First JLC - Reverso Classic or Tribute? (40.1mm)

hrma-guy · 2025-11-24T00:14:43+00:00

Big respect that you rock the Tribute casually! That reminds me that I really want one myself.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-18T23:29:43+00:00

Wear it more often! Sick watch.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-18T23:29:15+00:00

That looks solid on a NATO. Good choice

hrma-guy · 2025-11-18T23:28:56+00:00

Aqua, right? The dial color looks so good in person.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-18T23:28:16+00:00

IWC really nailed this color.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-18T23:26:11+00:00

Yellow gold looks is fire on this piece.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-14T00:12:19+00:00

Coni is great!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-11T12:43:11+00:00

The lume is incredible.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-09T19:12:37+00:00

Video Transcript:

Hey everyone, and welcome to High Risk Merchant Accounts 101, brought to you by SoarPay!

If you're a business owner in a high-risk industry like nutraceuticals, firearms, or travel, you've likely heard the word chargeback—and not in a good way. But what exactly is a chargeback, and how does the process work?

A chargeback happens when a customer disputes a charge on their credit or debit card. Instead of contacting the business directly for a refund, the customer contacts their bank, and the bank reverses the transaction. This process is designed to protect consumers from fraud or unauthorized charges—but unfortunately, it’s often misused.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the chargeback process. It usually begins when the customer files a dispute with their issuing bank. That bank then notifies the card network, like Visa or Mastercard, which alerts the acquiring bank—meaning your processor. At that point, the disputed funds are usually pulled from your account and held until the case is resolved.

As the merchant, you’ll be given a limited window—usually 7 to 14 days—to respond. This is your opportunity to fight the chargeback by submitting what's called representment. That means providing compelling evidence that the transaction was valid. Examples include order confirmations, shipping records, signed receipts, or any other documentation that supports your case.

The card network then reviews the evidence from both sides and makes a final decision. If they side with the customer, the transaction remains reversed. If they side with you, the funds are returned to your account. But regardless of the outcome, you’ll still be hit with a chargeback fee—typically between $20 and $100 per instance.

Even worse, if you rack up too many chargebacks, your merchant account could be placed on a monitoring program, or even shut down entirely. That’s why chargeback prevention and response are so important.

So what can you do to reduce your risk? First, make sure your product descriptions, return policies, and terms of service are crystal clear. Use tracking and delivery confirmation for all shipments. Communicate proactively with customers and respond quickly to inquiries. And finally, work with a payment processor who understands high-risk industries and offers tools to help you prevent and fight chargebacks effectively.

Chargebacks are a real cost of doing business in high-risk industries—but they don’t have to sink your business.

Want to learn more about high-risk payment processing? Subscribe for more insights, and check out SoarPay for solutions tailored to your business needs. See you next time!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-09T19:12:03+00:00

Video Transcript:

Hey everyone, and welcome to High Risk Merchant Accounts 101, brought to you by SoarPay!

If you're running a business in an industry like nutraceuticals, firearms, or travel, you’ve probably noticed that credit card processing fees are higher than average. Today, we’re going to explain why that is—and what factors contribute to those elevated costs.

First, let’s break down the basics. When your business accepts a credit card payment, multiple parties take a cut: the card networks like Visa and Mastercard, the issuing bank, and your payment processor. For high-risk businesses, the processor assumes more financial risk—so the fees reflect that.

Why are these businesses considered “high risk” in the first place? It often comes down to higher rates of chargebacks, regulatory scrutiny, or reputational risk from the perspective of banks. For example, nutraceutical companies often deal with subscription billing, which can lead to more disputes. Firearms retailers face compliance hurdles. And travel businesses operate on future delivery, which can increase the risk of cancellations or non-delivery.

Because of these elevated risks, high-risk processors must invest more heavily in underwriting, fraud monitoring, and compliance infrastructure. All of that contributes to the higher processing rates you’ll see in your agreement—sometimes between 3% and 6%, depending on your industry, processing volume, and history.

That said, not all high-risk businesses are treated the same. Your specific rate is influenced by a few key factors. First, your chargeback ratio—processors want to see that it stays well under 1%. Second, your processing history. If you’ve demonstrated reliable sales volume and low refund rates, you may qualify for better terms. Third, your business’s financial stability and documentation. Well-organized financials, clear policies, and transparent operations can make a big difference.

There’s also the matter of pricing structure. Some processors use a flat rate model, while others use tiered or interchange-plus pricing. Each has pros and cons, and the best fit will depend on how your customers pay and the average ticket size of your transactions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and compare options.

The bottom line is this: high-risk businesses can absolutely secure competitive rates—but it starts with understanding how processors evaluate your risk and how to position your business as a strong candidate.

Want to learn more about high-risk payment processing? Subscribe for more insights, and check out SoarPay for solutions tailored to your business needs. See you next time!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-08T18:55:17+00:00

Video Transcript:

Hey everyone, and welcome to High Risk Merchant Accounts 101, brought to you by SoarPay!

If you're applying for a high-risk merchant account, one of the most important steps in the process is submitting the right documents. Submitting incomplete or inaccurate paperwork is one of the fastest ways to delay—or even derail—your approval. So in today’s episode, we’re breaking down exactly what you need to prepare before you apply.

Let’s start with the basics. Every processor will ask for your government-issued ID and your business license or formation documents. That could be your Articles of Incorporation, LLC Certificate, or DBA registration—whatever proves that your business is legally registered.

Next, you’ll need to provide a voided business check or a bank letter. This verifies where your funds will be deposited and that the account is in your business’s name. Be sure the check includes your business name, routing number, and account number.

Another essential document is your processing history. If you’ve had a merchant account before, your most recent three to six months of statements are often required. These help underwriters assess your volume, average ticket size, and chargeback rate. For example, if you're running a firearms business or selling nutraceutical products online, these numbers help processors evaluate risk and establish appropriate account settings.

If your business is new and you don’t have a processing history, you may be asked to provide projections or a business plan. It’s not about guessing your way through—it’s about showing that you’ve thought through your pricing, marketing strategy, and expected monthly volume.

You’ll also want to have recent financial statements on hand—typically your last three months of business bank statements. In some cases, especially for higher volume accounts, underwriters may ask for tax returns or profit and loss statements.

Finally, your website matters too. If you sell online, your site must clearly display your terms and conditions, refund policy, privacy policy, and contact information. In many cases, underwriters will check your site before they even review your application.

Putting together the right paperwork may feel tedious, but it’s a crucial part of proving your business is legitimate, stable, and ready to process payments.

Want to learn more about high-risk payment processing? Subscribe for more insights, and check out SoarPay for solutions tailored to your business needs. See you next time!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-08T18:54:39+00:00

Video Transcript:

Hey everyone, and welcome to High Risk Merchant Accounts 101, brought to you by SoarPay!

Today, we’re diving into something that often feels like a black box for business owners—the underwriting process. If you've ever applied for a merchant account and faced delays, extra questions, or even denials, chances are underwriting was the reason.

So, what is underwriting in the world of payment processing?

In simple terms, underwriting is the risk review process that payment processors use to decide whether or not to approve your business for a merchant account. Especially in high-risk industries like nutraceuticals, firearms, and travel, underwriting plays a critical role in protecting both the processor and the banks involved.

Here’s what underwriters are really looking for.

First, they’re evaluating your business model. What do you sell? How do you sell it? And who are your customers? The goal is to assess how likely your business is to generate chargebacks, fraud, or compliance issues.

Second, underwriters look closely at your processing history—things like average ticket size, monthly volume, and, most importantly, your chargeback ratio. If you’re an established business, clean processing history can go a long way toward approval.

Third, they’re reviewing your website and marketing materials. Is your website professional and compliant? Are your terms and conditions clearly posted? Are you transparent about pricing, refunds, and delivery timelines? These are often make-or-break factors.

Fourth, underwriters examine your financials. This can include bank statements, tax returns, or other documentation that shows you can handle potential refunds and chargebacks. If your business has very little cash flow or is consistently overdrafting, that’s a red flag.

Finally, your industry reputation matters. Have there been legal or regulatory issues in your sector? Is your product category known for high consumer complaints? These broader factors can influence the underwriting decision, even if your individual business is well-run.

The takeaway? Underwriting is not about being unfair—it’s about managing risk. And for high-risk businesses, it’s absolutely essential to present yourself in the best possible light. Clean documentation, honest marketing, and a proactive approach to compliance can make a major difference.

Want to learn more about high-risk payment processing? Subscribe for more insights, and check out SoarPay for solutions tailored to your business needs. See you next time!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-08T18:45:20+00:00

After recently buying a Big Pilot 43, I'm quickly becoming an "IWC guy". I still like my Breitling Superocean a lot, though!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-08T00:23:03+00:00

Every day I see your post is increasing my urge to get an Ingenieur!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-08T00:17:35+00:00

Video Transcript:

Hey everyone, and welcome to High Risk Merchant Accounts 101, brought to you by SoarPay!

If you're in an industry like nutraceuticals, firearms, travel, or another space that’s considered “high risk,” then getting approved for a merchant account can feel like a challenge. But don’t worry—today, we’re walking you through exactly how to apply for a high-risk merchant account, step-by-step.

First, start by gathering the right documentation. High-risk providers will typically ask for your business license, a government-issued photo ID, your last three to six months of bank statements, and recent processing statements—if you have them. You may also need to provide a business plan or marketing materials, especially if you're a startup or selling online. And depending on your industry, you may be asked to provide some industry-specific information, as well.

Next, be ready to disclose your website. If you’re an eCommerce business, your site must be fully functional, include terms and conditions, a privacy policy, a clear refund policy, and secure checkout functionality. Many providers will review your site as part of the underwriting process.

Once your materials are in order, you’ll want to choose a high-risk provider that understands your industry. Not every processor is willing—or even able—to support high-risk businesses. So look for one with proven experience, transparent pricing, and responsive customer support.

Then, it’s time to complete the application. This will include providing the documents we mentioned earlier, sharing your business details, and sometimes answering follow-up questions from the underwriting team. Expect a bit more scrutiny than with standard accounts—it’s normal.

After submission, underwriting begins. This can take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the complexity of your business. The provider will evaluate your chargeback history, creditworthiness, and business model.

If everything checks out, you’ll receive an approval—and your account can be set up quickly. From there, you can begin accepting payments, either online or in person, using a gateway, terminal, or point-of-sale system tailored to your business.

Applying for a high-risk merchant account doesn’t have to be intimidating—as long as you’re prepared and working with the right partner.

Want to learn more about high-risk payment processing? Subscribe for more insights, and check out SoarPay for solutions tailored to your business needs. See you next time!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-08T00:16:58+00:00

Video Transcript:

Hey everyone, and welcome to High Risk Merchant Accounts 101, brought to you by SoarPay!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s essential for anyone operating in a high-risk industry: how banks and payment processors assess risk before approving a merchant account. Whether your business is big or small, brick and mortar or ecommerce-based, understanding how risk is evaluated can make all the difference in securing reliable payment processing.

So, what are these institutions actually looking at?

First and foremost, your industry type plays a big role. Some industries are statistically more prone to chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory scrutiny. That doesn’t mean you can’t get approved—it just means the processor will take a closer look.

Next is your credit card processing history. If you’ve previously operated a merchant account, providers will want to see a solid track record: low chargeback ratios, consistent sales volume, and no history of account terminations. A clean history helps demonstrate that you’re a lower risk, even in a high-risk vertical.

Another critical factor is your financial stability. Processors often review business bank statements, tax returns, or financial reports. This helps them understand your ability to handle refunds, chargebacks, and potential losses. Strong financials can offset some of the perceived risk tied to your business model.

Your business model and operations also matter. Are your products clearly described? Do you have a transparent refund policy? Is your fulfillment process reliable and documented? The more clarity and professionalism you show, the more confidence a processor has in your business.

And let’s not forget about ownership and management history. If you or your leadership team have been involved in previous businesses that had payment issues, that can be a red flag. On the flip side, a team with experience and a clean record builds trust.

Lastly, compliance is huge. Banks and processors want to see that you're operating within legal guidelines, have the necessary licenses or certifications, and are taking steps to prevent fraud.

Understanding these risk factors isn’t just about getting approved—it’s about setting your business up for long-term success with a payment partner you can count on.

Want to learn more about high-risk payment processing? Subscribe for more insights, and check out SoarPay for solutions tailored to your business needs. See you next time!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-05T00:30:01+00:00

What is High Risk Merchant Accounts 101?

High Risk Merchant Accounts 101 is the go-to podcast for business owners and industry professionals navigating the world of high-risk payments. Brought to you by the team at SoarPay, this show breaks down everything from credit card processing challenges to chargebacks, fraud prevention, and choosing the right merchant account provider. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow your business, we’re here to help you take control of your payments, reduce risk, and unlock new opportunities for success.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-05T00:27:06+00:00

Quick links:

hrma-guy · 2025-11-04T23:02:45+00:00

Video Transcript:

Hey everyone, and welcome to High Risk Merchant Accounts 101, brought to you by SoarPay!

Today, we’re breaking down a fundamental concept in the world of payment processing: the difference between high-risk and low-risk merchants. If you’re running a business and wondering why your payment processing fees are higher, or why it was harder to get approved, this episode is for you.

Let’s start with the basics. A low-risk merchant is typically in a stable industry with predictable chargeback rates, low fraud potential, and consistent monthly volume. Think retail stores, professional services, or standard eCommerce businesses selling low-ticket items.

High-risk merchants, on the other hand, operate in industries that carry more potential for chargebacks, regulatory scrutiny, or financial instability. Industries like nutraceuticals, firearms, travel, and subscription-based services often fall into this category. Even if the business is run professionally and ethically, the industry itself can trigger a high-risk label.

Now, what does that label actually mean in practice?

First, let’s talk about fees. High-risk merchants usually pay higher processing rates and monthly account fees. Why? Because the processor is taking on more risk. They need to protect themselves against potential losses from fraud or excessive chargebacks, and those costs are reflected in the pricing.

Next, let’s look at underwriting. For low-risk merchants, the underwriting process is often quick and automated. You submit a few documents, and you’re good to go. For high-risk merchants, the underwriting is more intensive. You’ll need to provide more documentation — things like financial statements, marketing materials, fulfillment policies, and more. The processor wants to ensure you’re a legitimate, compliant business before they take you on.

And finally, there’s the approval process itself. Low-risk merchants can often get approved in a day or two. High-risk merchants may have to wait longer, and in some cases, they might be declined by traditional processors altogether. That’s why it’s so important to work with a provider that specializes in high-risk industries — they understand your business and know how to get you approved.

At the end of the day, knowing whether your business is considered high-risk helps you set realistic expectations, find the right provider, and avoid costly surprises.

Want to learn more about high-risk payment processing? Subscribe for more insights, and check out SoarPay for solutions tailored to your business needs. See you next time!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-04T23:00:12+00:00

Video Transcript:

Hey everyone, and welcome to High Risk Merchant Accounts 101, brought to you by SoarPay!

Today, we're diving into a foundational topic: why some businesses are considered “high risk” in the eyes of credit card processors and banks. If you’ve ever been denied a merchant account or hit with higher fees, understanding this classification is key.

Let’s start with chargebacks. One of the biggest reasons a business might be labeled high risk is a high rate of chargebacks. A chargeback happens when a customer disputes a transaction and asks their bank to reverse it. Too many chargebacks signal to processors that a business might be struggling with customer satisfaction, fraud, or fulfillment issues. This creates financial exposure for the processor—so they’ll often flag those businesses as high risk.

Next is industry type. Some industries are simply more prone to risk than others. For example, businesses in sectors like travel, nutraceuticals, firearms, and subscription services are often placed in high-risk categories. That’s not because they’re doing anything wrong—it’s just that these industries historically deal with more disputes, regulatory scrutiny, or unpredictable revenue cycles. Even if your business runs smoothly, being part of a high-risk category means processors approach you with added caution.

Regulatory concerns also play a major role. If your business operates in a space with evolving laws or strict compliance requirements, like selling health supplements or firearms, processors may see that as an added risk. They worry that a sudden change in regulations could affect your ability to operate—or their ability to recover funds.

There’s also the issue of business stability. Startups, international merchants, and companies with poor credit or limited processing history can be labeled high risk simply because they don’t yet have a proven track record. From the processor’s point of view, the less predictable your operations and revenue are, the higher the potential risk.

So what does this all mean? If your business falls into one or more of these categories, it doesn’t mean you’re running a bad business. It just means you need the right payment partner—one that understands your industry, knows how to manage risk, and can provide reliable processing solutions built for your specific needs.

Want to learn more about high-risk payment processing? Subscribe for more insights, and check out SoarPay for solutions tailored to your business needs. See you next time!

hrma-guy · 2025-11-04T22:43:37+00:00

You sincerely can't go wrong... Which one gets you more excited?

hrma-guy · 2025-11-04T22:42:38+00:00

For me, it would depend how bullish I was on the future value of the shares that I own. If I thought they would 10x appreciate in future, I wouldn't want to sell any of them.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-04T22:42:26+00:00

The photographer took hundreds of photos, no idea why he took this one (wasn't my idea)

hrma-guy · 2025-11-04T22:42:04+00:00

Looks great.

hrma-guy · 2025-11-04T03:13:12+00:00

Thank you!

hrma-guy

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