
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
Latest episodes

Jan 20, 2022 • 10min
Free Merchant Accounts: What's The Catch?
If you're a new online business owner who wants to minimize costs, the idea of getting a free merchant account is very appealing. But make no mistake, nothing in business is ever really free. There are always fees associated with processing credit card payments. It's just a question of who pays for it – you or your customers. So be wary of so-called “free merchant accounts”. They can result in business losses in the long run. As always, you're listening to another value-packed episode. So, take note of the solutions that will help you save money and convert more sales.“Free merchant accounts do not exist!”- Maria SparagisConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

Jan 13, 2022 • 10min
What is a Payment Gateway and Why You Need One?
Do you understand how a payment transaction works? While it might seem that accepting payments is as simple as swiping the customer's card, a few things happen before the transactions get approved. If you do not understand the role of your payment gateway, merchant account, and CRM, you could end up frustrated if something goes wrong. This 10-minute episode explains how everything works together and why you might have to choose one payment gateway over another. It's crucial to know what you really need to focus on to keep your business running smoothly.“It is much easier to replace a gateway than it is to replace a merchant processor, your internal CRM, or your checkout software.” - Maria SparagisConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

Jan 6, 2022 • 12min
Why You Need a High-Risk Merchant Account
Getting your account shut down can be extremely stressful, and we’ve talked before about when Stripe freezes your account and holds your funds. But today we’re going to talk about the steps to take to get your business back up, so you’re able to process and accept credit card payments again. The MOST important piece of advice to remember is, DON’T WAIT! The sooner you start taking action, the sooner you can start accepting payments again.To ensure your business is not disrupted, it’s best to have a backup online payment processor. In this episode, Maria provides a quick summary of the steps to apply for a high-risk merchant account. So, let’s dive in. “If you’ve been shut down, applying for a merchant account is your best option to continue processing payments.” - Maria SparagisNeed help now? Contact DirectPaynet to get expert service: https://directpaynet.com/contact-us/Listen to episode 42 here - Stripe Froze My Account and My Funds - What Now?Connect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Dec 30, 2021 • 14min
Reduce Post-Holiday Chargebacks
The holiday season provides the necessary sales boost to meet your year-end sales goals. Traditionally, Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season and online sales volumes continue to rise right up until Christmas. But while it's an excellent season for online retailers, there is a downside. Post-holiday chargebacks start to happen at the start of the new year. Issues like fraudulent purchases and buyer's remorse lead to returns and cancellations. Chargebacks can hit hard if you have not prepared your business to handle them. So what do you need to do as a high-risk online merchant to get ready for the holidays? This episode will provide you with simple strategies to minimize post-holiday chargebacks and protect your revenue.“Offering more online cancellation options will save you a lot of time and money in staffing.” - Maria SparagisConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Dec 23, 2021 • 14min
Maximize Operational Efficiency for Your Online Store with these 5 Tips
As we’re nearing the end of 2021, it's good to review what worked, what hasn’t, and what can be optimized. You should perform an audit regularly to make sure your business is running smoothly. Reflection and preparation are necessary to gear up for 2022, especially if you want to increase your revenue and productivity while staying competitive in your space. In today’s episode, Maria walks you through five major things you can do to optimize your systems and have a better year. So, tune in for some quick wins and low-hanging fruits. Discover simple ways to take your business to the next level in 2022! “It’s important to do a year-end audit, but you should also do this regularly to make sure your business is running as smoothly as possible.” - Maria SparagisConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Dec 16, 2021 • 39min
How a Global Affiliate Marketing Network Can 10X Your Business with Alex Gunoe and Digistore24
Providing an excellent follow-up to last week's episode on affiliate marketing, Maria interviews Alex Gunoe, Director of Business Development at Digistore24, one of the largest international networks of professional affiliates. Digistore24 is filled with affiliates who are ready to help market your products! Alex is a former PE teacher, gym founder, and wrestling coach who now helps businesses grow their reach and sell internationally. Discover the future of network marketing and more in today's episode of Uncensored Direct Marketing. “Being honest and upfront is a better tactic when you're trying to talk to affiliates.” - Alex GunnoeWant to learn more about Affiliate Marketing? Listen to last week's episode: Secrets to a Profitable Affiliate Marketing Program with Amber SpearsConnect with Alex:Digistore24 Website: https://www.digistore24.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-gunoe-34610b11b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jagunoe/Email: alex.gunoe@digistore24.teamConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Dec 9, 2021 • 46min
Secrets to a Profitable Affiliate Marketing Program with Amber Spears
As a business owner, affiliate marketing is one traffic source you should consider if you haven't already. And since it's almost the end of the year, you're probably starting to plan for 2022. So take a break and listen to this episode to learn how you can increase your revenue with affiliate marketing. Today's guest is affiliate marketing expert Amber Spears, Co-Founder of East 5th Avenue, a high-end, boutique affiliate management company specializing in health and personal development offers. She is also the Co-Founder of Mimosa Mastermind, a tactical, practical, and all-inclusive Mastermind for health, wellness, and personal development entrepreneurs. She also created the SPEARS Method, an affiliate coaching and certification program. There's a wealth of information here; it’s almost like attending a mastermind in direct response and affiliate marketing for free. So don't miss out!“You don't have to work with everyone. You can just choose 10 to 30 affiliate partners that can drive volume for you.” - Amber SpearsTake advantage of Amber's special gifts:If you'd like to join Amber's Traffic Tribe, please use this special link for 50% off monthly (code MARIA): https://eastfifth.samcart.com/products/traffic-tribe-joinKnow your Numbers Guide - Free!Download Amber's value-packed "Know Your Numbers" guide(will help you no matter what level you are at)east5thavenue.com/giftEverflow Your Partner Connections - Free! (Normally $1,997)This mini-course is specifically designed to remove confusion out of partnership marketing; to empower and connect you, and to help you grow your partnership revenue with the friendliest dealmaking community in the world!https://traffictribe.com/connectionsConnect with Amber:Amber Spears Website: https://www.ambermspears.com/East 5th Avenue Website: https://east5thavenue.com/Email Amber: amber@east5thavenue.com Email Mike (Amber's Assistant): mike@east5thavenue.comConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Nov 30, 2021 • 41min
The P.I.G. Method - How to Use Emotional Storytelling to Write Persuasive Copy with Chris Haddad
Many freelancers want to venture into copywriting but oftentimes come up short when it comes to writing compelling copy. Copywriting goes beyond just writing words or sharing a great story. Successful copywriting creates an emotional reaction in its readers. Every word should trigger a strong emotion for the reader. Most of the time, people buy products based on how it makes them feel and not logic. So it is crucial to know your customers and what it is that makes them want to buy what you are offering. Only then can you write the message that will move them to act. In today's episode, Chris “Mr. Moneyfingers” Haddad returns to announce the launch of his most awaited course, The P.I.G. Method. This course promises to teach copywriters how to craft those “PUNCHED IN THE GUT” stories Chris is famous for. Let's hear all the details from Chris, so you won't want to miss out on this fantastic offer. For even more tips check out these episodes:Episode 17: How to Use Emotional Storytelling to Write Persuasive Copy with Chris Haddad (Part 1)Episode 18: Your Unshakeable Why With Emotional Direct Response Copywriter Pauline Longdon“You’re not selling a product, you’re selling emotion.” - Chris HaddadConnect with Chris and get first dibs on the P.I.G. Method Pre Launch:Website: https://thepigmethod.com/Facebook Group: https://web.facebook.com/groups/Connect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Nov 25, 2021 • 8min
Stripe Banned my Account, Now What?
With the surge of online businesses, comes the demand for credit card payment solutions. New online business owners, who are rushing to accept credit card payments, tend to use Stripe or PayPal because they are easy to set up. So what could go wrong? But it’s not a good idea to rely heavily on either Stripe or PayPal, if you hope to have uninterrupted business operations. Stripe tends to freeze or restrict business transactions without warning. And there’s no point arguing or fighting with them about it. Instead, it’s best to make sure you always have a backup plan, and you educate yourself. So tune in to today’s episode to get some tips to help you move forward in the event Stripe restricts your business. “Just because your business is restricted doesn’t mean you’re doing anything unethical or anything wrong. It just falls outside the risk appetite of Stripe.” - Maria SparagisConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Nov 18, 2021 • 12min
How to Accept Payments for Your High Ticket Coaching Program
Are you selling unique high-ticket training offers, mastermind sessions, or a coaching program? If so, you will need a premium payment solution to accept payments for such offers. Unfortunately, premium pricing carries a lot of risk for banks, so they tend to be extra cautious in dealing with high-risk merchants. Sure, you can temporarily use payment aggregators like Stripe or PayPal, but they can't support you in the long run. They’re more likely to shut you down or freeze your account without warning. That’s why high-risk merchant accounts are preferable for selling high-ticket offers. Tune in to this episode to find out how to get a merchant account to help your business thrive. “Do quality control on the people you have promoting your product, to ensure they are selling your product ethically.” - Maria SparagisConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet