Believe it or not I ran into a business the other day that had decided not to accept credit cards for payment. It was a new tattoo shop in Frederick Maryland.  How could it be, in this day and age, that a business would actually consider not accepting payments in an electronic form when it makes it so easy for their customers to pay? After doing some digging it seems there are several tattoo shops in Frederick that don’t accept credit cards. These businesses are mostly comprised of a younger generation who thinks they don’t need to conform to run their business and I get it but……I don’t get it.

Let me tell you why they’re missing the boat. As a retail or service business, you need to make it as easy as possible for people to buy your product or service and in this case it’s both! Say a new client comes in and looks at some designs and says ok I’ll take it. Instantly your creating a barrier to your sale when you either have a sign that says cash only or you have to say we only accept cash or worse yet you create the tattoo and when they go to pay with plastic you say “sorry cash only.” First if you have the sign it’s also a red flag that says there is an extra step to buy from me. Second if you say cash only before they buy it makes the customer decide again whether they wish to do business with you. Sure, times are good but no-one with any sense would make a potential customer think twice about their purchase. If you were to spring it on them after the tattoo was completed what are you going to do follow them to the bank? Anyone who says they always get it anyway is lying to themselves and I’m not LOL. What about those tattoos that cost $4-5-$600.00 or more? I’m sorry but not many people have that kind of cash to drop on a tattoo, but they might have that much in credit.

Ahhhh…Do you see all of the problems you are solving when you accept credit and debit cards for that matter? By accepting credit cards, you have a built-in financing program with no risk as long as you dip the card into the reader and get a signature for the cards that do require one now. By accepting credit cards you’re also giving your clients a level of security. Think about it, it’s a risk for you just to go to an ATM and withdraw money. Years ago, when I was living in Baltimore I was robbed at an ATM, the guy got $300 and wanted more before I ran off and yes, he had a gun Clint Eastwood would be proud to holster. I had an insurance agent complain once because I paid a large some of cash for my car insurance and she didn’t like making cash deposits at the bank. If your potential customer must get a cash advance from a credit card it’s another fee or should I say obstacle for them to buy from you. Let’s say you wanted to get a cash advance from your credit card, but you don’t know the pin #? You’re not waiting a week or more to get the pin # in the mail. You’re going to a tattoo shop that accepts credit cards. It’s that simple

By accepting credit cards, you are making it easy for your customer to pay and in the back of their head they will always know it’s easy to buy from you. You get a built-in financing program and you don’t have to make as many cash deposits at the bank either. Most of your would-be clients might be able to get the cash but it’s a hassle and no-one likes a hassle especially when your customers are buying something like a tattoo that is supposed to make them happy. In the long run not accepting credit and debit card will cost your business customers and it will cost you money.

If you’re worried about the fee, then increase your pricing 4% to 5% but whatever you do don’t make them pay a surcharge for many of the same reasons!

For more information about the solutions we offer to help your business accept electronic payments in your store, in the field, or online Call James @ (410) 457-7331 or complete our contact page https://atb.tax/contact/ and we will be in touch. Good luck with your business and keep in mind “The Key to Profitability is making it Easy for Your Customers to PAY!” We make it Affordable!