Payment Processors Compared for Dance Studio Manager (DSM)
Find the Right Payment Partner for Your Studio — Based on Your Location, Volume, Hardware Needs & More
Why Your Payment Processor Matters
Choosing the right payment processor is one of the most important decisions for a dance studio. Inside Dance Studio Manager (DSM), your payment provider affects:
How fast you get paid
Your monthly processing fees
Hardware options for in-studio payments
Recurring tuition billing
Chargeback protection & fraud management
Student/parent checkout experience
How easily you reconcile transactions in your reports
DSM supports multiple trusted payment processors so studios can select the best option for their location, transaction volume, hardware needs, and pricing preferences—all while keeping payments deeply integrated into their studio software.
This guide compares DSM-supported processors side-by-side, helping both small and high-volume studios find the ideal fit.
Supported Payment Processors Inside DSM
Below is a comparison of the main processors DSM integrates with:
Paystri
Clover Connect
Bluefin
Multipay options in Europe, South Africa & other regions
All comparisons below explain why each provider works best inside DSM, not independently.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Processor
Your Location
Not all processors support every country. DSM provides regional options to make sure your payments are compliant, fast, and stable.
Monthly Volume
Your best processor may depend on how much you process:
Under $2,000/month: Avoid processors with high monthly fees
Over $30,000/month: Look for negotiable or interchange-plus pricing
Hardware Needs
If your studio accepts in-person payments, hardware like chip readers, tap-to-pay devices, or terminals becomes important.
Fees & Pricing Model
Pricing structures vary:
Flat-rate
Interchange-plus
Custom or volume-based pricing
Integration with DSM
Using processors through DSM gives you:
Seamless recurring billing
Simple refunds
Accurate reports
Auto-reconciliation
Easier onboarding
Extra Features to Consider
These less-common but valuable keywords also help SEO:
PCI compliance
Chargeback management
Payout speed
Fraud scoring
Tokenized billing
Subscription automationtial.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Processors Supported in DSM
| PROCESSORS | BEST FOR | PRICING MODEL | HARDWARE | WHY IT WORKS WELL INSIDE DSM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paystri (DSM Preferred Partner) | Studios wanting personalized rates, high customer support, and a strong DSM relationship. |
|
Chip / swipe / tap readers (varies by region) |
|
| Clover Connect | Studios with strong in-studio retail or front-desk payments. |
|
|
|
| Bluefin | Higher-volume studios or those wanting a more traditional merchant account style setup. |
|
|
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| Other Supported Global Options | Studios outside North America (Europe, South Africa, and more). | Local currency pricing (varies by region) | Varies depending on provider + country |
|
Which Payment Processor Should You Choose? (Scenarios)
If your studio processes under $2,000/month
Choose a processor with:
No or low monthly fees
Simple flat-rate pricing
Recommended: Paystri (for customized small-studio pricing)
If your studio processes above $30,000/month
Choose a processor with:
Interchange-plus pricing
Volume-based discounts
Recommended: Bluefin or Paystri
If you need in-studio hardware
You need terminals, tap-to-pay, or chip readers.
Recommended: Clover Connect
Backup: Bluefin hardware options
If you need the fastest onboarding
Recommended: Paystri (DSM-preferred partner → smoother setup)
If you sell a lot of merchandise
Clover Connect’s retail-ready hardware shines here.
If you’re outside the U.S. or Canada
Recommended:
* European / South African merchant options through DSM
Why You Should Use These Processors Inside DSM (Not Separately)
Integrated tuition billing → automation saves hours monthly
Cleaner reconciliation → DSM connects payments directly to student accounts
Faster refunds → no switching systems
Reduced errors → no double entry
Better reporting → payments tied to enrollments, attendance & packages
One support point → DSM & the processor work together
Running payments outside DSM means more manual work, mismatched records, and no integration with your studio operations.
Other Supported Options ($20/month additional fee)
If your studio prefers other processors, DSM also supports several non-preferred options for an additional $20 per month. These may be good fits depending on your region, bank, or studio size.
PayPal
Often more expensive, but may be competitive for small studios, nonprofits, or those already using PayPal for online sales.
Authorize.net
Works with most U.S. banks. A stable choice for studios wanting traditional merchant account connectivity.
Moneris
Available for Canadian users. Best for studios with Canadian banking and local payment requirements.
Stripe
A versatile solution used worldwide. Easy to set up, reliable, but sometimes slightly higher in fees depending on your volume.
Next Steps . . .
Choosing a payment processor depends on your studio’s unique needs.
If you aren’t sure which option fits you best, DSM can help evaluate:
Your average monthly volume
Your country
Your need for hardware
Your existing merchant account
Your priorities (fees, support, speed, automation)
Contact DSM support to find the best payment option for your studio.
DSM can even help negotiate pricing through Paystri or provide region-specific guidance.
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