Celero Commerce Review

Celero Commerce is a fintech firm committed to offering payment processing services and business management solutions to small and medium-sized businesses throughout the United States. Established in 2018 and based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Celero Commerce is focused on simplifying payment processes and enhancing financial management for its customers using advanced technology and personalized strategies.

Company Background

Celero Commerce was founded towards the end of 2018 by Kevin Jones, an experienced fintech executive with over twenty years of industry experience. The company was founded with the goal of combining payment technologies and business management software to create a unified platform that would enable small and mid-sized businesses to succeed in a challenging market.

Since its inception, Celero Commerce has experienced rapid growth, driven by strategic acquisitions and a commitment to innovation. The company has completed multiple acquisitions to expand its capabilities and market reach, solidifying its position as a significant player in the payment processing industry.

Celero Commerce’s mission is to deliver simple-to-use, bundled electronic payment solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability for businesses. The company is committed to providing a cutting-edge, personalized experience for its clients, giving them access to the newest payment technologies alongside individualized assistance and service. The vision of Celero Commerce is to be the premier provider of integrated payment solutions, enabling businesses to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.

Led by founder and CEO Kevin Jones, Celero Commerce has built a robust executive team with varied experience in fintech and business administration. Kevin Jones has had significant accomplishments at Chase Paymentech and First American Payment Systems due to his extensive experience. Troy Wilkerson serves as the Chief Financial Officer, Tim Stahl as the Chief Operating Officer, Charlie Berard as the Chief Technology Officer, and Scott Farace as the Chief Marketing Officer on the executive team. This leadership team is dedicated to driving Celero Commerce’s strategic growth and delivering exceptional value to its clients.

Services Offered by Celero Commerce

Celero Commerce offers a comprehensive range of payment solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. These services are designed to streamline payment processes, enhance security, and improve the overall customer experience.

Payment Processing Solutions

Celero Commerce provides a robust suite of payment processing solutions, including credit and debit card processing, ACH processing, and e-commerce payment solutions. These services ensure businesses can handle a variety of transactions efficiently and securely, catering to both in-person and online transactions.

Credit and Debit Card Processing

Celero provides customized credit and debit card processing solutions to effectively handle different types of card transactions. Companies have the ability to receive payments from all the big credit and debit card providers, guaranteeing wide customer reach. These services utilize advanced security features to prevent fraud and guarantee fast transaction speeds.

ACH Processing

Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing is another key service provided by Celero Commerce. This service allows businesses to process electronic payments directly from customers’ bank accounts. ACH processing is particularly beneficial for recurring payments, such as subscriptions or utility bills, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional paper checks.

E-commerce Payment Solutions

For businesses operating online, Celero offers comprehensive e-commerce payment solutions. These include secure payment gateways that facilitate smooth and secure online transactions. By integrating with various shopping cart platforms and offering robust fraud prevention tools, Celero ensures that online businesses can provide a seamless shopping experience for their customers.

Point of Sale Systems

Celero Commerce offers sophisticated Point of Sale solutions, comprising of both physical equipment and software options. These systems are created to easily blend with current business operations, allowing companies to oversee sales, monitor inventory, and produce reports. Celero’s POS systems offer support for different payment options, such as contactless payments and mobile wallets, which improve the overall customer experience during transactions.

Mobile Payment Solutions

Celero’s mobile payment solutions offer businesses the flexibility to accept payments on the go. The mobile app functionalities include processing credit and debit card payments, issuing digital receipts, and managing transactions from a smartphone or tablet. These solutions are particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that require mobility and convenience in their payment processes.

Integrated Payment Solutions

Celero Commerce excels in providing integrated payment solutions that offer API integration capabilities and customizable payment options. These solutions allow businesses to integrate payment processing into their existing systems seamlessly. By offering tailored payment solutions, Celero ensures that businesses can meet their unique payment needs and scale their operations effectively.

Merchant Cash Advance

Celero also provides Merchant Cash Advance solutions, giving businesses fast capital access. This service enables businesses to access funds in advance based on upcoming credit card sales, providing a versatile financing choice for cash flow management. The process of applying is simple, and the terms are clear and easy to handle, allowing businesses to obtain the necessary funds without any unnecessary complications.

Pricing and Fees

Celero Commerce offers a customized pricing structure that varies depending on the specific needs of the business. The company does not publicly disclose a detailed breakdown of its pricing, which can make it challenging for potential clients to compare it directly with other providers.

Setup Fees

Celero Commerce typically does not charge setup fees, making it accessible for businesses to start using their services without an initial financial burden.

Transaction Fees

Celero Commerce offers competitive transaction fees that depend on the payment method and the business’ industry. Typically, credit card processing transaction fees consist of a percentage of the transaction amount along with a set fee. The fees may vary depending on whether the transaction is swiped, keyed-in, or done online. For instance, an average fee could be approximately 2.69% + $0.19 for in-person transactions, with increased charges for transactions entered manually or made online.

Monthly Fees

Businesses may incur monthly fees for using Celero Commerce’s services. These can include a monthly statement fee, which is generally around $9, and other potential fees depending on the service package chosen. There may also be a monthly minimum fee, which can be up to $35, ensuring that the business processes a minimum amount of transactions each month.

Comparison with Industry Standards

Celero Commerce’s fees are in line with industry standards, but they vary significantly based on the customization of services. It is advisable for businesses to compare Celero Commerce’s fees with other providers to ensure they are getting the best deal. Transparency in pricing can be a concern, so businesses should ensure they understand all applicable fees.

Contract Terms and Conditions

Celero Commerce provides a variety of contract options, such as month-to-month and extended agreements. Nevertheless, companies need to be conscious that extended contracts could contain provisions for automatic renewal and fees for terminating early. The costs can be significant, ranging up to $499, based on the duration of the contract and its terms.

Cancellation Policies

Cancellation policies at Celero Commerce include early termination fees, which can be a significant consideration for businesses. It is crucial for businesses to thoroughly review the contract terms before signing to understand the implications of canceling the service early.

By understanding these various fees and terms, businesses can make informed decisions about whether Celero Commerce is the right payment processing partner for them.

Technology and Innovation

Celero Commerce leverages cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive payment processing and business management solutions. The company focuses on integrating advanced technological tools with personalized support to enhance the overall user experience.

Overview of Technology Used by Celero Commerce

Celero Commerce utilizes a cutting-edge, personalized strategy by merging state-of-the-art payment technologies with strong customer assistance. Their offerings consist of safe payment gateways, online terminals, and touchless payment choices. The company uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve the security and effectiveness of their services, guaranteeing dependable and rapid transactions for businesses of any scale.

Security Measures and Compliance (PCI DSS)

Celero Commerce prioritizes security by adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which ensures the protection of cardholder data during transactions. Their comprehensive PCI Security Bundle includes features like breach protection, endpoint and patch management, and advanced fraud prevention tools. By maintaining PCI compliance, Celero helps businesses minimize the risk of data breaches and build trust with their customers.

Features of the Proprietary Software

Celero’s proprietary software offers an array of features designed to simplify payment processing and enhance business operations. Important aspects consist of analytics in real-time, fraud handling, and secure customer storage vaults. These tools offer businesses in-depth analysis of their transactions and assist in more effective payment management. The software is also designed to integrate seamlessly with various business management systems, providing a unified platform for all payment-related activities.

Innovations and Future Technology Plans

Celero Commerce continuously invests in innovation to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Future plans include the expansion of AI-driven fraud prevention technologies and the development of more sophisticated data analytics tools. Additionally, Celero aims to enhance its mobile payment solutions and explore new technologies like blockchain to further secure transactions and improve efficiency.

Customer Support and Service

Celero Commerce is dedicated to providing exceptional customer support, ensuring businesses have the assistance they need to thrive. The availability and accessibility of their customer support are among the best in the industry, offering multiple channels for support.

Availability and Accessibility of Customer Support

Celero Commerce offers assistance to customers via phone, email, and live chat, allowing businesses to receive help in the way that best suits their needs. This approach using multiple channels enables rapid and effective problem-solving, reducing downtime and improving customer satisfaction.

Phone Support

Celero’s phone support is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. This extended availability ensures that businesses can reach support during most of their operating hours, receiving real-time assistance for any issues that may arise.

Email Support

Celero provides email support for non-urgent issues or in-depth questions. This enables businesses to communicate their concerns thoroughly and get thorough responses from the support team, ensuring every aspect of the issue is dealt with.

Live Chat Support

Celero also provides live chat support, offering immediate assistance directly through their website. This feature is particularly useful for quick questions or troubleshooting minor issues, providing a convenient way for businesses to get help without interrupting their workflow.

Quality of Customer Service

The quality of customer service at Celero Commerce is highly regarded, with a team of knowledgeable and professional support agents dedicated to resolving issues promptly and effectively. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their high-touch service approach, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention.

Merchant Support Resources

Celero Commerce offers a wide range of merchant support resources, such as a thorough knowledge base and in-depth training materials. These resources assist businesses in comprehending and making use of Celero’s services to the maximum extent, improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Knowledge Base

The knowledge base offered by Celero includes a wide range of articles, guides, and FAQs, covering various aspects of their services. This self-service resource allows businesses to find answers to common questions and learn about different features at their own pace.

Training and Onboarding

Celero’s training and onboarding process is designed to ensure that businesses are well-equipped to use their services from the start. The company offers hands-on training sessions and detailed onboarding guides, helping businesses integrate Celero’s solutions smoothly and efficiently into their operations.

User Experience

Celero Commerce prioritizes user experience, ensuring that their services are accessible and user-friendly for merchants of various sizes. Customers have given positive feedback on the platform due to its user-friendly nature, intuitive interface, and seamless integration with other business tools.

Ease of Use for Merchants

Celero Commerce focuses on providing a straightforward user experience. The setup process is simple, allowing merchants to start accepting payments quickly. The user-friendly nature of Celero’s solutions ensures that even those with minimal technical expertise can navigate the platform with ease.

User Interface of the Dashboard and Apps

The dashboard and mobile apps provided by Celero are meant to be user-friendly and effective. Users can easily access important functions and data due to the clean and organized layout. This ensures that businesses can manage transactions, monitor sales, and generate reports without encountering unnecessary complexity.

Integration with Other Business Tools

Celero Commerce excels in integrating with a variety of business tools and platforms. This includes popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, accounting software such as QuickBooks, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Such integrations streamline operations, reduce manual data entry, and enhance overall business efficiency.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Customer feedback about Celero Commerce is generally positive, highlighting the ease of use and reliability of their services. Merchants appreciate the seamless onboarding process, the intuitive interface of the dashboard, and the robust integration capabilities. Positive reviews often mention the efficiency of the platform in handling transactions and the quality of customer support provided by Celero Commerce. This feedback underscores the company’s commitment to providing a user-centric experience that meets the needs of diverse businesses.

Industry Impact and Reputation

Celero Commerce has made significant strides in the payment processing industry, positioning itself as a reliable partner for small to mid-sized businesses. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has earned it a strong reputation among merchants and industry peers.

Market Position and Competition

Celero Commerce has established a significant presence in the payment processing sector, specifically targeting smaller and medium-sized businesses. Since starting in 2018, the company has expanded greatly through a combination of natural growth and planned acquisitions. Celero rivals PaySafe, Fiserv, and Global Payments in the payment processing industry by providing a diverse range of fintech solutions designed for different sectors.

Reputation Among Merchants and Industry Peers

Celero Commerce is well-regarded among its clients and industry peers for its high-touch, high-tech approach. The company is praised for its customer-centric services and robust technological solutions. This reputation is bolstered by positive feedback from merchants who appreciate the seamless integration of Celero’s payment systems with their business operations and the reliable customer support.

Awards and Recognitions

Celero Commerce’s excellence and innovation have been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2022, Founder and CEO Kevin Jones was named the Southeast Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, highlighting the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and significant impact on the industry. Additionally, Celero received the 2021 ETA Star Award for its exceptional response to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its ability to adapt and support its clients during challenging times. These accolades reflect Celero’s commitment to excellence and its influential role in the fintech space.

Pros and Cons

Celero Commerce has garnered a mixed reputation in the payment processing industry, with several notable advantages and some areas for improvement.

Detailed List of Advantages

Wide Range of Payment Options: Celero Commerce offers extensive payment solutions, including credit and debit card processing, e-check processing, and gift card processing. This variety ensures businesses can cater to different customer preferences.

Proprietary Software: The firm’s exclusive software, Celero Automated Payment Processing (CAPP), makes payment management easier and enhances customer satisfaction. It seamlessly integrates with other business systems, making it adaptable for businesses.

Comprehensive Support: Celero provides robust customer support, including phone, email, and live chat options. The company also offers a detailed knowledge base and training resources to help businesses utilize their services effectively.

Flexible Solutions: Celero’s solutions can be tailored to suit the specific requirements of various industries. This flexibility allows businesses to easily incorporate the precise tools required to improve their operations.

Potential Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement

Transparency Issues: Some users have noted a lack of transparency in Celero’s pricing and contract terms. This can lead to confusion about the actual costs and services provided, making it important for businesses to thoroughly review agreements before committing.

Potential High Fees: Celero’s fees may exceed those of certain competitors, depending on the services and specific contract terms. This is especially accurate for companies that do not diligently negotiate their prices.

Early Termination Fees: Celero’s contracts may include early termination fees, which can be substantial. Businesses should be aware of these potential costs when signing long-term agreements.

Mixed Customer Feedback: While many users praise Celero for its comprehensive services and support, others have experienced issues with billing and customer service responsiveness. This mixed feedback suggests that the user experience can vary significantly.

To conclude, Celero Commerce provides a variety of beneficial payment processing options and excellent customer service. Nevertheless, companies need to assess the terms and possible expenses thoroughly to make sure it matches their requirements and financial plan.

Conclusion

Celero Commerce provides a variety of payment processing options and excellent customer service. Although their services cover a wide range, it’s important to take into account potential concerns regarding transparency and fees. In general, Celero is a dependable choice for businesses in need of versatile and comprehensive payment options, but it is advisable to carefully review the terms.

FAQs

What industries does Celero Commerce cater to?

Celero Commerce caters to various industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, e-commerce, and non-profit organizations. Their solutions are tailor-made to cater to the unique requirements of different types of businesses.

What are the security measures in place for transactions?

Celero Commerce implements robust security measures, including PCI DSS compliance, encryption, and fraud detection tools, to ensure the safety and integrity of all transactions.

How can a business get started with Celero Commerce?

Companies can begin using Celero Commerce by reaching out to their sales team via their website. The team will assist them in setting up, customizing solutions to meet their individual requirements.