As we continue to refine our Ideal Client Profile (ICP) and sharpen our go-to-market value proposition for vertically focused software platforms, I’ve been reflecting on some real-life scenarios that highlight a crucial point:
Even the most advanced software platforms can suffer from payment experience “breakage.”
These vertical software payment use cases aren’t hypothetical—they’re real, recurring, and personal. And while most ISVs are aware of them, the challenge lies in the backend infrastructure—where embedded payment processes fail to keep pace with the front-end user experience.
Here are four examples that show where friction happens—and how the right payment orchestration can solve it.
Real-Life Vertical Software Payment Use Cases
1. Personal Care & Wellness: Subscription and Text2Pay
If you know me, you know I’m serious about a sharp haircut—and partial to a relaxing pedicure once a month. Luckily, my favorite barbershop and salon are right next to each other in Summerlin.
- The Barbershop:
I have a subscription with my barber. After each visit, the system charges my card on file. No friction, no checkout, no wallet. Just fully embedded payments inside the salon’s ISV platform. - The Nail Salon:
While sitting in the chair, I get a Text2Pay message—a summary of services and a link to pay via mobile. That’s conversational commerce in action. Beautiful, seamless, and integrated.
But here’s the thing: these examples are the exception, not the rule. Many salons still use outdated payment terminals that aren’t integrated into their core booking or service software.
Opportunity: Ensure subscription billing, card-on-file, and Text2Pay are embedded into your personal care platform.
2. Field Services & Home Care: Installments & Optionality
Earlier this year, I had to replace a water tank. We ended up adding a faucet, tap replacements, and outdoor work.
At checkout, the technician pulled out his iPad and offered us several options:
- Pay in full
- Or choose an interest-free installment plan—built right into the app
We paid upfront, but the flexibility mattered. The software guided the transaction seamlessly, offering a great customer experience through payment optionality.
Opportunity: Offer installment plans, card-present options, and digital quotes inside your service platform.
3. Healthcare: The RCM Opportunity
Ah yes, the joy of a colonoscopy. The medical process? Surprisingly smooth.
The payment experience? Not so much.
- Co-pay at check-in: Standard.
- Multiple bills from different providers? Confusing.
- Final invoice for an uninsured service, 90 days later by mail? Yes, still fax-era stuff.
In healthcare, Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is the backbone of payment operations—but many providers still rely on fragmented or analog systems. That’s where modern embedded payments can create efficiency, reduce time to payment, and improve patient experience.
Opportunity: Help healthcare ISVs modernize RCM with automated billing, insurance coordination, and digital invoicing.
4. Automotive: Text2Pay + Video + Approvals
Meet Charley, my sporty 2017 Mini Countryman. When I brought it in for a routine service, I got a surprise:
Two hours later, I received a text from the dealership technician:
- A 90-second diagnostic video
- Itemized recommendations
- A link to approve and pay for extra work
All managed inside the Mini DMS (Dealer Management System).
I tapped, approved, and paid nearly $3,800—all from my phone. No calls, no counter.
Opportunity: DMS platforms and auto repair software should integrate Text2Pay, video messaging, and one-tap approvals.
Final Takeaway for ISVs
These examples come from very different industries—but they have one thing in common:
Without seamless, embedded payments, even the most elegant software experiences are vulnerable to breakage.
If you’re an ISV building for a vertical market, make sure your embedded payments partner can support these use cases with:
- Card-on-file billing
- Mobile and conversational commerce
- Installments and financing
- Digital RCM workflows
- Video + Text2Pay integration
In 2025, this is table stakes.
About KORT:
KORT empowers ISVs, software platforms, merchants and fintech’s to transact, scale, and thrive effortlessly.
Our enterprise-grade, global orchestration platform, KORTex, is the foundation of this transformation.
As we expand our geographical footprint, I invite you to join us and be a valued member of our early, strategic partner program; unlocking business, operational, and revenue opportunities to help fuel your exponential growth aspirations. Contact me here if you would like to learn more.