Continued from p.17 consumer in this story decided to pay cash for their purchase. They are just buying the product and so they do not qualify for the free trip. Fairness would suggest they not be charged for the trip. The consumer should pay three per cent less. That would be fair. The rules of credit cards states that retailers cannot adjust their pricing to fairly charge for the cost of what is sold to each consumer. Therefore, the consumer paying cash is subsidizing the consumer who gets extra benefits. To illustrate the subtleties of this practice, we can add one more element to the sales process. One of the consumers requests home delivery. That is an extra charge and, therefore, an extra cost to that particular consumer. How is the use of a credit card charge different? Do you know how your Retail pricing is not fair for all consumers: Watson Retailers need the ability to charge differently depending on the consumer's method of payment. They have the right to decide how to pay for a purchase. If paying cash is less costly to the retailer, the consumer has every right to be rewarded with a lower price. The big banks and credit card companies won this round by restricting the retailer from charging less to consumers who do not 19 | Thursday, August 15, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com use credit cards with high service fees. This discussion is far from over and it is my prediction and hope that fairness will prevail and consumers will be able to get lower prices depending upon how they pay for purchases. -- Submitted by Peter Watson, MBA, CFP , R.F .P ., CIM, FCSI., Certified Financial Planner grows? Know Your Source garden 1 Yard Soil Sacs $ from delivered starting wAREHOuSE SAlE buRlINgTON MAll + taxes & deposit. 99 SOILS · MULCHES · AGGREGATES · ROCKERY Cash & Carry Bags of most products available. LINGTON BUR GARDEN SUPPLIES LIMITED 905-336-7725 2273 Dundas St., Burlington, ON VISIT US AT burlingtongardens.ca 80% 80% off selected mattresses Queen mattresses from $359 SAvE uP TO FOREVER Unit #4 389 Brant Street Burlington, ON L7R 2E9 r e m Sum ON clEARANcE MATTRESSES, FuRNITuRE AND MAjOR APPlIANcES Swimsuits & Beachwear Tel: 905-333-8300 Fax: 905-333-8302 SEALY, BEAUTYREST, SERTA and STEARNS & FOSTER 60% off selected furniture Leather sofas from $719 Upholstered sofas from $478 Plus, 60% off selected patio furniture BOSCH, GE, FRIGIDAIRE, KITCHENAID and more uP TO 35% off selected major appliances 24 EASY PAYMENTS NO ADMIN FEE 0% INTEREST FOR 24 MONTHS On all furniture, major appliances, mattresses and home entertainment when you use your Hudson's Bay MasterCard® or your Hudson's Bay Credit Card. Minimum purchase $499 (excluding taxes). Delivery charges and taxes are payable up front. On approved credit only. Equal monthly payments required. See below for details. August 15-August 29, 13 ONLY! ALL REGULAR PRICE 30% OFF Shop in store and at thebay.com Special Payment Plans are available on approved credit with your Hudson's Bay MasterCard or Hudson's Bay Credit Card on the identified items. Not applicable in Quebec. If you default under your payment terms or under your Hudson's Bay Account Agreement, then the terms and annual interest rate are set out therein. The billing period covered by each statement will be approximately 30 days. For full details, go to http://paymentplanhbc.com, call 1-800-263-2599 or see a store associate. Hudson's Bay, Hudson's Bay Credit, hbc.com and their associated designs are trademarks of Hudson's Bay Company. Credit is extended by Capital One Bank (Canada Branch). Capital One® is a registered trademark of Capital One Financial Corporation. MasterCard and the MasterCard brand mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. All marks used under licence. All rights reserved.