Referral partners / Commercial suppliers and distributors
Supplier and distributor referral partnershipsSupplier referral partnerships that bring more value to business customers.
Suppliers, wholesalers and equipment dealers often see business changes first. You can introduce customers who are opening, expanding or upgrading to Upward Merchant, while you stay focused on your products and deliveries.
You see the change before anyone else does.
- Help customers opening, expanding or upgrading
- Your goods, pricing and terms stay the same
- No selling or processing duties for your team
- Referral compensation set in writing
Nationwide
Businesses in every state
Free
Statement reviews for your clients
$500
Rate guarantee*
B2B
Built around your relationships
What is a supplier referral partnership?
Eligible suppliers introduce interested customers to Upward Merchant through an approved process. That can lead to a review of processing costs, terminals, POS, ecommerce or related tools. How a business pays you (invoices, Net 30, ACH) is separate from how it accepts customer payments, and a referral never changes your credit terms.
When a supplier introduction makes sense
New commercial account
A new retailer or restaurant may be setting up card acceptance for the first time.
Pre-opening equipment orders
Equipment bought before launch often lines up with terminal, POS or online needs.
Location expansion
More stores mean more devices and payment systems that can grow with them.
Annual business review
An owner mentions high processing costs or payment problems.
Purchase history alone isn't permission for payment outreach. Introductions start with the customer's interest.
Supplier industries where referrals fit
Restaurant and foodservice distributors
Customers may need POS, tipping, online ordering or terminal support.
Retail fixtures and store equipment
Renovations and checkout installs can prompt a payment review.
Beauty, salon and spa suppliers
Salons may want contactless or appointment-linked checkout.
Contractor and field-service suppliers
Contractors may need job-site or invoice-based payment options.
More business needs. More ways to help.
We look at each business on its own and recommend what fits, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Six safeguards for supplier referrals
Customer permission
Define when a customer has shown interest and how contact details may be shared.
Confidential commercial information
Your pricing, volumes, credit files and invoices are never shared to create referrals.
Compensation and disclosures
Document any fee or revenue share and whether recommendations need disclosure.
Customer choice and contracts
Check dealer, franchise and exclusivity agreements. Referrals stay optional.
Sales team responsibilities
Decide which staff can make introductions and what they can say. No rate promises.
Support and review
Tracking, escalation, complaints, reporting and termination, all documented.
How a referral partnership works
It starts with a no-pressure conversation. If it's a good fit for both of us, we set it up together.
Explore customer fit
Your industry, customer types, buying cycle and payment needs.
Agree on referral terms
Permissions, eligibility, compensation, disclosures and procedures.
Introduce interested customers
With permission, sharing only what's needed.
Coordinate and review
We handle merchant work; compensation follows written terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can wholesalers refer business customers?
Can distributors earn ongoing referral income?
Does a referral change a customer's Net 30 terms?
Do suppliers have to sell merchant processing?
Do we have to refer exclusively to Upward Merchant?
Can an equipment dealer guarantee compatibility?
Can regional sales teams take part?
Can a distributor bundle processing with equipment?
Let's explore a referral partnership.
Banks, credit unions, software companies, associations, accounting firms, suppliers and other B2B companies: tell us about your business and what you'd like a partnership to do.
- No cost and no obligation to talk
- A real person reviews every inquiry
- We'll reach out within a few business days
Please don't send client account records, card numbers or passwords.
Services are subject to eligibility, provider availability, approvals and contract terms. Business funding depends on lender underwriting. Savings, referral income and other results are not guaranteed. Partner compensation is governed by a written agreement and by applicable laws, regulations, card network rules, institutional policies and professional obligations. Financial institutions and licensed professionals should review their own requirements before taking part. Upward Merchant is not a bank, and payment processing is not a deposit or FDIC-insured product. *Requires a recent processing statement from your current provider. See guarantee terms.