Cheryl Cambridge is a small business owner, and one of the first cashless taxi drivers in The Bahamas – she now accepts debit and credit cards. Here she shares her Cashless Pioneer story with MasterCard and how it was a special customer experience that changed her outlook on payment card acceptance.
I have been a taxi driver in Nassau, Bahamas for more than 29 years. For more than two decades I ran a cash-only operation, like many other local taxi drivers. However a special passenger opened my eyes to the value of accepting credit cards to meet the needs of my customers and grow my business, Cheryl’s Bahamas Taxi and Tours.
Four years ago I transported a passenger who was staying a week in The Bahamas on business. She was only able to pay for her taxi fare with a corporate credit card and at that time I did not accept credit cards. This was a lucrative opportunity that I needed to take advantage of, so I took a risk and transported her for the week. She promised that her company would wire payment for her taxi fare upon her return to the United States. Thankfully she kept her promise and her company wired the transportation fee.
The taxi industry in The Bahamas is cash-driven and for many years I followed that model. However it was clear to me then that had I been able to accept her credit card, the payment process would have been easier and much safer for both of us.
That experience proved that in order to advance my business and offer the level of service my customers have come to expect from a modern transportation company I needed to accept payment cards.
Customer service is very important to me. I take pride in going the extra mile to leave a positive impression on my customers, whether it’s greeting them with an ice cold Kalik upon arrival or testing their knowledge of The Bahamas with my trivia games. I understand now that part of giving good customer service is making the payment process as easy as possible. Accepting debit and credit cards is a valuable amenity I offer my passengers and it has benefitted my business significantly. Electronic payments currently represent 60% of my sales.
I cannot imagine running my business like I did in the past. My company has expanded from a one-woman operation with one station wagon to a thriving small business with a fleet of six vehicles. Making the decision to accept electronic payments was pivotal in helping me increase sales and expand my company.
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8 Comments
When I traveled to the Bahamas last year, I selected Cheryl’s taxi service because they did accept credit cards. Cashless and simple transaction. It also helps that Cheryl offers great customer service!
Awesome! Thank you for sharing your experience.
I would like to reserve transportation for my upcoming visit to the Bahamas. What are your rates?
I would like to book for transportation to Sunset Cove Nassau Bahamas from flight Delta 918 on Friday 9/27/19 arrival time 2:53pm. For 2 adults, with one stop to Super Value grocery store. Thanks!
We will be arriving on West Jet Flight 2754 on Thursday, November 21, Arrival time 12.48pm. We need to go to Paradise Island, Harborside Resort. There are two of us seniors..what are your charges for transport from Nassau Airport, short stop at Family save supermarket for water, etc. and then to the resort. We would appreciate your earliest response. Thank you.
We are coming in on a cruise next Saturday. How much is it to ride 6 of us around the island. We are teachers and aren’t rich folks. But we will pay.
My wife, daughter, and myself would love to book a tour through you today. We are on a carnival cruise and have to be back before 3:30. We just want to do some sightseeing and cheap souvenir shopping. How much would that be.
I wholeheartedly appreciate everything you’ve done for me.