Retail | A Budtender's marketing guide to BLAZEPAY ACH (Aeropay)

FAQ's

1. What is ACH?

   1. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. It is a secure digital way that customers can pay for their orders by linking their bank account through a payment link triggered by a dispensaries in-store team or online site when selected at checkout. 

      Instead of using cash or a debit card's swipe network (like Visa or Mastercard), ACH moves money directly from a customer’s bank account to the dispensary’s bank account.

2. Do customers need to download an app for payment authorization?
   1. No, BLAZEPAY ACH is browser based. No app download is required to authorize payments.
3. How does ACH work for the customer?

   1. Payment Link: 

      1. In-store: When the customer is ready to pay for their order, the budtender will select the BLAZEPAY ACH payment option to trigger a payment link that will be sent directly to the phone number associated to the customers profile.
         
         
      2. Online (ECOM): Similar to the in-store workflow, at the checkout screen, the customer will trigger a paylink to complete their purchase when BLAZEPAY ACH is chosen as their payment method.

   2. Payment Request: When the payment link is triggered and the customer recieves a SMS link, they will be instructed to follow the provided link to complete their payment.

      1. 

   3. Payment Transfer: After the link is selected, the customer will be redirected to BLAZEPAY ACH's supported payment platform to link their preffered bank account. Once the payment has been authorized by the customer, the money moves through the Clearing House "highway."

      1. 

4. What makes ACH safe to use? 

   1. Security is usually the first question a first time ACH user asks. You can reassure the customer with the following information:

      1. Encryption: ACH transfers use high-level encryption that creates strong security to combat fraud. 

      2. No Wallet Data: The budtender never sees the customer's bank account number or login details. Everything is handled by a secure third-party processor.

      3. Federal Oversight: The network is governed by Nacha (the National Automated Clearing House Association), which enforces strict rules to protect consumers against unauthorized transactions.

5. When do deposits happen?
   1. Deposits are paid the next business day, on average no later than 3pm CT.
      • On weekends after the cut-off time (Friday/Saturday/Sunday), deposits are made by Monday before 3pm CT.
6. Where can I get support?
   1. For technical support, merchants may contact BLAZE with the processor's team included in the email for additional visibility.
      1. BLAZE support email: support@blaze.me
      2. Processor support email: blazesupport@aeropay.com
7. How can I add users to the merchant platform?
   1. Any admin user can add or remove users directly from the merchant platform. To do so, navigate to Access > Create User > enter their First Name, Last Name, email, role > finally, select Create User. 
      1. 
      2. 
      3. 
         
   2. The new user will receive an email to log into the merchant platform.

Budtender Education and Talk Track

1. Benefits of ACH

   1. Faster checkout times: Once a customer's bank account is linked through BLAZEPAY ACH, the payment can be swiftly authorized. This allows the in-store team to complete orders with no fuss, which keeps the line moving.
   2. Higher spend: Customers aren't limited by what’s in their wallet when using an ACH payment service. If they see a great deal, they can take it without finding an ATM.
   3. Safety: ACH reduces the amount of physical cash in the store, making it a safer environment for staff and customers.
2. Objection handling
   1. First time ACH users may be hesitant to use the payment service. But with the proper education customers can be encouraged to pay with ACH. 
      
      Below are helpful tips on how to reassure the customer that ACH is a trusted payment method. 
      1. "I don't trust following an unknown link"

         1. The Middleman Strategy: "I completely understand the concern. The link actually takes you to to a secure third party platform, similar to linking your bank for the first time through Venmo or PayPal. We never see your login or your password."

         2. Bank-Led Security: "The link isn't us asking for your info. Think of it more like a secure bridge to your own bank. You're actually logging into your bank's portal to authorize the payment, not ours."

         3. The "No Data" Promise: "Once you’re linked, the only thing our point of sales sees is confirmation of payment or a pending balance. Your account numbers and dollar amount in your accounts stay hidden from the store and the staff."

      2. "I am not tech savvy"

         1. One time sign up benefit: "The setup is the only 'techy' part, and it takes about 60 seconds. After today, you never have to do it again. You just scan our code or we send you a text and you’re done."

         2. Offer a "Walk-Through": "If you have your banking app on your phone, I can show you exactly where to click to link your account once you follow the BLAZEPAY ACH payment link. It’s mostly just signing in like you’re checking your balance."

      3. "I prefer cash"

         1. Security redirection: "I used to prefer cash too, but I realized if I lose my wallet, that cash is gone forever. If you lose your phone, your ACH account is still locked behind your FaceID or passcode."

         2. To the penny payments: "An important part about BLAZEPAY ACH is the 'to-the-penny' accuracy. You don't have to worry about the ATM only giving 20s and then ending up with a pocket full of heavy coins. BLAZEPAY ACH sends a request to your bank to pull the exact amount needed, so you're in and out."
3. How do customers get their promotional credit?
   1. First time BLAZEPAY ACH (Aeropay) customers will receieve a promotional credit by their next statement period. 
4. If AeroPay does not have access to the customer’s bank account, how are refunds/credits sent back to the customer?
   1. Aeropay doesn’t “access” the customer’s bank. When the bank is linked, it creates a secure ACH token that allows both pulling money (debit) and sending money back (credit). Refunds and credits operate from that same token that lets Aeropay push funds back over ACH.
5. What is the difference between an "authorized" and "captured" payment status?
   
   1. Authorized = The customer has linked their bank account, the platform has verified that there are enough funds for the pending order, and the customer has given permission that the integration can withdraw the funds at the time of order completion. 
   2. Captured = When the budtender selects "COMPLETE" in the POS, that is what will trigger a call to the integration to withdraw the funds from the customers account. Only when "COMPLETE" is selected in the BLAZE POS side is when the order is finalized and fully paid for. 
6. When do funds leave the customers account?
   1. Once "COMPLETE" is selected in the BLAZE POS, the funds will be withdrawn from the customers account to pay for their order.

Marketing Tips

Below are some preset campaigns that you can use to market BLAZEPAY ACH to your customers.  

Remember, the objective is to create convenience for them, which leads to Higher Average Order Values and more repeat shoppers for you!

Email Campaign 1: The "Goodbye ATM Fees" Announcement

Best for: Launching the program to an existing loyalty list.

Subject: 💸 Stop paying ATM fees at [Dispensary Name] Preheader: Introducing a faster, fee-free way to pay for your greens.

Hi [Customer Name],

Tired of hunting for cash or getting hit with those $3+ Out-of-network ATM fees every time you visit? We have a game-changer for you.

Starting today, you can pay for your favorites directly from your bank account with BLAZEPAY ACH. It’s the safest, most secure way to shop with us—no wallet or cash required.

Why you’ll love it:

• Zero Fees: Keep your cash for what matters (more cannabis!).
• No Apps Needed: No downloads or extra accounts to manage.
• Secure & Private: Bank-level encryption keeps your info safe.
• Fast Checkout: Just scan a QR code, link your bank, and pay!

How it works:

1. Scan the QR code at our register or select "Pay Online" at checkout.
2. Link your bank account securely (first time only).
3. Pay and be on your way!

Try it on your next order and see how easy checkout should be.

[Link: https://register.pay.aero.inc/?m=30cea668a5]

Stay elevated, The Team at [Dispensary Name]

Email Campaign 2: The "Convenience" Focus (E-commerce)

Best for: Promoting online ordering and delivery.

Subject: One-click checkout is officially here! 💨 Preheader: Securely link your bank for the fastest checkout in town.

Hello [Customer Name],

We know you want your green fast. That’s why we’ve integrated BLAZEPAY ACH into our online menu.

Now, when you order for pickup or delivery, you can skip the "cash-at-the-door" dance and the "exact change" struggle. Pay for your order online in seconds using your bank account.

The Perks:

• One-Click Convenience: Once you’re linked, future orders are a breeze.
• To-the-Penny Accuracy: No "rounding up" to the nearest $10 like an ATM.
• Contactless: Perfect for quick pickups and safe deliveries.

Ready to try it? Head over to our menu, add your favorites to the cart, and select Pay Online at checkout.

[Button: Shop the Menu]

See you soon, [Dispensary Name]

SMS Campaign 1: The New Feature Alert

Best for: High-engagement bursts.

[Dispensary Name]: Say goodbye to ATM fees! 🚫💸 You can now pay directly from your bank account with BLAZEPAY. No apps, no fees, just scan and pay. Try it on your next visit! [Link to Menu]

SMS Campaign 2: The Online Ordering Nudge

Best for: Driving delivery or "Express Pickup" traffic.

[Dispensary Name]: Shop like a pro. 🌿 Use BLAZEPAY ACH to pay for your online order instantly. No cash needed at pickup! Secure, fast, and $0 fees. Order here: [Link to Menu] STOP to opt out.

General Marketing Tips for You:

• The "First Timer" Incentive: Offer a small discount (e.g., "Get $5 off your first BLAZEPAY ACH order") to customers to overcome the friction of linking their bank account for the first time.
• Budtender Talking Point: "Want to save on that ATM fee today? You can scan this QR code and pay directly from your bank—it takes about 60 seconds to set up."
• Visuals: Don’t forget to use the QR code signage provided by BLAZE or on the Point of Sale screen to trigger the "Scan" step of the process.