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Best Merchant Account Providers: Features & Pricing Compared

Best merchant account providers comparison chart on a laptop.

Let’s be direct: if your business has been labeled “high-risk,” you’ve probably already faced some hurdles with payment processing. It’s a frustrating label, often applied to perfectly legitimate businesses in industries like travel, subscription services, or digital goods. This classification means mainstream processors might see you as a liability, making it difficult to find a reliable way to accept payments. But this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, it just means you need a more strategic approach. Finding the best merchant account providers for your situation involves looking past the big names and focusing on specialists who are built to support your industry. This article will show you exactly what to look for in a high-risk partner.

Key Takeaways

  • Your business model dictates your provider: While standard processors work for low-risk retail, high-risk businesses require a specialist. Choosing a provider that understands your industry is the most critical step for ensuring stable, uninterrupted payment processing.
  • Investigate the entire fee structure, not just the advertised rate: A low transaction percentage can hide expensive monthly minimums, setup costs, or chargeback fees. Demand full transparency on the pricing model to understand the true cost to your business.
  • Select a provider that functions as a long-term partner: Your payment processor should support your growth, not create friction. Ensure they offer seamless integrations with your existing software, provide responsive customer support, and have the infrastructure to scale with your sales volume.

What Is a Merchant Account (and Why You Need One)

Think of a merchant account as the essential link between your customer’s bank and your business bank account. It’s a special type of commercial account that allows your business to accept and process electronic payments, including credit and debit cards. When a customer makes a purchase, the funds are first held in this account before being transferred to your primary business checking account. It’s not a replacement for your day-to-day bank account; rather, it’s a dedicated hub built to handle the flow of digital transactions securely.

Let’s be direct: if you want to grow your business in the modern market, you need a way to accept card payments. Relying on cash-only sales is no longer a realistic option for most companies, as it severely limits your customer base and sales potential. Customers have come to expect the convenience of paying with a card, and not offering it can send them straight to a competitor. A merchant account is a fundamental part of the merchant services that enable your business to meet customer expectations and operate efficiently.

So, how does it all work? When a customer pays, the transaction data is securely sent to your payment processor. The processor communicates with the card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) and the customer’s bank to verify the funds. Once the transaction is approved, the money is deposited into your merchant account. From there, the funds are batched and transferred to your regular business bank account, a process that is crucial for maintaining healthy cash flow. This entire cycle happens quickly and reliably behind the scenes.

For businesses in high-risk industries, securing a merchant account can be a major hurdle. Many traditional banks and processors are hesitant to work with industries they consider risky, often resulting in denied applications. This can leave you without a viable way to accept payments and conduct business. This is where a specialized provider becomes an essential partner. At Borderfree Payments, we focus on creating secure, compliant merchant accounts specifically for high-risk businesses, ensuring you have the reliable payment infrastructure you need to thrive.

What to Look For in a Merchant Account Provider

Choosing a merchant account provider can feel like a huge decision, but it gets a lot easier when you know what to look for. Instead of getting lost in the details, focus on a few key areas that directly impact your operations and bottom line. A great provider does more than just process payments; they act as a partner who supports your business’s unique needs, especially if you’re in a high-risk industry. Think about transparent fees, flexible payment options, and reliable support that can grow with you.

Clear Pricing and Fair Fees

First, let’s talk about cost. You’ll find a few common pricing models, like flat-rate (a simple percentage per transaction) or interchange-plus (more complex but often more transparent). While flat-rate pricing is predictable, interchange-plus can be more cost-effective for businesses with higher sales volumes. The most important thing is to watch out for hidden charges. Ask about setup fees, monthly minimums, and gateway fees so you have a complete picture of what you’ll actually pay. A trustworthy provider will be upfront about all costs.

Flexible Payment Options

Your customers expect to pay how they want, so your provider needs to keep up. Make sure any provider you consider supports all the essential payment types, including major credit and debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even newer methods like “buy now, pay later.” The more payment options you can offer, the smoother the checkout experience will be for your customers. This flexibility reduces friction at the point of sale and helps you capture every possible conversion, which is vital for growth.

Reliable Support and Scalability

When a payment issue arises, you need help from a real person, fast. This is especially true for high-risk businesses where transaction holds or disputes can be more common. Look for a provider that offers reliable customer support with experts who understand your industry. Beyond day-to-day help, think about your future. Your provider should be able to grow with your business, handling higher transaction volumes and supporting your expansion without any hiccups. A true partner is one who is invested in your long-term success.

A Head-to-Head Look at the Top Merchant Accounts

Choosing a merchant account provider can feel overwhelming with so many options on the table. Each one has its own strengths, fee structures, and ideal customer. To make it easier, I’ve broken down some of the most popular providers to give you a clear picture of what they offer. We’ll look at who they serve best, from small retail shops to large-scale enterprises and, of course, high-risk businesses like yours. This comparison will help you narrow down the field and find a partner that truly fits your business needs.

Borderfree Payments

While many providers focus on standard, low-risk retail, we specialize in the industries others won’t. Borderfree Payments was built from the ground up to serve high-risk businesses. We understand that you face unique challenges, from navigating complex regulations to managing higher chargeback ratios. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution, we provide customized payment infrastructure tailored to your specific industry. Our expert team offers hands-on guidance and robust fraud prevention tools, ensuring your payments are secure and your business can grow without interruption. We’re here to remove barriers, not create them.

Square

Square is a household name, especially for businesses with a physical presence. It’s an excellent choice for brick-and-mortar retail stores, cafes, and service providers who need a straightforward point-of-sale (POS) system. One of its biggest draws is the free basic plan, which comes with a free online store to help you get started with ecommerce. Square’s model is flexible, with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees, making it a low-commitment option for new businesses. It also integrates smoothly with other business tools, like payroll and marketing, creating a simple, all-in-one ecosystem for small business owners.

Helcim

If your business processes a high volume of sales each month, Helcim is worth a look. Its main advantage lies in its pricing structure, which is designed to reward volume with lower processing fees. There are no monthly fees, and their interchange-plus pricing is transparent, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. This model can lead to significant savings for established businesses with consistent, high sales figures, particularly for in-person transactions. Helcim’s approach is all about making payment processing more affordable as your business scales, making it a smart financial choice for growth-minded companies.

Stripe

Stripe is a powerhouse in the online world, particularly for businesses built on a subscription model. If you charge customers on a recurring basis for software, memberships, or subscription boxes, Stripe’s robust API and developer-friendly tools are hard to beat. It’s designed for online-first businesses that need flexible and powerful integrations. While it can handle simple online payments, its real strength is in its customizability, allowing you to build the exact payment flow you need. With no monthly fees for a standard account, it’s an accessible yet incredibly powerful platform for internet businesses.

Chase Payment Solutions

For business owners who already bank with Chase, Chase Payment Solutions offers a compelling advantage: convenience. Integrating your payment processing with your existing business bank account can streamline your finances significantly. This often means faster access to your funds (sometimes same-day) and the simplicity of managing your banking and payments all in one place. It’s a reliable and straightforward option for those who value an integrated financial ecosystem and prefer to work with their established banking partner. If you’re already part of the Chase for Business family, this is a natural fit.

National Processing

For new retail or service businesses, upfront costs can be a major hurdle. National Processing addresses this head-on by offering a free payment terminal when you sign up. This can save you hundreds of dollars on hardware, making it an attractive option for businesses on a budget. They cater to a variety of business types, from retail to restaurants, and focus on providing cost-effective solutions. If your primary goal is to get set up to accept card payments in person without a large initial investment in equipment, National Processing is a practical and budget-friendly choice.

Stax

Stax is built for growing and large businesses that have outgrown traditional percentage-based fee structures. They operate on a subscription model where you pay a flat monthly fee and get access to direct-cost interchange rates with a 0% markup. This predictable pricing can be incredibly cost-effective for businesses processing a high volume of transactions, as your costs don’t scale up with your revenue. It’s an ideal solution for established companies looking for transparent, predictable pricing that saves them money as they continue to grow their sales volume.

PaymentCloud

Like us, PaymentCloud focuses on serving businesses that are considered high-risk by traditional processors. They have experience securing merchant accounts for industries that often struggle to find reliable payment solutions. This makes them another option to consider if your business operates in a space like CBD, firearms, or other regulated markets. They work to find underwriting banks willing to take on the associated risk, providing a necessary service for many underserved entrepreneurs. Their expertise in this area makes them a known player for high-risk merchant accounts.

Dharma Merchant Services

Dharma Merchant Services stands out for its commitment to social responsibility and its special focus on nonprofit organizations. They offer lower, transparent rates specifically for 501(c)(3) organizations, making them a fantastic choice for charities and other nonprofits looking to keep their overhead low. Their ethical approach, which includes a commitment to fair pricing and giving back to the community, resonates with mission-driven organizations. If you’re a nonprofit, Dharma’s specialized nonprofit merchant services can help you keep more of your donation money to put toward your cause.

PayPal

PayPal is one of the most recognized and trusted names in online payments, making it a strong choice for ecommerce businesses and freelancers. Its brand recognition can help build trust with customers, potentially leading to higher conversion rates. PayPal is also excellent for businesses that do a lot of invoicing or sell to an international audience, offering robust tools for both. While its fees can be higher than some other providers, its ease of use and the security it represents to customers make it a go-to solution for many online businesses.

Breaking Down the Fees: What You’ll Actually Pay

Let’s talk about fees. It’s easy to get lost in the percentages and fine print, but understanding the cost structure is key to choosing the right partner. While it’s tempting to hunt for the lowest advertised rate, that number rarely tells the whole story. It’s far more important to consider the overall value and services you receive, especially if your business operates in a high-risk category. A stable, reliable processor that understands your industry is worth much more than a few saved cents per transaction.

Most merchant accounts come with a few standard costs. The primary one is the transaction fee, which is what you pay on every single sale. This is usually a percentage of the transaction amount plus a small, fixed fee. Many providers also charge a monthly fee for account maintenance or access to their software. When a customer makes a purchase, the processor deducts these fees before depositing the remaining funds into your business bank account. How these fees are bundled together depends on the pricing model.

Flat-Rate Pricing

This is the most straightforward pricing model you’ll find. With flat-rate pricing, you pay one consistent rate for every transaction, regardless of the card type. For example, you might pay 2.9% + $0.30 for every online sale. This predictability is a huge plus for new businesses or those with a lower sales volume, as it makes it incredibly easy to forecast your expenses without any surprises. The trade-off for this simplicity is that it isn’t always the cheapest option for businesses as they begin to scale and process a higher volume of sales.

Interchange-Plus Pricing

Interchange-plus is considered the most transparent pricing model, and it’s often the most cost-effective for established businesses. This model breaks your fee down into two parts: the “interchange” and the “plus.” The interchange is a non-negotiable fee paid to the card-issuing bank (like Chase or Bank of America). The “plus” is the fixed markup charged by your payment processor. Because the processor’s margin is clearly stated, you know exactly how much they’re making on each transaction. While the monthly statements can look a bit more complex, this transparency helps you see the true cost of processing.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Accounts

If your business is in a high-risk industry, your fee structure will look a bit different. This isn’t because providers want to penalize you; it’s to manage the increased likelihood of chargebacks and fraud associated with certain industries. A high-risk specialist may charge higher transaction rates or require a rolling reserve, where a small percentage of your revenue is held temporarily to cover potential disputes. While this might sound intimidating, a processor experienced in high-risk accounts will create a fair and sustainable plan that protects your business and ensures you can accept payments without interruption.

The Pros and Cons of Each Top Provider

Choosing a merchant account provider isn’t about finding a single “best” option—it’s about finding the right fit for your specific business. Each provider comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. What works wonders for a local coffee shop might not be the right solution for a global subscription service. Let’s break down what some of the most popular providers have to offer, so you can see how they stack up.

Square

Square is a fantastic starting point for brick-and-mortar businesses and those just dipping their toes into ecommerce. Its main draw is simplicity. You can get started with a free basic plan, a free online store, and hardware that integrates seamlessly. However, its flat-rate pricing can become costly as your sales volume grows. More importantly for some, Square is not built for high-risk industries, and accounts that fall outside its accepted business models can face sudden holds or terminations.

Helcim

If your business processes a high volume of transactions each month, Helcim is worth a look. It offers interchange-plus pricing, which is typically more transparent and cost-effective for businesses with significant sales. There’s also no monthly fee, which is a definite plus. The catch is that these benefits are really designed for scale. Businesses with lower or less consistent sales volumes might not see the cost savings and could find better value elsewhere.

Stripe

Stripe is a dominant force in the online payment world, especially for SaaS and subscription-based businesses. Its powerful and flexible API allows for deep customization, making it a developer’s favorite. This flexibility, however, comes with a steeper learning curve. If you aren’t technically savvy, setting it up can be a challenge. Like other mainstream processors, Stripe maintains a list of restricted businesses and may not be a long-term, stable solution for merchants in high-risk industries.

Chase Payment Solutions

For business owners who already use Chase for their banking, Chase Payment Solutions offers undeniable convenience. Integrating your payment processing with your existing bank account simplifies cash flow and reconciliation. It’s a streamlined, all-in-one experience. If you don’t bank with Chase, however, the appeal fades. You can likely find more competitive rates and features from other providers that aren’t tied to a specific banking institution.

National Processing

One of the biggest draws of National Processing is the offer of a free payment terminal upon signup. For a new business, avoiding that upfront hardware cost can be a significant relief for your budget. On the other hand, some users have reported inconsistent customer service experiences. When you’re dealing with your business’s revenue, having reliable and responsive support is non-negotiable, making this a critical factor to weigh.

Stax

Stax is built for growing and large businesses that want predictable costs. It operates on a subscription model, where you pay a flat monthly fee to access direct-cost interchange rates without any additional markup. This can lead to major savings at scale. For smaller businesses, however, that fixed monthly fee can be a burden, especially during slower months. It’s a model that rewards high volume, so you’ll want to run the numbers to see if it makes sense for you.

PayPal

There’s no denying PayPal’s brand recognition. Customers know and trust it, which can help ease friction at checkout. It’s also incredibly easy to set up for online invoicing and payments. That convenience comes at a price, as its transaction fees can be higher than many competitors, especially for international sales. Furthermore, PayPal is famously risk-averse and is known for freezing funds or closing accounts with little warning if a business is deemed too risky.

Dharma Merchant Services

Dharma has carved out a niche by focusing on fair, transparent pricing, particularly for nonprofit organizations. If you run a 501(c)(3), you’ll find their rates are among the most competitive available. They operate on an interchange-plus model and are well-regarded for their ethical approach. The trade-off is that their platform may not have the same breadth of features or cutting-edge integrations as some of the larger, more tech-focused providers on this list.

Which Provider Is Right for Your Business?

After comparing features and fees, the final decision comes down to your specific business needs. If you run a standard, low-risk retail shop or restaurant, a general provider like Square or Stripe might offer the perfect blend of simplicity and affordability. Their straightforward pricing and easy-to-use hardware are designed for the masses. However, if your business operates in an industry that payment processors consider “high-risk,” your decision-making process needs to be more strategic.

First, let’s clear something up. The “high-risk” label isn’t a judgment on your business’s character. Many legitimate businesses—from travel agencies and subscription box services to CBD and supplement sellers—fall into this category. The label is based on a processor’s internal risk assessment, often tied to higher chargeback ratios or complex regulations. Because each processor has different criteria for what they consider high-risk, a provider that rejects one business might be a perfect fit for another.

This is where specialized providers come in. They understand the unique challenges of your industry and have systems in place to manage them, which prevents sudden account freezes or closures. While their fees might seem higher at first glance, it’s crucial to look at the overall value they provide. A slightly higher rate is a small price to pay for a stable, reliable payment partner who won’t pull the plug on your revenue stream. The right provider for you is the one that not only accepts your business but actively supports its growth.

How to Prioritize Security and Protect Your Customers

When you’re running a business, especially one in a high-risk industry, security isn’t just a feature—it’s the foundation of trust with your customers. It’s a common misconception that high-risk merchant accounts are only for questionable businesses. In reality, many legitimate companies in industries like travel, subscription services, and digital goods are labeled high-risk due to factors like higher chargeback ratios. This classification simply means you have a greater responsibility to protect your customers from fraud and data breaches.

This is where your choice of merchant account provider becomes so important. It’s easy to get focused on finding the lowest transaction rates, but that can be a shortsighted approach. A provider’s security infrastructure is what protects your customers’ sensitive information. Instead of focusing only on cost, look for robust security features like PCI DSS compliance, advanced fraud detection tools, address verification service (AVS), and payment tokenization. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they are essential for safeguarding your revenue and your reputation. A great provider acts as a partner, helping you understand the specific risks your business faces and giving you the tools to manage them effectively.

Check for Smooth Integrations and a Great User Experience

Your payment processor should make your life easier, not more complicated. The best technology is the kind that works so well in the background you barely notice it’s there. This is why checking for smooth integrations and a great user experience is a non-negotiable step in your decision-making process. A provider that fits your business gives you peace of mind, letting you focus on your products and customers instead of troubleshooting tech issues.

Think about the tools you already use to run your business every day. Does your potential merchant account provider connect easily with your e-commerce platform, accounting software, or customer relationship management (CRM) tool? A clunky setup can lead to manual data entry, lost information, and major headaches. You’ll also want to consider the specific features your business needs, like a virtual terminal for phone orders or a full point-of-sale (POS) system for in-person sales. The right provider will feel like a natural extension of your existing operations.

Beyond how it connects to other software, consider your own experience using the service. How easy is the dashboard to use? Can you quickly find the information you need? Look for providers that give you clear reports on your sales and transactions without making you dig through confusing menus. Finally, think about the future. A solution that works for you today might not be enough a year from now. Choose a provider that can grow with your business, ensuring you have a reliable partner for the long haul.

How to Choose Your Merchant Account Provider

Choosing a merchant account provider can feel like a huge commitment, because it is. This isn’t just about finding the lowest rate; it’s about finding a partner who will support your business, especially if you operate in a high-risk industry. When you’re vetting potential providers, you’re looking for a stable, reliable foundation for your revenue. Focus on these key areas to find the right fit for your specific needs.

Understand the Pricing Models

First, you need to get clear on how a provider will charge you. Most merchant services use one of three main pricing structures. Flat-rate pricing combines all the fees into one simple percentage, which is great for new businesses with lower sales volumes. Interchange-plus is often considered the most transparent model, as it passes the direct interchange cost from the card networks to you, plus a fixed markup. Tiered pricing groups transactions into different rate “tiers,” which can sometimes be confusing and lead to higher costs than you expect. Digging into the best merchant account service providers and their pricing can help you see which model aligns with your sales patterns.

Look for High-Risk Expertise and Transparent Fees

If your business is considered high-risk, your top priority should be finding a provider that specializes in your industry. A generic processor might not understand the nuances of your business, leading to frozen funds or even account termination. A high-risk specialist will offer underwriting that’s tailored to your model and provide transparent pricing without hidden fees. Don’t just look at the advertised rate; ask for a full breakdown of all potential charges, including setup fees, monthly minimums, and chargeback fees, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Ensure the Provider Can Scale With You

The provider that works for you today should also be able to support you as your business grows. Think about your five-year plan. Will your transaction volume increase significantly? Do you plan to expand into international markets? Ask potential providers how they handle growth. A scalable partner will have the infrastructure to manage higher volumes without a hitch and offer features like multi-currency support when you need them. True scalability means you won’t have to switch processors right when your business starts taking off, saving you a major headache down the road.

Evaluate Customer Support and Service

When a customer’s payment fails or you have a question about a deposit, you can’t afford to wait days for an answer. Before you sign a contract, test out the provider’s customer support. Can you easily reach a real person? Are they knowledgeable and helpful? Look for providers that offer 24/7 support through multiple channels, like phone, email, and live chat. Good service isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for keeping your operations running smoothly. Having reliable support can make all the difference when you’re troubleshooting an urgent issue.

Check for Essential Features and Integrations

Finally, make sure the provider’s technology plays well with the other tools you use to run your business. Does it integrate seamlessly with your ecommerce platform, POS system, or accounting software? Beyond integrations, look at the core features offered by different merchant services providers. Key things to check for include robust security and PCI compliance to protect customer data, a user-friendly dashboard, and detailed reporting that gives you clear insights into your sales trends and transaction history. These features are the building blocks of an efficient and secure payment system.

What’s Next? Key Trends in Merchant Services

The world of payment processing is always evolving, and keeping an eye on what’s ahead can help you make smarter decisions for your business. As you compare providers, it’s helpful to understand the major shifts happening in the industry. These trends don’t just affect processors; they directly impact your ability to operate smoothly, protect your revenue, and keep your customers happy. Staying informed ensures you partner with a provider who is ready for the future, not just the present. From new payment types to smarter security, here are the key developments to watch.

A Growing Need for High-Risk Specialists

As ecommerce expands, more businesses are launching in industries that traditional banks consider “high-risk.” Think subscription boxes, CBD products, online coaching, or travel agencies. These businesses often face higher chargeback ratios and more complex compliance rules. As a result, a one-size-fits-all merchant account is no longer enough. We’re seeing a clear trend toward merchants seeking out specialized processing solutions designed to handle their unique challenges. A specialist provider understands your industry’s risks and can offer the tailored support you need to keep transactions flowing without interruption.

More Ways for Customers to Pay

Your customers expect flexibility at checkout. The days of only offering Visa or Mastercard are fading. Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming standard, and some customers are even turning to cryptocurrencies. This shift means merchants need providers who support a wide range of alternative payment methods. Offering more ways to pay can reduce cart abandonment and show customers you’re committed to a secure and modern checkout experience. It’s less of a perk and more of an expectation for today’s online shopper.

Smarter Security Through Technology

Fraud prevention is getting a major upgrade. Merchant service providers are now integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to fight fraud more effectively. Instead of relying on outdated checklists, these smart systems can analyze transaction patterns in real time to spot suspicious activity before it results in a costly chargeback. For a high-risk business, this technology is a game-changer. It provides a powerful layer of defense that protects your revenue, reduces manual reviews, and helps you maintain a healthy processing history.

A Stronger Focus on Compliance and Support

The rules governing payment processing are constantly changing, and the consequences of falling out of compliance can be severe. Because of this, there’s a growing emphasis on providers who offer more than just technology—they offer partnership. Businesses are looking for proactive customer support and clear educational resources to help them stay on the right side of regulations. With increasing scrutiny on how payments are handled, choosing a provider that offers expert guidance on regulatory changes is essential for long-term stability and peace of mind.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does it actually mean if my business is considered “high-risk?” Being labeled “high-risk” isn’t a reflection of your business’s quality or integrity. It’s an industry term that payment processors use to classify businesses in sectors with a higher likelihood of chargebacks or complex regulations. Industries like travel, subscription services, and online coaching often fall into this category simply because of their business model, not because they are doing anything wrong. It just means you need a payment partner who understands and is equipped to handle those specific operational realities.

Why would I choose a high-risk specialist if their fees might be higher? It’s about choosing stability over the lowest advertised rate. While a standard provider might offer a tempting fee structure, they often aren’t equipped to support a high-risk business model. This can lead to sudden account freezes or closures, which can instantly halt your revenue. A specialist provider builds a sustainable framework for your business from the start. The slightly higher cost is an investment in a reliable, long-term partnership that ensures you can accept payments without interruption.

Can’t I just have customer payments sent directly to my business bank account? Think of your merchant account as a necessary and secure bridge. Your regular business bank account is designed to hold funds and pay expenses, but it isn’t built to manage the complex communication required for payment processing. A merchant account is the specialized financial tool that securely communicates with card networks and banks to authorize transactions and hold the funds before they are safely bundled and transferred to your primary account.

What should I look out for if I want to switch from my current provider? Before making a move, the most important step is to carefully review your current contract. Look for any early termination fees or hidden clauses that could create a costly exit. The key to a smooth transition is to have your new merchant account fully approved and ready to go before you cancel your old service. This ensures there is no gap in your ability to accept payments from your customers.

Do I really need to offer payment options beyond standard credit and debit cards? While credit and debit cards are essential, offering more ways to pay is about meeting your customers where they are. Integrating digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay creates a faster and more convenient checkout experience, which can directly reduce cart abandonment. It signals to your customers that your business is modern and secure, building the trust that is crucial for converting a sale.

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