Why payment fees matter more than you think
Summary
The piece argues that card processing fees are not truly free for merchants and can significantly erode margins, especially in low-ticket environments in Ecuador. It explains how VAT and local pricing interact with processing costs, and presents QR-based payments (Deuna) as a cheaper alternative, contrasted with card networks like Visa/Mastercard and Brazil’s Pix. The article emphasizes that payment system economics shape pricing, profitability, and consumer behavior, while acknowledging the value of established networks.