If you've been considering a cash discount for your business, now may be the perfect time to try it.
Posted in It Pays To Know on Wednesday, March 16, 2022
We want you and your business to thrive. If you want to try a cash discount program, we’re ready to help make it happen. We’ll easily get it up and running for you on a trial basis.
Here's how it works:
Taking the First Step
To get the ball rolling, simply give us a call at least one week before you want to get started. The cash discount program is on a month-to-month basis, so you can start on the first of any given month.
Equipment
Generally, when you start a cash discount program, it’s best if we send you new processing equipment. This is at no additional cost to you, and helps ensure a seamless transition to the program.
There are cases when we can reprogram existing equipment, but that’s not ideal. Equipment would need to be reprogrammed right when you are ready to switch it over. You likely won’t have any problems switching over but if you do, you don’t want to lose processing time to correct the problem.
Preparing Your Business
There are a couple things you need to do to get your business ready. First of all, you should have signs clearly posted that explain the prices and cash discount policy. This is a requirement of the major credit card companies, but it also makes sense as a courtesy to your customers. You will receive signs with your new terminal.
Secondly, make sure your staff fully understands how the cash discount program works. They should be ready to explain it to customers. Keep in mind that some customers may be upset, especially if they mistakenly believe they are overpaying when they use a credit card. Your staff will need to explain that when they pay by credit card, they are paying the regular price and if they pay by cash, they would get a discount.
See How it Goes
Once your cash discount program is underway, see how it goes. You are not locked into a specific timeframe for the trial period.
If the amount you’re paying for accepting credit cards decreases and customers seem receptive, those are indicators of success! If you see a decrease in sales or maybe your customers are complaining, you may want to reconsider.
Just make sure you give the program a real chance. It may take at least 2-3 months or longer to see a difference.
| If You Want to Continue |
If You Change Your Mind |
| If you are happy with the way the cash discount program is going, just continue! You don’t need to call our office. |
If you don’t like it, let us know so we can switch you back to traditional credit card processing on the first of the following month. We won’t need to send you a new terminal; we can simply reprogram the one you have. |
A Note About EBT
One thing to keep in mind is that cash discount programs are not compatible with Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You would have to use two separate terminals. EBT/SNAP beneficiaries would not be eligible to receive the cash discount.
What’s Next?
We are here to help you. Maybe you’d like to learn additional details, including rates and considerations for certain types of businesses. (For example, a cash discount program could be complicated for health care providers in terms of payments for Medicare, insurance copayments, HSAs, etc.)
Let’s talk. Give us a call at 800-232-2791 if you have questions or are ready to start your cash discount program.
We recommend that health care providers consult an attorney for specific legal advice before implementing a cash discount program.
The credit card processing program is administered through Professional Solutions Financial Services, a division of NCMIC Finance Corporation.