With business rates rising and operating costs increasing across Shropshire, many independent businesses in Shrewsbury are reviewing overheads like energy, staffing, rent and stock.

But one area that often gets overlooked?

Card payment fees.

For cafés, pubs, restaurants, boutiques and retailers across Shrewsbury town centre, card transactions now represent the majority of revenue. Even a small difference in fees can quietly cost thousands per year.

So how do you know if you’re overpaying?

1. Check Your Effective Rate, Not Just the Headline %

Many providers advertise a low headline rate, but your true cost is often higher once you factor in:

• Blended debit and credit rates

• Secure transaction fees (often charged per payment)

• Authorisation fees

• Terminal rental

• PCI or platform fees

The key figure to calculate is your effective rate: your total monthly fees divided by your total card turnover.

Most businesses we speak to have never actually calculated this.

2. Look Closely at Your Per-Transaction Charges

Secure transaction fees are typically charged per payment. At scale, even a few pence difference adds up significantly.

For example, a 3p secure transaction fee across 2,000 transactions per month equals £60 per month before VAT. Multiply that across a year and it becomes meaningful.

Importantly, the secure transaction fee and terminal rental are VAT applicable, meaning VAT-registered businesses can reclaim 20% on those elements - something many businesses forget to factor in.

3. Review Terminal Costs and Flexibility

Do you own your devices or rent them?

Are you paying more than necessary for additional readers?

Many Shrewsbury businesses need more than one device, particularly in hospitality. Understanding the buy vs rent structure is essential to cost control.

4. Consider Reconciliation Time as a Cost

It’s not just about the rates…

Manual reconciliation, fragmented payment channels and unclear reporting all create hidden labour costs. A unified system that provides real-time reconciliation across in-store, online and remote payments reduces admin and improves visibility.

5. Don’t Ignore Switching Risk

One of the biggest reasons businesses stay with an expensive provider is fear of disruption.

The right approach should include:

• A full audit of your current charges

• Clear rate comparison

• Transparent fee breakdown

• Managed transition

• No double billing

This is exactly why Shrewsbury BID has partnered with omnigo.

What This Means for Shrewsbury Businesses

Through the partnership with Shrewsbury BID, local businesses can now access:

• A free audit of current merchant fees

• Guaranteed match or better on current rates (for new DOJO customers)

• Free DOJO Go card machine

• Additional devices available at £79 to buy or £15 per month to rent

• Transparent 3p secure transaction fee per payment

• 12-month fixed transaction charges following a one-month free trial

The aim isn’t just to supply card machines. It’s to remove friction, improve visibility, and reduce unnecessary costs for independent businesses across Shrewsbury.

If you’re unsure whether you’re overpaying, the first step isn’t switching, it’s reviewing.

For a free, no-obligation payment audit:

Chris Hartley: Hospitality & Retail Lead
ch@omnigo.tech
07736 107770