Looking for a reliable way to handle online payments or a trusted spot for your next piercing? These five businesses offer distinct approaches to getting you paid or helping you stand out.
The Landscape of Local Commerce and Payment Tools
In today's market, local businesses like Outlier Body Piercing + Fine Jewelry need more than just a great product—they need a seamless way to accept payments. Meanwhile, payment platforms are evolving to serve everything from tiny studios to global enterprises. You'll find that the right tool depends on your business size, your customer base, and how you like to operate. Whether you're running a brick-and-mortar shop or an online store, the options below cover a range of needs.
How We Evaluated Each Business
We looked at each business through the lens of service scope, pricing clarity, and local fit. For Outlier, we considered its hands-on approach and Square integration. For the payment platforms, we weighed their feature sets, ease of use, and how well they serve small businesses versus larger operations. Each one stood out for different reasons—some for their simplicity, others for their advanced tools.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five businesses we're highlighting, from the local piercing studio to global payment processors.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Stripe Payments | Custom online checkouts and global scalability |
| Cart | Outlier Body Piercing + Fine Jewelry | Local piercing and jewelry with secure online checkout |
| Square Online Store | Small businesses wanting an easy online store setup |
| Checkout.com | High-volume businesses needing advanced payment optimization |
| Authorize.net | Businesses needing a reliable, traditional payment gateway |
A Closer Look at Each Business
#1 Stripe Payments
A screenshot of the Stripe Payments website.
Stripe is a global payment processing platform that lets you accept payments online, in-app, and in person. It's known for its developer-friendly tools and extensive customization options, making it a favorite for tech-savvy businesses. With support for over 125 payment methods and advanced features like fraud prevention and subscription management, Stripe scales from startups to enterprises. If you're building a custom checkout experience, Stripe's APIs give you total control. It's a solid choice for businesses that need flexibility and global reach. Check out their payment solutions to see if they fit your tech stack.
#2 Cart | Outlier Body Piercing + Fine Jewelry
A screenshot of the Cart | Outlier Body Piercing + Fine Jewelry website.
Outlier Body Piercing + Fine Jewelry is a dedicated piercing studio serving St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri. Their website features a secure checkout powered by Square, which simplifies the buying process for their customers. As a small, hands-on business, they focus on providing a personal experience, whether you're visiting their studio or ordering jewelry online. Their use of Square suggests they value reliability and ease of payment processing. If you're in the area and looking for a piercing or fine jewelry, Outlier offers a local touch that big-box stores can't match. Their online store is straightforward, letting you complete purchases with confidence.
#3 Square Online Store
A screenshot of the Square Online Store website.
Square Online Store is a free eCommerce platform that lets you build an online store and start selling quickly. It integrates seamlessly with Square's payment processing, making it a natural fit for businesses that already use Square for in-person sales. You can manage inventory, track sales, and even set up appointments—all from one dashboard. For local businesses like Outlier, Square offers a simple way to extend their reach online without a steep learning curve. It's particularly strong for beauty and personal care businesses, with features tailored to salons and piercing studios. If you're looking for an all-in-one solution, Square Online Store is worth a look.
#4 Checkout.com
A screenshot of the Checkout.com website.
Checkout.com is a payment service provider that focuses on boosting acceptance rates and optimizing performance. It's designed for businesses that need high-volume processing and advanced fraud detection. With a unified API, you can connect to a global payments network and accept payments in multiple currencies. Checkout.com is a good fit for larger eCommerce operations, gaming platforms, and marketplaces that require robust infrastructure. Their intelligent acceptance tools help turn declined payments into revenue, which can be a game-changer for online sales. If you're processing at scale, Checkout.com offers the performance you need.
#5 Authorize.net
A screenshot of the Authorize.net website.
Authorize.net is a long-standing payment gateway that provides reliable online payment processing for businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of solutions, including virtual terminals, digital invoicing, and recurring billing. With advanced fraud protection and account updater tools, it helps keep your transactions secure and your customer data current. Authorize.net is particularly useful for businesses that want a straightforward, no-frills payment gateway without the complexity of a full eCommerce platform. It integrates with many shopping carts and can be a solid choice for established businesses. If you're looking for a dependable payment processor, Authorize.net has been a trusted name for years.
How to Choose the Right Solution for You
Start by thinking about your business model. If you're a local shop like Outlier, you might prioritize ease of use and integration with your existing point-of-sale system. For online-only businesses, consider the level of customization you need—Stripe offers flexibility, while Square keeps things simple. Also, look at pricing structures: some platforms charge flat rates, others have tiered pricing. Don't forget to factor in your customer base—if you sell internationally, you'll want a provider with global reach. Finally, test a few options to see which interface feels most intuitive to you.
Streamlining Your Payment Workflow
Automation can save you time and reduce errors. For instance, using Square's inventory management can automatically update your online store when you sell in person. Stripe's subscription features let you automate recurring billing for memberships or regular orders. Authorize.net's account updater keeps card information current, so you don't have to chase customers for new details. By automating these tasks, you can focus on growing your business instead of getting bogged down in admin work.
Bringing It All Together
Whether you're a piercing studio in St. Louis or an online retailer, the right payment solution can make or break your customer experience. Outlier Body Piercing + Fine Jewelry shows how a local business can thrive with a simple, secure checkout. Meanwhile, platforms like Stripe and Square offer scalable options as you grow. Take the time to evaluate your needs, and you'll find a solution that fits like a glove.