How Much Are You Really Paying in Processing Fees? (The Breakdown Every Local Owner Should Know)
How Much Are You Really Paying in Processing Fees?
(And why most business owners don’t realize the true cost.)
If you’re a small business owner in Columbia — restaurant, mobile vendor, retail shop, beauty service, whatever — chances are you’ve wondered:
“Am I paying too much every time a customer taps or swipes?”
Here’s the honest truth:
Most business owners have no idea what they’re truly being charged.
And processors like Square, Clover, Toast, Stripe, etc…
don’t exactly make it easy to understand.
Let’s break it all down in a simple, human way — no industry jargon, no confusion.
1. What You Think You’re Paying vs. What You’re Actually Paying
Most people only notice the “headline rate”:
2.6% + 10¢
or
2.9% + 30¢
But the real cost includes:
✔ card type fees
✔ premium card surcharges
✔ keyed-in fees
✔ online processing rates
✔ monthly platform charges
✔ hidden “adjustments” or “downgrades”
Add all that up and your true rate jumps to 3.5–4.5%, sometimes even higher.
That’s why your monthly statement feels off — because it is.
2. How to Find Your True Processing Rate
Here’s the simplest method:
1️⃣ Take the total fees charged
2️⃣ Divide by your total card volume
3️⃣ That percentage = your effective rate
Example:
Monthly card sales: $10,000
Total fees charged: $420
Effective rate = 4.2%
If your rate is anywhere over 3%, you’re losing money every single month.
3. Why High Fees Hurt Local Businesses More
Big chains can absorb high processing fees.
Local businesses?
Every half-percent matters.
A barber shop, bakery, or boutique might unknowingly lose:
$150–$300 per month
$1,800–$3,600 per year
just to unnecessary fees.
That’s money that could go toward:
✔ marketing
✔ supplies
✔ upgrades
✔ payroll
✔ growth
Your processors won’t tell you that — but I will.
4. You Can Lower (or Even Eliminate) Fees Without Switching Everything
A lot of owners think:
“Lower fees means changing POS systems and re-training everyone… I don’t have time for that.”
The truth:
Most upgrades take under 10 minutes.
And you keep accepting cards during the switch — no downtime.
Some setups even let you:
✔ keep your menus
✔ keep your layout
✔ keep your current workflow
✔ keep your same device or upgrade smoothly
You’re not “starting over” — you’re just paying less for the same thing.
5. How I Help Local Owners (Free, No Commitment)
Here’s what I do for free:
✔ Review your statement
✔ Show your actual effective rate
✔ Compare it to fair market pricing
✔ Calculate your savings
✔ Keep your setup smooth with zero downtime
✔ Support you with a real human — not a call center
If the savings make sense → great.
If not → you still walk away with clarity.
Either way, you win.
6. Want Me to Break Down Your Fees For You?
Most owners tell me:
“I wish I did this earlier.”
If you’d like me to calculate your real rate and potential monthly savings, you can book a free 10–15 minute quote below.
No pushy sales talk.
No pressure.
Just clarity.