Vontier Corp Unveils Research Highlighting Payment Friction Costs for Convenience Retailers

In a recent press release dated May 19, 2026, Vontier Corp (NYSE: VNT) unveiled pivotal research focused on the evolving landscape of payment systems in the convenience retail sector. The study surveyed over 600 convenience store operators and fuel retailers across the United States, revealing a significant performance gap between those utilizing unified payment solutions and those relying on fragmented payment systems.

As the convenience retail space intensifies, particularly at the fuel forecourt, the findings suggest that payment architecture is no longer merely a back-office concern but a critical driver of customer loyalty and operational efficiency.

The research results illustrate a compelling narrative: operators who have adopted unified payment ecosystems are experiencing notable advantages. Key findings include:

The primary motivation for adopting a unified payment architecture was to enhance customer experience, cited by nearly half (49%) of participants. Improved system reliability and operational cost/time savings followed closely as significant motivations.

Vontier's research indicates a pressing need for consolidation in payment processing. Currently, 56% of retailers depend on multiple payment processors, and 68% operate more than one payment system across various devices. This fragmentation often results in cumbersome processes, with 29% of respondents mentioning the requirement to manage four to five separate vendor certifications when adding new solutions or updates.

As a consequence, a staggering 68% of fuel retailers report that deploying new payment or loyalty capabilities takes at least six months. This timeline extends even further for those utilizing multiple providers, with 73% of them experiencing longer delays. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents expressed confidence that consolidating vendors and technologies would significantly reduce certification cycles and related costs.

For retailers operating loyalty programs, which are essential for driving repeat visits and increasing basket sizes, the costs associated with delays can be especially detrimental. The research found that those with loyalty schemes are nearly three times more likely to encounter certification-related launch delays (32% vs. 12%).

Mark Morelli, President and CEO of Vontier, emphasized the importance of delivering exceptional consumer experiences in the convenience retail sector. "Unified payment systems can support these expectations by driving faster feature rollouts, smoother upgrades, and stronger customer engagement," he stated. Morelli also noted that prolonged certification cycles hinder operators from seizing opportunities to attract customers and build loyalty.

Vontier aims to eliminate complexity across all touchpoints within the convenience retail environment. The company's technologies, particularly Invenco’s payment and forecourt solutions, are designed to address the challenges highlighted in the research. By unifying payments, simplifying certification pathways, and integrating loyalty programs, operators can:

Notably, 42% of retailers identified easier customer enrollment as a crucial loyalty driver for consolidation, underscoring the importance of Vontier's integrated approach.

As the convenience retail landscape evolves, Vontier's research sheds light on the substantial costs associated with payment friction. The findings suggest that operators who embrace unified payment solutions stand to gain a competitive edge in enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. With a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, Vontier is well-positioned to lead the charge in transforming payment systems for the convenience retail sector.