The Illinois Retail Merchants Association is pleased to announce a new partnership with BB Merchant Services USA.

Through this partnership, BB Merchant Services USA will help IRMA members gain a clearer understanding of their payment processing costs by using its benchmarking database to compare their current fees and rates with relevant market data.

A payment cost review can explain what a retailer is paying. Benchmarking provides the additional context of how those costs compare with similar arrangements in the wider market.

BB Merchant Services’ database examines payment costs at a detailed level, including interchange, network fees, provider margins and other charges that can affect the total cost of accepting payments.

This gives retailers an independent reference point when assessing whether their current commercial terms remain competitive.

BB Merchant Services will support IRMA members by reviewing existing arrangements, benchmarking them against relevant market data and identifying areas that may warrant closer attention.

The aim is straightforward: to give retailers better information before they decide whether to remain with their current provider, renegotiate existing terms or consider alternatives.

The partnership will also bring a series of practical discussions and content focused on retail margins, payment costs and the areas businesses can still influence.

For more information, contact Scott Conti at scottconti@bbmerchantservices.com.

About BB Merchant Services
BB Merchant Services (BBMS) is an independent payment consultancy specializing in payment processing cost reduction, benchmarking and advisory services. Established in Stockholm in 2008, the business has Nordic origins and is headquartered in Oslo, with international hubs supporting clients across Europe, North America and Australia. BBMS has completed more than 4,000 client projects globally and secured over US$800 million in recurring savings for organizations across a wide range of sectors. Its international team combines detailed market knowledge with practical experience of payment providers, card acquiring, gateways and alternative payment methods.

Who BBMS Works with in Retail
BBMS works with retailers of different sizes and operating models, including high-street businesses, e-commerce merchants, multi-site groups, international brands and private equity-backed organizations. Its retail clients include businesses processing payments through physical stores, websites, mobile applications and other customer-facing channels. The service is particularly relevant to retailers with high transaction volumes, multiple payment providers or complex payment arrangements across several brands, markets and currencies. Previous retail assignments have included work with organizations such as Dunelm, Harrods, GrandVision, Just Eat, Maxeda DIY Group and Travis Perkins.

How BBMS Helps Retailers Save
BBMS begins by reviewing the retailer’s existing contracts, payment volumes, invoices and charges. Its analysts then compare this information with an extensive proprietary benchmarking database, relevant industry standards and pricing information gathered through previous client assignments. This establishes whether current acquiring margins, scheme fees, gateway charges, terminal costs and other payment-related fees are consistent with fair market pricing.

Once the analysis is complete, BBMS presents the findings to the retailer and explains the available options. Under the “Stay and Save” approach, BBMS negotiates directly with the retailer’s existing providers to secure improved commercial terms without requiring a change of supplier. Where a different provider or payment structure would offer a better outcome, the “Switch and Save” approach allows BBMS to manage a structured tender or RFP process and assess suitable alternatives. The retailer remains in control of the final decision throughout.

BBMS manages the work from data collection and analysis through to provider discussions and commercial negotiation. This reduces the time required from internal finance, procurement and payments teams while giving them clear visibility of the process and proposed outcomes.

What Does the Review Involve for the Retailer?
The process starts with a straightforward review of the retailer’s existing payment arrangements, with no upfront cost. BB Merchant Services reviews the relevant contracts, transaction data, and charges to establish how the retailer’s current terms compare with the wider market.

If the review confirms that the retailer is already on competitive terms, there is no charge. The retailer simply gains independent reassurance that its payment processing costs have been benchmarked against current market data.

Where an opportunity to reduce costs is identified, BBMS agrees on the next steps with the retailer before proceeding. From there, BBMS manages much of the benchmarking and provider negotiation, keeping the time required from the retailer’s finance, procurement, or payments teams to a minimum.

Depending on the findings, the retailer can choose to remain with its existing provider on improved terms through the “Stay and Save” approach, or consider alternative providers through “Switch and Save.” In either case, the retailer remains in control of the decision, while BBMS manages the detailed analysis and commercial discussions.

Reducing Retail Payment Costs
Retailers continue to face pressure across operating costs, margins and supplier expenditure. A structured review of payment processing arrangements can identify whether current fees remain competitive and whether savings can be achieved without disrupting day-to-day operations or established provider relationships.

Retail organizations seeking to release funds for reinvestment in stores, technology, employees or customer service can contact BB Merchant Services to discuss an independent review of their payment processing costs.