Even though merchant fees average 3 percent, an organization would be foolish to not accept credit cards (including American Express and Discover). For the past two years, the Heber Valley Railroad has even utilized a wireless Veri-Fone POS device aboard the train, for snack-bar and gifts sales during our excursions. Prior to that, we would transcribe credit-card information (taking an impression of the card), but would occasionally lose out when we would run the card later and have it declined. The wireless POS utilizes Sprint as the cellular carrier, and has battery backup. We are fortunate to have decent Sprint coverage along most of our line, the fees are reasonable, and we have had very little trouble with the system. The transaction is verified on the spot and the paperwork is "clean" when the machine is batched out. The initial cost of purchasing the equipment was approximately $1,250.00. We even use the wireless machine during Day Out with Thomas, whenever we have difficulties with the other POS devices.

Craig Lacey
Executive Director
Heber Valley Railroad

Common misconception... actually, it's not. It's illegal three different ways: Federal law, state law (in California), and the merchant's civil contract with the credit card. I had occasion to research this once. All say the same thing:

You may not surcharge Visa/MC. You may discount for cash. Ridiculous, but true.

You may not have a minimum charge for Visa/MC. If someone wants to charge a breath mint, they can. You may have a minimum for ALL transactions of all payment types. Or you may simply sell mints in the cafe (which doesn't take Visa/MC) and not in the bookstore (which does).

Now... as to the notion that the merchant fees are so burdensome... what, handling cash is free? Having done it... I think not.

Hello

When we set up Nevada Southern Railway at boulder city, The first thing we did is get a credit card machine.

Your museum gift shop will lose sales if you don't have a credit machine.

Chris