Tent & Awning Shops
Retail and service of tents, awnings and canopies.
What MCC 5998 covers
Merchant Category Code 5998 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for tent & awning shops. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Retail and service of tents, awnings and canopies. Choosing the right MCC is critical: an incorrect code can lead to higher interchange, surcharges, or, in regulated categories, declined transactions and account holds.
Merchants in MCC 5998 typically operate physical or online stores selling tents, awnings, and related outdoor shelter equipment. Ticket sizes can vary significantly, from small accessories to high-value bespoke awnings or large event tents, often ranging from tens to thousands of pounds.
Purchase frequency is generally low, as these are considered durable goods.
Chargebacks are less common than in other sectors, often relating to 'merchandise not as described' (e. g.
, incorrect sizing, colour, or material) or 'services not rendered' for installation, particularly for custom orders. Seasonality can influence dispute volumes, with peaks during spring and summer months for outdoor events.
While this MCC does not fall under specific high-risk scheme programmes, Cardflo's chargeback management tools, including representment services and dispute data analytics, can help these merchants mitigate financial losses and maintain good scheme standings.
This is particularly useful for disputes arising from custom orders or services where detailed evidence is often available.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Low-risk standard board. Merchants are generally stable and transaction patterns are predictable.
No specific reserve requirements are typically imposed, unless the merchant's individual risk profile indicates otherwise.
How Cardflo handles MCC 5998
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 5998 businesses in your region.
- MCC review during onboarding to confirm the right code for your products.
- Reclassification support if scheme rules or product mix change post-launch.
- Multi-acquirer routing to keep approvals stable for broad merchant categories.
- Dispute support tuned to the mixed-product chargeback profile this MCC sees.
Payment methods typically enabled
Common questions
How can merchants in MCC 5998 best handle chargebacks for custom-made awnings or tents?
For custom orders, retaining detailed records of customer specifications, design approvals, proof of delivery, and any installation agreements is crucial. Photos or videos of the finished product before shipping can also serve as strong evidence.
When a chargeback arises, particularly for 'merchandise not as described', these documents facilitate a strong representment case, demonstrating the product met the agreed specifications. Cardflo's dispute resolution platform helps compile and submit this evidence efficiently to the card schemes.
Are there any specific interchange categories that frequently apply to MCC 5998 transactions?
For card-present transactions, standard retail interchange rates generally apply. For e-commerce, 'Card Not Present' (CNP) interchange rates will apply.
Merchants processing large ticket items should aim for Level 2/3 data capture where possible, as certain commercial card programmes offer lower interchange rates for transactions with enhanced data. This can be particularly relevant for business-to-business sales of larger event tents or commercial awnings.
What payment methods are most important for attracting international customers for specialty tents and awnings?
Beyond major credit cards, integrating local payment methods prevalent in target international markets is key. For example, iDEAL for the Netherlands, Bancontact for Belgium, or Trustly for Nordic countries.
Providing popular digital wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay, which are globally recognised, also enhances conversion rates. Cardflo's acquiring network supports a wide range of local and international APMs to cater to a diverse customer base.
Other MCCs in Miscellaneous Stores
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