CASH DISCOUNT PROCESSING WITH SUPERMENU POS
Cash Discount Processing works like at the Gas Pump. Pay the cash price or pay the credit card price with a convenience fee. Our cash discount processing goes a step further, it works in Retail business's, and also has tip capability to work in restaurants.
NO FEES = 100% SAVINGS
HOW TO AVOID PROCESSING FEES START YOUR CLIENTS USING A CASH DISCOUNT PROCESSING PROGRAM AND PASS THROUGH A CONVENIENCE FEE TO CARD-PAYING CUSTOMERS
Surcharge vs. Cash Discount Program
Which is better? Credit card processing has become increasingly expensive for
merchants, especially small businesses who have tighter budgets and may not
bring in as much revenue as their larger competitors. By accepting credit
cards, businesses face the financial burden of interchange fees, otherwise
recognized as swipe fees. On average, swipe fees range from 1-4% and over time,
can significantly turn profits into a loss for smaller businesses.
As a result, many small businesses are looking for solutions to keep
accepting cards, but avoid the monthly interchange fees. An answer to this
dilemma was solved in recently formulated cash discount programs, which were
federally authorized in all 50 states in 2011. However, there has been some
confusion as to what a cash discount program is and how it varies from a
surcharge.
Let us explain what the main differences are between a
surcharge and a cash discount program, how to implement a legal and successful
cash discount program, and what merchants should consider when evaluating cash
discount providers.
What is a Surcharge?
A surcharge is a charge or fee
that is added towards the price of a good or service and is usually added
towards an existing tax. 40 states in the US allow surcharge fees to customers
who pay with credit card. The remaining states that prohibit surcharges are
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New
York, Oklahoma, and Texas. Surcharges, however, cannot be assessed on debit
cards.
They are added simply for the privilege of using a credit card.
Typically, surcharges are based on a specific percentage of the total price of
goods or services before taxes are assessed.
What is a Cash Discount Program?
A cash discount occurs when a
merchant decreases the price for cash purchases and offers patrons an
alternative to credit card processing. Cash discount programs are not credit
card surcharges because they do not levy a fee that is added to a credit card transaction.
There has been much confusion around cash discount programs in the
past, as people tend to associate them with surcharge programs.
The final verdict on cash discount programs can be found in the Durbin
Amendment 2 (part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law), which states that businesses are
permitted to offer a discount to customers as an incentive and to encourage
customers to pay by alternative methods other than a credit/debit cards. Such
alternative methods include checks or cash in order to receive a discount which
is applied at the time of sale.
A cash discount works by applying a small customer service fee on all
customer transactions. This fee is removed if the customer pays with cash or
in-store gift card. True cash discount technology will automatically determine
the service fee or discount amounts depending on the payment type. Legal cash
discount programs must present a clear receipt detailing the service fee or
cash discount amount.
Service fees are collected by the technology provider who then pays
off the credit card charges on behalf of the merchant, essentially removing the
need for any back-end accounting or complex statements. The merchant will
usually see their credit card fees dramatically reduced with only a small
technology fee to pay at the end of the month.
While state law may vary for surcharge programs, there has yet to be
seen any direct language prohibiting a merchant implementing a cash discount
program as long as consumers are notified prior to purchase.
Implementing a Legal and Successful Cash Discount Program
To implement a truly successful
cash discount program, a merchant must overcome the confusion and questions
consumers and employees have surrounding a cash discount program.
At a minimum, a merchant is required to provide at least one point of
notification prior to sale that there is a service fee applied to all sales and
a discount given if a cash payment is made. Multiple points of notification are
recommended – such as at the door, register of the store and throughout the
establishment if needed.
Additionally, the reference to the program should be made verbally at
point of sale. It is important the correct language is used, such as “Would you
like to save (X amount) today by paying in cash, or use your card?” This
language clearly indicates the service charge applies to all transactions. It
is also recommended the merchant has quick reference information handy to give
to the customer if they have any additional questions.
Unlike surcharge programs, cash discount programs are seen in a better
light, and fare better with the end-consumers. There has been a misconception
that a cash discount program would prohibit sales if a customer does not carry
cash. CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE 973 887-4499
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