Square Rules of Engagement

Updated: October 24, 2026

Purpose

This page explains the rules every Equip rep and trainer must follow when selling Square, and how those rules work alongside Shift4. They come from Equip’s agreements with Square and Shift4 and from how we run our business. The rules are not the same in both directions, so read carefully. Following them protects our vendor partnerships and our residuals, and makes sure your deals count.

Read every section before you sell Square.

⚠️ Why this matters: Any breach of these rules can put all of Equip’s residuals at risk, not just the deal in front of you.

1. Before You Sell Square

Complete the Square course in Kajabi. Every rep must finish it before selling Square.
Attend Square training when asked. Our agreement with Square requires it.

2. Can I Switch This Merchant?

Quick Reference

Merchant’s current setup	Can you pitch a switch?
On Shift4 (boarded by anyone, including Equip)	🔴 No. Off limits. Not to Square, not to another Shift4 product, not anywhere.
On Square through Equip	🔴 No. Off limits.
On Square, NOT through Equip	🟢 Yes, to Shift4. Fair game for a Shift4 pitch.
On Square, NOT through Equip → to Square through Equip	🟡 No, except case by case. Email Tyisha first.
Switching between our own vendors	🔴 Never. Pick the right fit the first time.

Step 1: Verify the processor first

Always confirm who the actual processor is before you start any switching conversation. The POS software a merchant uses does not tell you the processor. Some software (for example, Focus) can run on Shift4 processing or on other processors. If Shift4 is the processor, stop the switching conversation immediately.

Step 2: Check if they’re one of ours

Before you sign anyone off Square, search the Wins channel on Slack for the business name to make sure Equip didn’t board them. Keep in mind that business names can change over time, so search for any former names too. (A searchable merchant database by name and address is in the works.)

Common Questions

Can I move a Shift4 merchant to Square, or to anything else?
A. No. If a merchant processes on Shift4, they are off limits for any switching conversation. It doesn’t matter who boarded them or what POS software runs on top.
A merchant is on Revel POS (not through Equip) with Shift4 processing, but they want Shift4 Dine. It’s the same processor, so can we sign them up?
A. No. We cannot engage with a live Shift4 account about switching to anything, including another Shift4 product. For that merchant to reach Shift4 Dine through Equip, their existing account would have to be fully canceled (meaning they can’t process at all) first. They would then need to come to us on their own, and we would start a brand-new application. We cannot encourage them in any way to cancel. Since almost no restaurant can afford to stop taking payments, this is practically a dead end.
Can I move a Square merchant who is NOT with Equip over to Square through Equip?
A. No, except case by case. A merchant who already has an active Square account, or was already referred to Square by someone else, doesn’t qualify. Square may allow exceptions case by case, for example a business with a few locations on Square that wants to add more locations through us. Email Tyisha before you pitch it.
Can I move a Square merchant who is NOT with Equip over to Shift4 through Equip?
A. Yes. Our Square agreement only limits merchants we referred to Square. First check the Wins channel to confirm they aren’t an Equip merchant, then sign them up through the normal Shift4 process.
Can I move a Square merchant who IS with Equip over to Shift4?
A. No. A merchant we boarded on Square stays a Square merchant, the same as our Shift4 deals. Our agreement doesn’t allow us to move a merchant we referred to Square onto another processor, while the agreement is in place and for two years after it ends.

What you CAN do with an off-limits merchant

Serve them well and build the relationship.
Sign their future business. New locations and new ventures can come through Equip.
If they bring up switching on their own: don’t encourage or assist. Tell them plainly that you can’t engage on that, and put your response in writing so there’s a record if they cancel later.

WARNING: Not sure which situation applies? Ask Tyisha before you pitch. A switch that breaks these rules can put our Square partnership at risk.

3. Which Merchants Qualify for Square

A Square referral only counts if the merchant:

Doesn't already have an active Square account
Hasn't already been referred to Square by someone else
Isn't an Equip employee, a relative, or a company we control
Isn't in one of Square's prohibited industries
Isn’t currently processing on Shift4

4. How to Position Square and Shift4

Never talk down Shift4 when you pitch Square, and never talk down Square when you pitch Shift4. Both are Equip products.
Shift4 is still a great, profitable product, and its bonuses are especially strong for new reps.
Lead with the best fit. Use Square where it fits the merchant better (see Business Types in the course).

5. Do's and Don'ts

Do:

Introduce yourself as an Equip rep and an authorized Square reseller.
Verify the merchant’s actual processor before any switching conversation.
Check the Slack Wins channel before signing anyone off Square.
Describe Square products the way Square officially describes them.
Use only Square-approved logos and marketing materials.
Sign merchants up through your Square sign-up link.
Document in writing when you decline a switching conversation a merchant raises.
Ask your trainer or Tyisha when you’re not sure.

Don't:

Pitch a switch to any merchant processing on Shift4, including to another Shift4 product.
Encourage or help a merchant cancel their current account so they can come to Equip.
Say you work for Square or are Square’s agent or employee.
Make promises or claims about Square that aren’t in Square’s official materials.
Create your own Square flyers, edited logos or marketing pieces without approval.
Talk negatively about Square, Shift4, Clover, or any Equip partner.
Pitch Square financial products (see section 6).

6. Square Products You Can't Sell

Payment processing is the Square product we earn on. Do not sell or pitch:

Square Loans, Square Funding or merchant cash advances
Square Debit Card or Square Card
Square Checking or Square Savings
Instant Transfers or Instant Payouts
Square Credit Card, Bill Pay, or any other Block credit product

7. After the Merchant Signs

Square handles account management and future upsells directly. For support, see the Customer Support & Escalation page.

Questions?

Start with your trainer. For anything about switching merchants, pricing or eligibility, email Tyisha (tyisha@equippaymentsolutions.com).