Online payments: a strategic necessity for modern businesses
Introduction
In a context where consumers increasingly favor digital services, the integration of online payment solutions has become an essential step for any business. Whether it’s booking a hotel room, ordering a meal, or purchasing a product, the smoothness and security of the payment process play a central role in the customer experience. Beyond providing user convenience, however, the integration of an efficient payment system also serves as a key lever for securing revenue and reducing losses linked to cancellations or unpaid transactions.
Online payment: a solution to the risks of “no-shows” and unpaid transactions
For many sectors — particularly hospitality, restaurants, and booking services — the problem of “no-shows” represents a direct loss of revenue. By requiring advance payment or a card pre-authorization, a business can significantly reduce this risk. The integration of an online payment module is therefore not just a convenience; it’s a true safeguard for securing cash flow and minimizing avoidable losses.
Modern solutions also make it possible to manage refunds smoothly, automate invoicing, and ensure compliance with security standards (such as PCI DSS or the strong customer authentication required by PSD2 in Europe). This strengthens customer trust, as consumers are increasingly mindful of the security of their banking data.
Applicium, a partner offering reliable and cost-effective payment solutions
At Applicium, payment integration is not viewed as a mere technical feature but as a strategic pillar. Through strong partnerships with integrators such as Wallee and Payrexx, it is possible to offer each client secure payment solutions tailored to their industry and, above all, financially advantageous.
One of the major challenges of online payment lies in transaction costs. Providers like Stripe, which are widely used on the market, typically charge around 3.25% per transaction. This rate, often accepted by default, can significantly impact a company’s profitability. Thanks to the agreements negotiated by Applicium, rates as low as 1.2% can be achieved—well below the market average. This difference translates directly into substantial savings and an immediate increase in profit margins.
**The two types of transaction fees to consider**
When it comes to online payments, there are actually two distinct types of fees to consider. The first is a fixed amount charged for each transaction, usually ranging between 12 and 20 centimes. The second is a commission calculated as a percentage of the transaction amount.
While the fixed fee remains relatively stable, it’s the percentage-based commission that poses the greater challenge. A 2% difference per transaction may seem minor at first glance, but its cumulative impact can be enormous. For a business generating several hundred thousand Swiss francs in annual revenue, this can amount to tens of thousands of francs lost solely to banking fees.
A poor payment contract can be costly
Many businesses sign with the first available provider by default, without negotiating terms or comparing offers. The result: disproportionate transaction fees that directly erode profitability. A poorly optimized contract can cost more than 2% of annual revenue. At high volumes, this loss quickly becomes substantial—especially in industries where margins are already under pressure.
Conversely, a well-negotiated contract and a strong technology partner not only help reduce costs but also ensure greater stability and foster a relationship of trust with the payment integrator.
Conclusion: Integrating and optimizing payments — a strategic priority
The integration of online payments should not be seen as a mere convenience, but as a genuine tool for growth and revenue protection. It safeguards against no-shows, reassures customers, simplifies financial management, and—most importantly—enables significant savings when contracts are properly optimized.
Through its strategic partnerships, Applicium supports businesses in implementing tailored, secure, and cost-effective payment solutions. In an environment where every margin point matters, having an optimized payment system is no longer an option—it’s a strategic necessity.