Tired of those annoying credit card fees eating into your profits? We feel you. A cash discount program can help you slash those pesky fees while giving your customers a reason to smile. But to make it successful, you’ll need to educate your customers and keep things fun and clear. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with these 5 easy and playful tips that’ll turn your cash discount program into a win-win for everyone.
1. Be Honest: No Surprises, Just Savings
Nobody likes a surprise when it comes to prices. Your customers need to know how your cash discount program works from the get-go. The secret sauce? Transparency.
Here’s how to get it right:
- Use clear signage at your entrance and checkout to explain how the discount works.
- Show both prices—the regular price for card payments and the discounted price for cash payments.
- Add a note on receipts showing the discount customers received by paying cash.
Why does this matter? When you’re upfront, customers feel empowered and trust your business more. Plus, who doesn’t like seeing, “You saved $5 today!” on their receipt?
2. Keep It Legal and Legit
A cash discount is not a surcharge—there’s a difference. A cash discount rewards customers for paying with cash, while a surcharge adds an extra fee for card payments. Staying on the right side of this is crucial.
Make sure your program complies with local regulations and card network rules. Want to dig into the nitty-gritty? The FTC’s compliance guide is a good place to start.
3. Train Your Team to Be Discount Pros
Your staff is the key to making your cash discount program successful. They’re the ones interacting with customers, so they need to be comfortable explaining how it works. Think of it as giving them superpowers in customer communication.
Common Questions Your Staff Should Be Ready For:
- “Why is there a discount for cash?”
- “Do I have to pay extra if I use a card?”
- “What’s the deal with this program?”
The answer should be friendly, clear, and confident. For example, “We offer a cash discount to help save you money—and it helps us reduce credit card fees!”
4. Keep the Messaging Simple and Fun
Forget jargon and complicated explanations—keep your messaging light and easy to understand. Use signs and POS displays with catchy phrases like:
- “Pay with cash, save some cash!”
- “Want to pay less? Cash is best!”
- “Skip the fees, grab the savings!”
Friendly, relatable language goes a long way in helping customers remember and appreciate the program.
5. Show the Savings (And Make It Real)
Customers love to see real savings. Don’t just tell them they’re saving—show them. Use examples and scenarios to highlight how much they’re keeping in their wallets.
Example:
- Paying with a card on a $100 bill costs $3 in card fees.
- Paying with cash? That $3 stays in your pocket.
Better yet, throw in something fun: “That’s your next coffee on us!”
This makes the savings tangible and encourages customers to take advantage of the discount.
Why Multiple Payment Options Still Matter
While promoting your cash discount program, remember to stay flexible. Not everyone carries cash these days, so continue to accept credit and debit cards without pressure. Offering multiple payment options ensures that every customer feels welcome and comfortable.
Pro Tip: According to Tidal Commerce, having varied payment options while promoting cash discounts helps create a better customer experience and builds long-term loyalty.
How Applova POS Makes It Simple
Managing a cash discount program manually? No thanks. With Applova POS, everything is automated and stress-free:
- Automatic discount calculations—no manual entry required.
- Clear price displays for both cash and card payments.
- Transparent receipts that show the exact discount applied.
Whether you’re running a café, food truck, or boutique, Applova POS makes it a breeze to offer cash discounts while keeping your checkout process seamless.
Wrapping It Up: Keep It Fun, Keep It Clear
A cash discount program can save your business big bucks while delighting your customers. By keeping your messaging playful and transparent, training your team, and automating the process with Applova POS, you’ll turn this program into a total success.
Ready to boost your savings and make your customers happier? Contact us at sales@applova.io or call (469) 599-1900.
Let’s turn those fees into smiles and savings! 😊