Running a local business is no small feat. Between managing inventory, keeping customers happy, and making sure the lights stay on, the last thing you need is a payment processing headache eating into your hard-earned profits. If you’ve been using Square or Chase for your credit card processing, you might think you’re getting a good deal with their simple flat-rate fees. But here’s the thing, simple doesn’t always mean smart.
Let’s break down why Total Merchant Services might just be the upgrade your business has been waiting for.
The Flat-Rate Fee Trap: What Square and Chase Aren’t Telling You
Square and Chase have built their reputations on simplicity. Swipe a card, pay a flat percentage, done. Square typically charges around 2.4%–2.6% plus $0.15 per transaction, while Chase comes in at about 2.6% plus $0.10. Sounds straightforward, right?
Here’s where it gets tricky. That flat rate applies to every transaction, regardless of the actual cost to process that card. Some cards (like basic debit cards) have much lower interchange rates than others (like premium rewards credit cards). When you’re locked into a flat rate, you’re essentially overpaying on a huge chunk of your transactions.
For small businesses just starting out, this might feel manageable. But as your sales volume grows, those extra percentage points add up fast. We’re talking hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars per month that could be staying in your pocket.
Why Interchange-Plus Pricing Changes the Game
This is where merchant services providers like Total Merchant Services stand apart from the crowd. Instead of charging you a one-size-fits-all rate, they offer interchange-plus pricing. This means you pay the actual interchange rate (what the card networks charge) plus a small, transparent markup.
What Does This Mean for Your Bottom Line?
Let’s say you process $50,000 in credit card sales per month. With Square’s flat rate, you might pay around $1,300 or more in processing fees. With interchange-plus pricing through a provider like Total Merchant Services, that number could drop significantly, especially if a good portion of your customers use debit cards or standard credit cards with lower interchange rates.
The savings become even more dramatic as your business scales. High-volume businesses often see the biggest benefits because they’re no longer subsidizing premium card transactions with inflated flat fees.
Free Credit Card Equipment: Yes, You Read That Right
One of the biggest barriers to switching merchant services providers is the cost of new equipment. Maybe you’ve already invested in a card reader or POS terminal, and the thought of spending more money just to change processors feels like a non-starter.
Here’s the good news: Total Merchant Services offers free credit card equipment to qualifying businesses. That means you can upgrade to modern, reliable terminals without the upfront investment. No leasing fees, no hidden equipment costs: just straightforward processing with hardware that works.
Compare that to Square, where you’re often stuck purchasing their proprietary readers and accessories. Those costs can add up quickly, especially if you need multiple terminals for a busy storefront or restaurant.
Free Point of Sale Systems That Actually Work
Speaking of restaurants and retail shops, let’s talk about your free point of sale options. A solid POS system does more than process payments: it tracks inventory, manages employees, generates sales reports, and keeps your operation running smoothly.
Square does offer a free basic POS app, but many business owners find it limiting as they grow. Advanced features often require paid upgrades, and you’re locked into Square’s ecosystem for hardware and integrations.
Total Merchant Services takes a different approach by offering free point of sale solutions that are customized to fit your specific business needs. Whether you’re running a coffee shop, a boutique, or a service-based business, their team works with you to find the right setup: without nickel-and-diming you for every feature.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Total Merchant Services understands that every business is unique. Their custom-fit approach means you’re not stuck with a cookie-cutter solution that doesn’t quite work for your workflow.
Gift Card Programs: A Secret Weapon for Customer Loyalty
Want to boost repeat business and attract new customers? A gift card program is one of the most effective tools in your marketing arsenal. Gift cards drive foot traffic, increase average purchase amounts (most people spend more than the card’s value), and turn one-time buyers into loyal regulars.
Square and Chase do offer gift card options, but they often come with fees, limitations, or clunky integrations. Total Merchant Services makes it easy to launch a gift card program that integrates seamlessly with your POS system. It’s a simple add-on that can have a big impact on your revenue: especially during the holiday season or for special promotions.
The Personal Touch: Why Custom Solutions Beat One-Size-Fits-All
Here’s something you won’t get from Square or Chase: a dedicated team that actually knows your name and your business. When you work with Total Merchant Services, you’re not just another account number in a massive database. Their approach is built on relationships, not algorithms.
Need help setting up your equipment? They’ve got you covered. Have questions about your monthly statement? You can actually talk to a real person who understands merchant services inside and out. That level of support is rare in an industry dominated by chatbots and automated help centers.
For local business owners: whether you’re in retail, restaurants, or professional services: having a partner who understands your unique challenges makes all the difference. It’s the same philosophy we champion here at Local Area Living, where community connections and personalized service always come first.
Making the Switch: Easier Than You Think
If you’ve been hesitant to switch from Square or Chase, we get it. Change can feel risky, especially when your payment processing is working “well enough.” But “well enough” shouldn’t be the standard for your business.
Switching to Total Merchant Services is designed to be seamless. Their team handles the heavy lifting: from equipment setup to integration with your existing systems. Most businesses are up and running within days, not weeks.
And here’s a pro tip: while you’re optimizing your business operations, don’t forget about your personal finances too. Check out Quicksaveoffers for deals and savings that can stretch your budget even further. Every dollar saved is a dollar you can reinvest in growing your business.
The Bottom Line: Your Business Deserves Better
Flat-rate fees from Square and Chase might seem convenient, but convenience has a cost. When you dig into the numbers, many local businesses discover they’re leaving money on the table: money that could go toward hiring, inventory, marketing, or simply taking a well-deserved vacation.
Credit card processing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right merchant services partner, you get transparent pricing, free credit card equipment, free point of sale systems, and a gift card program that drives real results. Plus, you get the peace of mind that comes from working with a team that’s been in the business for over two decades.
Ready to see how much you could save? Visit Total Merchant Services today and request a free cost comparison. Your bottom line will thank you.
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