You've Seen This at Every Gas Station - Now Bring It to Your Business
Every Maryland driver knows gas stations offer two prices:
Cash Price: $3.45/gallon
Card Price: $3.59/gallon
This same proven model works for any business - restaurants, retail, services, and more.
| Business | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Gas Station | Regular $3.45 Cash / $3.59 Card |
| Your Restaurant | Burger $12.00 Cash / $12.48 Card |
| Your Retail Store | Item $50.00 Cash / $51.75 Card |
Customers have accepted this pricing model for decades. Now you can use the same strategy to eliminate your processing fees.
How Dual Pricing Works - Simple as 1-2-3
Step 1: Set Your Cash Price
This becomes your base price - what you want to receive after all fees
Step 2: Terminal Calculates Card Price
Our Valor PayTech terminals automatically add the convenience fee (typically 3-4%)
Step 3: Customer Sees Both Options
Both prices clearly displayed - customer selects their preferred payment method
Real Example:
- Item costs you $10 to provide
- You want $2 profit = $12 cash price
- Card price automatically becomes $12.48 (4% convenience fee)
- Customer pays $12 cash OR $12.48 card
- You receive $12 either way - zero processing fees
Why Dual Pricing is Better Than Credit Card Surcharging in Maryland
Many Maryland business owners search for 'credit card surcharge' programs, but dual pricing is the superior solution. Here's why:
What is Credit Card Surcharging?
Surcharging adds an extra fee on top of your advertised price when customers use credit cards. Example: $100 item + 3% surcharge = $103 total.
Problems with Surcharging:
Customer Perception - Feels like a penalty/hidden fee
Complex Regulations - Different rules by state and card type
Debit Card Restrictions - Cannot surcharge debit cards
Network Limitations - Strict Visa/Mastercard requirements
Disclosure Requirements - Complex signage and receipt rules
Customer Complaints - Feels like "bait and switch"
Surcharging Example:
- Advertised Price: $100
- Credit Card Total: $103 (feels like penalty)
- Customer Reaction: "Why the extra fee?"
Why Dual Pricing is Superior:
Customer Friendly - Choice between two clear prices
Simpler Compliance - Fewer regulatory restrictions
All Payment Types - Works with credit, debit, and cash
Gas Station Familiarity - Customers already understand it
Positive Framing - Cash discount vs. card penalty
Better Acceptance - 96% customer satisfaction rate
Dual Pricing Example:
- Cash Price: $100
- Card Price: $103 (clear choice)
- Customer Reaction: "I'll take the cash discount"
The psychology is completely different. Dual pricing feels like a choice and reward, while surcharging feels like a punishment.
Maryland Credit Card Surcharge Laws - What You Need to Know
Maryland Surcharge Regulations:
- Legal in Maryland - Surcharging is permitted
- Debit Card Restriction - Cannot surcharge debit cards
- Disclosure Required - Must post signs at entry and point of sale
- Receipt Requirements - Must show surcharge separately
- Maximum Limits - Cannot exceed actual processing cost
- Network Registration - Must register with Visa/Mastercard
Why Most Maryland Businesses Choose Dual Pricing Instead:
Surcharge Compliance Burden:
- Register with card networks 30 days in advance
- Separate debit and credit processing
- Complex signage requirements
- Detailed receipt formatting
- Regular compliance monitoring
Dual Pricing Simplicity:
- No network registration required
- Works with all payment types
- Simple signage requirements
- Standard receipt formatting
- Minimal compliance burden
While surcharging is legal in Maryland, dual pricing offers the same savings with much less complexity and better customer acceptance.
100% Legal in Maryland - Full Compliance Guaranteed
Maryland Legal Requirements Met:
- Proper Signage - Clear cash/card pricing displayed
- Point of Sale Disclosure - Prices shown before payment
- No Payment Discrimination - All payment types accepted
- Consumer Protection Compliance - Maryland AG approved
- Network Rule Compliance - Visa/Mastercard certified
Unlike surcharging (which has restrictions), dual pricing is legal nationwide and fully accepted by all card networks.
Advanced Dual Pricing Technology - Powered by Valor PayTech
We use the same terminal technology that powers major gas station chains across America.
Compatible Valor PayTech Terminals:
- VP550 - Most popular countertop terminal
- VP350 - Wireless portable terminal
- VP800 - Advanced POS terminal
- VL550 - PIN pad terminal
- Mobile Pay - Smartphone processing
Key Technology Features:
- Automatic Price Calculation - No manual adjustments
- Clear Display - Both prices shown to customer
- Receipt Clarity - Shows chosen price and method
- No Programming Needed - We handle all setup
- Real-time Updates - Pricing adjustments instantly
Your customers see exactly what they'll pay before choosing - complete transparency.
Maryland Businesses Thriving with Dual Pricing
We use the same terminal technology that powers major gas station chains across America.
Hagerstown Family Restaurant
"We were paying almost $20/month in processing fees. Now it's $0. Our customers adapted in just two weeks - they're used to it from gas stations!"
- Customer complaints: 0
- Implementation time: 1 week
Frederick Hardware Store
"Best decision we made. Customers understand immediately - it's just like buying gas. We're saving over $1,000 monthly."
- Cash transactions increased 15%
- Customer satisfaction maintained
Hagerstown Automotive Mechanic
"Our margins were getting killed by processing fees. Dual pricing saved our business. Customers get it right away."
- Zero customer pushback
- Faster checkout process
The time is now to switch to dual pricing and cash discounting as more than 50% of our new applications are switching to dual pricing/cash discount.
Results:
Average savings: $1,800/month
Average savings: $1,800/month
Average savings: $1,800/month
Why Choose Elite Card Processing for Dual Pricing in Maryland?
Elite Card Processing vs. National Processors:
| Feature | Elite Card Processing | Other Processors |
|---|---|---|
| Local Expertise | ✅ Maryland compliance specialists | ❌ No local focus |
| Equipment | ✅ Valor PayTech advanced terminals | ❌ Basic surcharge programs |
| Support | ✅ Same-day on-site service | ❌ 48+ hour call center wait |
| Program Costs | ✅ $0/month | ❌ $50–$100/month |
| Training | ✅ Free setup & compliance signage | ❌ Fees & minimal training |
| Ongoing Support | ✅ Hands-on, local relationship | ❌ Limited impersonal help |
Dual Pricing Perfect for Maryland Industries
Restaurants & Food Service
Protect thin margins while offering customer payment flexibility. Perfect for Maryland restaurants, cafes, and food trucks.
Retail & Specialty Stores
Eliminate processing fees while staying competitive. Ideal for boutiques, hardware stores, and gift shops.
Service Businesses
Great for contractors, auto repair, salons, and professional services throughout Maryland.
High-Volume Businesses
Maximum savings for businesses processing significant monthly volumes. Gas stations, convenience stores, and more.
2A Friendly Businesses
Firearms dealers welcome - dual pricing perfect for gun stores and shooting ranges.
Government Contractors
Maintain compliance while reducing costs for government and utility processing.
Geographic Coverage:
Washington County (Hagerstown)
Frederick County
Baltimore County & City
Anne Arundel County (Annapolis)
Montgomery County
Surcharging vs Dual Pricing - Maryland Business Owner FAQ
Start Eliminating Processing Fees in Maryland Today
Free Dual Pricing Consultation Includes:
Current processing cost analysis
Dual pricing savings calculation
Maryland compliance review
Terminal recommendation
Implementation timeline
Staff training plan
Customer communication templates
Most Maryland businesses save $1,000-$5,000 monthly. See your savings in 15 minutes.
Contact Elite Card Processing
Local (Hagerstown)
Toll-Free:
Email:
Visit:
13701 Maugansville Rd #5, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Guarantee:
30-day satisfaction guarantee. If dual pricing doesn't save you money, we'll remove it free.
Limited Time:
Free terminal upgrade with dual pricing setup (Value: $299)