Credit and Debit cards don't bounce like checks can. They are far more secure than cash (armed robbers can't steal CC transactions). They usually clear faster than checks, and you don't have to drive to the bank. They also provide convenience to the customer, no need to run to an ATM or grab a check.

The cost of accepting Credit and Debit cards are in 2 categories, transactional costs and fixed monthly costs. Both depend on the type of business (retail, e-commerce, mail/phone order) Your fixed costs are usually a Statement fee (cost of prepping the monthly statement) <$10, a debit gateway fee (only if you use a pin pad for debit which is optional), a wireless fee for mobile/wireless terminals only, internet gateway-for e-commerce only, and equipment cost. All these fees are negotiable!! Free Terminal Placement is the new fad, so don't lease a machine unless we are talking about a multi-thousand dollar POS system w/scanner and inventory tracking.

The transactional costs are
1.) interchange fees set by Visa/MC/Discover/Amex and available online 1.03%-1.80% for debit (depending on your industry, the card, and how it is processed) and 1.45%-3.25% for credit. Plus $0.04-$0.20 per transaction. THESE RATES ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE BUT HOW YOU TRANSACT CAN GREATLY AFFECT THE RATES- i.e. Swiping a card can save you 1%-1.5% over key entering or touch tone capture.
2.) the processors add-on fees or surcharges-THESE ARE NEGOTIABLE- I prefer IC plus pricing where for instance 1/4 of 1% and $0.10 are just added to IC. Other systems might charge rate A for Qualified, rate A+1% for mid-qual, and Rate A+2% for non-qual. The problem is THEY determine what is qualified and what is not.

To give you a "ball park" answer, accepting Credit/Debit cards should run you between 2%-4% of the CC volume. For instance a clothing store doing $10,000/month in credit and debit cards should expect around $200 in fees. An on-line electronics store accepting payments on their site should expect about $400-$500 on $10k volume including the cost of hosting the secure payment page, internet gateway, shopping cart, etc.but that can easily get higher.

take car to dealership and have them safely remove bag I would not do it myself unless I am qualified