Question 1

How much does it cost to switch?

Accepted Answer

The cost review itself is free and there is no obligation. Any costs tied to a new account or equipment depend on the program and setup you choose, and your representative will put those in writing before you decide anything.

Question 2

Do I need to replace my current POS?

Accepted Answer

Often no. Many terminals and POS systems can stay in place or be reprogrammed. We confirm compatibility during the consultation and only recommend new equipment when it is genuinely a better fit.

Question 3

Will my business experience downtime?

Accepted Answer

Setup and staff training are scheduled around your business hours to keep interruption to a minimum. Your representative walks through the switch-over plan with you before anything changes.

Question 4

How quickly can I start processing?

Accepted Answer

Applications are usually completed in one short consultation, and approval typically follows within a few business days once underwriting has what it needs. Equipment setup is scheduled after approval.

Question 5

Do I need to sign a long-term contract? Are there cancellation fees?

Accepted Answer

Terms vary by program, and month-to-month arrangements are available for some of them. Ask your representative to show you the specific term and any cancellation terms in writing before you sign.

Question 6

How does dual pricing work?

Accepted Answer

You post a cash price and a card price for the same item, and the customer chooses how to pay. It is not the same as a cash discount or a surcharge, and it requires proper signage, correct terminal setup, and accurate receipts.

Question 7

How are debit card transactions handled?

Accepted Answer

Debit is treated differently from credit, and the treatment depends on your program and the applicable card-network rules. This is configured deliberately during setup rather than assumed.

Question 8

What information do you need to review my processing costs?

Accepted Answer

A recent merchant processing statement is the main thing. It shows your volume, transaction counts, and the fees you are actually being charged.

Question 9

Is my processing statement kept private?

Accepted Answer

Your statement is used to prepare your cost analysis and is handled according to our Privacy Policy. Please do not send statements or account numbers through a website form or plain email — your representative will arrange a secure way to share it.

Question 10

What happens after I submit my information?

Accepted Answer

A Hawaii-based representative reviews what you sent and contacts you using the method you selected. If you have a statement, they will set up a secure way for you to send it and then prepare your cost analysis.

Question 11

Can RMS work with restaurants, retail stores, and contractors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with restaurants and bars, retail, salons and spas, auto repair, contractors and home services, healthcare, professional services, food trucks, and e-commerce businesses, among others.

Question 12

Do you work with businesses throughout Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Real Merchant Services Hawaii supports businesses across the Hawaiian Islands, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.

Question 13

What is an effective rate, and why does it matter more than my quoted rate?

Accepted Answer

Your effective rate is the actual percentage of your card volume that you pay in total processing costs. Divide your total monthly processing fees by your total monthly card volume and multiply by 100. It matters because a quoted headline rate usually excludes interchange, assessments, per-item fees, monthly service fees, PCI fees, and batch fees, all of which show up on your statement.

Question 14

What is included in a free savings proposal?

Accepted Answer

A Hawaii-based representative reviews a recent processing statement, calculates your current effective rate, identifies the fees driving it, and shows a side-by-side comparison of what your costs could look like under an alternative structure. There is no cost and no obligation to switch.

Question 15

Do I have to replace my current point-of-sale equipment?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many terminals and POS systems can be reprogrammed or kept in place, and compatibility is confirmed during the consultation. When new equipment is the better fit, we walk through the options, timing, and setup before anything changes.

Question 16

How long does it take to get set up?

Accepted Answer

Most applications are completed in a short consultation, and approval typically follows within a few business days once underwriting has the documents it needs. Equipment configuration and staff training are scheduled around your business hours.

Question 17

When are my deposits funded?

Accepted Answer

Batches settled before the daily cutoff are generally funded on the next business day, excluding weekends and bank holidays. Exact timing depends on your bank, your batch time, and your approved account terms.

Question 18

Do you work with businesses on every island?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Real Merchant Services Hawaii supports businesses across the Hawaiian Islands, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, with representatives based locally in Hawaii.

Question 19

What kind of support do I get after signing up?

Accepted Answer

You get a local point of contact for statement reviews, equipment questions, and day-to-day issues, in addition to processor support. Support is handled in Hawaii time, not from a queue on the mainland.

Question 20

What is dual pricing?

Accepted Answer

Dual pricing posts two prices for the same item: a cash price and a card price. Customers see both before they choose how to pay, so the difference in cost between payment methods is disclosed up front rather than added silently at checkout.

Question 21

How is dual pricing different from a cash discount or a surcharge?

Accepted Answer

A cash discount posts one price for everyone and subtracts an amount at checkout when the customer pays cash. A surcharge adds a separate, disclosed fee to credit card transactions and carries its own network caps, notice requirements, and state-law restrictions, and it cannot be applied to debit. Dual pricing instead displays both prices side by side from the start.

Question 22

Is dual pricing legal in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Programs of this type are used by businesses in Hawaii when they are properly structured and disclosed, and requirements come from card-network rules as well as state and federal law. Rules change, and Real Merchant Services Hawaii does not provide legal advice, so confirm your specific program with your own legal or compliance advisor.

Question 23

What does a compliant dual pricing setup require?

Accepted Answer

At minimum: clear signage at the point of entry and point of sale, both prices displayed before the customer commits, correct terminal or POS configuration, receipts that accurately reflect what was charged, trained employees, and ongoing adherence to card-network rules and applicable law.

Question 24

Does dual pricing apply to debit card transactions?

Accepted Answer

Treatment of debit differs from credit and depends on your program structure and the applicable card-network rules. This is one of the details reviewed and configured during setup rather than assumed.

Question 25

How do customers usually react to dual pricing?

Accepted Answer

Reactions depend on your customer base, ticket size, and how clearly the pricing is presented. Businesses that post both prices plainly and train staff to explain the choice in one sentence generally see the smoothest transition, and results vary by business.

Questions, answered plainly

Switching to RMS

Processing costs and support

Dual pricing questions

Still have a question? Ask a local representative.