My problem is the opposite of yours. I like to write checks because I end up spending too much when I use credit cards. Often businesses won’t take checks because they are afraid of them being returned.

Since my husband owned his own business for 20 years, I knew that there was a fee involved with credit card use. And yes, they should build the fee in to their prices. When a business makes the request they did to you, to me it’s evidence the business is in trouble and is trying to find every conceivable way to cut back on their costs.

I think I would go to a different florist because I’m sure that the others will take your credit card in a minute. They want your business. It’s a shame that this clerk (it was probably the owner) because in trying to save a little bit she may have lost you as a customer. However, if you really like this florist you could still go there, sacrifice by using a check and minister to this person and let her know you are praying for the business.

Here are more comments I received via e-mail and Twitter:

Jan – I recently found out that a bakery I patronize was paying nearly as much in fees to the credit company as the price of the loaf of bread I buy there each week. That means they were loosing money every time I bought one because the cost of ingredients and staff time cost more than they kept. They never mentioned the problem but my husband told me about it and when I asked someone in the store they said he was correct. Now I try only to use my credit card at any local business if I’m spending at least ten dollars.

@joellem (Twitter) – Strange. Usually businesses have a sign if they only allow CC purchases above, say, $20, and do cash for sm purchases.

American Express charges the businesses more than other credit cards but gives more reward points to the consumer. I’ve never had a business refuse my Visa, but a lot my American Express.

I confess, I’ve never looked to see if the “refusers” had a sign saying “No American Express,” or just didn’t list AE in the credit cards accepted chart. The business should honor what they post about credit cards or else they lose customer confidence and trust. It is important to hold them accountable to change the sign. I’ll look for the sign in the future before I pay.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. As a small biz owner myself, I know that we do everything we can to work within tight budgets.

To me, this credit card conundrum is almost more of a customer service issue. As a return customer of this florist, I got kind of a weird, uncomfortable feeling when I was asked to pay with cash/check.

For a small-town florist in which competition is stiff (there’s another florist just down the street), it seems almost like shooting yourself in the foot to ask customers to use a certain type of payment.

I’m still mentally processing this — any and all comments are most appreciated.

On the other hand, the fee’s that CCC charge can be outrageous! Discover charges the most usually. Where do you think that “cash back” is coming from? Your merchant!

This really bites into the bottom line for all merchants. Especially for small business who barely make ends meet. To tack on $.50 to 10% of your purchase as fee’s the merchant must pay, can be a harsh pill to swallow sometimes. Remember, the merchant is paying for YOU to use the card.

Small business are failing everyday because they can’t make their quota to stay open. If the merchant requested a check…they might be in need. After all they are taking a big chance that your check is good.

I think we should have a bit of compassion for small businesses. They don’t really make that much. Net income ranges from $13-40,000 a year. Not the big money makers we all thought.

Just my opinion.