Navigating the EBT/SNAP Approval Journey | How to Accept EBT Payments

For convenience store owners, gaining the ability to accept EBT payments is a two-step process: obtaining an FNS number and determining how to process the payments at the point of sale. 

While USDA compliance criteria and the prospect of integrating new software might scare some businesses off the idea, those who successfully add SNAP recipients to their potential clientele can earn several lasting advantages over their competitors — and do so while supporting individuals within their communities who are experiencing financial hardship.

Here’s a closer look at how owners can prepare their stores to accept food stamps or EBT benefits.

Understand: How to Accept EBT Payments

A store needs to meet certain inventory requirements before it can process EBT transactions, per the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service division (FNS). These requirements aren’t based on carrying specific brand names, but rather on stocking and selling a minimum of 36 “staple” food items that meet the following conditions:

• Three varieties in each of the four staple food categories (dairy; fruits and vegetables; breads and cereals; meat, poultry, and fish).
• Three stocking units for each of the three varieties.
• One perishable variety in two of the staple food categories

Store shelves must have these items for sale on a continuous basis to make sure SNAP recipients have access to multiple nutritious food options. The USDA also lists alternative criteria in cases of specialty shops like butcher shops and fruit stands.

If these conditions are met, store owners can apply for approval by submitting their ownership details, store location, and invoices showing their inventory meets the USDA’s criteria. Once this application is reviewed and approved, the store will receive its FNS number, which serves as a license to accept EBT payments.

Selecting the Ideal EBT Payment Processor

A valid FNS number gives stores the green light to begin accepting SNAP/EBT, but not every point-of-sale (POS) system includes these payments as options for customers. Stores can set up SNAP/EBT payment acceptance in one of two ways:

• Integrated POS Systems: Some modern POS providers include EBT processing capabilities within their systems. If a store already uses a compatible POS system, activation may be a simple process requiring software configuration and testing to ensure compliance.
• Stand-Beside Terminals: These terminals function independently of your primary register, allowing you to process EBT payments without disrupting your existing sales system. This setup is often preferred by smaller retailers looking for quick, cost-effective setup.

Working with a knowledgeable payment processor can help determine which option is best suited for a store’s current system and how best to begin the process of accepting EBT.

Benefits of Accepting EBT Payments

It’s important to educate employees on how EBT transactions work beforehand to ensure the payment process goes smoothly for everyone and to add clear signage indicating your store’s EBT-compatibility. Once fully operational, accepting EBT payments invites several benefits:

• The ability to process EBT transactions attracts a new demographic of shoppers who may have previously bypassed your store due to payment limitations.
• Accepting SNAP benefits helps support low-income families, providing access to a variety of essential food items.
• Once SNAP recipients discover a store with a dependable selection of eligible food products, they are likely to return regularly. Consistency in product availability plays a crucial role in customer retention.
• Many convenience stores are still in the process of integrating EBT payments, giving early adopters a potential edge.

Partnering with an Expert in EBT Payment Processing

Navigating a new payment setup can be a hassle for anyone unfamiliar with software system requirements and USDA compliance — that’s where partnering with an experienced payment processor like goEBT can make all the difference.

Our team specializes in simplifying the EBT payment process, guiding retailers from application support to system setup. We help businesses determine whether their current POS systems can accommodate EBT payments, or whether they need an alternative solution. If a stand-beside terminal is required, our team also provides fast and efficient setup options to ensure retailers can start accepting SNAP payments without delay.

Beyond technical setup, goEBT also offers ongoing compliance support, regular updates on policy changes, troubleshooting assistance, and customer service to help stores manage EBT transactions effectively.

Simplify Your EBT Setup with goEBT

With our team’s guidance, navigating EBT payment acceptance setup doesn’t have to be a chore; we’ll walk you through the FNS number application, help find the right payment processing solution for your store, and provide continuous system troubleshooting as needed.

Contact goEBT today for more on becoming a trusted shopping destination for SNAP recipients.

Wondering if your store is eligible for SNAP Benefits? Take our brief quiz now to find out.

Our Merchant Spotlight for the month of December goes to Fedie Chani! This proud goEBT partner is the owner of Roosevelt Connect Mart. His establishment is located in the “Windy City” of Chicago, Illinois.

Not too long ago, a watchful store opened its doors to all who needed great customer service and great products. Roosevelt Connect Mart began business on March 1st, 2017. Despite being new to the community, the citizens adapted quickly. His customers were able to purchase everything they needed. This is not limited to quick groceries or snacks, but being able to access their Boost Mobile needs. The success of his mini market is mostly based on his love for the community. Not only does Fedie Chani offer necessary products for his customers, but he does so with a smile!

His method for increasing the customer base is classic, just like his store, and it gets the job done. Gaining word-of-mouth reviews from customers is the main focus for Mr. Chani. By creating a wonderful shopping experience for the customers, they are without a doubt spreading the word. These influencers of the community have done well for Roosevelt Connect Mart.

The entire neighborhood is aware of what the store represents. It is important to Fedie Chani that he is keeping customers happy any way he can. 

In today’s fast-paced c-store industry, it can be difficult to remember customers are the most important part of your business. It is important, though, to slow things down and enjoy every interaction of the day. This hard-working store owner says that of everything he loves the most about being the owner of Roosevelt Connect Mart, two things are at the top of the list:

• Offering convenience for his customers
• Supporting the community 

These two tasks are accomplished with the help of goEBT! Fedie Chani states our EBT card readers are definitely the fastest around. His customers have added, there is no other retail as fast as Roosevelt Connect Mart’s payment process. By equipping his mini mart with a reliable point of sale device, he is able to always provide his customers with a pleasant and speedy experience.

Furthermore, accepting SNAP has brought waves of customers to the store and this is only the beginning. Fedie Chani is excited for the future to come for he plans on expanding and reaching new heights. In the near future, a second store may be in the works, and we are more than excited to join him in the process!

]]> https://goebt.com/2018-holiday-preparation/ Fri, 07 Dec 2018 21:13:23 +0000 https://goebt.com/2018-holiday-preparation/  

The holidays have already begun! Thanksgiving has passed, Hanukkah has started, and Christmas along with New Years is right around the corner.

Retails sales are expected to grow more than 5% from last year’s winter holiday season. To put that into perspective, retailers could make more than $1 trillion in holiday sales for 2018. That is an amazing amount that should not be taken lightly. 

Make a list and check it twice.  Here are our suggestions for the most important steps to take while preparing your c-store for the 2018 holiday season.

Inventory

With these expected sales, it is important to have enough inventory to meet the demand. Yet be wise and do your own research to see which products and services will need to be increased. The worst scenario would be having ordered too much supplies, rather than not enough. Regardless, you want to cater to your customer’s needs and make sure your shop is the difference. The biggest benefit in inventory may be the simple last minute supplies! This could be extra plates and napkins to the extra hot sauce needed for that special holiday party. 

Promotion

Now that you have inventory checked of your holiday list, it is time to get the word out there. Creating offers and deals would create buzz to attract even more customers than before. Depending on your kind of customer, be sure to promote in the best way that communicates to them! You know your customers better than anyone and can know what grabs their attention. 

Decor

Having supplies and reaching out to customers is only part of the holiday preparations. Getting into the holiday spirit does not have to put a dent into your wallet! Believe me, your customers will notice the little things. Putting up banners, lights, and even a small tree will create a difference. Not only will it boost moral for your employees, but it may encourage customers to spend more time in your store.

Customer Service

To really stand out from the competition, it is necessary to treat your customers like guests in your own home. Be sure to welcome everyone with a big smile, no matter how much they plan to spend. Encourage your employees to do the same! Greeting customers as soon as they step into your shop, will break the ice. Go the extra mile and see if you could make their shopping experience any better. After all, if the roles were in reverse, wouldn’t you want to be treated with holiday joy?  

Spend time with Loved Ones

This is the busiest time of the year. Shopping for some may be just as important as the holidays themselves. By making that list and checking it off, you won’t have to worry about meeting expectations. Don’t forget about the people that matter in your life. Customers come and go, but family and friends will always be there. Be sure to decide your time accordingly and make time for those significant in your life. Making sure you express your feelings to your loved ones is the purpose of these holidays. 

We here, at goEBT, hope everyone has had and continues to have an amazing time with friends and family this holiday season!

• Sources: Deloitte

 Over the years, SNAP shoppers have had their typical routine for shopping. It was simply walking into the store, filling their cart up, and making their way to the counter. While this will still be the way many cardholders shop for time to come, some new ways to shop are closer than you think. With the growth of online shopping and now, grocery delivery, the grocery shopping experience has changed for many consumers.  Until now, SNAP recipients have been excluded from the capability to purchase groceries online, but the Food and Nutrition Service may finally be making this a reality.  

In 1993, the Agriculture Adjustment Act was passed by congress as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. It is also known as the Farm Bill. But what is it?

            The farm bill is an omnibus, multi-year law that governs an array of agriculture and food programs. Although                              agricultural policies sometimes are created and changed by freestanding legislation or as part of other major laws, the              farm bill provides a predictable opportunity for policymakers to comprehensively and periodically address agricultural              and food issues. 

– Food and Nutrition Service

To make it simple, the Farm Bill sets the guidelines for SNAP. Under rare drastic measures changes may occur for SNAP without a new Farm Bill.  The Farm Bill ensures FNS and the USDA’s vision by making sure the principles of the SNAP program stay intact. 

Between 2008 to 2018, steps have been taken for the availability of using SNAP online.

In 2008, the agenda for SNAP online have begun to be set in motion. For many years it was technologically impossible to use EBT online because there was no way to verify through the PIN. However, there was an industry meeting that established a technical subgroup to tackle this issue and develop a solution for it. Through hard work, the technical subgroup was able to fix these problems.

In 2014, after much discussion the opportunity to use SNAP online was closer to reality. The 2014 Farm Bill was ready to embrace the process of innovation. Once developed and approved by the 44th president of the United States, research and development was taken into new heights. No longer was the idea of may SNAP users make online purchases a dream but it was becoming a reality. 

In 2017, the Department of Agriculture announced seven retail firms that will take part in this pilot.even though some of these stores are nationwide, the pilot stage is only taking part in certain states. Despite being an adventurous opportunity, there were some things to adjust to, such as the websites not having to include taxes on the totals. In addition, the websites must be able to accept multiple forms of payments. Here are the seven retailers and the states they’ll be offering online SNAP purchases in:

• Maryland: Amazon, Safeway, ShopRite
• New Jersey: Amazon, ShopRite
• New York: Amazon, Freshdirect, Hart’s Local Grocers, Dash’s Market
• Iowa: Hy-Vee, Inc. 
• Pennsylvania: ShopRite

Keep in mind, it is only allowed within certain zip codes. If you’re interested in learning which zip codes, visit the Food and Nutrition Service website. 

In 2018, the Department of Agriculture is still finalizing the technology and systems for the use of SNAP online.

In 2019, the pilot will begin with:

• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York 
• Iowa
• Pennsylvania 

Soon after the following states will then be rolled out: 

• Alabama
• Nebraska  
• Oregon
• Washington 

In the foreseeable future, the main goal is to have the entire United States participating in the acceptance off SNAP benefits for online transactions. To learn more about the new future of SNAP click here.

This project is being taken very serious with the USDA Secretary stating,

            “Online purchasing is a potential lifeline for SNAP participants living in urban neighborhoods and rural communities                   where access to healthy food choices can be limited … We’re looking forward to being able to bring the benefits of the               online market to low-income Americans participating in SNAP”

All of this is very exciting but there may be one deal breaker for some. SNAP benefits will cover the accepted SNAP goods, but it will not cover any delivery nor service charges.

Sources: Food and Nutrition Service from the USDA, Food Stamps Organization, Federation of American Scientist