When Lusk Disposal Service and Empire Waste Systems were ready to make the switch to a new payment system, CardWorks Acquiring not only offered them the best solution, but also white-glove service every step of the way.
By Bill Johnston
As 2020 began, no one could envision a global pandemic that would crush the majority of industries in the U.S. Waste, although, essential was no different. From getting payment protection loans to furloughs, the need to cut overhead and protect the employees and business was felt nationwide.
In Princeton, WV, Lusk Disposal Service and Empire Waste Systems never missed a beat. They continued not only their industry leading service, but they also continued to grow. They picked up more commercial clients with their competitive rates and demolition projects to help combat Covid-19.
Continued Growth
Lusk Disposal Service and Empire Waste Systems was established at a dinner table in late 1950s. Since then they have grown into the largest private waste hauler in the region. Serving eight counties in West Virginia and 12 counties in Virginia, Lusk and Empire can meet every residential and commercial need. They also own and operate Ham Sanitary Landfill in Peterstown WV and Copper Ridge Landfill in Welch, WV.
“As we continued to grow, we wanted to see if there was any savings in our credit card services,” said Sloan Smith, Manager of Lusk and Empire, who had met Bill Johnston, Business Development Manager for CardWorks Acquiring at regional waste conference. “We had sat down for a meeting right before 2020 began and had a few follow-up meetings during COVID.”
CardWorks Acquiring, headquartered in Syosset, NY, with regional offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Tampa and Orlando, FL, continues to be a leading payment provider in the waste management industry. CardWorks has helped countless waste, recycling, landfill and roll-off companies, not only save money, but also process payments more efficiently. They offer their clients industry low rates, current industry technology and pride themselves on unparalleled 24/7 white-glove customer service. With their partnership with Merrick Bank, who processed more than $38 billion in 2019, CardWorks now offers zero-cost processing.
Making the Switch
In May 2020, as much of the country was still shut down, Lusk and Empire were comfortable and ready to make the switch to CardWorks. “We were ready to start saving money and knew CardWorks was the right choice. We wanted to start the zero-cost model at our landfills and the savings speak for itself,” said Smith.
Zero-cost processing is a processing solution that allows businesses to pass along all fees including interchange fees to the customers automatically. Instead of the business paying the processing costs, the customers do, saving the bulk of the processing fees. The terminals and gateways are preprogrammed to have the fee already calculated, which means no extra work for the employees. “A lot of our clients have taken advantage of zero-cost processing,” said Johnston. “It is an easy way to cut overhead, which could be thousands. With what businesses are faced with in 2020, it could be enough to keep the doors open.”
“People really haven’t seemed to mind an extra fee. They expect it now. Those that do have paid in cash or check at the landfills. It has saved us a lot already,” said Smith.
As the first reoccurring payments for Lusk and Empire approached, the white-glove service of CardWorks was seen first-hand. “I entered every one of their reoccurring payments by hand,” said Johnston. “I promised Sloan and the whole team, I would do it and take it off of their plate, not only for Lusk and Empire, but the landfill’s as well. With the help of our technology team, we got their plans and subscriptions entered without a glitch.”
A Seamless Transition
CardWorks prides itself on service above all else. While saving hundreds to thousands of dollars may be easy for CardWorks, it is the in-house service that puts them in a league of their own—from 24/7 customer support, a dedicated chargeback team to risk services to make sure no transactions are fraudulent. “We take care of our clients, and we want our clients for life,” said Johnston. “I tell everyone to call me first, if an issue does arise, I’m there. And trust me Sloan does call,” Johnston said laughing.
CardWorks offers several payment solutions to make your company run more efficiently. From their industry-leading virtual gateway, stand-alone terminals, access to point of systems as well as integration with Fusebox, to be compatible with all waste software. “We haven’t had any real issues since switching over. Anything that comes up, Bill is just a phone call away or he comes right down. It was virtually seamless, and we are saving money at the same time, “ Smith noted.
As Lusk and Empire continue to grow and expand, they will be using some of the savings to hire more drivers and maintain their equipment. “It has been a real pleasure to work with a company that says what it will do and then they do it. CardWorks has come through for us,” Smith added.
“It’s exciting to see them hire when so many companies are laying off. I am excited for them to continue their growth. They are all amazing people who do things the right way, I enjoy our relationship,” said Johnston. | WA
For more information on CardWorks Acquiring, contact Bill Johnston at (304) 479-5464 or e-mail [email protected].