Running a successful salon means balancing a million moving parts. From managing busy stylist schedules to creating unforgettable experiences for your guests, your hands are always full. Lately, there is another challenge keeping salon owners up at night: the rising overhead of doing business.
Every time a client swipes a credit card at your salon, processing fees quietly chip away at your hard-earned profit margins. To help you protect your bottom line on your own terms, SalonBiz Payments is introducing Flexible Surcharging, giving you the freedom to choose a lower, customized credit card surcharge rather than being locked into a fixed 3% rate.
Break free from rigid, one-size-fits-all fees
Passing fees along to clients via surcharging is an effective way to offset costs, but until now SalonBiz Payments offered a single fixed rate.
But what if a flat 3% charge doesn’t align with how you do business? What if you want to absorb some of the cost as a gesture of goodwill to your loyal guests, or what if your state’s requirements call for a lower rate?
For many owners, a fixed rate can feel less like a tool and more like a barrier. You were stuck choosing between absorbing the full cost of processing fees or risking client friction at checkout.
Offset your costs without overcharging your clients
This update isn’t just about a new toggle in a software system. It is about empowering you to run your salon on your own terms:
- Greater control over expenses: Take command of your operational overhead by deciding how much of your processing costs to offset
- An elevated client experience: Soften checkout friction by offering a lower, thoughtful rate that keeps your clients happy as they book their next visit
- Total business flexibility: Surcharge rules and business preferences vary widely across states, especially in places like Colorado, New York and New Jersey, so a lower rate gives you more room to choose what fits your salon
A lower rate means your salon offsets less of the processing expense, and the underlying processing fees don’t decrease.
State laws and card-network rules govern surcharging. Review what applies to your salon before choosing a rate. Our surcharging guide explains payment eligibility, disclosure requirements and how the feature works.
Empower your salon’s growth on your own terms
At SalonBiz, we know that no two salons are identical. Your brand, your clientele and your financial goals are entirely unique to you. Payment processing shouldn’t be a rigid bottleneck. It should be an accessible tool that supports your growth.
By introducing variable rates, SalonBiz Payments is evolving into a more accessible, valuable solution built for the real-world challenges salon owners face every day. You built your business your way. It is time your payments caught up.
Offset your costs without overcharging your clients
Frequently asked questions about credit card surcharges
What is a credit card surcharge?
A credit card surcharge is a percentage added to a client’s purchase when they pay by credit card. Salons use it to offset some of the processing fees they pay on those transactions.
What credit card surcharge rates can I choose?
You can choose any percentage from 0.25% up to 3%. Surcharges are percentage-based, and flat dollar amounts aren’t supported.
What happens to my current 3% surcharge?
Your current setting stays in place unless you ask to change it.
How do I change my credit card surcharge rate?
Contact your Success team and they will help you update your rate.
Does a lower surcharge reduce my processing fees?
A lower rate means your salon offsets less of the processing expense and covers more of it yourself. The underlying processing fees stay the same.
How do state laws affect credit card surcharging?
State laws and card-network rules govern surcharging, so review what applies to your salon before choosing a rate. Our surcharging guide explains payment eligibility, disclosure requirements and how the feature works.
Which payments does a surcharge apply to?
A surcharge applies to eligible in-store credit card transactions. It doesn’t apply to debit cards, prepaid cards, online payments or tips.
