The number of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) recipients has grown substantially in the past decade, making it a popular form of payment. While the number enrolled in this government program has increased, many businesses fail to accept these payments. This means these businesses are missing out on a crucial portion of their potential customer base.

Of course, not every business is able to accept EBT payments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must give you permission to accept these payments; and usually only food services qualify. At Goodpaster Merchant Solutions, we provide you with the valuable information you need to make educated business decisions. Reach out to us. If your business qualifies, we will show you how accepting EBT payments can benefit your business and guide you on the path toward increased sales!

EBT by the Numbers

In 2000, 17 million Americans were enrolled in the EBT program. As of May 2017, there are over 41 million. Nearly $74 billion was spent toward this program in 2015 alone! With more Americans using EBT for their food purchases than ever before, accepting EBT payments can really add up for your business by attracting more EBT shoppers and increasing your sales.

Accepting as many forms of payment as possible has long been among the best practices of successful business owners. When customers have options, they are more likely to shop with – and spend more – with you.

Benefits of Accepting EBT

Below are just a few ways accepting EBT payments can benefit your business. Offering EBT can attract a customer base you may never thought of targeting: big box stores shoppers. With the EBT payment option, you are better equipped to compete with stores like Wal-Mart that accept EBT payments. For example, many grocery shoppers prefer fresh, locally grown produce. If you are a grocer that accepts EBT payments, you can increase your customer base by attracting shoppers who would have otherwise been forced to buy their produce from a big-box store.

Accepting EBT payments can help positively shape your business' community image. Welcoming EBT shoppers to your business by catering to their payment processing needs demonstrates your dedication to everyone in your community. Word of mouth spreads, as will your reputation for being a welcoming, inclusive business who cares about people.

Including EBT in your payment options protects your current customer base by ensuring your existing customers are never forced to shop elsewhere should they fall on hard times and need to use this form of payment. Customers feel secure when there are multiple payment options; EBT is just another payment method to help them feel secure with shopping at your place of business continue to shop with you.

Contact Goodpaster Merchant Solutions Today

If you are interested in setting up an EBT payment processing system for your business, Goodpaster Merchant Solutions is here to help. We can assist you with a variety of merchant services that can benefit your business; EBT is just one of them. Please contact us here or call us at 765-662-1554 to get started today.