---
title: Avoiding Agent Pitfalls and Building a Real Business
description: Too many merchant sales agents treat this industry like a side hustle—and end up paying the price.
image: https://www.ccsalespro.com/hubfs/featured%20image-2.png
---
# Avoiding Agent Pitfalls and Building a Real Business
Too many merchant sales agents treat this industry like a side hustle—and end up paying the price.
[ James Shepherd ](https://www.ccsalespro.com/podcast/author/james-shepherd)
Jun 13, 2025
---
Too many merchant sales agents treat this industry like a side hustle—and end up paying the price. In this week’s episode, James Shepherd sits down with Ben Ross, COO of Green Payments, to unpack the biggest mistakes agents make when choosing a partner, signing agreements, and scaling their business. From dangerous contract terms to misunderstood comp plans, they break down how to avoid common traps and instead build a long-term, residual-focused business with the right support and solutions.
Whether you're new to the industry or reevaluating your ISO partnership, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical takeaways to help you succeed.
Be sure to sign up for an exciting dinner event in NYC with Green Payments on June 26! [www.ccsalespro.com/nyc](https://www.ccsalespro.com/nyc)
[Merchant Sales Podcast](https://soundcloud.com/merchant-sales-podcast) · [Avoiding Agent Pitfalls and Building a Real Business](https://soundcloud.com/merchant-sales-podcast/avoiding-agent-pitfalls-and-building-a-real-business)
[](https://www.ccsalespro.com/2026) [](https://fullstackpayments.com/download-app?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ixTBkRdnNdK04oCUWDi0LV5zrtP-pTLxi4WQfzzPQYBJJnri3hmdrkID4kxlR5uYYjdCuOgEgaofCtMmq3v3Yk1xpmw&_hsmi=362963412&utm_content=362963412&utm_source=hs_email) [](https://www.ccsalespro.com/how-to-sell-merchant-services-in-6-steps) [.jpg "GetIsoAmp.com")](https://getisoamp.com/index.php/request-demo/)
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