Eftpos, the payment system widely used in New Zealand for more than 30 years, is plummeting in popularity. The thought of them disappearing altogether is concerning for some people who don't like using smartphones or want to avoid the extra fees that come with PayWave. But while Eftpos faces an uncertain future, new and cheap forms of payment are starting to emerge. Tom Taylor reports.
You make a good point about size of the transaction, the 0.40c fee is much more significant for small, single digit dollar purchases. Another way where a coffee shop is hurt more than a mechanic repair in the hundreds. Mentally, I'm more likely to tap and go for a coffee than an oil change.
I see surcharges at cafes regularly, but not often anywhere else. I spend far more time in coffee shops than mechanics, which might explain it.
Because my experience is largely with surcharges at cafes and other hospitality, this may shape my opinion of them.