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Credit Card Surcharging: What Medspas Need to Know

As the old saying goes, "It takes money to make money." For many medspa owners, that reality becomes especially clear when they discover the costs associated with accepting credit card payments. With medical spa software like AestheticsPro, you can manage these costs more efficiently while streamlining your operations. To process credit card transactions, businesses must pay a percentage of each sale to card processors, which can add up quickly. These fees vary depending on the type of card used–whether it's a rewards card, a standard credit card, or a debit card, the specifics of which are detailed in the individual merchant agreements.

For business owners looking to offset these costs, surcharging can be a powerful tool.

What is surcharging?

Surcharging allows business owners to pass a small portion of their credit card processing fees onto customers. This helps to shift the burden of processing fees away from the business and onto the customer. Depending on the business's volume of credit card transactions, surcharging could help save between 20-90% of processing fees. This offers a practical way to improve profit margins, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on credit card payments. Note: Surcharging may only be added to credit card transactions, not to debit card or prepaid card transactions.

Is surcharging right for you?

By passing some processing fees to customers, businesses can retain more revenue, reducing the impact of payment processing costs on profit margins. However, surcharging may not be suitable for every business, as some customers might view the additional fee negatively. It is essential to communicate the change clearly through signage at the front desk and on the business's website to avoid surprising customers. Another option to consider is absorbing the fees or slightly raising overall prices to cover processing costs without a visible surcharge. The credit card processing company can help determine if surcharging is right for the business.

What are the rules?

While federal law permits surcharging, state laws vary, and some states limit or ban surcharging altogether. Additionally, credit card companies (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) require 30 days' notice before a business can start applying surcharges–this is generally managed automatically by the credit card processing company when signing up for surcharging.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Surcharging has the potential to save a medspa thousands of dollars annually, but it requires careful planning and communication. With the help of spa management software, the setup process can be simplified, allowing the team to focus on delivering top-quality service. Additionally, the credit card processing company supports compliance, manages surcharge registration, and handles reporting to credit card networks, enabling the medspa to concentrate on business growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surcharging

Q: Will surcharging help to cover my processing fees?

A: Absolutely! While it may not cover all fees, surcharging will significantly reduce the amount you owe.

Q: Can I set different surcharge percentages for each card brand?

A: Experience simplicity and consistency! The surcharge is applied across all card types, making the process seamless and hassle-free.

Q: What type of transactions can surcharging be applied to?

A: Surcharges are optimized for credit card transactions (excluding debit cards), ensuring compliance and a smooth payment experience.

Q: Is there a cap on surcharge amounts?

Yes, the surcharge amount cannot exceed 3% (this amount may vary depending on your state or city laws).

Q: Do I need to refund the surcharge if I issue a refund?

A: Yes, any surcharge must be refunded along with the original transaction amount.

Surcharging can be a game-changer for your medspa's profitability, especially with the best medical spa software in place. By implementing a consistent and transparent surcharge policy, you can effectively manage transaction fees without compromising your bottom line. This allows you to keep more of your hard-earned revenue, freeing up funds for business growth and enhancements. With the right tools, you can ensure that your surcharging process is seamless, keeping costs low and customers satisfied.