Big Sky Commerce Review

Big Sky Commerce is a reputable ISO that is recognized for representing major payment processing networks worldwide. The company takes pride in providing a wide range of merchant services customized to suit various business requirements. This review explores the company’s background, objectives, and services, offering insight into Big Sky Commerce’s values and operations. Let’s delve deeper into the Big Sky Commerce Review.

Company Background | Big Sky Commerce Review

Established in Missoula, Montana, Big Sky Commerce has established a strong presence in the payment processing sector throughout its time in operation. The company was founded to close the disparity in dependable and cost-effective merchant services. Big Sky Commerce has expanded under Kevin R. Davis’ guidance by establishing strong connections with customers and providing competitive prices and creative solutions designed for different business requirements.

Big Sky Commerce aims to offer top-quality payment processing solutions at affordable rates with a focus on maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. The company is dedicated to assisting businesses in comprehending their merchant processing services by offering a range of online reporting tools and expert support. Their fundamental principles are centered on transparency, dependability, and customer-focused service, which are clearly demonstrated in how they interact with clients and solve problems.

Big Sky Commerce offers a wide array of services designed to meet the needs of different types of businesses. These include:

Credit Card Processing: Handling transactions for all major credit card brands, ensuring secure and efficient processing.

Check Processing: Services that guarantee checks and facilitate smooth transactions.

Gateway Services: Providing secure gateways for online transactions, enabling e-commerce businesses to operate seamlessly.

POS Systems: Offering various point-of-sale systems that integrate with existing business operations to streamline transactions.

Mobile Processing: Solutions for businesses on the go, allowing them to accept payments anywhere.

Contactless Payments: Enabling NFC payments through platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay, enhancing transaction speed and security.

Additional Services: Including shopping cart integration, loyalty programs, fleet card processing, and multi-currency acceptance.

By focusing on these services, Big Sky Commerce ensures that it caters to the diverse requirements of its clientele, helping them grow and succeed in their respective industries​

Features and Services

Big Sky Commerce offers a comprehensive suite of payment processing solutions designed to cater to various business needs. Here’s an in-depth look at their key features and services:

Credit Card Processing: Big Sky Commerce handles transactions for all major credit card brands, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. They provide secure and efficient processing, ensuring businesses can accept payments with ease and confidence. The company emphasizes minimizing transaction fees and offering competitive rates tailored to the specific needs of each merchant.

POS Systems: Big Sky Commerce backs several POS systems essential for effective business functions. These systems don’t just help with transactions, they also provide features such as inventory management, staff management, sales tracking, and analytics. The POS systems are able to be tailored to meet the unique needs of various businesses, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Virtual Terminals and Payment Gateways: For businesses that operate online or need to process remote transactions, Big Sky Commerce provides robust virtual terminals and payment gateways. These tools allow merchants to accept payments over the phone, through mail orders, or online. The virtual terminals are user-friendly and secure, supporting a range of payment methods and integrating seamlessly with e-commerce platforms to provide a smooth checkout experience for customers.

Mobile Processing: Big Sky Commerce provides mobile processing solutions, acknowledging the importance of mobility in today’s business environment. Among these are portable credit card readers and applications that allow companies to receive payments in various locations, such as trade shows, temporary shops, or mobile services. This flexibility guarantees that businesses won’t lose potential sales because of location limitations.

Contactless Payments: In line with the growing trend of contactless transactions, Big Sky Commerce supports NFC payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. This technology allows for quick and secure transactions, reducing wait times and enhancing customer convenience. The contactless payment option is particularly beneficial in today’s fast-paced retail environment where speed and efficiency are paramount.

Additional Services: Beyond the primary payment processing services, Big Sky Commerce offers several additional features. These include fleet card processing for businesses that manage vehicle fleets, shopping cart integration for e-commerce platforms, check guarantee services to minimize the risk of bounced checks, and loyalty programs to help businesses retain customers and boost repeat sales. The company also supports multi-currency acceptance and recurring billing, making it easier for businesses to manage international transactions and subscription-based models.

Pricing and Contract Terms

Big Sky Commerce offers a flexible pricing structure designed to cater to the diverse needs of various businesses. Here’s an overview of their pricing and contract terms:

Pricing Structure: Big Sky Commerce employs a tiered pricing model, with rates ranging from 1.00% to 4.99%, depending on the type of transaction and the specific business requirements. This flexibility allows them to offer customized pricing plans tailored to the processing volume and unique needs of each merchant. The company collaborates with several backend processors, which enables them to adjust their rates and provide competitive pricing options for different types of businesses.

Fees and Charges: Though exact information on monthly and yearly costs is not shared with the public, Big Sky Commerce does indeed impose these fees, which may fluctuate depending on the terms of the service agreement. An important charge to keep in mind is the early termination fee, which is usually about $300 if the agreement is ended in the first year. This charge could possibly be adjusted based on the situation. Furthermore, the company provides equipment leasing choices that may cover expenses for credit card terminals and essential hardware.

Contract Details: The length of contracts with Big Sky Commerce can vary, but merchants are generally bound to multi-year agreements. The conditions of these contracts are designed to align with the specific needs of each business, which means that terms can differ significantly. Reports indicate that there is a lack of widespread complaints regarding hidden fees or overcharges, showing a high level of transparency and client satisfaction with the agreements. Nevertheless, merchants should always carefully examine their contracts and ask about all possible fees, such as PCI compliance fees or monthly minimum charges, in order to prevent being surprised by unforeseen costs.

Overall, Big Sky Commerce aims to provide a balanced and adaptable pricing model that can meet the needs of a wide range of businesses, while maintaining a clear and fair approach to fees and contract terms.

Customer Support

Big Sky Commerce places a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive customer support to ensure that their clients can efficiently manage their payment processing needs. Here’s an overview of the customer support features they offer:

Support Channels: Big Sky Commerce offers multiple support channels to assist their clients. They provide toll-free phone support, which allows customers to reach out for immediate assistance during business hours. Additionally, they offer email support for less urgent inquiries, ensuring that all customer questions and issues are addressed promptly. The company also has an online form on their website where customers can submit their queries. Furthermore, a detailed FAQ section is available to help customers find quick answers to common questions.

Service Quality: Big Sky Commerce places a high importance on customer satisfaction, as demonstrated by many positive testimonials from loyal customers. The company’s customer service team is highly praised for being helpful and responsive. Customers express great satisfaction with the prompt and efficient support received, noting that the representatives are skilled and proficient in quickly resolving problems. The company’s dedication to nurturing solid connections with its customers is shown in the individualized care and focus they offer, making sure that even small enterprises feel appreciated and backed up.

Knowledge Base: To further support their clients, Big Sky Commerce offers a comprehensive knowledge base that includes user manuals, instructional guides, and other resources. These materials are designed to help customers understand and make the most of their payment processing systems. The knowledge base covers a wide range of topics, from basic setup instructions to advanced troubleshooting and optimization tips. This resource is particularly useful for clients who prefer to resolve issues independently or need quick information outside of regular support hours.

Sales and Advertising Practices

Big Sky Commerce employs a strategic approach to sales and advertising, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in their practices. Here’s an overview of their sales team, marketing tactics, and customer acquisition methods:

Sales Team: Big Sky Commerce primarily uses an in-house sales team to market their services. This approach allows them to maintain a high level of control over their sales processes and ensure consistent, reliable service for their clients. Unlike many competitors, Big Sky Commerce does not rely heavily on independent resellers, which can often lead to inconsistent customer experiences. By utilizing an in-house team, they are able to provide personalized service and build long-term relationships with their clients.

Marketing Tactics: Big Sky Commerce’s marketing strategy is built on transparency. They value honesty in their advertising and rate quotes, steering clear of the deceptive practices common in the payment processing sector. Their marketing materials and sales presentations are direct, making sure potential clients fully grasp the services offered and the associated costs. This openness also applies to their agreements, in which they steer clear of concealed costs and unexpected fees, a strategy that has gained them the loyalty and trust of their customers.

Customer Acquisition: Big Sky Commerce uses a combination of traditional and digital marketing strategies to attract and retain customers. Their methods include offering competitive rates and tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of various businesses. Additionally, they leverage client testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals, highlighting their commitment to excellent customer service. This focus on client satisfaction helps to retain existing customers and attract new ones. Big Sky Commerce also provides promotional offers, such as discounted processing fees for new merchants, to entice potential clients to try their services.

Customer Reviews and Complaints

Big Sky Commerce has built a reputation for providing reliable and efficient payment processing services. Here’s an overview of customer feedback, common complaints, and their overall reputation:

Positive Feedback: Customers frequently praise Big Sky Commerce for its excellent service quality and reliability. Many testimonials highlight the company’s responsive and helpful customer service team, which is always ready to assist with any issues or inquiries. Clients appreciate the personalized attention they receive, which makes even small businesses feel valued. Additionally, Big Sky Commerce’s competitive rates and transparent pricing are often mentioned positively, with customers noting that they offer good value for money.

Negative Feedback: Despite the majority of feedback being positive, there are some occasional grievances regarding Big Sky Commerce’s contract terms and fees. Some clients have raised worries about early termination charges and the duration of agreements, posing a challenge for companies seeking greater flexibility. Nevertheless, these grievances are infrequent and do not greatly affect the company’s generally positive image.

Overall Reputation: Big Sky Commerce holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been accredited since 2023. The BBB profile shows no complaints filed in the past 36 months, which speaks to the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. The clean complaint record and positive reviews suggest that Big Sky Commerce is a trustworthy and reliable provider of payment processing services.

In summary, Big Sky Commerce is well-regarded for its high-quality service, reliability, and competitive pricing. While there are some concerns about contract flexibility and fees, these are minor compared to the positive experiences reported by most customers.

Pros and Cons

Big Sky Commerce offers a variety of benefits and some areas where they could improve. Here’s a detailed look at their strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

Customer Support: One of the standout features of Big Sky Commerce is their exceptional customer support. Customers frequently praise the company for its responsive and helpful service team. The support is available through multiple channels, including toll-free phone support, email, and an online contact form, ensuring that clients can get assistance whenever they need it. This level of service helps build strong, long-term relationships with clients, making even small businesses feel valued.

Competitive Pricing: Big Sky Commerce is recognized for its pricing structure that is both competitive and transparent. They provide various pricing options, ranging from 1.00% to 4.99%, for businesses to select the most suitable plan based on their needs. Their attractiveness to many merchants lies in their combination of flexibility and efforts to minimize transaction fees. Moreover, their straightforward rate quotes and lack of hidden fees contribute to their attractiveness.

Service Reliability: Reliability is another key strength. Big Sky Commerce has built a reputation for providing consistent and dependable payment processing services. Clients often highlight the reliability of their systems and the seamless experience they have with transactions. This reliability is crucial for businesses that depend on efficient payment processing to maintain their operations smoothly.

Cons

Contract Terms: One of the common complaints about Big Sky Commerce is related to their contract terms. Some customers have expressed concerns about the length of the contracts and the early termination fees, which can be around $300 if the contract is canceled within the first year. While these terms are not unusual in the industry, they can be a drawback for businesses looking for more flexibility.

Limited Transparency on Fees: While Big Sky Commerce is lauded for its competitive pricing, there are suggestions for increased transparency on specific fees. More specifically, new clients may experience confusion and dissatisfaction when important information about monthly and annual fees, equipment leasing costs, and other charges is not completely disclosed upfront.

Overall, Big Sky Commerce is highly regarded for its strong customer support, competitive pricing, and reliable service. However, potential clients should carefully review contract terms and ask for detailed information on all fees to avoid any surprises.

Comparison with Competitors

When evaluating Big Sky Commerce against other merchant service providers, several key aspects stand out. Here’s a detailed comparison highlighting their market position, strengths, and weaknesses:

Market Position 

Big Sky Commerce is known for its customized service and strong customer assistance. In comparison to competitors, it carves out a solid market segment by providing customized solutions for small to medium-sized enterprises. Their method differs from bigger companies that might provide more broad services.

Strengths

Customer Support: One of the primary strengths of Big Sky Commerce is its exceptional customer support. Clients frequently highlight the company’s responsiveness and the effectiveness of its support team. This personalized service is a significant advantage over competitors who may not offer the same level of accessibility or attentiveness.

Pricing Flexibility: Big Sky Commerce provides pricing structures that are competitive and easy to understand. Their multiple pricing tiers give businesses the flexibility to select the most suitable options for their unique requirements, providing more adaptability than the inflexible pricing structures of bigger rivals.

Service Reliability: The reliability of their payment processing services is another strength. Clients appreciate the consistent and dependable nature of Big Sky Commerce’s systems, which ensures smooth business operations.

Weaknesses

Contract Terms: One area where competitors might have an edge is in contract flexibility. Some customers have reported concerns about the length of contracts and early termination fees. This can be a disadvantage for businesses seeking more flexible arrangements.

Limited Transparency on Fees: Although Big Sky Commerce is usually commended for its competitive pricing, some issues arise regarding the clarity of specific fees like monthly and annual charges as well as equipment leasing costs. The absence of clear pricing information upfront can put us at a disadvantage against competitors that offer more detailed fee breakdowns.

In conclusion, Big Sky Commerce holds a strong market position with its customer-centric approach and competitive pricing. However, potential clients should carefully review contract terms and fee structures to ensure they align with their business needs​.

FAQs

What types of businesses can benefit from Big Sky Commerce services?
Big Sky Commerce serves a diverse array of industries, such as retail stores, e-commerce platforms, restaurants, and service-based businesses. Their adaptable payment processing solutions and specialized offerings cater to small to medium-sized businesses in need of dependable and affordable merchant services.

What is the early termination fee for Big Sky Commerce contracts?
The early termination fee for Big Sky Commerce contracts is typically around $300 if canceled within the first year. This fee may vary based on specific contract terms and conditions.

How does Big Sky Commerce ensure data security for transactions?
Big Sky Commerce ensures data security through advanced encryption methods and robust fraud prevention technologies. Their systems are PCI-compliant, providing secure processing, storage, and transmission of cardholder information.

Conclusion

Big Sky Commerce provides dependable payment processing services at competitive prices along with exceptional customer service. Their strong appeal to small to medium-sized businesses lies in their customized service and adaptable pricing options. Potential users need to thoroughly examine contract terms and fee structures to make sure they are the most suitable for their requirements.