Reducing Payment Processing Fees For Contractors: Experts Offer Simple Tips

The Hidden Expense Eating Your Margins

If you've ever looked at your bank statement and wondered where a chunk of your revenue disappeared, payment processing fees are probably among the leading culprits. For contractors running tight margins, these fees aren't just annoying; they're a serious drain on your finances. Every credit card swipe costs you money, and those costs add up to much more than you might think.

Why Contractors Pay More Than They Should

Most contractors use whatever payment system their accountant recommended or whatever came with their invoicing software. That's completely understandable when you're busy running jobs, but it often means you're leaving money on the table. Regular payment platforms vary wildly in their fee structures, and many weren't designed with construction businesses in mind.

Credit card companies charge between 2.87% and 4.35% per transaction, according to industry data. On a $10,000 job, that's between $287 and $435 gone before you even think about materials or labor. When you're processing payments regularly, these percentages become real money that could've stayed in your business.

ACH Payments: The Overlooked Alternative

Automated Clearing House payments are essentially electronic bank transfers, and they cost significantly less than credit cards. While credit cards take their percentage cut, ACH transactions typically run between $0.20 and $1.50 per transaction regardless of the payment size. For larger invoices, this difference can be significant.

The catch is that not every customer wants to provide their bank details, and ACH payments take a few days to clear. However, offering ACH as an option alongside credit cards gives your customers flexibility while giving you a lower-cost alternative when they're willing to use it.

Dual Pricing: Passing Costs To Those Who Choose Convenience

Dual pricing systems show customers two prices: one for cash or ACH payment, and a slightly higher price if they choose to pay by credit card. This approach is legal nationwide and effectively shifts the processing cost to customers who value credit card convenience and rewards.

Before implementing dual pricing, make sure your system clearly discloses both prices upfront. Transparency matters, both legally and for maintaining good customer relationships. When presented clearly, most customers understand they're paying for the convenience they've chosen.

Questions To Ask Your Payment Processor

Not all processors are created equal, especially for construction businesses with larger average transactions and project-based billing. Ask about their fee structure for different payment types, how quickly deposits hit your account, and whether they offer integration with your existing accounting software.

Be wary of processors that lock you into long contracts with early termination fees. Your business needs to be agile, and you shouldn't be penalized for switching to a better option. Monthly contracts give you flexibility without sacrificing service quality.

Small Changes, Big Savings

Reducing payment processing fees doesn't require a complete business overhaul. Start by understanding what you're currently paying, then explore whether ACH options or dual pricing systems make sense for your customer base. Even small adjustments to how you accept payments can translate to thousands in annual savings that stay in your business instead of going to processors.

Builder Pay Pro
City: Folsom
Address: 101 Parkshore Dr #100
Website: https://builderpaypro.com/