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Comprehensive Guide to Slashing Processing Fees: A Proven Playbook

processing fees

Sarah Janssen

Account Lead

Let’s face it – running a business is complicated enough without having to worry about losing money on every credit card transaction. 

If you’ve been watching those processing fees eat into your profits month after month, this guide offers a done-for-you solution to that problem.

Understanding The Current Landscape

Before we dive into the solution, let’s get clear on what you’re up against. Every time a customer pays with a credit card, you’re typically paying:

  • Processing fees (1.5-2%)
  • Card brand fees (0.1-0.2%)
  • Assessment fees
  • Monthly statement fees
  • Various “hidden” fees

These might seem like small percentages, but they add up to thousands of dollars annually that could be better spent growing your business on things such as funding your next big marketing push or expanding your product line instead of watching it slip away.

Why Traditional Solutions Don’t Work

You’ve probably tried some common approaches:

  • Raising prices (but this makes you less competitive)
  • Negotiating with processors (minimal impact)
  • Minimum purchase requirements (frustrates customers)
  • Cash discounts (complex to manage)

These band-aid solutions don’t address the root problem. That’s where our proven playbook comes in, offering you a strategic framework to tackle the core issues and drive sustainable growth for your business.

What Is Surcharge?

A surcharge is a small fee added to credit card transactions that shifts the cost of processing from your business to customers who choose to pay with credit cards. 

Think of it like this: normally, when a customer pays with a credit card, your business absorbs processing fees that can eat up to 3% of each sale. 

With surcharging, customers who enjoy the convenience and rewards of credit cards pay a small percentage (typically 2.4%) to cover these costs, while customers paying with cash or debit cards continue to pay the regular price. 

It’s a compliant, transparent way to eliminate one of your business’s biggest ongoing expenses while keeping payment choices available for your customers. 

The best part? 

When implemented correctly with proper disclosures and technology, surcharging can save your business up to 99.7% on credit card processing fees without impacting your sales or customer satisfaction.

The Zero-Fee Solution: Your Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

Step 1: Assessment

  • Review your current processing statements (we can help with a complimentary Rescue Review )
  • Calculate your actual monthly fee burden
  • Identify peak transaction periods
  • Analyze customer payment preferences

Step 2: Program Setup

  • Register with card brands (we handle this for you)
  • Receive compliant signage and materials
  • Install or update payment terminals
  • Set up integrated reporting systems

Step 3: Staff Training

  • Provide clear explanation scripts
  • Practice common customer scenarios
  • Learn compliance requirements
  • Master the new system features

Step 4: Customer Communication

  • Display clear, professional signage
  • Implement proper disclosure methods
  • Prepare email/social media announcements
  • Set up customer feedback channels

Step 5: Launch and Monitor

  • Go live with the program
  • Track transaction patterns
  • Monitor customer feedback
  • Measure cost savings

The Best Part of Processing Fees? We Handle Everything!

This might look like a lot, but here’s the beauty of working with Rescue – we manage the entire process. You don’t have to figure out compliance, worry about registration, or stress about implementation. We’ve done this hundreds of times, and we’ve perfected every step for our clients. 

They Will Still Buy From You 

This won’t affect your relationship with the customers. The data is clear – across millions of transactions, only 0.0002% of customers raise any concerns. Most simply appreciate the transparency or switch to debit cards.

And with our done-for-you system, you can be up and running in as little as 48 hours. We handle all the heavy lifting.

Let’s look at what this means in real numbers:

  • Monthly credit card sales: $50,000
  • Traditional processing fees: $1,500
  • Annual savings with Rescue: $17,820
  • Five-year savings: $89,100

That’s tangible cash flow returning to your business each month, empowering you to invest in growth initiatives, enhance your operations, and seize new opportunities.

Success with surcharge processing isn’t just about the technology – it’s about seamless implementation and execution. Our professional implementation ensures you’re set up with fully compliant systems, proper signage, and integrated payment solutions that work smoothly across all your business channels. 

We believe in complete transparency, which is why we equip your staff with comprehensive training and ensure your customers always have clear payment choices.

But we don’t just set it and forget it. 

Your business deserves ongoing support that evolves with your needs. That’s why we provide round-the-clock technical assistance, keep you updated with the latest compliance requirements, and continuously optimize your system for maximum efficiency. 

Think of us as your dedicated payment processing partner, committed to your long-term success.

Ready to Stop Paying Processing Fees?

Your roadmap to the elimination of processing fees is ready. We’ve helped thousands of businesses just like yours implement this system successfully. Our team handles everything from registration to setup, training to ongoing support.

Take the first step toward keeping more of your hard-earned money. Contact Rescue today for your free consultation and custom implementation plan.

Want advice on setting up a surcharge program?

We host weekly live trainings teaching you how to get the most out of your surcharge program, and if you want to get learning right now, you can download our Surcharge Canada Guide.

Download the Surcharge Canada Guide
Surcharge Canada Guide