AIBU to put up a sign encouraging customers to pay in cash?

I would just put 'Cash payments welcome' then you're not potentially upsetting customers who prefer to use card. I think some customers assume most businesses are cash free now. I get someone asking if they can still use cash in my shop most weeks and come payday the till is mostly cash!

Making a point of what your payment preference is is fine but I would shorten it. This has got me thinking, all of the local nail salons and Chinese takeaways only accept cash. Why is that 🤔

I think a lot of business that are taking cash are paying workers in cash!

Don’t you get charged for banking cash into your business account?

Small independent businesses want all the custom they can get.

Paying by card may be the easiest and simplest option for you, but for the business they will take a hit financially due to the transaction fees. It’s no difference in price for you, but it is to the business.

No wonder so many small businesses are struggling in today’s financial climate.

The (edited) sign wouldn’t bother me. I wouldn’t assume you’re tax dodging.

but I’d be miffed at your reference to supporting small businesses.

1. not all small businesses prefer cash. Some see the cost of card transactions as value against having to trek to the next town for banking, risk of robbery etc.
2. i am supporting your small business by shopping with you rather than going to the cheaper multi-outlet competitor down the road.

I don't love the tone, it's too long and a bit pleading. But that's just me, I also get annoyed with websites that send marketing emails that are too chummy and sign off with 'hun' etc (looking at you P.Louise and White fox who spammed me after buying one item at Christmas for teen niece.)
I'd make it more to the point. But as a customer would have no issue with the request itself especially if it was for something like a hairdresser or beautician that I use regularly so would know in advance to bring cash with me.

Try shopping around for a better business bank account.

If you are in the UK, you might want to read this.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/payment-surcharges

Is that currently legal, if you're in the UK? If you aren't and OP is, I don't think she can do it.

I'd just put a sign up saying "cash preferred" as a pp said.

However, I don't like queues, I'd much rather take card payments than have to take the cash takings to the bank every so often. And there are so few banks now too. But each to their own.

Edited: as far as I am aware you cannot charge extra for card payments in the UK, I've linked the guidance below.

As others said quite wordy and sounds like you’re not wanting declare your earnings. Bank transfers don’t cost money..

I put a % on all card payments and make the clients pay the fees. Would this work?

The results might be different with the simpler sign though

Personally I'd keep it concise - We prefer cash as it helps keep our costs and prices down, but also happily accept cards and bank transfers. Job done.

I don't find it rude, but you may find some people feel pressured to pay cash and go elsewhere or something people may ask why they can't have a discount if it's saving you money.

I can’t understand how cards are so much more expensive for you. IME banks charge a fortune for handling cash so I would assume that at least some of your income was not being declared. I also wouldn’t be likely to have any cash so would pay by card anyway.

Have you worked out the cost of your time handling and depositing the cash? Is it lower than the percentage the machine charges?

Me too.

If this isn’t the case then offer a discount for paying cash minus the card or bank fee.

Fine in principle, but I think your notice is too long-winded. Keep it short, simple and factual.

Start by telling people that you accept debit and credit card payments (the reassuring bit and the critical information for anyone who doesn't have cash). Then say you prefer cash payments.
State that you pay a fee of xx per debit card transaction, yy per credit card transaction and zz for whatever digital payment solution you use (so customers can see the impact).

No need to lecture customers about the impact on prices and profits - they can join the dots. They're in your shop and about to make a purchase by the time they read your notice, so they're clearly willing to support small, independent businesses and don't need any reminders.

I support local businesses I value, but I'm not a charity and like many people I have to watch what I spend. Your profitability is your problem, not mine and trying to make it a moral issue puts my back up. It's very little skin off my nose to pay the way that's cheaper for a business, so I will if I can for low-value transactions.

You would be losing my business anyway but I am very surprised how much you would be losing per annum if you are not giving a discount or dodging taxes by taking cash only. Surely a cost is a cost?

You are swimming against the tide. I can’t remember the last time I paid for something with cash. If I read that note I’d probably think your business is old fashioned and is going to fail in time. Probably not the image you want to project.

If I have cash and see a sign like that I’ll pay cash instead as it tends to remind me I have cash. I won’t make a special trip to the cash machine though.

It’s super polite, and there is nothing wrong with the sign, but unfortunately I would ignore it. I only carry my phone now, very happy for you to put whatever on the transaction, but unfortunately it’s just not convenient for me to carry cash anymore.

I wouldn’t care if you were dodging tax, but it does feel like you don’t want the custom if it’s paid for by card. You should do more to push the bank transfer option. I
don’t mind doing that when you get sent a little link that makes it quick and easy.