In Mexico, not only large chains but also local grocery stores and general goods shops are being incorporated into cash payment networks, making online payment points increasingly dense at the neighborhood level. El Asturiano is a regional chain that has long operated in the local commercial areas of Baja California, and its unique role is providing a walkable payment point for residents who find a trip to a large supermarket inconvenient. That said, as a small regional chain, publicly available store and operational information is limited, so a conservative approach is warranted.

For merchants with a mix of customers from the Baja California region, this can be considered as a supplementary payment network that fills gaps left by nationwide or urban-focused channels. Rather than treating it as a standalone channel, a more realistic setup is to bundle it with other regional payment points such as Calimax, letting customers choose the location closest to them.

When a customer selects El Asturiano payment during an online order, a reference code is issued, and the customer pays in cash at the local store checkout after presenting the code. Once the payment information passes through the collection agency network and is confirmed by Hecto Financial, the order is finalized, typically within the same day to 1 business day. If payment is not made within the validity period, the order automatically expires.

Through Hecto Financial's integration, a Korea-based company can consider a configuration that includes regional payment channels without a local contract. However, since small regional chains like El Asturiano can see changes in their collection agency network affiliation status and the actual number of stores accepting payment, checking the latest coverage before signing a contract is especially important.

• Business registration country

  Confirm contract eligibility for domestic (Korea-based) businesses

• Sales channels

  Integration method and priority vary depending on your online sales channel mix, such as owned storefronts, open marketplaces, or mobile apps

• Product categories handled

  Advance confirmation is needed on whether your business falls under a restricted category under El Asturiano's merchant policy

• Local regulatory compliance

  Confirmation is needed on compliance with Mexico's payment and foreign exchange regulations (see official sources below)

Cash paid at El Asturiano stores is received in MXN, then converted by Hecto Financial and settled to the Korean merchant in the currency selected under contract, either USD, KRW, or JPY. The settlement cycle is set by contract. Refunds are not processed at the store and are handled through a separate refund channel.

• Bank of Mexico (Banco de México)Official information on Mexico's payment systems and related regulations. Where this page differs from the actual regulations, the official source takes precedence.
• National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users (CONDUSEF)Official information on financial consumer protection and dispute resolution.