<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mapsmith:
Actually, as a merchant that accepts AMEX, when we have to call in for an authorization, AMEX charges the merchant a different percentage for that charge AND an authorization charge. Since AMEX charges the merchant somewhere between 3% and 7% (depending on the dollar amounts of average charges) a $12 purchase with an AMEX card that requires an Authorization could cost the merchant almost $2.50 for a single purchase. And considering the markups (particularly if the item is on sale) it may not be good business sense to call for authorization. Although, if I were on the other side of the counter, I would be upset with AMEX.
So do not necessarily blame the merchant for the incompetence at AMEX. He is just trying to save money when he does not call in.</font>
MAPSMITH,
I have to (politely) disagree with your post. If you as a merchant accept the American Expresscard and have their little logo on your storefront, then there is no excuse (in my opinion as a customer) for not calling in for an authorization, regardless of the % fee you may incur. In this case, I feel AMEX's "incompetence" is your problem, not the customer's. As for "sale" items, I have often seen cash only conditions imposed by the merchant and this doesn't bother me at all.
By the way, I am a map fanatic. I visited your web site - you have a really nice store.