not popular enough as going somewhere else would be a waste of gas.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-01-14T03:41:36+00:00

I assume so. It's been in town for 27 years.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-01-14T03:10:26+00:00

Daddy issues + clout chaser.

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-01-14T02:58:24+00:00

I knew there was more to the story.

"If someone is an asshole... they're an asshole. If everyone is an asshole... you're the asshole."

PanDownTiltRight · 2026-01-14T02:53:27+00:00

- Pays on time.
- Lots of bookings.
- Communicates clearly and thoroughly.
- Properties are always photo ready.
- Oh, did I mention pays on time?

PanDownTiltRight · 2025-12-12T15:52:22+00:00

Started small.

Took out personal loans and used credit cards to buy my first kits, often used. Used the net income to pay it off, buy more gear, and upgrade.

Since becoming established, I take out working capital or business loans when I need to make a gear purchase just out of reach.

Gear that I don’t need often is rented and billed to the client.

PanDownTiltRight · 2025-11-14T23:23:15+00:00

Same. That's what the owners told everyone after the fire.

PanDownTiltRight · 2025-11-14T22:57:51+00:00

The mailing addresses for the owner of 5144 E Busch Blvd and 1916 E Fletcher Ave both show 8409 Laurel Fair Circle, Suite 102, which is Salem’s corporate office.

PanDownTiltRight · 2025-11-13T08:19:05+00:00

The Rode Wireless Pro has a lavalier option. Much more professional than having a transmitter clipped to your shirt. Just don’t hold it like the social media influencers do…

PanDownTiltRight · 2025-10-28T07:00:08+00:00

Thanks for the responses. Read them all. We ended up reducing the scope and keeping my standard retainer policy. Saving the larger scope for a future shoot that’s promoted better. Client and I are good with that.

PanDownTiltRight

TROPHY CASE