Sezzle for Business: How It Works + Alternatives for 2025
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is booming—and Sezzle is one of the most recognizable names. But how does it work for businesses? Is it right for you? What if you’re in a high-risk space like CBD or kratom? Let’s break it all down.
Table of Contents
What Is Sezzle?
Sezzle is a “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) platform that lets customers split their payments into four interest-free installments. For merchants, Sezzle pays the full amount up front and assumes repayment risk from the customer.
How Sezzle Works for Merchants
- You integrate Sezzle into your checkout flow (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, etc.).
- Your customer selects Sezzle at checkout and agrees to the installment plan.
- You get paid in full (minus Sezzle’s processing fee) within one business day.
- Sezzle handles all repayments, reminders, and fraud checks.
Pros and Cons for Businesses
Pros
- Boosts average order value (AOV) by over 30% in some industries
- Full payment up front, no credit risk to the merchant
- Attracts younger consumers who prefer installment options
Cons
- Fees can range from 4% to 6% per transaction
- Limited support for high-risk industries
- May require extra compliance if offering regulated products
Sezzle vs Other BNPL Services
Here’s how Sezzle stacks up against other BNPL players:
| Platform | Merchant Fees | High-Risk Allowed? | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sezzle | 4%–6% | No | 1 day |
| Afterpay | 4%–6% | No | 1–2 days |
| Affirm | 2.5%–5.9% | Rare | 1–3 days |
BNPL Alternatives for High-Risk Industries
Sezzle doesn’t support CBD, kratom, vape, adult, or supplement merchants—but there are options.
- Partial.ly: Lets you set up flexible payment plans directly in WooCommerce or Shopify
- High Wire Payments: Build your own BNPL program via API or hosted gateway
- NMI + ACH Plans: Ideal for high-ticket and regulated products
Final Thoughts
Sezzle is a powerful checkout tool—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For general eCommerce, it’s great. But for CBD, smoke shops, or nutraceuticals, you’ll need a custom processor who understands your space.
High Wire Payments builds high-risk-friendly solutions including installment-based gateways, ACH plans, and real-time fraud tools for online brands.
Need a BNPL for High-Risk Products?
Let’s build you something custom. Contact Leah Walczuk or apply now for a merchant account tailored to your business.
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