How Ardsley Station Offset More Than $4k* in Monthly Credit Card Processing Fees in Their First Month of Using Toast Credit Card Surcharging

Guests are more understanding of surcharging

Tyler’s initial hesitation to surcharge was the overall guest reaction. But with surcharges more prevalent in the market, his guests were far more amenable to paying the fee -- especially when his staff was trained to be transparent and authentic in explaining the ‘why’. Unlike other cost-offsetting options -- like increasing menu prices -- surcharging gave guests options to pay with cash or debit to avoid the fee altogether.

“Consumers are more understanding of how hard it's been for the industry. I don't think surcharging is as big of a deal as it once was. The people that come in here once, twice, or sometimes three times a week… they don't have an issue with it.”

Offset costs can be reinvested in your team

Tyler offers benefits to employees working over a certain number of hours a week including medical, dental, vision, and even supplemental insurance and 401K options. As a business owner, that’s an important, but sizable, chunk out of his annual net income that improves morale and retains top talent.

“We value our team. We're just trying to continue to be profitable and continue to extend employee benefits. Surcharging is a way to pave an easier path to that point. If the team is happy, it's going to translate to a great experience, return visits, and more customer loyalty. That's what it's honestly all about for me.”

Do the math: Surcharging pricing is a win/win

Toast Credit Card Surcharging requires eligible customers to agree to new card processing rates. These rates are designed to automatically differentiate between credit and debit,  with credit card-present rates largely offset by a 3% surcharge alongside a low debit card-present rate (because surcharges do not apply to debit). 

“We did the math, and the card rate pricing for surcharging is still a win/win for us. If guests end up paying more with debit instead of credit, it’s still going to benefit us in the end.” 

*These results are self-reported by the customer. Individual results will vary. Toast pays research participants a small fee in exchange for participation.