Glass, Paint & Wallpaper Stores.
Retail of decorating, paint and glass products.
- MCC
- 5231
- Category
- Retail Outlets
- Cardflo support
- Yes
What MCC 5231 covers
Merchant Category Code 5231 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for glass, paint & wallpaper stores. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Retail of decorating, paint and glass products. Choosing the right MCC is critical: an incorrect code can lead to higher interchange, surcharges, or, in regulated categories, declined transactions and account holds.
MCC 5231 covers retailers specialising in glass, paint, and wallpaper. These merchants range from small independent outlets to larger chain stores, serving consumers for home improvement and professional decorators.
Ticket sizes are generally moderate, typically ranging from £20 for small items to several hundred pounds for larger paint or wallpaper orders. Frequency of purchase is usually low to moderate, driven by specific projects rather than regular replenishment.
Chargebacks are not a high concern for this MCC. Common reasons include 'incorrect item shipped' for online orders, 'damaged in transit,' or disputes related to colour accuracy for paint and wallpaper when expectations are not met.
Fraud rates are low, especially for in-store transactions. For online sales, disputes may arise if product images or descriptions are misleading or if items arrive damaged.
Cardflo's comprehensive APM coverage allows these merchants to cater to diverse customer payment preferences, enhancing conversion rates both in-store and online. Effective display of accurate product information and clear return policies can also help proactively reduce disputes.
To secure acceptance for glass, paint, and wallpaper sales, prioritise EMV chip and PIN for in-store transactions to maintain a low fraud profile and strong authentication. For online sales, particularly of custom-mixed paints or specific wallpaper rolls, ensure robust 3DS2 implementation to mitigate chargeback liability.
Given the moderate ticket sizes, consider offering flexible payment options. Be mindful of potential reserve requirements if there is a significant shift towards custom or high-value online orders, as these can carry a higher risk of 'not as described' disputes if expectations are mismanaged.
Acquirer and acquirer assessment stance.
Low-risk standard board. This merchant type generally experiences low chargeback rates and fraud levels, particularly with prevalent card-present transactions.
No specific reserves are typically imposed.
Dispute and chargeback profile.
The primary dispute reasons are "13.1 / 4853 (merchandise not as described)" for paint/wallpaper colour or finish discrepancies, and "13.3 / 4855 (merchandise not received)" for damaged online deliveries. Customers may claim a product doesn't match its online representation.
To counter this, provide high-quality imagery, clear descriptions, and disclaimers for colour variations. For damaged goods, photographic evidence of packaging and dispatch condition, alongside proof of delivery, effectively defends against these claims.
See also: chargeback management · payment response codes · Compelling Evidence 3.0.
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How Cardflo handles MCC 5231
- Placement with acquirers that actively board MCC 5231 businesses in your region.
- High-volume, low-ticket processing tuned for retail authorisation patterns.
- Omnichannel routing across in-store, e-commerce and click-and-collect.
- EMV, contactless and wallet acceptance enabled on a single integration.
- Refund, void and partial-capture flows aligned with retail operations.
- Dedicated onboarding manager experienced with multi-location retail brands.
Payment methods typically enabled.
Onboarding checklist.
What acquirers typically ask to see when boarding MCC 5231. Cardflo collects this once and reuses it across every acquirer we route you through.
- Business registration and beneficial-owner documentation (KYB, UBO).
- Six months of processing statements or bank statements demonstrating in-store and e-commerce split.
- Refund, exchange and returns policy visible at point of sale and on the website.
- PCI DSS SAQ appropriate to the environment (A, A-EP or D as relevant).
- Store-front address list for multi-location operators.
- Six months of processing statements or bank statements demonstrating trading pattern.
See also: Know Your Customer (KYC) · high-risk merchant · smart routing.
Talk to an acquiring specialist about your MID setup.
Common questions
How can an online paint retailer manage disputes related to colour discrepancies?
Merchants should clearly state on their website that monitor colour calibrations can vary and that physical samples are recommended for critical colour matching. Offering small, affordable swatch samples can proactively reduce "Merchandise Not as Described" disputes.
Detailed product photography under consistent lighting and descriptive text are also vital to manage customer expectations.
Are there specific fraud patterns to watch for in online sales of paint and wallpaper?
While generally low-risk, be alert for suspicious order patterns such as unusually large quantities for a residential address, orders shipping to freight forwarders, or multiple orders placed with different cards but the same shipping address.
Implementing 3D Secure can effectively challenge suspicious transactions, shifting liability for fraud to the issuer in many cases. Cardflo's fraud monitoring tools can help identify these evolving patterns.
What are the common causes for 'damaged in transit' chargebacks for these products and how can they be prevented?
'Damaged in transit' often results from inadequate packaging for fragile items like glass or delicate wallpaper, or from mishandling by couriers.
Prevention involves using appropriate protective packaging materials (e. g. , bubble wrap for glass, sturdy tubes for wallpaper rolls), clearly marking packages as fragile, and partnering with reputable logistics providers. Ensuring scheme-compliant evidence of proper packaging upon dispatch is key for successful representment.
How can retailers in MCC 5231 prevent 'colour not as expected' disputes for online paint and wallpaper sales?
To mitigate 'colour not as expected' disputes, provide high-resolution, professionally colour-calibrated images for all paint and wallpaper products. Include disclaimers explaining that colours may vary slightly depending on screen settings and lighting conditions.
Encourage customers to purchase samples before committing to large orders, and clearly state this option. Offer a detailed description of the colour, including undertones and finish.
Post customer reviews with photos if available. Transparently communicate your returns policy for colour-related issues, especially for custom-mixed paints which are often non-returnable, ensuring this is acknowledged before purchase.
What specific operational changes can reduce chargebacks related to damaged glass or fragile items during delivery?
To reduce chargebacks for damaged fragile items, invest in specialist packaging designed for glass and delicate goods, ensuring adequate cushioning and 'fragile' labelling. Partner with carriers known for careful handling and provide them with specific instructions.
Take pre-dispatch photographic or video evidence of items in perfect condition and properly packaged. Ensure proof of delivery includes a client signature acknowledging receipt of goods in good order, or noting any damage.
Offer delivery tracking and insurance options. Clearly communicate the procedure for reporting damages upon receipt, with a strict timeframe, to customers at the time of purchase.
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