What MRA Can Do For You

In early 2002, the international shipping company UPS rolled out a new marketing campaign with the tagline “What Can Brown Do for You?” The purpose was to highlight the breadth of their operations – that UPS did more than just deliver packages – they could solve logistical headaches for all types of business. I’d say the campaign was successful, since I still remember their tagline 21 years later.

As a member of Michigan Retailers Association, you may sometimes wonder what MRA can do for you. Instead of giving you a laundry list of our services, I’d like to highlight one that can sometimes be divisive: credit card surcharging.

Surcharging (the practice of passing credit card processing costs on to your customers) is still a long way from full industry penetration. Many merchants remain hesitant to pass the fees on, careful to avoid creating a negative customer experience. However, we could be on the cusp of a watershed moment for the industry. During the pandemic, merchants started testing the waters by adding convenience fees, delivery fees, and tipping prompts. The slow drip of added fees created a sense of numbness for credit card users. Now may be the time to dip your toe in the water if you’ve been contemplating surcharging as an option to offset your processing costs.

We know that surcharging is not for everyone – you know your customers the best and certainly aim to carefully control your customer experience. But if you’ve absolutely had it with credit card fees and margins are tight, give us a call at 517.372.5656 or visit our website at Retailers.com/surcharge-program. It’s time to find out what MRA can do for you.

Board Of Directors

Bill Golden Chair

Golden Shoes, Traverse City

William J. Hallan President & CEO

Michigan Retailers Association

Bryan Neiman Vice Chair

Neiman’s Family Market, St. Clair

Peter R. Sobelton Treasurer

Mondial Properties, Birmingham

Bo Brines Past Chair

Little Forks Outfitters, Midland

Kim Edsenga Meijer, Inc., Grand Rapids

Becky Beauchine Kulka

Becky Beauchine Kulka Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, Okemos

Dan Marshall Marshall Music Company, Lansing

Orin Mazzoni, Jr. Orin Jewelers, Northville

Joseph McCurry Credit Card Group

Raeann Rouse Bridge Street Baby, Rockford

Thomas Ungrodt TDU Consulting, LLC, Ann Arbor

Larry Meyer Board Member Emeritus

D. Larry Sherman Board Member Emeritus

MICHIGAN RETAILERS SERVICES, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William J. Hallan President & CEO

John Leppink Leppink’s Food Centers, Belding

Kendra Patterson Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage, Mason

Joe Swanson Target, Retired

Michigan Retailer

William J. Hallan Publisher

Andrea Bitely Editor

Rachel Schrauben Copy Editor and Content Manager

Josh Delany Design, Layout, and Photographer

Shandra Martinez Contributor

WILLIAM J. HALLAN MRA President and Chief Executive Officer

Schrauben at rschrauben@retailers.com