Originally Posted by
Mary2e
Restaurants in NJ have just started adding the CC processing fee to users of credit cards. One of my go-to places has done so, and posted a sign advising customers, and I told them I won't be back.
It is stupid, stupid business to piss off your customers like that. Raise the food a $1 and it should cover it. I had a $600 check at that place once, I don't carry, nor do I want to carry, that kind of cash around with me.
I must not be the only one who feels that way... I pass it on my way to my dad's house and it is always busy - and on the weekends it's insanely busy. It's off the beaten track, so people have to make a point to go there. Anyway, ever since the fee the parking lot is not as full as it used to be - even on the weekends.
I'd be right with you... at another restaurant that gladly accepts the credit card without a fee.
One trick I heard years ago from an American Express manager that was used in establishments who would accept only bank cards rather than AMEX.... they'd send in people to buy a huge amount of merchandise, pull out their AMEX card at the register, then feign surprise and walkout. Done enough, merchants would sign up.
In the case of a restaurant, if they do catering or lunch groups, you could call and make all of the arrangements, have them quote the price, then wait for them to quote the fee to use the card, then decline the business citing the fee. Otherwise hard to do after you've had the meal and it's clearly stated. This is certainly a surcharge that should just be baked into the menu, rather than aggravating customers.
I use a credit card for every purchase I can.... but I sure carry the cash to take advantage of a local restaurant's cash discount of 10%.