Card processing fees can be a real pain for small businesses, especially when they’re trying to keep costs low and make a profit. These fees, which are charged by card processing companies every time a customer pays with a credit or debit card, can really add up to hundreds (or even thousands) per year.
But it’s not just the cost of the fees that can be a problem – it’s also the fact that they can be hard to predict. The percentage a small business is charged for each card transaction can vary depending on the type of card being used and the specific card processing company, which makes it tough for small business owners to know exactly how much they’ll be paying.
And unfortunately, small businesses often don’t have the bargaining power to negotiate lower fees with card processors. This means they may end up paying higher fees than larger businesses, which puts them at a disadvantage. The very fact that companies have the power to negotiate shows how the card processing industry is old and ready for change.
It’s not just the direct costs of card processing fees that small businesses have to worry about. They may also face indirect costs, like when they have to pass on the fees to their customers by raising prices. This can make them less competitive and may even cause them to lose business to competitors who can offer lower prices.
In the end, it’s important for small business owners to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of accepting card payments. While it may be convenient for customers, it’s important for small businesses to find ways to minimize their card processing fees whenever possible.