What is Gross Payment Volume: Everything You Need to Know

This is a complete guide to understanding Gross Payment Volume (GPV) and its critical role in businesses.

You’ll learn what Gross Payment Volume is and how it differs from related metrics like Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) and Total Payment Volume (TPV).

We’ll walk you through the nuances, uses, and importance of GPV and how they can impact your business.

So, if you intend to 

• Make data-driven decisions, 
• Evaluate your business’s health 
• Set accurate growth forecasts,
• Deepen your understanding of financial metrics essential for your business’s success, 

Then, this guide is for you.

Read on as we explore the actionable insights that can drive your business toward increased profitability and growth. 

Let’s get started!

 

Key Takeaways

• Gross Payment Volume (GPV)measures the total amount processed in transactions, which is crucial for a business assessment.
• Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) represents total goods value, Total Payment Volume (TPV) totals all transactions, while GPV focuses on payments.
• A minimum GPV may be required to integrate with specific payment processors offering better rates and features.
• Integrated Payments centralize operations, reduce errors, save time, improve customer experience, and boost sales.
• Payment gateways, accounting software, and business intelligence tools are valuable for GPV tracking.
• Plan, communicate, and ensure data security for a smooth transition to a new payment processor.
• GETTRX offers payment processing, analytics, security, scalability, multi-payment options, and global support.
• Understanding GMV, TPV, and GPV differences is critical to accurate revenue and transaction metrics analysis.
• Implementing Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) for international customers can be an additional revenue source.
• Diverse payment options, data leveraging, loyalty programs, and premium options optimize payment processing for profits.

 

What is Gross Payment Volume(GPV)

Gross Payment Volume (GPV) is a financial metric that refers to the total monetary transactions processed through a payment platform over a specific period, typically measured monthly or annually. 

It provides a snapshot of the scale and volume of payments a payment processor or platform handles. 

It encompasses all transactions, including sales, refunds, discounts, and chargebacks, without any deductions. 

For payment processors and platforms, a higher GPV generally indicates a higher volume of transactions, which often translates into higher revenue from processing fees. 

It’s important to note that GPV does not indicate net revenue or profit for the company using the payment processor. Instead, it’s a top-line figure representing the total dollar amount being processed without accounting for expenses or fees associated with these transactions. 

For companies and investors, monitoring the trends in GPV can provide valuable insights into business growth, customer spending habits, and the overall health of the business or payment processing platform.

 

Importance of Gross Payment Volume (GPV) in eCommerce

According to a report by Statista, global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $6.31 trillion by the end of 2023, up from $4.25 trillion in 2020. 

With this massive inflow and outflow of transactions, e-commerce businesses must monitor certain metrics closely. Gross Payment Volume is one such metric. 

Here’s why:

Holistic Financial Picture

GPV serves as a high-level overview of your financial activity. By monitoring this, you can get a pulse on how money is flowing through your e-commerce business.

Informed Business Decisions

When you become aware of your GPV, making business decisions becomes more focused. Should you expand your product line? Is it time to tap into a new market? Your GPV trends can help you answer these questions with more confidence.

Understanding Seasonal Trends

GPV data can help you understand and anticipate seasonal trends. You can optimize inventory, marketing, and sales strategies by checking out how your GPV changes during holidays or specific seasons.

Marketing Return On Investment (ROI) 

GPV can help in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. A spike in GPV after a marketing campaign may indicate its success, while a stagnant or declining GPV may suggest that the campaign didn’t resonate with the audience.

Benchmarking and Goal Setting

Setting targets is a fundamental aspect of business strategy. GPV helps in benchmarking performance and setting realistic, data-driven goals. Monitoring GPV can also help in tracking progress toward these goals.

Attracting Investors and Partnerships

Investors and potential partners often evaluate the health of a business before jumping on board. A steadily increasing GPV signals a growing business, making you more attractive to investors and partners.

Efficient Cash Flow Management

Managing cash flow is paramount in e-commerce. Knowing your GPV can help you manage your working capital more efficiently, ensuring you have enough to cover operational expenses.

Fraud Detection and Risk Management

Monitoring GPV can also serve as a fraud detection tool. Any irregular spikes or unusual activity in GPV can be indicative of fraudulent transactions or operational issues.

Negotiating Better Terms with Payment Processors

Payment processors sometimes provide more favorable terms for companies with higher GPV. Knowing your GPV and how it compares to industry benchmarks can give you leverage in negotiations.

Competitive Analysis and Market Positioning

GPV can be used for competitive analysis. By comparing your GPV with industry averages or competitors, you can understand your business’s stand in the market and strategize accordingly.

Gross Payment Volume is not just a number; it’s a powerful indicator that can shape the trajectory of your e-commerce business. 

 

 

How is Gross Payment Volume Calculated?

GPV is the total dollar amount of all transactions processed by a business over a specific period. This includes all sales but also refunds, discounts, and chargebacks. 

Here’s the formula in its simplest form:

GPV = Sum of all transactions (sales, refunds, discounts, chargebacks) in a given period

Let’s break down each component:

1. Sales: 

This is the backbone of GPV. Tally up the total amount of money that came in through sales. Whether you’re selling products, services, or subscriptions – if money changed hands, it counts.

2. Refunds: 

Did you have to return money to a customer? That goes into the mix. Refunds decrease the GPV as they represent a reversal of sales.

3. Discounts: 

If you’re offering discounts, they need to be factored in. A $100 item sold for $80 due to a discount counts as $80 toward the GPV.

4. Chargebacks: 

Sometimes, transactions are reversed due to disputes or other issues. These chargebacks need to be accounted for as they reduce the total GPV.

A simple example:

Say you run an online store. In the month of June, your store had:

• Sales worth $10,000
• Refunds totaling $500
• Discounts amounting to $200
• Chargebacks of $300

Plug these numbers into the formula:

GPV = ($10,000 – $500 – $200 – $300)

GPV = ($10,000 – $1,000)

GPV = $9,000

Your Gross Payment Volume for June would be $9,000.

GPV does not consider the costs of goods sold, operating expenses, or any other costs. It’s purely a measure of the money that flowed through your transactions.

 

Tools and Resources for Tracking GPV (Gross Payment Volume)

Thankfully, there are several tools and resources available to make tracking GPV efficient and insightful. Let’s explore some of them and their examples

1. Payment Gateways Dashboards: GETTRX

Payment gateways often provide dashboards that display real-time information on the transactions processed, including your GPV.

2. Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Xero.

Accounting software can synchronize with your payment processor to record transaction data. This software often includes reporting features that can help you track GPV over time.

3. Business Intelligence Tools: Tableau, Microsoft Power BI.*

Business intelligence tools can analyze data from multiple sources, including your payment processor. These tools allow you to create custom dashboards and reports to help monitor trends and patterns.

4. Custom-Built Easy Analytics Dashboards:

If you have specific needs that off-the-shelf tools need to meet, consider building a custom analytics dashboard. This can be tailored to track GPV along with other business-specific metrics.

5. Google Sheets or Excel:

Simple spreadsheet tools like Google Sheets or Excel can be effective for smaller businesses or those just starting. They can manually enter or import transaction data and use built-in functions to analyze and visualize GPV.

6. E-commerce Platform Analytics: Shopify

If your business operates through an e-commerce platform, these platforms often include analytics features that track your GPV and other key metrics.

7. Third-party Analytics Tools: Google Analytics

Integrating third-party analytics tools with your payment processor can provide additional insights into customer behavior and transaction trends.

8. CRM Integration: Salesforce, HubSpot.

Integrating your payment processor with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can provide insights into how GPV correlates with customer behavior and engagement.

 

Choose the tools that align with your business size, complexity, and specific requirements.

 

 

What is Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) and Total Payment Volume (TPV)?

Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) and Total Payment Volume (TPV) are terms that often come up alongside Gross Payment Volume (GPV). 

While they may sound similar, they each represent different aspects of the transactional landscape.

Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV):

GMV is a metric commonly used in e-commerce, particularly in marketplaces or platforms where goods or services are bought and sold. Specifically focuses on the total value of all merchandise sold through a particular platform or marketplace during a given period.

Critical Components of Gross Merchandise Volume include: 

 

1. Transaction Value: GMV captures the total value of all transactions within the platform. It includes the price paid for each item or service sold.
2. Excludes Fees: GMV does not account for fees or commissions charged by the platform. It represents the value of the actual goods or services sold, irrespective of the platform’s revenue.
3. Includes Shipping: In cases where shipping costs are part of the transaction value, such as in online marketplaces, GMV also includes these costs.

 

GMV is an important metric for e-commerce platforms as it showcases the scale and growth of the marketplace. 

It helps assess the platform’s performance, measure the volume of transactions, and determine its overall economic activity.

Total Payment Volume (TPV):

 

Total Payment Volume (TPV), on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing all transactions processed by a payment processor or gateway. TPV takes into account the total value of payments processed, regardless of the specific platform or marketplace.

Consider the following factors related to TPV:

 

1. Includes Multiple Channels: TPV covers payments made through various channels, such as online, mobile, in-person (point-of-sale), or even through integrations with third-party systems.
2. Includes Processing Fees: TPV includes the fees charged by the payment processor or gateway for processing the transactions.
3. May Exclude Refunds: Depending on how TPV is calculated, it may or may not include refunds. Some calculations may subtract refunded amounts from the TPV, while others may leave them in.

 

TPV  showcases the volume and value of transactions that payment processors handle. It helps assess the overall performance and growth of the payment processing business and is a key indicator of their market presence.

 

 

Similarities Between GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume), TPV (Total Payment Volume), and GPV (Gross Payment Volume)

While GMV and TPV are distinct metrics used in different contexts, they share some common characteristics. 

Here are a few:

1. Transaction Value Measurement

All three metrics, GMV, TPV, and GPV, measure the total monetary value of transactions over a given period. They provide an overview of the monetary volume handled by an eCommerce business (GMV) or a payment processor (TPV and GPV).

2. Business Activity Indicators

Each of these metrics serves as a key indicator of business activity. GMV reflects the sales activity of an eCommerce business, while TPV and GPV gauge the volume of transactions processed by a payment platform.

3. Time-Bound

GMV, TPV, and GPV are typically calculated over specific periods – daily, monthly, quarterly, or annually. This allows for trend analysis and comparison over time, helping businesses identify growth patterns or seasonal variations.

4. Operational and Strategic Decision Making

These metrics can inform both operational and strategic decisions. They can guide immediate actions (like resource allocation during peak sales periods) and long-term strategies (like expansion or diversification plans).

 

 

What is The Minimum Gross Payment Volume You Need to Integrate Payments?

The minimum Gross Payment Volume (GPV) required to integrate payments largely depends on the payment gateway or processor you’re considering. 

Different payment service providers have varied requirements, and some may not impose a minimum GPV. 

However, understanding GPV’s relevance to payment processors can help you grasp why such a minimum might be in place.

A higher GPV generally translates to more transactions processed and, thus, more fees collected by the payment processor. Therefore, payment processors may incentivize higher GPV businesses with benefits such as lower transaction fees or premium features. 

For businesses with a lower GPV, the cost and complexity of integrating payments can sometimes outweigh the benefits. In such cases, using a pre-built solution like a payment gateway can be more economical and efficient.

Consider all factors when choosing a payment solution for your business – not just the GPV. 

Other considerations include the nature of your business, the countries you operate in, your business model, and the technical resources available.

 

 

Benefits of Integrated Payments

Integrated payments refer to the seamless integration of a payment processing system with other business applications like accounting software, eCommerce platforms, or CRM systems. This interconnected system facilitates streamlined and automated payment processing. 

The benefits of integrated payments include:

1. Improved Efficiency:

Integrated payments streamline the payment process, reducing manual data entry and the time spent on processing transactions.

2. Enhanced Accuracy:

Automating data flow between systems reduces the likelihood of human error, ensuring more accurate transactions and accounting records.

3. Better Cash Flow Management:

With real-time transaction processing and reporting, you have a clear and up-to-date view of your finances, allowing for better cash flow management.

4. Elevated Customer Experience:

Providing a smooth and quick checkout experience leads to higher customer satisfaction and can encourage repeat business.

5. Cost Savings:

Reducing manual processes saves time and can translate into cost savings as it frees up resources to focus on more value-adding tasks.

6. Stronger Security:

Integrated payment solutions often come with enhanced security features, protecting sensitive customer data and reducing the risk of fraud.

7. Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics:

An integrated system allows for consolidated reports and analytics, giving you invaluable insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and financial health.

8. Simplified Reconciliation:

Integration with accounting software makes reconciliation a breeze, as transactions are automatically matched and verified.

9. Compliance Made Easier:

Integrated payment systems often ensure that you’re compliant with various regulatory standards, reducing the burden and risk of non-compliance.

10. Scalability:

As your business grows, an integrated payment system can easily scale to handle an increased volume of transactions and adapt to your evolving needs.

 

How to Make Payments Your Profit Center

Traditionally, payments have been viewed as a necessary operational process to facilitate transactions. However, with the right strategies, payments can be turned into a profit center for your business. Here’s how:

1. Optimize Payment Processing Fees

• Negotiate Rates: Approach your payment processor to negotiate better rates. Often, as your GPV increases, you can secure lower transaction fees.
• Choose the Right Processor: Select a payment processor that offers competitive rates and aligns with your business needs.

2. Introduce a Loyalty Program

• Earn and Redeem Points: Create a program where customers earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or rewards. This encourages repeat business.
• Exclusive Offers: Offer special promotions and discounts to loyalty program members.

3. Implement Dynamic Pricing

Use data to adjust prices based on demand, time, and customer behavior. This can maximize profits, especially during high-demand periods.

4. Offer Multiple Payment Options

• Increase Conversion Rates: By offering various payment methods, you cater to a broader audience and potentially increase conversion rates.
• Cross-Border Sales: Accept international payments to tap into a global customer base.

5. Utilize Data Analytics

• Understand Customer Behavior: Use payment data to understand customer behavior, which can inform marketing and pricing strategies.
• Customized Marketing: Tailor promotions and offers based on customer purchase history.

6. Offer Financing Options

You can encourage larger purchases by providing financing or installment payment options, as customers can spread the cost over time.

7. Maximize Up-selling and Cross-selling:

• Product Bundling: Offer discounts on product bundles, encouraging customers to spend more.
• Recommendations: Use data to recommend products that complement the customer’s current purchase.

8. Optimize the Checkout Process:

• Reduce Cart Abandonment: An efficient and user-friendly checkout process can reduce cart abandonment and increase sales.
• Express Checkout: Offer an express checkout option for returning customers.

9. Cashback and Rebates:

Offer cashback or rebates on specific payment methods or purchase amounts, incentivizing customers to spend more.

10. Implement a Convenience Fee for Small Transactions:

Consider adding a convenience fee to cover processing costs for minimal transactions. This can also encourage customers to make larger purchases.

 

How to Avoid the Pain of Transitioning to a New Provider

Transitioning to a new payment provider can seem like a daunting task. However, the process can be painless and rewarding with careful planning and strategic steps. 

Here are key tips to consider:

1. Conduct Thorough Research

Start with extensive research on potential providers. Understand their offerings, fees, contract terms, customer service reputation, and compatibility with your business needs. This will reduce the chances of surprises down the line.

2. Plan Your Transition

Prepare a detailed transition plan. Include key stages such as contract termination with your current provider, data migration, system integration, testing, and life transition. Having a plan in place reduces the risk of overlooking crucial steps.

3. Communicate with Stakeholders

Inform all relevant stakeholders about the transition. This includes employees, customers, and partners. Clear communication can alleviate concerns and help everyone prepare for the changes.

4. Leverage Provider Support

Most new providers offer support during the transition process. Utilize this support to ensure a smooth switch. They can help with technical aspects, training, and even customer communication.

5. Test Thoroughly

Before going live with the new provider, test all systems thoroughly. This includes processing transactions, handling refunds, data security, and reporting. Testing helps identify potential issues before they impact your business operations or customers.

6. Plan for Downtime

Despite your best efforts, some downtime may occur during the transition. Plan for this in advance. Schedule the transition during a low-traffic period, inform customers, and have contingency plans.

7. Train Your Team

Ensure your team is well-trained in the new system. This includes both the technical aspects and customer service. Customers may have questions or encounter issues, so ensure that your team can handle these effectively.

8. Monitor and Adjust

After the transition, monitor your systems closely for any issues. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed. Gather feedback from customers and employees to understand if any additional changes are required.

Remember, the goal is not just to switch providers but to improve your payment processing and enhance your business operations.

 

Also Read: Top 9 Challenges in Online Payments and How to Overcome Them

                   Evaluating the Differences Between an ISO and a PayFac

 

How GETTRX Can Help Your Business Today

GETTRX stands as a beacon of simplicity and efficiency in the complex world of online transactions.

Our platform is designed to streamline business operations, cut unnecessary costs, and optimize revenue streams. 

Here’s how Gettrx can make a difference for your business:

Streamlined Operations:

GETTRX offers a unified payment platform, centralizing all your transactions into one easy-to-manage interface. This simplifies operations and minimizes the chance of errors.

Comprehensive Analytics:

With GETTRX, you’ll have real-time access to your transaction data, including your Gross Payment Volume (GPV). Our sophisticated analytics will help you understand your revenue trends, facilitating informed business decisions.

Advanced Security:

GETTRX employs state-of-the-art encryption techniques and fraud detection systems, ensuring your transactions are secure and your customer’s data is protected.

Cost-Effective Solution:

Our competitive pricing model minimizes your operational costs, freeing up resources that you can invest back into your business.

Seamless Integration:

GETTRX integrates seamlessly with many eCommerce platforms and accounting software, providing a holistic view of your business finances.

24/7 Customer Support:

Our dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist you with any queries or issues, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations.

Take Action Now!

Get in touch with our team, explore the powerful features we offer, and take the first step towards a brighter and more prosperous future for your business.

 

Final Thoughts

Gross Payment Volume (GPV) remains a critical metric for any business, offering a clear snapshot of transaction revenue. 

Keeping a close eye on this indicator helps make data-driven decisions, assess the business’s health, and set accurate growth forecasts.

When choosing a payment processor, the focus should always be on securing one that provides robust analytics, seamless integrations, and comprehensive support, like GETTRX. 

By doing so, you will be able to accurately track and analyze your GPV and ensure a smooth and secure payment process for your customers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the gross payment volume on Shopify?

The gross payment for Shopify as of the first quarter of 2023  grew to $27.5 billion, representing 56% of GMV processed.

What is the gross payment volume of Square?

Square processed $51.12 billion in GPV in the first quarter of 2023, up 17% year over year.

How can GPV data improve my business strategy?

GPV data can be pivotal for your business strategy. It provides insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and overall revenue streams, enabling you to make data-driven decisions for marketing, inventory management, and growth opportunities.

What are the industry standards for GPV?

Industry standards for GPV can vary, but generally, it’s considered a key metric to evaluate a company’s performance and growth in the payments space. Companies with higher GPV are often seen as more successful, and industries may have benchmarks for a healthy GPV.

How can small businesses leverage GPV?

Small businesses can leverage GPV by monitoring it regularly to identify sales trends and customer behavior. This information can be used to optimize pricing, enhance product offerings, and focus on marketing efforts that contribute to increasing the Gross Payment Volume.

Can GPV be a factor in securing funding?

Yes, GPV can be a factor in securing funding as it reflects the scale of a company’s transactions. Investors and lenders may look at a company’s GPV to gauge its market presence and potential for growth, which can influence its decision to provide funding.