Fee Increases

We continue to see various processing fees (Card Network Fee and Markup Fee) increasing as processors adjust for inflation.

In addition, twice a year – in April and October – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and AmEx (the card networks) release updates to their programs and fee structures (usually an increase). This is the Interchange Fee that you see below in the graphic.

Addressing these increasing costs is not a one-size-fits-all. Solutions can include changing providers, adopting new technology and adjusting fee structures based on transaction volumes.

More integration options

We continue to see the development of more software integration options for businesses who utilize both merchant services and ERP systems. Some of the newer integration options include ERP systems such as QuickBooks, Sage and NetSuite. Integrations offer a great opportunity to find savings in merchant services fees as it opens up more processing options.

Mobile Wallets and Contactless Payments

With the growing popularity of ApplePay and Google Wallet, more consumers are paying with their smartphones for transactions both in-store and online. These options are very popular with the Millennial and Gen Z generations who prefer the convenience and speed of digital payments.

As the graph below indicates, the popularity of digital wallets will continue to increase.

Please feel free to share this update directly with your clients. If you are interested in white labeling this monthly content with your own branding, please reach out (by replying to this email).

Schooley Mitchell offers expertise in reducing the cost of merchant services, the integration of various ERP systems and the introduction of digital wallets.

If you have any feedback on this newsletter or would like to discuss the topic further, let’s meet:https://calendly.com/robyn-bowles/meeting_with_robyn

Guaranteed Service Refunds (GSR)

Guranteed Service Refunds applies to express packages that were guaranteed to arrive at a specific time. If the delivery was late, your client is entitled to a full refund of shipping costs, but it must be applied for within 15 days.

Peak Surcharges

Peak (or Demand) Surcharges are now being placed on some other surcharges year-round. Previously, these Peak Surcharges were only applied at heavier shipping times like over the holiday season. But, these Peak Surcharges are now being added to other surcharges like Oversize Package and Additional Handling. This means the client is billed for additional handling and then a peak surcharge is placed on top that!

In addition, Address Corrections with UPS will now have Fuel added to this surcharge, which is a change from last year.

Zone Skipping

I am honored to be partnering with FlexChain Holdings, a Value-Added Supply Chain Solutions partner. One of Flex Chain’s most impactful solutions involves Zone Skipping, which is a shipping strategy that consolidates shipments into one large shipment to avoid crossing multiple shipping zones. Because this strategy is very complex (factoring in product size, shipment size, distance and fixed costs), it was often limited to high-volume third-party logistics.

FlexChain makes zone skipping accessible to any business, saving up to 40% on outbound shipping costs with a simple, fast process.

Please feel free to share this update directly with your clients. If you are interested in white labeling this monthly content with your own branding, please reach out (by replying to this email).

Schooley Mitchell offers expertise in reducing the cost of merchant services, the integration of various ERP systems and the introduction of digital wallets.

If you have any feedback on this newsletter or would like to discuss the topic further, let’s meet:https://calendly.com/robyn-bowles/meeting_with_robyn

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Integrations

More and more telecom solutions are integrating with other business tools (like CRM or project management software), creating a unified system for smoother operations that reduce the need for external telecom systems.

Several CRM systems offer built-in telecom features, including HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, Zendesk, Freshsales, and Insightly. These systems allow you to make and receive calls directly within the CRM platform, streamlining communication, improving efficiency and managing client and prospect data.

Industry Consolidation

Mergers and acquisitions aren’t new in the telecom industry and will continue, if not accelerate during this year as companies look to overcome challenges such as maintaining and funding growing infrastructure, adapting to regulatory changes and increasing costs.

In 2024, the biggest deals included:

• Verizon’s proposed $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications, expanding Verizon’s fiber coverage to over 25 million passings.
• Uniti Group and Windstream’s $13.4 billion merger, reuniting their wholesale fiber network and FTTH operations.
• T-Mobile’s $4.4 billion acquisition of US Cellular’s assets, expanding T-Mobile’s rural coverage.
• T-Mobile and KKR’s joint $4.9 billion acquisition of 50% of Metronet, aiming to grow fiber coverage.

What is UCaaS?

UCaaS or Unified communications is a cloud-based solution that brings together multiple communication tools into a single interface or platform.

Please feel free to share this update directly with your clients. If you are interested in white labeling this monthly content with your own branding, please reach out (by replying to this email).

Schooley Mitchell offers expertise in reducing costs and optimizing solutions in telecom.

If you have any feedback on this newsletter or would like to discuss the topic further, let’s meet:https://calendly.com/robyn-bowles/meeting_with_robyn

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Rate Increases

The waste industry in 2025 is expected to see continued price increases due to a combination of factors such as:

Rising Costs: higher costs for energy, labor, and transportation

Labor Shortages and Inflation: difficulty in finding and retaining a skilled workforce

Landfill Taxes: increased landfill taxes and levies

Technology Investments: companies are investing heavily in recycling automation and technology to improve efficiency and potentially reduce long-term costs

Sustainability Efforts: the push for sustainable waste management practices and recycling can also lead to higher costs

What affects the price of waste?

Waste can be a complicated expense, as there are many factors that contribute to the final price that businesses pay for their waste removal. This makes it hard for business owners to control their costs or even determine if their invoices are accurate.

Size of Containers – Larger containers cost more as they can hold more waste.

Number of pickups per week - More frequent collection services will increase costs.

Type of waste - Disposing of hazardous materials (such as chemicals, medical waste or electronics) requires specialized handling and disposal methods, which can increase costs.

Volume and/or weight of the waste - Waste management companies often charge based on the volume (cubic yards) or weight (tons) of waste.

Accessibility of the property - Waste that is collected from a remote location or an area with restricted or difficult access may have increased costs.

Landfill fees - Landfills charge per ton or volume for waste disposal, known as tipping fees. Rising tipping fees are a significant factor in increasing overall waste management costs.

Additional Services - Extra services like recycling or composting can affect the overall waste cost.

Shredding

The shredding and storage industry has experienced significant consolidation as large vendors such as Iron Mountain and Pro Shred acquire smaller competitors across the country.

This consolidation greatly reduced competition and consequently, opportunities for savings.

As a result, Schooley Mitchell is no longer consulting in the shredding and storage space.

Please feel free to share this update directly with your clients. If you are interested in white labeling this monthly content with your own branding, please reach out (by replying to this email).

Schooley Mitchell offers expertise in optimization and cost reduction for all types of waste.

If you have any feedback on this newsletter or would like to discuss the topic further, let’s meet:https://calendly.com/robyn-bowles/meeting_with_robyn

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What are the Legal Requirements for e-Signature usage?

There are two main laws that pertain to e-Signature usage: ESIGN and UETA:

• The federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act of 2000 makes electronic signatures legal in all states and territories where federal law applies.
• Many states, including 49 and the District of Columbia, have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), which also recognizes the legal validity of electronic signatures.
• New York did not adopt UETA, but instead, passed the state's ESRA, which provides similar legal standing for electronic signatures.
• Other states, such as AZ and NV have passed their own laws in addition to the federal laws.
• These laws have similar requirements that must be met in order for the e-signature to be legally valid.

How is e-Signature different than Digital Signature?

Electronic and digital signatures are both methods of signing documents online, but digital signatures offer a higher level of security and authenticity as they use cryptography to create a unique fingerprint of the document.

This added security is often used in the following types of transactions:

Software Distribution Financial Transactions Healthcare Governmental Entities Contract Management

Considerations for selecting an e-Signature system

There are dozens of different e-Signature providers with DocuSign holding about a 67% share of the global market. It is a crowded market!

Selecting an e-Signature system can be challenging due to several factors:

• Legal Compliance and Security
• User Experience and Acceptance
• Branding and Customization
• Integration and Scalability
• Accessibility

In addition, there are variable and fixed costs that can sometimes be hard to compare across various e-Signature options.

Please feel free to share this update directly with your clients. If you are interested in white labeling this monthly content with your own branding, please reach out (by replying to this email).

Schooley Mitchell offers expertise in the reducing e-Signature costs and the selection/implementation of new e-Signature systems.

If you have any feedback on this newsletter or would like to discuss the topic further, let’s meet:https://calendly.com/robyn-bowles/meeting_with_robyn

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Increasing Challenges in 2025 Non-profits are facing increasing challenges in 2025. While some of these challenges are shared by their for-profit counterparts, some are unique to the non-profit space itself.

Financial Instability: Decreased private donations, increased demand for services, rising operating costs and uncertainty in funding, both from government and private sources

Workforce Challenges: Burnout, difficulty attracting and retaining staff, a decline in volunteerism and inability to compete with salaries and benefits offered by the private sector

Political Climate and Policy Changes: Shifting government policies, tax laws and public sentiment

Increased Demand for Services: Greater demand for their services, while funding sources that may not be increasing at the same rate

Data Management and Transformation: Managing and accessing data efficiently, which can hinder decision-making and impact program evaluation

Compliance and Regulation: Complex and burdensome regulations and compliance requirements

Top Trends in Fundraising and Donor Behavior

In order to address the challenges noted above, non-profits must examine changing donor behavior and fundraising trends.

• Trend #1: Funding Needs to Diversify
• Trend #2: Younger Donors Are Redefining Philanthropy
• Trend #3: Giving Tuesday & Year-End Donations Keep Growing
• Trend #4: Retention Take Center Stage
• Trend #5: Hybrid & In-Person Fundraising Methods Are Driving Success
• Trend #6: Social Media Is Powerful For Fundraising

Click here for the full article:

25 Nonprofit Trends You Should Know in 2025

It contains insight into these trends, as well as great ideas on how to help non-profit clients improve their fundraising.

Non-Profits Need a Fractional CFO

IMHO, every non-profit should invest in a fractional CFO. Non-profit leadership is often very focused on the mission, which is necessary. But that sometimes comes at the expense of operational efficiency and financial stability.

The article noted below outlines why a fractional approach makes sense for many non-profits.

Nonprofit CFO: Why a Fractional Approach Makes Sense

If you don’t already work with non-profits, you may want to consider it….they really need your help!

Please feel free to share this update directly with your clients. If you are interested in white labeling this monthly content with your own branding, please reach out (by replying to this email).

Schooley Mitchell offers expertise in the reducing non-profits costs and the selection/implementation of new systems.

If you have any feedback on this newsletter or would like to discuss the topic further, let’s meet:https://calendly.com/robyn-bowles/meeting_with_robyn

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Significant Changes in LTL Pricing In 2025, the LTL industry is expected to undergo the most significant pricing changes in the last 30 years. Read below to see why...

1. Shift to Density-Based Pricing: The LTL pricing model has traditionally been based on the weight of the cargo. This meant that a load that did not weigh much but was large would not pay the carriers correctly. With the shift to density-based pricing, LTL carriers can now factor in the size and weight of the shipment. This shift will mean that efficient packaging will become even more important for the shippers.
2. NMFTA Classification Adjustments: The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is an association of motor carriers operating in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce. It has a classification system for approximately 3,500 items that was recently updated to align with the new density-based LTL pricing. These revised classifications resulting in greater variability, which will make LTL pricing even more complicated.
3. General Rate Increases (GRIs): Various LTL carriers, such as Old Dominion Freight Line, ABF Freight, FedEx and Saia are have recently increased pricing, ranging from 4.9% to 7.9%. While these increases primarily affect noncontract shipments (those without a formal, long-term agreement), they are likely to influence contract negotiations.

What Can Businesses Do to Combat These Changes?

Understand the Changes: Familiarize themselves with the new NMFTA classification system and anticipate how it will affect their shipping costs.

Optimize Packaging: Review their current packaging and where possible, minimize the volume of shipments. If necessary, utilize a Packaging Engineer to help with optimization (if a Packaging Engineer/Consultant referral is needed, please reach out).

Leverage Technology: Utilize dimensioners (devices that automatically measures the dimensions (length, width, and height) of objects) and other technology tools to accurately measure and classify freight.

Review Agreements: Examine their existing pricing agreements/contracts and see how they account for these pricing changes.

Please feel free to share this update directly with your clients. If you are interested in white labeling this monthly content with your own branding, please reach out (by replying to this email).

Schooley Mitchell offers expertise in the reducing LTL costs and the selection/implementation of new systems.

If you have any feedback on this newsletter or would like to discuss the topic further, let’s meet:https://calendly.com/robyn-bowles/meeting_with_robyn

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What This means for Canadian Businesses

No More Duty-Free Threshold: Every shipment to the U.S., regardless of value, is now subject to duty assessments.

Prepaid Duties Required: Canadian shippers must prepay duties and provide a Declaration ID when handing off shipments to carriers.

Significant Cost Implications: For many goods, duties could add an average of 35% to the total cost.

Exceptions: Only personal gifts under roughly $100 USD appear to remain duty-free.

What This means for U.S. Businesses

The end of the duty-free threshold won’t just affect Canadian companies. American retailers and importers that previously relied on low-cost shipments now face higher land costs, since they can no longer benefit from the exemption. This will be particularly challenging for small and mid-sized businesses that depend on Canadian parts, raw materials, or finished good, as every shipment now carries added duties, paperwork, and the potential for longer processing times which could disrupt the flow of inventory. These higher costs are often passed directly to consumers, leading to increased shelf prices and making U.S. businesses less competitive. On top of that, importers must contend with a greater administrative burden, including more complex customs documentation, tariff classifications, and duty prepayment compliance, all of which can slow down operations and add to overall costs.

Trade Policy

While the broad exemption has ended, duty-free treatment may still be possible under the Canada - United States - Mexico agreement (CUSMA/USMCA). Goods that meet the agreement’s origin requirements can still qualify for tariff-free entry if proper certificates and documentation are provided. Without them, shipments risk being taxed at standard rates. It is important, now more than ever, to remain vigilant in your understanding of these requirements.

Navigating These Challenges

These changes add new layers to the already arduous matter of cost, paperwork, and uncertainty that many businesses find difficult to manage on their own. While compliance with trade agreements and tariff rules is essential, it is equally important to look at your shipping operations as a whole to find efficiencies elsewhere. Reviewing processes, evaluating carrier options, or refining pricing strategies can all help soften the impact of added duties.

Please feel free to share this update directly with your clients. If you are interested in white labeling this monthly content with your own branding, please reach out (by replying to this email).

Schooley Mitchell offers expertise in reducing costs and the selection/implementation of new systems.

If you have any feedback on this newsletter or would like to discuss the topic further, let’s meet:https://calendly.com/robyn-bowles/meeting_with_robyn

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