How GOAT Payments Helps Independent Sales Organizations Scale and Grow Beyond Low-Risk Models

For Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers, the traditional business model often revolves around selling payment solutions to low-risk merchants, which are typically easier to onboard and don’t require extensive advisory support. While this model can be profitable, it can also be limiting, especially when seeking to scale, expand, and tap into new, high-growth opportunities that aren’t often explored within these low-risk sectors.

At GOAT Payments, we believe in helping ISOs and SaaS providers expand their horizons, enabling them to grow beyond the confines of low-risk models and venture into complex, high-risk merchant verticals that require specialized guidance, expertise, and a tailored approach. Under the leadership of Jenna Padilla, GOAT Payments’ Chief Growth Officer for Partnerships, we offer a unique opportunity to scale resources and develop advisory solutions that are critical to successfully navigating these more challenging markets.

In this blog, we’ll explain how GOAT Payments empowers ISOs and SaaS providers to unlock explosive volume and residual growth by tapping into high-risk merchant channels that are often overlooked or underserved.

1. Expanding Beyond the Low-Risk Business Model

   The standard low-risk business model that many ISOs and SaaS providers operate under focuses on merchant categories that are typically considered “safe” by payment processors. These might include retail stores, restaurants, and subscription services, where payment processing is relatively straightforward and the risks (chargebacks, fraud, etc.) are lower. However, this approach can lead to market saturation and limited residual revenue potential. By expanding into more high-risk verticals, ISOs and SaaS providers can diversify their portfolios, tap into underserved markets, and open up new channels of business that have significantly higher growth potential.

   High-risk merchant categories include industries such as:

   • E-commerce businesses with high-ticket items
   • Travel and tourism services
   • Health and wellness (including supplements, peptides, and alternative medicine)
   • Debit Collection Services
   • Gambling and gaming
   • CBD and cannabis-related products

   These sectors may involve increased regulatory requirements, higher chargeback rates, and complex compliance demands. However, they also represent untapped opportunities for ISOs and SaaS providers willing to explore them.

2. The GOAT Payments Advantage: Scaling Your Resources and Advisory Solutions

   Under Jenna Padilla’s leadership, GOAT Payments has developed a comprehensive partnership model designed to help ISOs scale into high-risk verticals while providing the consulting and advisory services needed to succeed. Here’s how GOAT Payments provides the tools and support to help you grow your resources and expand your portfolio:

   • Expert Guidance for Complex Vertical Markets: High-risk merchant sectors require specialized knowledge and an understanding of unique business risks. GOAT Payments offers expert advisory services to help you navigate the complexities of these industries. We guide you through the regulatory landscape, provide risk mitigation strategies, and help you understand the intricacies of chargeback management and compliance.
   • Tailored Onboarding and Underwriting Support: High-risk merchants often face more scrutiny during the underwriting process, making it essential to have an experienced team on your side. GOAT Payments offers hands-on onboarding and underwriting support to ensure that high-risk merchants are set up for success from day one, reducing delays and improving the approval rate.
   • Access to 35+ Sponsor Banks: We work with over 35 sponsor banks, which means that we have the ability to match you with the right processing partners for your high-risk merchant accounts. This expands your options and ensures you have access to the best terms, pricing, and solutions available in the market.
   • Explosive Volume Potential: By working with GOAT Payments, ISOs and SaaS providers gain the opportunity to build explosive sales volume in sectors that are often ignored by traditional payment processors. High-risk merchants typically experience more transaction volume and higher residual income, making them a valuable channel for any ISO or SaaS provider looking to grow.
3. Building a Long-Term Partnership for High-Risk Growth

   The partnership model at GOAT Payments is designed not just for quick wins but for long-term success in the high-risk market. Here’s how we help you maintain momentum as you scale:

   • Continuous Support: Our partnership doesn’t end with the initial sale. We offer ongoing support for your high-risk clients, ensuring that you are always equipped with the tools, insights, and expertise needed to maintain and grow your accounts. This includes real-time monitoring, compliance updates, and strategic consultations to address emerging issues or opportunities.
   • Customized Merchant Solutions: Every merchant is unique, which is why we work with you to craft customized solutions for each high-risk vertical. Whether your clients are in the CBD industry, adult entertainment, or e-commerce, we offer solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each market while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
   • Sustained Revenue Streams: By diversifying into high-risk verticals, ISOs and SaaS providers can create sustained revenue streams from residuals and explosive volume growth. Over time, this can lead to more stable, predictable income as you continue to grow your merchant portfolio and expand into new channels.
4. Start Building Your High-Risk Portfolio Today

   If you’re an ISO or SaaS provider looking to scale your business beyond the low-risk model, GOAT Payments can be your trusted partner in navigating the complex high-risk market. Led by Jenna Padilla, our Chief Growth Officer for Partnerships, we’ll work closely with you to expand your reach, grow your resources, and leverage expert advisory solutions to help you succeed in restricted and high-risk merchant verticals.

Contact Jenna Padilla for a Tailored Approach

Ready to scale your business into high-risk merchant verticals? Reach out to Jenna Padilla, our Chief Growth Officer for Partnerships, to discuss a tailored approach to expanding your merchant portfolio.

Contact Jenna today at: jenna@goatpayments.com

Let GOAT Payments help you unlock explosive volume growth, gain access to high-risk merchant opportunities, and maximize your residual revenue.