In the past I have worked in food service and retail. I fully understand that the credit card companies charge you to be able to accept credit as payment. But nowadays why the hell would a place put a minimum amount that they will accept before you can use a credit or debit card?
Maybe before the times of check cards I could slightly understand it. But since they have completely flooded the market, how often do most people carry cash?
This morning I went to a coffee shop with a co-worker to grab a drink and talk about some projects. I ordered a coffee and my friend just wanted water. I was told the total and handed the cashier my debit card.
"We only accept charge cards if someone is spending $5 or more."
So I was able to get my friend to order something.
But had I stopped in there on my way to the office by myself, I would have walked out. And now I doubt I will go back there. Sure if I made sure I had cash it would be no problem, but with many many choices of coffee shops around, why bother?
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4 comments:
Same thing happened to me at a local coffee shop (maybe the same one?). I walked out, haven't been back since.
I believe that any store who posts a minimum charge ($5, $10, etc) is in violation of their Merchant Agreements with MC and Visa. It's a ploy to cover their asses, because the credit card processing fee is $.25 - small change to businesses, as they typically include this charge when pricing their items.
I'm with ya. I never carry cash.
Credit card companies charge the business a service fee AND a percentage of the sale.
Many businesses impose this "minimum purchase," and it IS against their agreements with Visa and MC.
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