The Reality of Card Payments for Pet Groomers
Paying with a debit or credit card has become second nature for most people. Whether it’s Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, cards are everywhere – and for good reason. They’re convenient, easy to use, and often come with rewards. According to BankRate, 29% of payments in the U.S. are made with debit cards and 28% with credit cards.
But while cards are great for customers, they come with a hidden cost for pet groomers: processing fees. These small charges can add up quickly and quietly cut into your profits.
A Hidden Cost for Pet Groomers
Many pet grooming businesses struggle with high card processing fees that eat into their profits. This can create frustration and force pet grooming business owners to face the difficult choice between raising prices or absorbing these costs. Neither option is ideal, but there is a simple solution: surcharging. While not available in every state, businesses in certain areas can consider implementing surcharging based on their location.
Surcharging allows businesses to pass card processing fees directly to customers who pay with a card, making it easier to maintain competitive pricing while protecting profits. These fees are presented as small, transparent charges added to the bill – straightforward and easy!
Surcharging isn’t anything new; many small businesses embrace it as a way to keep their prices competitive without sacrificing profits. And the good news? 85% of consumers pay credit card surcharges without issue! (PYMNTS).
Why Make the Switch?
For pet grooming businesses, surcharging can help recover card processing costs by adding a small fee to card transactions, which customers will pay. This solution helps reduce overhead, encourages alternative payment methods, and maintains competitive pricing – all while preserving client trust and protecting your business’s bottom line.
So, how exactly does surcharging benefit your business? Let’s break it down:
- Recovers Transaction Costs: One of the biggest advantages of surcharging is the ability to offset the costs of card payments, including percentage-based fees, per-transaction fees, and monthly processor charges. By implementing a surcharge, your grooming business can recover these fees without having to raise your service prices.
- Reduces Overhead: Adding a surcharge reduces the overhead associated with processing card payments. This means you can avoid raising prices across the board, keeping services affordable for your customers. It’s a win-win for both sides!
- Encourages Alternative Payments: If customers aren’t comfortable with the surcharge, they have the option to use alternative payment methods, such as cash. Since cash doesn’t come with processing fees, it’s a cost-effective choice for your business and helps you save money in the long run.
Surcharging with DaySmart Pet
Ultimately, whether your clients choose to pay with a card or not is up to them, but you can take control of how those transactions impact your bottom line. A small percentage in surcharges can make a big difference in your overall profits.
With DaySmart Pet software, you can simplify payments, scheduling, client communication, and more – all in one place. Start your 14-day free trial today and see the difference!