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Insights and Expertise

Consider how the modern service economy works. A
If the state wants a platform limousine driver may charge a modest base fare and
earn much of their income from gratuities. A salon
capable of performing this professional may price services competitively and rely on
function, the state will have to tips to make a living. Under a system where gratuities are
treated differently for interchange purposes, the economic
design, build and operate it. incentive is obvious: shift the real price into the tip.

Otherwise, the system stops. That is not a reflection of market value. That is a distortion
created by regulation. It puts compliant businesses at a
competitive disadvantage, complicates tax reporting, and
invites transaction re-characterization that regulators
And when it stops, the consequences extend far beyond have historically tried to prevent.
retail checkout counters.
Card acceptance not a given
Credit, debit, gift and EBT cards rely on electronic payment
rails. So do contactless public transportation systems. So And then there is the larger reality that policymakers
do automatic bill payments to Amazon, cable companies, must confront. We have all heard the saying "the only two
mobile phones, hospitals, utilities, gym memberships, things guaranteed in life are death and taxes." What has
movie theaters, universities, and lastly even government never been guaranteed is the ability of a business to accept
agencies ( the DMV, for example). So do the online credit and debit cards.
platforms that thousands of Illinois businesses depend on
to reach customers. What I wish is for Visa, Mastercard, American Express
and Discover to say: We're out! It was nice doing business
This is not theoretical. It is also not limited to large with you, Illinois. Have fun going back to cash and checks,
merchants. In fact, the most immediate and severe impact especially for those businesses that no longer accept cash
will fall on service providers and small businesses, the and checks.
very groups this law is supposed to help.
The acceptance of a credit or debit card is not a given; it's
a service that can be given and taken away. It is written in
the Illinois Human Rights Act that businesses generally
have the right to refuse service to anyone, but this right is
Paint a Brighter Future limited by federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

for your Business today. You cannot refuse service based on race, color, religion,
national origin, political affiliation, sex or sexual
orientation. Absent from that list is the word "stupid."
Let the advertising versatility of Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are not
a GS Resource Guide public utilities. They comprise a risk-based system, funded
help you paint a brighter future by shareholders, that works only as long as the economics
for your business. and legal framework make participation viable for every
party involved.
Viewable: Online & Front Page Option
If those conditions no longer exist, the system does not
adapt at the speed of legislation. It shuts down. So, before
• Ability to purchase on a quarterly basis. this law is fully implemented, there is one question that
Great for short term contract/test runs
of new products or services. every elected official in Illinois should be asking: How
• Great way to close out your yearly advertising do you think every business in this state is going to feel
accounts and start fresh for the new year. when they are forced to go back to accepting only cash
• Quarterly payments schedules available. and checks?
• Discounts for long term contracts & multiple listings.
Because that is not a political talking point. It is the real-
world outcome of trying to regulate a system without
understanding how it actually works.
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR SUCCESS.
LET US HELP YOU GET THERE. Green Sheet Advisory Board member Steven Meisner is vice president
sales and marketing for Acquiring Solutions International Inc. | Global
Payment Solutions (https://www.aqsl.com.) Contact him via email at
707-284-1693 | Sales@greensheet.com speisner@aqsi.com.

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