PDA

View Full Version : Cash Only...and the deer in the headlights moment



Libertytree
29th January 2011, 09:11 PM
Today many of our customers had a SHTF moment upon being told or by reading the sign that it was cash only. It was really kinda priceless watching their minds spin, even just for that few seconds as that 'oh shit' look painted itself across their faces. For most it was short lived once they realized there was an ATM just down the way at the plaza or they could get cash back at the Publix, if they had to go there for something else. There were 3-4 others though that must be on a tight line with their credit cards because they went into full panic mode! I'm assuming they couldn't do a cash advance and could only use what credit they had left for their purchase.

It did make for some interesting conversations, for instance, one fella let it be proudly known he had plenty of money in the bank and he'd just go get however much he wanted or needed. He was quite pleased with himself..until I asked him what he'd do in the case of a bank run and they shut it ALL down and how screwed he'd be then ;D He looked at me weird but I had made my point. I think he left there thinkin' about it seriously but he didn't come back to further the conversation. Had lots of similar instances today because of whatever glitch caused the outage but it sure made for an interesting day at the store....and then some.

Oh...I forgot. We do our electronic transactions through a DSL connection there. Makes me wonder how much money an entire country such as Egypt is losing by shutting down their net?

MNeagle
29th January 2011, 10:24 PM
No debit either?

You may see an increase of silver coins come in now.

EE_
29th January 2011, 10:47 PM
Sounds like a great time in Egypt to barter with silver.

BrewTech
29th January 2011, 10:53 PM
Times...

They are a changin'...

:)

Libertytree
29th January 2011, 11:13 PM
No debit either?

You may see an increase of silver coins come in now.


No debit or credit MN.

You mean silver coins in Egypt?

Bullion_Bob
29th January 2011, 11:21 PM
I broke the habit of plastic for all over the counter purchases a few years ago. Why let the banks leech fees off both customers and vendors if it's not necessary?

I like getting some coins back so I can tuck away the higher melt value dates as a bonus on top of denying the parasite.

MNeagle
29th January 2011, 11:29 PM
No, not silver coins in Egypt.

As some of your clientele turn to cash only, they may start to raid their piggy banks; unearthing silver US coins for their purchases.
(Or snitching coins from Grandpa's dresser drawer).

Libertytree
29th January 2011, 11:44 PM
That happens from time to time and has since I got in the liquor biz in 83. I did hear a crazy story from a co-worker today though. An English couple on vacation came in a few months ago while he was working and paid him in all silver quarters, $30 bux worth, he didn't know exactly what they were and left them in the drawer for the next guy who promptly scooped them up.

I do think you're right, people spending that old change in the drawer or box will increase as money gets tighter.

Libertytree
30th January 2011, 05:42 PM
Update: 2 days now with no debit or credit transactions at the store. Their discontent was plainly visible today, it was no longer a minor inconvenience. Cash was still available at the ATM but taking the ease out of them using their plastic makes them get a lil pissy, of course my amusement might not have helped either. ;D