At Craig’s Bakehouse and Cafe, we are committed to providing high-quality baked goods and exceptional service to our valued customers in Naracoorte and beyond. As part of this commitment, we believe in being transparent about how our pricing works, including why we apply credit card and weekend/public holiday surcharges.
This article aims to clarify these charges, outline the associated costs, and explain how these decisions align with Australian regulations.
Why Credit Card Surcharges Exist
Whenever a customer pays with a credit card, businesses incur a processing fee. These fees are charged by banks or payment providers (merchants) to facilitate the transaction.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), businesses are allowed to pass on these costs to customers but only up to the amount it costs them to process the payment.
At Craig’s, in compliance with the ACCC’s rules, a 1.5% surcharge is applied to credit card transactions. This is equivalent and/or in some cases below the processing fee we pay (Amex and Diners). This fee is not a source of profit for our business as the surcharge is automatically paid to the merchant as part of the transaction.
This approach allows us to keep our pricing as fair and transparent as possible while covering the costs of providing credit card payment options for customer convenience. Customers are always welcome to pay cash where there is no surcharge applied.
For more information about ACCC guidelines, you can visit their website [here](https://www.accc.gov.au/).
Understanding Weekend Surcharges
Operating a business on weekends comes with additional costs, primarily due to higher wage requirements under Australian workplace laws. Employees who work on weekends are entitled to penalty rates, which are higher than standard weekday wages. At Craig’s we value our team members and ensure they are paid in accordance with these regulations.
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, weekend penalty rates are designed to compensate employees for working during times traditionally reserved for rest and recreation. While these rates are essential for supporting a fair and motivated workforce, they significantly increase our operating expenses.
Applying a 10% weekend surcharge (or 20% on Public Holiday's) helps us cover these costs while maintaining the high standards of service and product quality our customers expect. It is a practical way to manage the financial realities of weekend trading without raising prices across the board.
For details on penalty rates and wage obligations, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website [here](https://www.fairwork.gov.au/).
Options for Managing Costs
There are several ways businesses can manage the additional costs of credit card fees and weekend wages. Here are the common approaches:
1. Absorbing Costs: Some businesses choose to absorb these costs, which often results in higher prices for all customers, regardless of how they pay or when they visit.
2. Spreading Costs: Businesses may increase menu prices across the board to account for these expenses. This approach can make prices less transparent and may not seem fair to customers who pay with cash or visit on weekdays.
3. Direct Surcharges: This is the approach we’ve chosen at Craig’s. By applying surcharges specifically for credit card payments and weekend visits, we ensure that customers are only paying for the additional costs incurred during their specific transaction.
We believe the third option is the most transparent and equitable. It allows us to keep our standard prices competitive while providing clarity about where and why additional charges apply. We also ensure this information is clearly communicated to our customers through prominent signage at checkout stations, on our menus, and on our website.
Operational Costs: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Running a bakehouse involves numerous costs beyond the ingredients for our products. Wages alone account for up to 70% of our total expenses. This includes not only our front-of-house staff who serve customers but also our talented bakers and kitchen team who start their day in the early hours to ensure fresh products are available daily.
Here are some key operational costs that contribute to our pricing structure:
Labour Costs: Penalty rates on weekends, overtime, and public holidays significantly increase our payroll expenses.
Ingredients: The cost of high-quality, fresh ingredients fluctuates and is subject to market conditions.
Utilities: Running ovens, refrigerators, and other equipment consumes substantial electricity and gas.
Compliance Costs: Ensuring we meet all health, safety, and regulatory requirements adds to our operating expenses.
Maintenance: Regular upkeep of our equipment and premises is essential for delivering a consistent customer experience.
Our Commitment to Transparency
At Craig’s Bakehouse, we strive to be upfront and transparent about all surcharges and pricing. Our goal is to foster trust and understanding within the Naracoorte community by sharing the reasons behind our pricing decisions. This transparency includes:
Prominent Signage: Clear notifications about surcharges at checkout points and on our menus.
Website Information: Detailed explanations about credit card and weekend surcharges available online.
Fair Pricing: Ensuring surcharges reflect the actual costs incurred, without adding a profit margin. It should be noted that if a customer purchases breads from the bakery side, the weekend surcharge is not charged.
Supporting Our Community
We understand that surcharges can sometimes feel frustrating, especially in a regional community like Naracoorte where exposure to broader pricing structures may be limited. By openly discussing these costs, we hope to provide insight into the challenges of running a small business and the measures we take to balance affordability with sustainability.
Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to serving our community with integrity and excellence. By supporting Craig’s Bakehouse, you are also supporting local jobs, fair wages, and a vibrant local economy.
We Welcome Your Feedback
Your feedback is important to us. If you have any questions or concerns about our surcharges or pricing policies, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We are always happy to have an open and respectful dialogue with our customers.
Thank you for your understanding and support. We look forward to continuing to serve you with the quality and care you’ve come to expect from Craig’s Bakehouse & Cafe.
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