TESK: Tradesmen's Earnings Should Not Be Lost to Credit Card Commissions

The Turkish Tradesmen and Artisans Confederation (TESK) is calling for a reduction in high credit card commission rates, arguing that they are severely burdening small businesses. TESK Chairman Bendevi Palandöken stated that the earnings and capital of tradesmen should not be "wasted" on credit card commissions, urging banks to adjust these rates to match the value of goods sold.

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The earnings and capital of tradesmen should not be wasted on credit card commissions. At least banks should match commission rates with the goods sold. Paying commission on earnings they haven't made is ruining the tradesmen.

Palandöken explained that when customers pay with credit cards, tradesmen often cannot pass on the commission costs. Customers rightly refuse to pay extra for using cards, leaving the tradesmen to absorb the fees. This situation is particularly difficult for businesses where profit margins are already slim, as the commissions can wipe out any earnings, and sometimes even result in a net loss.

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The cost of card payment systems should not be loaded onto the backs of tradesmen.

"The cost of card payment systems should not be loaded onto the backs of tradesmen," Palandöken asserted. He pointed out that while credit card usage is widespread in sectors like restaurants, the commissions charged, coupled with VAT, leave tradesmen struggling. He emphasized that bank interest rates on credit cards must be lowered to a reasonable level, or tradesmen will be unable to sustain their businesses.

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Bank interest rates on credit cards must be lowered to a reasonable level, otherwise tradesmen cannot cope with this.

TESK has repeatedly communicated these concerns to the Ministry of Finance. Palandöken stressed that if tradesmen cannot earn, the country cannot prosper, as they are unable to pay taxes. He concluded that this issue is significant and requires urgent attention to ensure the continuation of the registered economy and prevent further hardship for small business owners and their families.

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If tradesmen do not earn, the country does not earn. They cannot pay taxes to the country. Therefore, they experience hardship along with their families. This is an important problem.