Uncensored Direct Marketing

Maria Sparagis
  • 4.8 (12)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Uncensored Direct Marketing

Hosted by Maria Sparagis, president of DirectPayNet, and payment solutions expert for entrepreneurs in the high risk industries of supplements, dating, business opportunities, gambling and more. On this podcast, Maria shares her knowledge on how to reduce decline ratios, add thousands of dollars to your bottom line with a few simple conversion hacks, and maximize revenue while keeping your high-risk merchant accounts happy and healthy. As a cryptocurrency advocate since 2012, Maria will also share her knowledge on the digital currency markets. Maria has worked with several high level entrepreneurs in Direct Marketing including Christian Hudson, Julian Reyes, Jeremy Schoemaker “ShoeMoney”, Mike Chang and many more. She has been featured in American Banker, Vice, Inside Bitcoins, Coindesk, and Yahoo. Connect with Maria mariasparagis.com or directpaynet.com

  1. 6D AGO

    Visa's New Fraud Rules Could Kill Your Store

    Visa’s VAMP rules are here and they’re reshaping how online businesses handle fraud, chargebacks, and card testing. In this episode, Maria Sparagis (with over 20 years in payment processing) breaks down exactly what the Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) is, how it affects merchants, and what you must do to stay compliant. What's Covered: ✅ What Visa’s VAMP rules mean for your business ✅ How acquirers are passing fraud liability to you ✅ The tools you should already be using to prevent disputes and card testing ✅ Why 3DS (3D Secure) is your new best friend—especially for high-ticket or international orders ✅ How AVS, CVV, and IP filters can make or break your fraud defenses ✅ The underrated risk of confusing billing descriptors ✅ What to know about chargeback alerts like RDR & Ethoca ✅ And what you need to do today to keep your payment processor happy 💸 Fraud prevention isn’t optional anymore. Get ahead of the curve before Visa or your processor shuts you down. 🔗 Referenced Episodes & Tools 🔹 Watch my original episode on VAMP rules:     • Visa Will SHUT DOWN Your Sales with New VA...   🔹 Need help implementing these tools? Drop a comment or reach out—we're here to help. maria@directpaynet.com 📌 Like, share, and subscribe for more episodes on how to protect and grow your e-commerce business.

    24 min

  2. JUN 26

    Stripe Settings That Sabotage Your Upsells

    Why Stripe Declines Upsells & How to Fix It: Optimize Your Funnel for More Conversions If your upsells are getting declined—especially after the front-end sale goes through—this episode is a must-watch. 💳 In this in-depth breakdown, Maria Sparagis explains exactly why Stripe and other payment processors may be flagging your upsell offers, and what you can do to increase approval rates in your checkout funnel. 🔍 Learn: - Why upsells and order bumps get flagged—even after a front-end sale - How Stripe Radar rules and default settings could be killing your conversions - The importance of vaulting (tokenizing) customer card data - Why low front-end price points might backfire on your funnel - Pro techniques like "authorize and settle" for multi-step checkouts - The risks of duplicate price points & how to avoid “do not honor” declines Whether you're using Systeme.io, ClickFunnels, WooCommerce, or any other cart tool—if you rely on Stripe for payment processing, this episode will help you recover lost sales and maximize your AOV (average order value). 📈 For those running DTC funnels or subscription models, Maria shares specific Stripe Radar settings to audit, tweak, and monitor. 💬 Questions? Need help with Stripe or merchant accounts? Contact Maria’s team at DirectPayNet to get expert guidance and hands-on support. ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us 0:00 Intro 1:02 Stripe Causing Declines 2:59 #1 Tokenize Data 5:14 #2 Price Test 7:05 Stripe Radar Tweaks 8:11 Velocity Checks 11:51 Gradual, not Rapid 12:59 Don’t Contact Stripe 14:11 Increase Conversions 18:33 Bonus Tip 22:14 Summary 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if this helped you!

    24 min

  3. JUN 19

    Best Payment Processor for Your Business

    Choosing the Best Payment Processor for Your Online Business in 2025 Wondering which payment processor is right for your online store? In this episode, Maria Sparagis (CEO of DirectPayNet) explains the crucial differences between popular PSPs like Stripe, PayPal, Braintree, and getting your own dedicated merchant account. What you’ll learn: - How Stripe and PayPal work for startups vs. scaling businesses - Hidden fees you might be ignoring - Why your business might outgrow Stripe sooner than you think - How a merchant account can increase your approval rates and protect you from sudden shutdowns - Easy integration tips that debunk the “merchant accounts are hard” myth Whether you sell digital products, subscriptions, coaching, or physical goods, this guide will help you pick the best payment processor in 2025 to maximize your revenue and keep your business stable. Many small businesses get lulled into Stripe’s convenience — until it bites them later with freezes, zero human support, or hidden fees. Graduating to a merchant account is not only about saving money but protecting your cash flow from algorithmic shutdowns Subscribe for more payment processing secrets, fraud prevention tips, and e-commerce success strategies! 0:00 into 0:53 2 Types of Processors 2:00 Why Not Choose a PSP 5:42 Scaling Your Business 10:45 Plug-and-Play 12:48 Application Process 14:07 PSP vs Merchant Account 21:31 Outro Need a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us

    22 min

  4. JUN 12

    Webinars Aren’t Dead?! Affiliate Expert Says They’re Gold 💰 | with Gia Liossis

    Are webinars really making a comeback? 🤯 In this episode, I sit down with Gia Liossis of GIAffiliate Management to find out why webinars might be your brand’s untapped goldmine—especially if you’re in health, beauty, supplements, or coaching. We get into: - Why webinars still work in 2025 (and who they don’t work for) - The best affiliate audiences for webinar conversions - Tips to get people to actually show up live (hint: it’s not just giveaways) - Live Q&As vs. product discounts – which builds more trust? - What kind of opt-ins and show-up rates you should aim for - Whether you need a doctor or influencer to run one (spoiler: nope) Gia also shares behind-the-scenes stories from high-converting campaigns, including one affiliate who 10xed their earnings per click (EPC) just by running a webinar. If you’ve been sleeping on webinars—or think they’re "so 2008"—this one will wake you up. 😅 0:00 Meet Gia Liossis 2:54 Who Are Webinars For? 5:17 How to Get People to Join 7:24 Where to Find Webinar Traffic 13:19 Free vs Paid 16:18 How to Get People to Opt In 22:08 Providing Value 25:33 Webinar Targeting 27:57 Best Hosting Time 30:05 How to Start 34:30 Outro 💬 Got questions about affiliate traffic or want to connect with Gia? Drop a comment below, DM me directly, or get in touch with her at https://www.facebook.com/gia.liosi #AffiliateMarketing #Webinars #DigitalMarketing #HealthBrands #InfoProducts #Entrepreneurship Need a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us

    35 min

  5. JUN 6

    The Brutal Truth About Hiring: 97% Failed This Simple Test

    In this episode, Alex and get into the wild world of hiring — and what happens when 350 people apply for a job... but only eight follow simple instructions. Whether you're a job seeker wondering why you're not landing interviews, or a small business owner trying to avoid the chaos of recruiting, this conversation offers raw insights, real numbers, and a surprisingly effective hiring hack that saved thousands in recruiter fees. 💡 Topics Covered: - Why 97% of job applicants failed instantly - The simple test that filtered 350 applicants - Why younger candidates may be more coachable than experienced ones - How to find great hires without a recruiter - Advice for job seekers on standing out in a competitive market 🚀 Whether you're building a business or building your career, this episode will change how you approach the hiring process — and maybe even how you write your next job application. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts on today’s topic! 0:00 Intro 2:30 Meeting the Qualifications 7:44 Read the Requirements 12:03 Drop Your Ego 16:04 When to Ask the Right Questions 21:27 Pay Attention to Detail 23:49 Showcasing Your Potential 27:25 Outro #HiringTips #SmallBusiness #JobSearch #Recruiting #JobHunting #CareerAdvice #ExecutiveAssistant #GenZWorkforce #HiringMistakes #MariaAndAlex Need a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us

    28 min

  6. MAY 30

    Recession-Proof Your Business in 2025

    Worried about the looming recession and how it might impact your online business? In this episode, we're diving deep into recession-proof strategies for e-commerce and direct response brands. I’m joined by Alex to explore how businesses can thrive, not just survive, during economic uncertainty. We cover: ✅ Why building a brand matters more than ever in 2025 ✅ How micro-influencers can boost conversions and protect your PR ✅ Must-know payment trends: Buy Now, Pay Later, Apple Pay, ACH & more ✅ How to avoid chargebacks and reduce refund rates during downturns ✅ Mobile vs. desktop checkout optimization tips that really move the needle ✅ Whether you should be spending more on ads during a recession ✅ Smart pricing strategies amidst global tariff uncertainty Whether you're running an e-commerce shop, coaching business, supplement brand, or selling digital products, this episode is packed with real-world tactics to stay ahead in a slowing economy. 💬 Got a question or a challenge you're facing? Drop it in the comments—your question might shape a future episode. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insider tips on scaling smart in 2025. #Recession2025 #EcommerceTips #DirectResponseMarketing #OnlineBusiness #PaymentProcessing #BuyNowPayLater #BNPL #MobileCheckout #Tariffs2025 #MarketingStrategy 0:00 intro 1:47 #1 Opportunity for Businesses in a Recession 8:25 Should You Spend More During a Recession? 10:06 Pricing Strategies 12:42 Payment Methods to Offer 21:21 Optimizing Your Fees 25:54 Reducing Disputes and Chargebacks 31:59 Mobile Optimizations 37:00 Outro Need a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us

    38 min

  7. MAY 23

    Stripe’s NEW Dispute Fees Are Outrageous

    💸 Stripe’s NEW Dispute Fees Are Outrageous — What You *Must* Know to Protect Your Business Stripe just changed the game — and not in a good way. Business owners now face a $30 fee to fight disputes, and if you let Stripe’s “Smart Disputes” AI win them for you, they’ll keep 30% of the recovered amount. Seriously. In this episode, I pull no punches, breaking down why Stripe's new policy is deeply predatory, how it's forcing sellers into a lose-lose scenario, and what you can do to protect your profits. 👉 You’ll learn: * Why Stripe doubled the dispute fee from $15 to $30 — even if you win * How their Smart Disputes AI takes 30% of recovered funds (yes, really) * Whether you should fight disputes manually or let AI handle it (and what it’ll cost you) * Practical strategies to improve your win rate and avoid disputes in the first place * Proof you need to gather (contracts, IP logs, delivery receipts, etc.) * Why Stripe’s AI may *fail* you — and how to fight back * Alternatives to Stripe with real human support 🧠 Whether you're running a 6-figure store or scaling past 7, this episode delivers hard truth, actionable tips, and clear guidance on navigating Stripe’s increasingly automated and costly system. 📩 Want my full chargeback-fighting guide? Drop a comment or reach out via Maria@DirectPayNet.com. 🔔 Like, share, and subscribe to stay ahead of the curve in fintech, e-commerce, and digital sales strategy. 0:00 Intro 0:30 Stripe’s 30% Take and New Dispute Rules 4:49 What Businesses Do WRONG About Disputes 8:50 How to WIN a Dispute 14:13 Best Stripe Alternatives 18:00 Outro HOW TO PREVENT DISPUTES: https://youtu.be/ZpsuSibwbPg Need a merchant account? Get in touch! ➡️ directpaynet.com/contact-us

    19 min

  8. MAY 9

    Discover Is Now Capital One's Secret Weapon

    In this episode my media guy Alex and I dive deep into the implications of Capital One's recent acquisition of Discover. We get into how this major shakeup could affect business owners who accept Discover cards, including potential changes to processing fees, merchant account structures, and overall payment dynamics. There are parallels to Amex's OptBlue program, which might show how Capital One aims to streamline Discover's merchant onboarding process—potentially increasing costs but also making the card more widely adopted. Also, Capital One's likely strategy of boosting Discover's rewards program could drive consumer demand and force businesses to adapt. If you're a business owner or just curious about the evolving payments landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Find out how these changes could impact your bottom line and what steps you might need to take to stay ahead. 💡 Questions about payment processing or Capital One's acquisition of Discover? Drop them in the comments! 🔔 Subscribe for more news, insights, and strategies. 📧 Get in touch at maria@directpaynet.com or apply directly at directpaynet.com/contact-us 0:00 Intro 1:45 Your Fees Will Change 5:37 CapOne Is the New AMEX 10:39 Forced Acceptance? 12:43 Deny Discover at Checkout? 15:55 Outro #CapitalOne #DiscoverCard #Fintech #PaymentProcessing #MerchantAccounts #BusinessFinance #CreditCardProcessing

    18 min
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About

Hosted by Maria Sparagis, president of DirectPayNet, and payment solutions expert for entrepreneurs in the high risk industries of supplements, dating, business opportunities, gambling and more. On this podcast, Maria shares her knowledge on how to reduce decline ratios, add thousands of dollars to your bottom line with a few simple conversion hacks, and maximize revenue while keeping your high-risk merchant accounts happy and healthy. As a cryptocurrency advocate since 2012, Maria will also share her knowledge on the digital currency markets. Maria has worked with several high level entrepreneurs in Direct Marketing including Christian Hudson, Julian Reyes, Jeremy Schoemaker “ShoeMoney”, Mike Chang and many more. She has been featured in American Banker, Vice, Inside Bitcoins, Coindesk, and Yahoo. Connect with Maria mariasparagis.com or directpaynet.com

Information

  • Creator
    Maria Sparagis
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    197
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Maria Sparagis
  • Show Website
    Uncensored Direct Marketing

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