From business expenses to business class
The Shower Man Melbourne, a family-run bathroom renovation business in Pakenham, runs around 80% of its spend through B2Bpay on American Express, including suppliers who do not accept cards and the ATO, and earns around 2 million Amex points a year.
The business
Short answer: A 15-year-old Melbourne trade business pays materials, the ATO and operating costs through B2Bpay on Amex, earns around 2 million Membership Rewards points a year, and spends them on international business-class travel.
The Shower Man Melbourne is a family-founded operation that has grown over 15+ years from a hands-on tiling and repair service into a trusted name in shower rebuilds and bathroom renovations across Melbourne.
- Industry: bathroom renovations and trade
- In business: 15+ years
- Location: Pakenham, Melbourne VIC
- Founder: Amanda McDonald
- Amex points per year: around 2,000,000
- Share of spend through B2Bpay: around 80%
The challenge: bank transfers in, bills paid, points missed
Like most trade businesses, payments were simple. Bank transfers in, bills paid, job done. The problem was that every one of those payments earned nothing.
Many of their suppliers do not accept credit cards at all, so even on large, regular trade orders for materials, ATO payments and operating costs, that value was left on the table.
"We were just doing bank transfers before and missing out on points entirely."
Amanda McDonald, Founder & Managing Director
How B2Bpay helped: pay any supplier, earn on all of it
B2Bpay let The Shower Man Melbourne pay suppliers by card even when those suppliers do not take cards, which was the main draw. Getting started was quick, and it soon became part of how the business runs day to day.
Today around 80% of spend flows through the platform: ATO payments, supplier invoices and general expenses. The wins are not only points. The Xero integration saves hours of admin, and paying on Amex unlocks an interest-free period that frees up cash flow when it matters.
"Being able to pay suppliers who don't accept cards and still earn points."
Amanda McDonald, Founder & Managing Director
The results: around 2 million points a year, spent flying
By running everyday expenses through B2Bpay, the business now earns around 2 million Amex points each year, turning unavoidable costs into genuine rewards. For a family-run business that goes a long way.
A big family trip to Europe or the US, a trip as a couple, and a few getaways to Asia, all in business class, funded by spend the business was making anyway.
"We're able to take multiple international trips in business class each year. It's a perk I couldn't live without."
Amanda McDonald, Founder & Managing Director
"B2Bpay is an excellent payment platform for small businesses. It allows you to earn points to fly business class at a fraction of the cost. The value we've received from those points has significantly outweighed the fees."
Amanda McDonald, Founder & Managing Director, The Shower Man Melbourne
Ready to make business payments more rewarding?
Sign up for B2B Points, read how paying with Amex works, or see how B2Bpay fits trade businesses. More stories: Billy and Paula and WebEagles.
Frequently asked questions
How does a trade business pay suppliers who don't accept Amex?
By paying B2Bpay with the Amex. B2Bpay pays the supplier by bank transfer or BPAY within 3 business days, so the supplier never needs to accept cards. See pay Amex where Amex is not accepted. Nothing changes on the supplier's side.
Does the ATO payment earn full Amex points?
The ATO is paid by B2Bpay by bank transfer using the payment reference number, and the charge on the Amex is ordinary business spend, so Membership Rewards accrue at the card's standard rate under Amex's terms. See full points for paying the ATO.
What does paying with Amex through B2Bpay cost?
Amex platform fees are 2.10% Essential, 3.40% Earn Plus and 3.85% Earn Max ex GST, tiered down as annual Amex volume grows, to 1.90% on Essential above $1,000,000 a year. See pricing. The exact rate is shown before you confirm each payment.
How does the Xero integration save time?
Approved Xero bills load into B2Bpay ready to pay, and each payment and fee is recorded back in Xero automatically, so month-end reconciliation is a matter of matching the card statement line. See the Xero integration FAQs. Fees are recorded to your nominated expense account.
Can other trade businesses do the same?
Yes. Materials suppliers, subcontractors, insurers, vehicle costs and the ATO can all be paid through B2Bpay by card, bank account or PayTo. See B2Bpay for trades. More than 40,000 Australian businesses already pay through B2Bpay, and the Australian-based team handles setup one on one.
Start earning on the bills you already pay
Set up takes minutes. Pay your BAS, suppliers and rent by card and keep the cash for up to 55 days.