For the honest people on this planet:
Depending on your purchase amount, using a credit card is not cost effective for YOU (the Buyer) or ZRD (the Seller). ZRD has done extensive research into the costs and the risks for both parties. What follows is our findings and why ZRD's policy is to require payment by check instead of accepting credit cards or even Paypal when an order is placed.
Let's start with the you the buyer. As an example on the lower end, a $1,000usd transaction will add $40 to the selling price. A "middle" transaction of $3,000usd will add $120 to the selling price. A higher transaction ($8,000usd) will add $320 to the selling price. You may say that when I purchase item A, B, or C from company Q, they do not add anything to the price and they accept credit cards. What you may not know is that they have already raised their prices across the board to compensate for this and in fact the cash customers are subsidizing the credit card transactions (sounds a lot like Washington). Yes, but I get reward points, cash, ... Typically, this amounts to $10, $30, $80 (using previous examples) worth of rewards. The net result of every transaction (like this - using a credit card) causes the customer a net loss of $30, $90, $300 (respectively, again).
Most ZRD transactions are not of the overnight, "gotta have it tomorrow" type. We spend the time needed to ensure everything has been considered, arranged, and brought to fulfilment to ensure the customer receives eveything they are expecting (and then some) in order for their needs to be met. ZRD carefully manufactures a custom solution for every customer. ZRD does not use the "One Size Fits All" approach - EVER! We treat every transaction as if, ZRD is the customer.
Now, the - seller's part. ZRD appreciates the convenience for both sides if a credit card were to be used. However, contrary to popular misconception, the seller assumes all of the risk when it comes to accepting a customer's credit card - NOT the credit card company or anyone else. When a merchant agrees to accept a credit card for payment of services or products delivered, the banks, credit card agencies, you name it, ... always have the merchant pay for loss, NEVER THEM! In order to have the honest reputable customers (we have always had) compensate for 1 dishonest person or entity, ZRD would have to raise our prices to offset any losses that would occur. ZRD is not in the insurance business and does not plan on being in it any time soon.
Like everything ZRD does, we are always up front with our reasons why and do not ever hide anything from our customers. ZRD knows you appreciate this about us. This is only one of the many reasons we have frequent repeat customers. No, not to replace ZRD items, but to get additional requirements as needed. Our customers know ZRD is always looking out for their best interests.
We hope this has added reason and clarification as to why ZRD does not accept credit cards at this time. If the rules of agreement change in the future and become more fair, ZRD is open to change, but not with the current set that is in place.
Not that it is required, but should you need any expedited shipment, you always have the opportunity to express mail payment to reduce any time delay. Even this expense is a significant savings over a credit card payment.