Like I said, teeny tiny, but here it goes:

 

I live in Canton but was in the area to pick up some stuff and decided to make a really enjoyable day of it.  I was all by myself, so I could do all of the things that I usually can't.  I decided to go downtown, find a parking spot and just walk and enjoy the beautiful weather.  I parked in the far end of the warehouse district and serpentined my way through, soaking it all in.  Eventually I got thirsty, very very thirsty... it was around 80 degrees.  No problem I thought, I'll just pop into a convenience store and be on my way.  Well, it didn't quite work out that way, it was cash only and I only had my bank card.  Ok, try the next place.... cash only.  Pop into the arcade and try the food court.... cash only!  Try the convenience mart in the arcade...cash only!!!  Granted, there was an ATM in the arcade, but being a cheepskate I am not about to pay the 2.50 service fee to buy a drink.

 

I think I tried 6 or more stores with no luck.  So was I just trying the wrong places or is that just the way it works?  I buy 1-2 dollar items with a bank card in downtown Canton almost daily  :angel:.

 

Aside from that, I had a great time.  I really like Cleveland and it gets better each time I visit.  No, wait.... one more gripe!  I missed the West side market by 20 minutes, darn their funky hours!

 

I made my way to Peninsula on the way home to stop at Century Cycles, beautiful drive.

Not a small concern at all. I find it a bit bush league that the option to swipe a debit card is not offered at such places in a downtown setting. Granted, many smaller businesses avoid such because of terminal fees, etc... But, from what you say, you were hardly in Mayberry...Not Saks, either...But, somewhere in between where that should have been an option more often. And some places wonder why they lack business.

I wonder if they are really cash only or "cash only under $X."  (X is usually $10).  I know why they do that - the fees the credit card companies assess are not worth their paying the fee for such small transactions unless they do tons of other business to make up for it.

Yeah, I know the fees you are talking about.  Our downtown coffee shop sells 5 dollar gift cards to get around them.  So as long as you go back a few times it works out great.

 

I don't have a problem with credit card minimums, I probably would have grabbed some snacks to make up the minimum cost.  The problem was no one offered that as an option either, it was cash only period.  The lady at the arcade did mention the ATM.

The arcade shops and restaurants do a brisk weekday lunchtime business but literally no other business.  They're probably not hugely profitable and most are mom and pop type shops - I know the convenience store and the Greek Isles restaurant both are run by what I believe are Indian families, they probably do not want anything cutting into what little profit they make, and credit card fees would be a big hit for shops this small - it's not like they make it up by doing a brisk and expensive dinner business.

 

If you'd been able to post and ask us, I would have suggested Constantino's market which is at the far W end of the Warehouse district on W 9th street - they take credit cards.  Or maybe the Subway on St. Clair just past W. 6th, I bet they take them.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mean this as a thumbs down to downtown Cleveland business.  I don't doubt that others will accept a card, this was just my experience of having a really really difficult time finding them.

 

I did try places outside of the Arcade too.

The arcade shops and restaurants do a brisk weekday lunchtime business but literally no other business.  They're probably not hugely profitable and most are mom and pop type shops - I know the convenience store and the Greek Isles restaurant both are run by what I believe are Indian families, they probably do not want anything cutting into what little profit they make, and credit card fees would be a big hit for shops this small - it's not like they make it up by doing a brisk and expensive dinner business.

 

If you'd been able to post and ask us, I would have suggested Constantino's market which is at the far W end of the Warehouse district on W 9th street - they take credit cards.  Or maybe the Subway on St. Clair just past W. 6th, I bet they take them.

 

No doubt, your observations are likely the reasons. I can think of some others but I do not want to make any unfounded assessments. It seems all places in the WD would take a credit/debit swipe.. I know Constantino's does...  I am not a big bar person so I don't know about many others.

The moral of this story is to take a break, and have a beer.  :drunk:

The arcade shops and restaurants do a brisk weekday lunchtime business but literally no other business. They're probably not hugely profitable and most are mom and pop type shops - I know the convenience store and the Greek Isles restaurant both are run by what I believe are Indian families, they probably do not want anything cutting into what little profit they make, and credit card fees would be a big hit for shops this small - it's not like they make it up by doing a brisk and expensive dinner business.

 

If you'd been able to post and ask us, I would have suggested Constantino's market which is at the far W end of the Warehouse district on W 9th street - they take credit cards. Or maybe the Subway on St. Clair just past W. 6th, I bet they take them.

 

Phoenix Coffee definitely takes them, too.

The moral of this story is to take a break, and have a beer.   :drunk:

 

The moral of this forum is to take a break and have a beer! :-D

 

Anyway, back to topic - it's the smaller businesses that get ding'd by the transaction fees and in this economy, can you blame them for not taking cards when they get zapped for a fee based on a bottled water for $1.50? I hear you, part of me says - hey, be happy for ANY business, but...  :|

If you only do a small amount of business (under 100K/year on plastic), credit card processing companies charge up to $1 per swipe and 4% of the transaction cost. A big box store that does millions and in sales may only be charged 15 cents per swipe and <2% fees.

^ wow, no kidding? thats steep.

 

do you know -- is the the same if its a credit transaction vs a bank debit transaction?

^I'm pretty sure it's the same since it's processed as a credit card transaction.  I don't think most consumers have any idea how much the fees are. And did you know AX is like 3 or 4x as much as the other cards?  That's why so many places don't take AX.

"do you know -- is the the same if its a credit transaction vs a bank debit transaction?"

 

Why do you think banks give you incentives for using your PIN? Everytime you use a bank card as a credit card, the bank loses out.

"do you know -- is the the same if its a credit transaction vs a bank debit transaction?"

 

Why do you think banks give you incentives for using your PIN? Everytime you use a bank card as a credit card, the bank loses out.

 

Actually, my bank charges you a fee when you use it as a debit card instead of credit.  I found that out when I first got a debit/credit card and after I called to find out WTF with all the fees, I quit using it as a debit card.  It makes no sense to me, you'd think it would be the other way around (and perhaps it is, at other banks).

^ My bank does the same thing, I think they charge 1 dollar every time I use it as a debit card.

 

Those fees are steep, knowing that I can't say I blame them.  I suppose I should be drinking a Great lakes beer then?

The best part of that day for me was bike watching.  I saw a good number around town locked up outside, some interesting vintage bikes mixed with some real POS types.

 

Next time I'll try something that looks a little less mom and pops, or carry a small amount of cash.

My bank here in Maryland also informed me to always use my debit card as credit, or else there is a 50 cent fee.

"do you know -- is the the same if its a credit transaction vs a bank debit transaction?"

 

Why do you think banks give you incentives for using your PIN? Everytime you use a bank card as a credit card, the bank loses out.

 

my bank doesn't give any incentives for using the bank card. they do give no-fee incentives for keeping various balances.

 

I remember the business I worked for had so many low value transactions (copy printing/convenience store) we lost quite a bit of money on fees.  Amex wasn't a card we liked to see.

 

I actually consider using a credit card for anything under $5 as somewhat abusive....unless of course it's an emergency like getting a beverage during hot weather.  Believe me, I've been there with only a debit or credit card on bike rides.

Ill usually try to carry at least $20 on me and any purchase over 20 ill use the credit/debit card. Another habit Ive picked up since i started working at the restaurant is tipping in cash instead of on the card. Even if the restaurant im eating at doesnt charge the servers to process the tip on the card its still a hassle waiting for the money to come in.

I have not seen any fees charged by National City for using the debit card as a debit card, but thanks for the tips above.

"do you know -- is the the same if its a credit transaction vs a bank debit transaction?"

 

Why do you think banks give you incentives for using your PIN? Everytime you use a bank card as a credit card, the bank loses out.

 

Actually, my bank charges you a fee when you use it as a debit card instead of credit. I found that out when I first got a debit/credit card and after I called to find out WTF with all the fees, I quit using it as a debit card. It makes no sense to me, you'd think it would be the other way around (and perhaps it is, at other banks).

 

Typical the credit card processors charge slightly less to process a bankcard vs. processing a credit card. Banks charge you a surcharge for debit transactions because they make a cut of the merchant fees, and they want to incent you to use the credit card feature (even though technically it's less secure). Fees that a company pay on CC transactions depend on the types of terminals they use, volume, types of business, how much info they collect, safety procedures they undertake to minimize fraud, etc. Typically, a small mom and pop (esp retail food /convenience) are disadvantaged in all of those criteria, so that's why they try to minimize small purchases on cards.

 

Your best bet in those instances are to look to the larger chains (is Au Bon Pain still in the 5/3 building?). They've negotiated their rates at the master franchisor level, so pay much less than the little independent, so are more willing to take the CC for the small purchase.

"do you know -- is the the same if its a credit transaction vs a bank debit transaction?"

 

Why do you think banks give you incentives for using your PIN? Everytime you use a bank card as a credit card, the bank loses out.

 

Actually, my bank charges you a fee when you use it as a debit card instead of credit. I found that out when I first got a debit/credit card and after I called to find out WTF with all the fees, I quit using it as a debit card. It makes no sense to me, you'd think it would be the other way around (and perhaps it is, at other banks).

 

(is Au Bon Pain still in the 5/3 building?).

 

Yes they are

Ill usually try to carry at least $20 on me and any purchase over 20 ill use the credit/debit card. Another habit Ive picked up since i started working at the restaurant is tipping in cash instead of on the card. Even if the restaurant im eating at doesnt charge the servers to process the tip on the card its still a hassle waiting for the money to come in.

 

oh yeah very good suggestions. those are exactly what i try to do too. i carry some cash and don't use card for under $20 unless i absolutely have to. and as you say even if you charge your meal, i'd also highly recommend the tipping in cash -- i notice it's always appreciated by the servers. and they'll remember you next time.

 

one more sideline thing about always carrying some cash, particularly if you are in bad neighborhoods. god forbid, but if you get run up on (ie., robbed) you would do well to have at least have 20 bucks in bills on you to hand over -- vs nothing.

 

 

Ill usually try to carry at least $20 on me and any purchase over 20 ill use the credit/debit card. Another habit Ive picked up since i started working at the restaurant is tipping in cash instead of on the card. Even if the restaurant im eating at doesnt charge the servers to process the tip on the card its still a hassle waiting for the money to come in.

 

oh yeah very good suggestions. those are exactly what i try to do too. i carry some cash and don't use card for under $20 unless i absolutely have to. and as you say even if you charge your meal, i'd also highly recommend the tipping in cash -- i notice it's always appreciated by the servers. and they'll remember you next time.

 

one more sideline thing about always carrying some cash, particularly if you are in bad neighborhoods. god forbid, but if you get run up on (ie., robbed) you would do well to have at least have 20 bucks in bills on you to hand over -- vs nothing.

 

 

 

I'm also a no cash/very little cash on hand person. It's easier for record keeping purposes.

Good advice, thanks.

 

I can visualize the Cleveland Forum member searching the threads.... "oh wait, what this???  Gripe and Cleveland in the same Sentence!!"  Cleveland is lucky to have such a passionate bunch of mavins.

Good advice, thanks.

 

I can visualize the Cleveland Forum member searching the threads.... "oh wait, what this???  Gripe and Cleveland in the same Sentence!!"  Cleveland is lucky to have such a passionate bunch of mavins.

 

No worries! Just pass along good things about Cleveland!  :clap: