How to report a restaurant with unannounced credit card fees
I have seen numerous restaurants with signs about either:
A. Adding X% (from 3-5%, but usually 4%).
B. Offering X% cash discount.
If not posted, A is illegal. Does the same apply to B (if it is not posted, and they do not give it to you, how would you know)?
Murphy has just signed a law, which limits sur-charges to actual fees. When I accept CC payment, the fees fluctuate a bit depending upon which card and what bank is involved; the typical net fee is between 3.6% and 3.8%. However, I won't know the exact fee till 1 or 2 days later, when funds are transferred. Using a flat 4% certainly covers, but now it is technically in violation of the new law!
I just got back from eating at a local restaurant. The check included two totals: one for paying cash and the other (slightly higher) for paying by credit card.
Some places like Tung Tin and Blue Ocean Chinese in South Orange offer discounts for paying in cash
Harriet said:
Credit card fees came up on another thread.https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2023/08/nj-tightens-rules-for-merchants-requires-transparency-for-credit-card-swipe-fees/
After dealing with two restaurants at the shore that had unannounced credit card fees, I contacted the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
If you want to report a restaurant, here is the process
If you wish to file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, visit the Web Page below so a representative may review your information:
File a Complaint Online: www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov
Please attach your supporting documents towards the end of the online complaint form.
If you cannot submit your complaint online, you can print the complaint form and mail it in with copies of all supporting documents, if available.
Printable Complaint Forms:
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/pages/printable-forms.aspx
You may also file a complaint without using personal information.
If you file a complaint anonymously, we will be unable to provide you with an update on the outcome and the Division’s ability to fully investigate your complaint may be limited.
https://njconsumeraffairs.state.nj.us/file-a-complaint/
For assistance filing a complaint, requesting a complaint form or questions, please call the Consumer Service Center at 973) 504-6200" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(973) 504-6200.
Thank you,
The State of New Jersey
Department of Law & Public Safety
Division of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Services Center (CSC)
124 Halsey Street 7th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
Tele#: 973-504-6200Fax #: 973-273-8095
obnoxious post.
More badder news: credit card companies are raising the rate at which they charge merchants. That will be passed on to customers.
I read recently that the best thing you can do for a small business is pay in cash. I try to do that whenever I can, at a bar or restaurant, or at a privately owned retail store.
Shouldn't we assume that the menu is priced expecting CC payments?
Credit card fees came up on another thread.https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2023/08/nj-tightens-rules-for-merchants-requires-transparency-for-credit-card-swipe-fees/
After dealing with two restaurants at the shore that had unannounced credit card fees, I contacted the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
If you want to report a restaurant, here is the process
If you wish to file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, visit the Web Page below so a representative may review your information:
File a Complaint Online: www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov
Please attach your supporting documents towards the end of the online complaint form.
If you cannot submit your complaint online, you can print the complaint form and mail it in with copies of all supporting documents, if available.
Printable Complaint Forms:
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/pages/printable-forms.aspx
You may also file a complaint without using personal information.
If you file a complaint anonymously, we will be unable to provide you with an update on the outcome and the Division’s ability to fully investigate your complaint may be limited.
https://njconsumeraffairs.state.nj.us/file-a-complaint/
For assistance filing a complaint, requesting a complaint form or questions, please call the Consumer Service Center at (973) 504-6200.
Thank you,
The State of New Jersey
Department of Law & Public Safety
Division of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Services Center (CSC)
124 Halsey Street 7th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
Tele#: 973-504-6200
Fax #: 973-273-8095
E-mail: AskConsumerAffairs@dca.lps.state.nj.us
www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov