BIG News

The Holiday season seems to come faster and sooner every year. This year retailers have broken all records for early holiday promotions and sales. Has your business done everything it can to make the most of the 2024 holiday season? It is time to gear up and bring in new customers! Make sure that your business is tuned up to capture the best possible margins while providing a great value! Some great places to start are by asking:

• Do I have enough Gift Custom Cards (or any)?
• Does my point-of-sale system provide me with the insight I need to understand my business and the areas that need improvement?
• How is the user experience on my website? Is my checkout process not only secure but user friendly?
• Do I have the proper fraud mitigation in place to survive an increase in incidents?
• Do I offer my customers multiple ways to pay? Tap to pay, mobile wallet payments, crypto, ACH, gift cards.
• It is also a great time to review the cost of your merchant services. When was the last time you took the time to really review your merchant account statement?

At Bankcard International Group (BIG), we're driven by one thing—your success. Beyond offering merchant accounts, we provide a full range of merchant services, from business loans to advanced fraud protection. We’re proud to be your trusted partner, supporting you through every stage of your business journey.

As we wrap up the year and navigate the busy holiday season, our focus is already on helping you thrive in the year ahead. Whether you're preparing for new opportunities or strengthening your current operations, the BIG team is here to make sure your 2025 is the best one yet!

Thank you for trusting us with your business. We’re excited to keep growing with you!

This week we are highlighting one of our dispensary clients, The Forest. This amazing team and industry titans were the first vertically integrated operator in Ohio and in January 2019 served the state’s first patient.

Jared M. , CEO and his team and partners have done some great work not only at The Forest but for the industry. As pioneers in the mid-west cannabis market Jared has led the charge to normalcy for the region and helped thousands of patients along the way.

The Forest is a cannabis company serving patients in multiple states with a focus on providing safe and accessible cannabis products while prioritizing patient care.? Their philosophy revolves around educating users and helping them find relief through cannabis products.? Their compassion and quality of service are evidenced by their exponential growth. ?With locations in Ohio, Missouri, and Utah, they cater to both new and experienced cannabis users, offering a range of products like concentrates, edibles, flower, tinctures, topicals, and vapes. Recently, their Ohio locations opened sales to all customers aged 21 and over.? We applaud the great job that the Forest Dispensary teams have done for their clients and for the industry as a whole.

So, if you are in Ohio, Missouri, or Utah stop in to say “Hi” and experience The Forest, their staff, and their products!

Have You Thought About Accepting Cryptocurrency Payments? It is easier than you think. Accepting cryptocurrency payments is simpler than you might think. With secure, user-friendly platforms, businesses can expand their payment options and attract tech-savvy customers. Offering crypto transactions not only adds flexibility but also ensures zero volatility with instant conversion to USD. This innovative payment solution is gaining traction across industries, and Bankcard International Group is here to help you seamlessly integrate cryptocurrency payments into your business.

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In our blog "Demystifying the Cashless ATM" we highlight how this payment method is benefiting the cannabis industry by offering a alternative to traditional banking restrictions. It explains how cashless ATMs allow cannabis dispensaries to process card payments, providing a seamless and secure experience for customers. The Cashless ATM offers cannabis businesses a practical way to improve sales and customer satisfaction, mitigate security concerns, and reduce operating costs in an industry still navigating federal regulations.

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This week, the BIG team has been gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the year—MJBizCon! We know many of you are just as excited as we are to attend the largest cannabis industry expo in the world. Since 2012, our team has proudly been a part of this incredible event.

Over the years, we’ve watched MJBizCon and the cannabis industry grow at an astonishing pace, but one thing has stayed the same—the unwavering commitment, passion, and collaboration of the industry’s pioneers. We’re continually inspired by the sense of community that has brought together so many talented and dedicated individuals.

As we head into 2025, it’s clear that the cannabis industry still faces challenges. However, the progress is undeniable. With proper education, collaboration, and fair policy, the cannabis industry has the potential to not only boost economies but also improve quality of life for countless people.

It's also an election year, and both parties are promising some type of reform for cannabis policy. As the conversation around cannabis legalization continues to evolve, it's a critical time for everyone involved in the industry to stay informed.

BIG is thrilled to be exhibiting once again at MJBizCon! We’ll be at booth #6223, and we’d love for you to stop by, no matter what sector of the industry you’re in. In the meantime, keep an eye on our channels for the latest updates that could impact your business.

We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Infographic of the Week

Upfort 's 2024 Phishing Attack Report highlights alarming trends in cybercrime, showing that 91% of attacks on businesses stem from phishing emails. Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are especially vulnerable due to limited cybersecurity resources. The report emphasizes the importance of security awareness training, using data from over 125,000 phishing simulations. It identifies attachment-based attacks as particularly effective, with the healthcare sector being the most phishable. As phishing tactics evolve, businesses must stay vigilant, particularly with the rise of AI-generated phishing schemes.

? The volume and sophistication of phishing attacks are increasing.

? Phishing attacks are becoming more targeted and personalized.

? Phishing attacks are often combined with other attack vectors, such as malware and ransomware.

? The most common phishing tactics include impersonation, spoofing, and social engineering.

? The best way to protect yourself from phishing attacks is to be vigilant and aware of the risks.

• December 3rd – 6th we’ll be in Las Vegas, NV for MJ BizCon! We will be in Booth #6322. See you there!