Tent & Awning Shops.
Retail and service of tents, awnings and canopies.
- MCC
- 5998
- Category
- Miscellaneous Stores
- Cardflo support
- Yes
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.
To optimise acceptance, a merchant selling tents and awnings should ensure their payment gateway dynamically routes transactions based on value and risk. For higher-value custom orders, especially those with lead times, consider payment schedules rather than full upfront charges to mitigate 'services not rendered' disputes.
Implement 3DS2 for CNP transactions to reduce fraud liability shifts. Given varying ticket sizes, ensure your acquirers offer competitive rates across different transaction values, rather than just an average.
Robust inventory management, especially for 'merchandise not as described' cases, is key.
Acquirer and acquirer assessment 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.
Dispute and chargeback profile.
The primary dispute codes for this trade are 13.1 / 4853 (services not as described) and 13.3 / 4855 (merchandise not received). 'Services not as described' often occurs for custom awnings where specifications are disputed.
'Merchandise not received' frequently arises if delivery is delayed or goods are large. To counter, meticulous order notes, signed delivery receipts, tracking information, and detailed product descriptions with clear imagery are crucial.
For services, contracts outlining scope and client sign-off on stages are vital.
See also: chargeback management · payment response codes · Compelling Evidence 3.0.
Book a scoping call to see how Cardflo would set you up.
How Cardflo handles MCC 5998
- Placement 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.
- Dedicated onboarding manager rather than a generic ticket queue.
Payment methods typically enabled.
Onboarding checklist.
What acquirers typically ask to see when boarding MCC 5998. 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 trading pattern.
- Product catalogue extract confirming the MCC covers the goods actually sold.
- Refund, exchange and cancellation policy shown at point of sale and on the website.
- PCI DSS SAQ appropriate to the environment (A, A-EP or D as relevant).
- Website terms of service, privacy policy and clear merchant descriptor.
See also: Know Your Customer (KYC) · high-risk merchant · smart routing.
Talk to an acquiring specialist about your MID setup.
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.
How can I best handle high-value custom tent or awning orders to reduce chargeback risk, given the bespoke nature?
For high-value, bespoke orders, especially those with extended production and delivery timelines, consider structuring the payment acceptance into milestones. Take a deposit upfront, perhaps at the order confirmation, and then the balance upon completion or delivery.
Always obtain written confirmation, such as a signed contract or digital agreement, outlining the exact specifications and delivery expectations. Provide regular updates to the customer throughout the process.
This approach helps manage customer expectations and provides clear evidence against 'services not as described' claims, demonstrating work progression and client agreement at each stage.
What specific payment methods should I favour for seasonal sales peaks to maintain transaction efficiency and manage costs when selling tents?
During seasonal peaks, when transaction volumes may surge, merchants selling tents and outdoor gear should prioritise payment methods that offer both efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Debit card payments, due to their lower interchange fees, are generally more economical.
For card-not-present transactions, ensure your gateway is optimised for strong customer authentication (SCA) via 3DS2, which shifts liability for many fraud chargebacks.
Consider offering popular alternative payment methods (APMs) like Apple Pay or Google Pay, as these often have smoother checkout flows, which can contribute to higher conversion rates during busy periods and maintain customer satisfaction.
Other MCCs in Miscellaneous Stores
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