You may remember me posting about the “mom and pop” ice cream joint that wasn’t too pleased with accepting credit cards. Here’s the followup:

CREDIT CARD SIGNS

We apologize to any of our customers that have been offended by our signs regarding credit cards and minimium purchases. They have been updated. We are a small mom and pop ice cream company and have “asked” our customers to use their credit cards for purchases over $10. Most people don’t realize Visa and Mastercard charge us when you use your credit card. For example, if you buy a small ice cream with one crushin’ and charge it, the fees can be as much as 15%. We don’t want to raise our prices, but EVERYTHING is more expensive; gas, insurance, workman’s comp, TWC and we felt this was an area we could cut costs. If you have don’t have cash, feel free to use your credit card. We are only trying to hold off price increases.

Well, they still leave all the BS in, but at least they aren’t being jerks about accepting credit cards anymore. Guess they got a call from Visa or Mastercard informing them that their policy could get their ability to take credit cards yanked altogether.

Hey, guys. Here’s a suggestion.

Accept debit cards.

Most people who pay with a credit card are really paying with a debit card. I know for a fact the processing fees on pin-based transactions are lower than that on credit cards.

Just a thought.

Oh, and if your company is charging 15%, you may wanna consider finding a new company.

And one more thing… 13 locations is an awfully big mom and pop…

Just sayin’.

Amysicecream.com via Consumerist

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