Most would rather leave than pay surcharge

Retailers are being sent a strong message against imposing surcharges on people who pay by credit card.

A survey shows 90 percent would rather leave the store than pay it.

Since a Commerce Commission decision in 2009, it's been legitimate for retailers to charge extra to people who use plastic.

Shopping website owner Mark Devlin of showroom.co.nz, says consumers don't like finding out about a surcharge at the last minute.

"Inferring from the survey, no there wasn't really enough information and also from personal experience, it's not uncommon to go to the point of purchase and then when you're handing over your card, to find out then that there's a surcharge. It's certainly annoyed us enough to initiate the survey."

Mr Devlin says the findings show resentment among customers, and they're voting with their feet.

"Historically we've found that if you want to avoid a credit card surcharge you have to travel across town to another store. These days with the increase of online shopping, you simply have to click to another site."

Mr Devlin says retailers who do add a credit card surcharge are short-sighted.

Photo: NZ Herald