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Offer Added Client Value
Connect business owners with a resource for payment systems, POS technology, and merchant processing reviews at a relevant point in their plans.
Business Referral Partnerships
Referral Partnerships for Business Brokers & Commercial Real Estate Professionals
Business referral partnerships with Valued Merchant Services help qualifying commercial real estate brokers, business brokers, franchise consultants, and business formation firms connect their clients with merchant processing and payment technology solutions.
When businesses open, relocate, change ownership, or expand, they may need new payment systems. Make useful introductions while exploring eligible referral fees and ongoing revenue opportunities.
Referral compensation is subject to applicable professional obligations, client authorization, and written agreement.
Since 2006VMS business experience
50 StatesNationwide reach
Client-FocusedNeeds-based introductions
Flexible ScopeApproved referral arrangements
Understanding the opportunity
What Are Business Referral Partnerships for Brokers and Formation Professionals?
Business referral partnerships are arrangements in which eligible professionals introduce clients to providers of relevant business services. For example, a business broker may have a buyer preparing to reopen a store, while a commercial leasing professional may work with a new restaurant tenant. An authorized introduction to VMS gives that business a chance to explore appropriate payment technology and merchant services. Roles and any permitted compensation are defined by a written agreement.
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Explore Additional Revenue
Where permissible, discuss referral fees and ongoing revenue-sharing arrangements for qualifying merchants. Earnings are not guaranteed.
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Stay Focused on Your Profession
Your organization continues its brokerage, formation, leasing, or advisory activities. VMS handles agreed payment solutions discussions.
Professionals we consider
Referral Opportunities Across Business Formation and Commercial Property.
A franchise consultant, business broker, and commercial leasing agent each encounter different business needs. Therefore, VMS reviews partnership fit and applicable professional obligations individually before establishing a program.
Business Brokers
Business brokers helping clients buy or sell operating companies may encounter buyers who need merchant account setup, terminal changes, or payment technology reviews.
Commercial Real Estate Brokers
Commercial leasing and sales professionals frequently work with restaurant, retail, and service businesses preparing to open, expand, or relocate.
Franchise Consultants
Franchise advisers may help clients evaluate concepts, locations, and launch needs. Payment solutions can be discussed where franchise system requirements permit.
Business Formation Services
Companies assisting entrepreneurs with entity formation and business setup may encounter owners who also need payment acceptance tools.
Commercial Property Managers
Managers working with retail centers, restaurants, and commercial tenants may encounter interested businesses seeking payment technology.
Startup & Expansion Advisers
Business consultants and startup professionals can explore approved referrals when their clients need solutions to support commercial operations.
Services at business milestones
Practical Payment Solutions for Opening, Buying, or Expanding a Business.
A new business often needs a merchant account, terminals, and a payment acceptance setup. Meanwhile, an existing business changing ownership may need to reassess its processing agreements and equipment.
For example, a restaurant preparing for its first opening may need POS technology. A service company relocating to a larger office could be reviewing its payment processes. An ecommerce startup may need a gateway.
VMS evaluates available solutions based on actual needs and provider requirements. Merchant account approvals, timing, and any equipment compatibility are not guaranteed.
Merchant Processing
New Business Payment Setup
POS Solutions
Payment Terminals
Ecommerce Gateways
Contactless Payments
Mobile Payment Acceptance
ACH & Check Services
Merchant Cost Reviews
Other Approved Business Services
When introductions are useful
Three Business Milestones That Can Lead to Relevant Referrals.
The best time for an introduction is when the business owner expresses a relevant need. Here are three common scenarios where your professional work may naturally lead to a payment services conversation.
Before a New Business Opens
A new retail tenant signs a lease and begins preparing for opening day. The business may need POS equipment, a merchant account, and an appropriate payment acceptance setup.
After a Business Acquisition
A buyer acquires an established restaurant or store. Existing processing agreements and merchant account ownership may require review. VMS can discuss available new-account options.
During Expansion or Relocation
A growing company opens another location or moves to a new property. Additional payment hardware, software, or merchant account needs may create an opportunity for an approved introduction.
A defined introduction process
How Commercial Real Estate and Business Formation Referrals Work.
First, we evaluate the audience you serve and whether a referral partnership is appropriate. Then the parties establish expectations and any permissible compensation before starting a formal referral process.
01
Discuss Fit
Review your professional services, business client profile, and types of payment needs encountered.
02
Review Obligations
Evaluate licensing rules, compensation restrictions, disclosures, consent, and written agreement terms.
03
Introduce Interested Clients
Refer eligible businesses through the approved process, with appropriate authorization and clear expectations.
04
Coordinate Merchant Service
VMS reviews merchant needs. Agreed reporting and any permitted compensation follow the signed agreement.
Professional responsibility matters
Business Referral Partnerships Must Respect Brokerage Rules and Client Trust.
Real estate professionals and business brokers may work under state licensing requirements, brokerage supervision, franchise policies, and client representation agreements. A merchant services referral is separate from a commission for real estate brokerage or the purchase of a business.
Before considering compensation, the parties must evaluate whether the proposed arrangement is permitted, whether disclosures or brokerage approval are needed, and how customer information can be shared appropriately.
Licensing and Compensation
Review applicable state real estate and business brokerage rules before accepting compensation. Merchant referrals must not be used to disguise prohibited or unlicensed brokerage compensation.
Broker and Company Policies
Determine whether your supervising brokerage, franchise organization, employer, or client contract requires approval of outside referral programs.
Transparency and Disclosure
If a financial relationship could influence a business recommendation, assess relevant disclosure duties. Avoid representing the VMS relationship as required or exclusive unless agreed.
Confidentiality and Consent
Client contact information, transaction documents, financing details, and business records should only be shared where authorized and necessary.
Independent guidance:
The
Federal Trade Commission's material-connection guidance
discusses disclosure considerations
for compensated recommendations.
Applicable state licensing and
brokerage requirements may impose
additional duties. This resource
does not constitute approval
or endorsement of VMS.
An established business solutions company
Help Clients Begin Their Next Chapter With a Thoughtful Introduction.
Founded in Idaho in 2006, Valued Merchant Services serves businesses nationwide with payment processing, payment technology, and related business solutions.
The company is led by co-founders Sean Ruppel, CEO, and Chris Del Grande, President. VMS emphasizes consultative conversations, practical services, and ongoing merchant relationships.
Professionals involved in major business transactions earn trust through good judgment. For that reason, we believe merchant introductions should follow clear procedures and remain separate from your primary professional duties.
Learn more about Valued Merchant Services and our broader Business Referral Partnerships .
Illustrative image, not a photograph of an actual brokerage or formation partner.
Frequently asked questions
Business Referral Partnerships for Brokers: Questions and Answers.
These answers address merchant service introductions, business ownership transitions, potential revenue sharing, and relevant professional responsibilities.
What are business referral partnerships for commercial brokers?
These arrangements allow eligible professionals to introduce business clients to another provider for relevant services. With VMS, an approved introduction may involve payment processing, POS technology, or related solutions. Terms and any permitted compensation are established in writing.
Can commercial real estate brokers refer merchant services clients?
VMS considers relationships with commercial real estate professionals who work with business owners. Participation must comply with applicable licensing rules, brokerage policies, representation agreements, disclosures, and written referral terms.
Can business brokers earn recurring merchant referral revenue?
Eligible arrangements may include recurring revenue sharing or one-time referral fees. However, professionals must verify that compensation is permitted under applicable state licensing requirements, broker supervision, company policies, and other relevant obligations. Earnings are not guaranteed.
Can business formation firms become referral partners?
Yes, VMS considers eligible business formation companies that assist entrepreneurs and new business owners. An approved arrangement may offer clients another resource when they need merchant processing or payment acceptance tools.
Can franchise consultants participate?
Potentially. Franchise advisers may encounter new owners who need payment systems. However, franchise brand standards, designated payment providers, contracts, and applicable professional duties can limit available options or compensation.
When is the best time to introduce a merchant services provider?
Common opportunities arise before a business opens, after a change of ownership, or during expansion and relocation. The appropriate introduction occurs when the business owner expresses interest and authorizes contact.
Does a buyer automatically inherit the seller's merchant account?
No. A change in ownership can require a new merchant application, underwriting, or changes to service agreements. The relevant processing provider determines applicable requirements. Existing account transfer should never be assumed.
Do business brokers need to sell payment processing?
Not necessarily. An approved referral model can allow the professional to make introductions while VMS discusses available merchant processing and payment technology with the client.
Can a commercial leasing professional refer restaurant tenants?
Potentially. A restaurant tenant preparing to open may need POS equipment and merchant processing. Any referral should be optional, appropriately authorized, and consistent with the professional's licensing and brokerage obligations.
Can a new business obtain merchant processing immediately?
Approval and activation depend on underwriting, provider requirements, business information, and the proposed processing activity. VMS can discuss available options, but approval or activation dates are not guaranteed.
What VMS services might be relevant to new business owners?
Depending on eligibility and availability, services can include credit card processing, POS systems, payment terminals, ecommerce gateways, mobile payments, ACH options, and other business tools.
Does a referral replace a client's existing broker or professional adviser?
No. The proposed relationship concerns VMS merchant and business solutions. It does not replace the broker, real estate professional, legal adviser, accountant, or other party's separate professional responsibilities.
Are referral fee disclosures required?
Requirements depend on the professional's licensing status, contracts, compensation arrangement, promotional communications, and applicable law. Brokerage approval or client disclosure may be required. Each partner should review its obligations before participation.
Can a small local business brokerage firm participate?
VMS considers qualifying organizations of different sizes. Fit depends on the clients served, referral opportunities, professional obligations, operational requirements, and agreed commercial terms.
How is client information shared with VMS?
Introductions should use an approved process with appropriate authorization. Sensitive real estate transaction information, business acquisition documents, and financing records should not be transferred unnecessarily.
How can our company explore a VMS business referral partnership?
Complete the inquiry form below or call 208-243-0818. Tell us about your organization, the types of business clients you work with, and the referral opportunity you're considering. An initial discussion does not create an obligation.
Explore a professional referral partnership
Let's Discuss Your Business Referral Partnership Opportunity.
Whether you're a business broker, commercial real estate professional, franchise consultant, property manager, or business formation provider, we'd welcome a conversation about your clients and partnership goals.
Form not displaying? Open the partnership inquiry form directly.
An inquiry does not establish a partnership or guarantee revenue. All referral arrangements are subject to eligibility, applicable rules, and approved written agreement.
Valued Merchant Services provides or facilitates business solutions subject to eligibility, provider availability, underwriting, approval, and contractual terms. Processing savings and referral earnings are not guaranteed. Real estate professionals, business brokers, franchise consultants, and other referral partners are responsible for evaluating applicable professional standards, state licensing rules, brokerage supervision requirements, client agreements, conflicts, disclosures, and consent. VMS merchant referrals are separate from real estate brokerage, business sale, legal, or financial advisory services. This page is informational and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Images are illustrative.