Charges deter small retailer spending. Opinion

IN a First World-country that is Australia with its thriving economy and ever-increasing population, I am baffled as to the widespread practice of applying EFTPOS and credit card surcharges.

Almost every day I am told there is a $10 minimum for card transactions or there is a 30c surcharge for card transactions.

Recently I wanted to pay for a $2 purchase using EFTPOS and was told there would be a 50c charge. That equates to a 25 per cent surcharge.

On another occasion, I wanted to buy a $7 afternoon tea treat only to be told there was a $10 minimum spend for card purchases.

When I declined to buy another item for $3, the retailer apologised and placed my item back on the shelf.

The retailer would rather lose a $7 purchase than pay the tiny charge that the banks apply to a card transaction.

The retailer must be doing so well if they can just turn customers away.

This is the 21st century people. Card transaction fees are a normal business expense and penalising card users in this way must surely be costing business far more in lost custom than in bank fees.

I would much prefer to support small businesses than the bigger retailers. However, if I am subjected to surcharges left, right and centre I am afraid I will take my business to where my plastic is welcomed as an acceptable method of payment.

Perhaps instead of penalising card users, retailers could offer cash paying customers a discount.

HAZEL FLOWER, Riverton.