Expand Your Value
Give the businesses you serve access to additional solutions without having to provide those services yourself.
Business Referral Partner Program
Business Referral Partnerships That Create More Value
Does your company or organization serve businesses? Partner with Valued Merchant Services to connect your customers, clients, or members with valuable payment technology, business services, and potential cost-saving solutions. Explore opportunities to strengthen those relationships while creating an additional source of referral revenue for your organization.
Open to qualifying B2B organizations across a wide range of industries. No particular industry is required to start a conversation.
Since 2006Business solutions experience
NationwideServing all 50 states
A+ BBBEstablished reputation
B2B FocusRelationship-driven partnerships
Understanding the opportunity
What Is the VMS Business Referral Partner Program?
The Valued Merchant Services business referral partner program connects qualifying B2B organizations with opportunities to refer businesses that could benefit from VMS solutions. Partners make introductions through an agreed process, while VMS evaluates merchant needs and provides applicable services. Approved arrangements may include referral fees and ongoing revenue sharing under a written agreement.
Create Revenue Potential
Explore mutually approved compensation arrangements that recognize eligible business introductions.
Stay Focused on Your Business
Your organization maintains its primary customer relationships. Meanwhile, VMS helps with the merchant solutions it provides.
Who can become a referral partner?
If You Serve Businesses, We Should Talk.
Referral partnerships are not limited to banks, credit unions, or traditional financial services companies. Virtually any qualifying B2B organization with established relationships among merchants, business owners, or commercial customers may have an opportunity to work with VMS.
Below are six broad categories of potential referral partners. The examples are illustrative, not an exhaustive eligibility list.
Financial & Professional Services
Organizations that help business clients manage money, evaluate financial decisions, operate responsibly, or access funding often have opportunities to identify relevant merchant needs.
Examples: Banks, credit unions, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, commercial lenders, business loan brokers, insurance agencies, financial consultants, business attorneys, and advisory firms.
Technology & Software Providers
Technology providers frequently work with merchants that need payment acceptance, point-of-sale systems, integrated commerce tools, or business software solutions.
Examples: POS dealers, SaaS companies, software developers, e-commerce platforms, web design firms, IT consultants, managed service providers, telecom firms, and technology integrators.
Associations & Business Networks
Organizations with members, franchisees, or established business networks can explore services that may add practical value for their communities.
Examples: Trade associations, chambers of commerce, professional associations, franchise groups, buying organizations, industry networks, and business membership groups.
B2B Service Providers
Companies that already support businesses through recurring services are well positioned to recognize other operational needs their clients may have.
Examples: Payroll providers, HR firms, marketing agencies, business consultants, staffing firms, business coaches, security service providers, and other commercial service firms.
Commercial Suppliers & Distributors
Suppliers that sell products or equipment to merchants often have direct relationships with businesses that accept card payments and use business technology.
Examples: Restaurant equipment suppliers, foodservice distributors, wholesalers, retail equipment dealers, commercial equipment suppliers, and hospitality industry vendors.
Business Formation & Commercial Real Estate
Professionals involved in starting, buying, leasing, relocating, or expanding businesses may encounter merchants preparing to establish or upgrade payment services.
Examples: Business brokers, franchise consultants, commercial real estate professionals, business formation services, commercial property managers, and startup advisory firms.
Don't See Your Industry? You May Still Be a Great Fit.
These categories represent common opportunities, not limits. If your organization works with businesses that accept payments, manage operating expenses, or need business services, we'd welcome a conversation about a possible partnership.
More than merchant processing
More Business Needs. More Referral Opportunities.
Valued Merchant Services provides and facilitates a broad portfolio of business solutions. For example, one customer may need a competitive payment processing review, while another needs a new POS system, working capital options, or business management tools.
Because needs differ from one merchant to another, VMS evaluates available options rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Credit Card Processing
Point-of-Sale Systems
E-commerce Payments
Mobile Payments
ACH & Check Services
Business Funding Options
Payroll & HR Services
Websites & Mobile Apps
Digital Marketing
Gift & Loyalty Programs
ATM Services
Business Expense Reviews
Simple partnership process
How Does a Business Referral Partnership Work?
We begin with an exploratory discussion about your business relationships, goals, and potential opportunities. Then we determine whether an appropriate referral relationship makes sense.
01
Explore the Opportunity
Discuss the customers, members, or clients your organization serves and the solutions most relevant to them.
02
Establish a Program
Review referral procedures, compensation eligibility, support responsibilities, reporting, and applicable requirements in writing.
03
Make Introductions
Refer eligible businesses through the agreed process, with required consent and appropriate disclosures.
04
Support & Grow
VMS evaluates needs and helps with eligible solutions, implementation, support, and agreed partner reporting.
An established business partner
Your Reputation Matters. So Does Ours.
Founded in Idaho in 2006, Valued Merchant Services has grown into a nationwide provider of payment technology and business solutions.
Led by co-founders Sean Ruppel, CEO, and Chris Del Grande, President, VMS emphasizes personalized service, practical solutions, and long-term business relationships.
When you introduce a client to another company, your reputation is part of that recommendation. We understand the importance of making that introduction worthwhile.
Idaho roots. Nationwide reach. A focus on lasting business relationships.
Finding the right opportunity
Business Partnerships and Individual Affiliates: Two Ways to Get Involved.
VMS offers more than one way to refer business opportunities. The right path depends on whether you're exploring a strategic organization-level relationship or an individual referral opportunity.
Strategic Business Referral Partnerships
Designed for companies, institutions, associations, and business networks interested in a structured relationship involving qualifying customer or member introductions.
Programs are considered individually and established through a written agreement.
Individual Affiliate Program
Intended for individuals and other eligible participants seeking a defined program for introducing businesses to VMS services.
If you want to participate primarily as an individual referral partner, the affiliate opportunity may be the better fit.
Common partnership questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Referral Partnerships
Learn how the VMS program works, what kinds of organizations may qualify, and how referral compensation and support are approached.
Who can become a VMS business referral partner?
VMS considers a broad range of qualifying organizations that serve businesses. These may include financial institutions, accounting firms, software companies, trade associations, service providers, distributors, and other B2B organizations. Eligibility and terms are reviewed individually.
Does our company need to work in the payment processing industry?
No. You do not need to be a payment processor to discuss a referral partnership with VMS. Organizations in many industries maintain relationships with merchants and business owners who may benefit from payment technology or related business solutions.
What is a merchant services referral partnership?
A merchant services referral partnership allows an organization to introduce eligible businesses to a payment and business solutions provider. The provider evaluates business needs and discusses appropriate services. Approved arrangements may include compensation for qualifying referrals.
Can banks and credit unions partner with VMS?
Yes, VMS considers referral relationships with banks and credit unions. These arrangements require careful review of institutional policies, applicable regulations, referral procedures, and approved compensation terms.
Can software companies, POS dealers, and web developers refer merchants?
Yes. Technology companies often serve businesses that need payment acceptance, integrations, e-commerce, POS systems, or additional operating tools. VMS can explore the potential fit of a referral relationship.
Can trade associations and chambers of commerce offer VMS services to members?
Potentially. Associations and membership organizations may explore VMS solutions as relevant business resources for members. Any referral program, promotion, or compensation arrangement would be established through an approved agreement.
Can CPAs, insurance agencies, and other professionals participate?
VMS considers relationships with accounting firms, insurance agencies, consultants, and other professional service providers. The structure must respect relevant professional standards, disclosure obligations, contractual restrictions, and applicable laws.
How are VMS business referral partners compensated?
Eligible arrangements may include a one-time referral fee, ongoing revenue sharing, or another approved structure. Actual compensation depends on the written agreement, qualifying activity, available services, and applicable program or legal requirements. Earnings are not guaranteed.
Do we need to sell, install, or support merchant services?
Typically, the referring organization helps make introductions. VMS then assists with the services it provides. However, the exact division of responsibilities is established during partnership planning.
Do referred businesses have to switch payment processors?
Not necessarily. Some solutions may require changing or adding payment technology. Other eligible cost-review or business service opportunities may be available without replacing an existing processor or POS system.
Is there a minimum number of businesses we must refer?
Minimum activity expectations, if any, depend on the specific partnership arrangement. VMS reviews the scope, audience, and proposed structure with each organization before entering a written agreement.
Is there a cost to discuss a partnership with VMS?
No. An initial discussion to explore a possible business referral partnership does not require a fee or create an obligation to enter an agreement.
What happens after we refer a business?
VMS follows the agreed referral process to contact the business, evaluate its needs, and discuss suitable solutions. Any reporting, ongoing support, and compensation follow the approved partnership terms.
How do we explore becoming a VMS referral partner?
Submit the inquiry form below or call 208-243-0818. Tell us about your organization and the business customers, members, or clients you serve. We can then discuss potential fit and next steps.
Build something valuable together
Let's Explore a Business Referral Partnership.
Whether you're a bank, credit union, software provider, trade association, accounting firm, distributor, or another type of B2B organization, we'd welcome a conversation. Tell us about your company, the businesses you serve, and what you're hoping to accomplish.
Having trouble viewing the form? Open the inquiry form directly.
Submitting an inquiry does not establish a partnership or guarantee compensation. Programs are subject to review and written agreement.
Valued Merchant Services provides or facilitates business solutions subject to eligibility, provider availability, applicable approvals, and contractual terms. Business financing is subject to lender underwriting and approval. Processing savings, referral income, and other outcomes are not guaranteed. Referral compensation, where available, is governed by a written agreement and applicable laws, institutional policies, regulations, card-network requirements, and professional obligations. Financial institutions and regulated professionals should evaluate their own compliance requirements before entering a referral arrangement. Images are illustrative.