‘big Chains Pay 0.2% In Credit Card Fees. Pet Indies Pay Up To 8%.’

Editor’s note: Each month, we ask members of the PETS+ Brain Squad — our survey group of 1,100+ independent pet retailers and service providers — to share their thoughts on the pet industry. These “letters to the editor” are plentiful! We print as many as will fit in each issue’s Inbox, and even more run here on petsplusmag.com — like with this latest installment of From the PETS+ Inbox.

April Meier of Pawsitively Scrumptious in Crestview, FL, points out the difference between what she pays in credit card processing fees and what large chains are charged, and she calls her fellow pet indies to act with her.

One issue that continues to generate significant discussion among independent pet retailers is the widening gap between what small businesses pay in credit card processing fees compared to large national retailers. The major corporations typically are charged .1-.2%, where most small businesses can range anywhere from 2-8% depending on the type of processor they have.

While major corporations often have the leverage to negotiate substantially reduced processing rates with payment networks and processors, small businesses are frequently left paying significantly higher fees on the very same transactions. For independent retailers operating on already tight margins, these costs can have a meaningful impact on profitability, staffing, inventory investments and overall business growth.

As a member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), I recently had the opportunity to participate in NFIB’s Fly-In in Washington, D.C., where small business owners from across the country met with policymakers to discuss issues affecting Main Street businesses. During the event, I was honored to represent the pet industry and to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as members of Congress and other federal officials.

During those discussions, I specifically raised concerns about the growing burden of credit card and debit card transaction fees on small businesses. Independent pet retailers, like many other small businesses, lack the negotiating power available to large corporations and are often forced to absorb costs that continue to rise year after year. I encouraged policymakers to explore solutions that would promote greater competition, transparency and fairness within the payment processing system.

The conversation was productive, and it reinforced the importance of small-business owners making their voices heard. Legislative change often begins when elected officials hear directly from the businesses and constituents affected by an issue.

I would encourage fellow pet retailers to engage with their federal legislators and discuss the impact that payment processing fees are having on their businesses. Ask where your representatives stand on legislation related to credit card competition and payment processing reform, and consider encouraging them to co-sponsor bills that support independent businesses and consumers alike.

NFIB regularly surveys small business owners on the challenges they face and advocates on their behalf at both the state and federal levels. Pet retailers interested in learning more about current legislative priorities affecting small businesses can find additional information through NFIB.

Independent pet retailers have always been strong advocates for their communities, customers and the pets we serve. By becoming involved in the legislative process, we can help ensure that policymakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions and work toward solutions that allow small businesses to compete on a more level playing field.