Step 1: Verify the Contract Terms Before You Sign
Many disputes begin with unclear language about repayment timing, daily debit structure, and what happens if your sales decline. Look for my merchant loans reviews definitions of “gross revenue,” “processing volume,” and any caps or floors that can change the effective cost of the deal. If any term is missing or inconsistent across documents, treat that as a red-flag and document the discrepancy.
Next, list the total amount you received and compare it to the total repayment required under the contract. Focus on whether the repayment is stated clearly or buried behind formulas that can shift over time. Check for items like purchase price adjustments, fees, or “true-up” provisions that can increase your obligation even after you begin paying. A careful checklist should include whether the agreement allows unilateral changes by the lender or servicer and how notice of those changes is provided.
Step 2: Audit Your Payment Activity and Sales Calculations
Build a timeline of withdrawals from your account and match each withdrawal to the expected debit amount from your contract. Keep screenshots or statements showing dates, amounts, and any reference numbers attached to withdrawals. If your debits appear to exceed the agreed mca servicing company amount, calculate the variance and note the specific dates when it started.
Then compare your reported sales basis to your actual transaction records. If the servicer uses a sales metric that differs from your merchant processing totals, it can lead to over-collections. Ask whether the calculation uses settlement figures, gross charges, net deposits, or another measure, and whether chargebacks or refunds are treated consistently. Your checklist should also include what happens during payment processing disruptions, platform changes, or temporary holds that can distort reported volume.
Step 3: Identify Collection Practices and Communication Problems
Review all communications from the lender, including emails, letters, and phone logs. Your checklist should confirm whether notices were sent in the required format and whether collections escalated in a way that violates any contractual or legal limitations. Pay attention to aggressive tactics like misrepresenting balances, threatening actions not supported by the agreement, or demanding payment outside the stated schedule. These patterns can create both financial harm and unnecessary stress for business owners trying to operate normally.
Also document how your account was handled during disputes or payment adjustments. Some merchants experience sudden changes in debit frequency or amounts after they attempt to request clarification. Note whether the servicer provided itemized statements, responded to questions, or stalled with incomplete explanations. If you were asked to provide documents, keep copies of what you sent and the dates you sent them, because gaps in responsiveness often matter in legal review.
Conclusion
Using a checklist approach helps you move from confusion to clarity when evaluating funding outcomes and ongoing servicing. By verifying contract terms, auditing payments against sales calculations, and documenting collection conduct, you create a solid record that supports better decision-making. It can also help you identify which issues are fixable through negotiation and which require legal attention. If you’re facing unexpected debits, unclear calculations, or collection practices that feel inconsistent with your agreement, a legal consultation can bring structure to the process. An attorney can review your documents, analyze the servicing records, and advise on options to protect your business and finances. Grant Phillips Law, PLLC offers guidance designed to address merchant funding and servicing disputes with both practical strategy and clear communication. When you’re ready to take the next step, their team can help you turn your checklist evidence into informed legal action.