Refusing to accept EFTPOS/Cards despite displaying logos (Wong's Cafe Elsternwick VIC)

[Deactivated] on 09/01/2015 - 21:55
Last edited 09/01/2015 - 21:58

A colleague and I visited Wong's Cafe in Elsternwick (Victoria) earlier today (Friday 9 Jan) for take-away lunch. I have been a customer of Wong's Cafe for many years now and the dishes that I order are almost always the same so I rarely have to 'order' as the staff know what I want.

Though, one difference today - I was going to pay by card.

I have (almost) always paid my previous orders in cash, but due to some changes in my accounts and personal preference in not carrying excess cash I have recently been using cards. Further, I have seen an EFTPOS machine at Wong's Cafe since I've gone there and I once paid via EFTPOS in 2011.

The EFTPOS machine was still there today.

Today I asked the owner if he accepted EFTPOS, but he flatly said "cash would be preferable" and said that all the big four banks have ATMs within walking distance.
His reasoning? "We're trying to minimse our bank transactions".

I pointed to the card logos affixed to the window and also to a MasterCard open/close sign on the door. His response was that he did not have such a sign before and a friend gave that to him. He stopped short of saying that he did not accept cards, but repeatedly offered to "get the items ready" whilst asking that I visit an ATM and withdraw cash.

So, not having much of a choice ahd with the expectations of my colleague to uphold I reluctantly had to visit an ATM and get a cash advance (I had a credit card), then return to the shop and pay him in cash.

Surprise surprise, when I returned with my cash another young couple were settling their lunch bill at the shop using a VISA card.

So, how would you deal with this issue?

Thanks all,

KK

Poll Options

  • 67
    Leave the shop and look for an alternative that accepts cards
  • 4
    Visit an ATM for a cash advance then pay in cash at the shop
  • 202
    Insist on paying by card at the store
General Discussion

Related Stores

wongscafeelsternwick.com.au
wongscafeelsternwick.com.au

Comments

  • Jumpingmanjim on 09/01/2015 - 22:27
    +26

    Offer to pay in dogecoin.

    • de22 on 10/01/2015 - 18:53
      +13

      Sigh….he was obviously at the 'Wong' cafe anyway….hehe geddit ;)

      • abc on 12/01/2015 - 09:26
        +12

        Maybe the EFTPOS machine was Winging the Wong number that's why it wasn't working? :P

  • p1 ama on 09/01/2015 - 22:39
    +9

    To be honest, I think if you persisted with the card option, they'd be fine with it.

  • Nutrino on 09/01/2015 - 22:40
    +3

    I'm sorry, is there more to this story?. Did u point out that another person had paid by card and that they made you take cash?… any normal person would kick up a stink there and then WHILE they taking money via Card from the other patron.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2015 - 23:37

      I saw the other couple after I came back from the ATM and to be honest didn't think of creating a scene over it.

      • love2buy on 13/01/2015 - 00:34
        +1

        Heres a suggestion if it happens again. Slam your cash down hard on the counter. (Use coins)

    • woz on 10/01/2015 - 10:07
      +32

      This post hits the nail on the head. It's odd that you didn't think of creating a scene over it and yet thought enough of it to post this thread later on.

      I think it's more likely that you DID in fact think of creating a scene, but are one of those patrons that don't handle confrontation well, and are more comfortable behind a keyboard. There are many people like that, myself included.

      The number of times I've ordered an undrinkable coffee, and rather than have them make a new one, I opt leave an almost full cup of coffee on the table as a silent protest. I'm such a coward sometimes.

      • woz on 12/01/2015 - 08:32
        -3

        I didn't neg your comment.

  • Third_Gear on 09/01/2015 - 22:50
    +38

    They want cash to dodge paying the tax man. Tell them you are either going to pay by card or you won't go back again.

  • imcjb on 09/01/2015 - 22:57
    +1

    Dodging tax may be one thing but the fees on the rental of eftpos terminals is quite onerous on cafes whose average product price might be only $5 or so. My local chicken and chip shop doesnt have eftpos for this reason. My local caffeine dealer is considering it but will also add higher priced items on his menu in order to get a higher average spend to offset the fees. My CBD caffeine dealer near work has an Eftpos machine but he has 5 other cafes within 50 metres. He pays quite a substantial amount per month in Eftpos fees…

    TLDR: Eftpos is great for department stores and the like with big ticket items but the costs inherent in hiring a Eftpos terminal makes it an onerous expense for cafes and coffee shops.

    My solution with both caffeine dealers was quite simple. After a while being a regular customer they knew where I worked etc and I can run a tab at both if I wish. I therefore have a weekly tab at my local caffeine dealer.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 19:11
      +6

      I too think it's tax dodging on Steve's behalf (in charge at WC).

      But if he had placed a sign to the effect of CASH ONLY then I wouldn't have any issues with that.

      China Bar in Chadstone (inside the shopping centre) arguably has more business than KFC and Hungry Jack's which are adjacent to its left and right.

      However, CB has a sign saying CASH ONLY and I enjoy going there whenever I can.

      But I've never been to a place where EFTPOS is accepted but then been ordered to get cash.

      Bad move Wong's Cafe IMO.

      • darren870 on 12/01/2015 - 09:50
        +1

        If you think they are tax dodging then you should report them:

        https://www.ato.gov.au/Forms/Tax-evasion-reporting-form/

        Everyone should pay taxes and its not right for a business (or individual) to dodge taxes. Especially if they are then sending it out of the country and not redistributing their gains back into the Australian economy.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2015 - 19:19
          +1

          Thanks Darren for your ATO link, a handy resource for all.

          Everybody in this country needs to do their bit and I fully support any and all actions against those willfully doing the wrong thing.

    • Wyzard on 11/01/2015 - 00:46

      Caffeine dealer? Is that a thing now?

      • SlartiBartFozz on 11/01/2015 - 01:33
        +1

        it's a coffee franchise\chain

        • Wyzard on 13/01/2015 - 02:03

          Aaah that explains it. Yet to hear of it in Sydney.

    • onlyletters on 12/01/2015 - 09:01

      Rental is a monthly charge and will not affect how many times it is used.

      Family Cafe and Restaurants all seem to tax dodge big time, they take cash only transactions and declare 1/4 of transactions that actually pass through the business.

  • stemcell on 09/01/2015 - 23:02
    +49

    It could be his polite way of telling you to get lost, he has never liked you because you stink and scare his customers away….or he loves you and has trouble showing emotion so wants to sit in a dark room and sniff the cash you used to pay him .

    Guaranteed its one of the two.

    • OYC on 10/01/2015 - 13:21
      +4

      omg! the deduction is over 9000!!!!

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 00:50
      -1

      If he was indeed, as you so tactfully pointed out, telling me to "get lost", then he could've been a man about it and have been more upfront about declining my business.

      Just as I'm one of his many customers, he is one of my many choices.

      No skin off my nose mate; nonetheless your comment has been appreciated.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2015 - 19:21

      We've got some overly polite people here…
      Watch out folks!

  • Cheeper on 09/01/2015 - 23:03
    +3

    Do you know how much the bill was for the people using the visa card?
    How much was your order?
    This detail is important in your experience here.

    A lot of privately run small businesses refuse card payment for small transactions. This is understandable considering the fee they have to pay to process the payment and have access to the system.
    If this is the case the café owner should display a sign showing the minimum purchase amount.
    He may need someone to politely explain this to him?

    Large businesses negotiate special deals with the card companies and their sheer volume of transactions reduce their fees considerably.

    Running a small business means you have to watch every cent, I know, I have been there and done that.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2015 - 23:35

      I wouldn't know how much the other bill would've been, but ours was $40

  • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2015 - 23:23

    How much was your bill, bro?

    • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2015 - 23:35

      $40

      • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2015 - 23:40
        +1

        hmm. Fair amount for a cafe takeaway lunch order. Weird.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 00:02

          Despite what it's called, it's a full Asian restaurant.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 01:06
          +5

          @KaptnKaos: If anything, it's a bit shite for the cafe owner to not simply let it slide and process the card payment this one time for you, considering you're a frequent customer/diner.

          Seems silly, for whatever reason he might've had, to deny you the card payment and potentially risk creating a bad experience for you (which he's done) and lose a loyal customer.

          Poor foresight there, IMO.

      • arcticmonkey on 12/01/2015 - 21:04

        Ouch!

  • what on 09/01/2015 - 23:42
    +2

    You were polite to ask, so the owner told you what he preferred. If you had just handed over your card as payment, without asking, he may have accepted it.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 00:05

      But he refused to accept my card.
      If he had any intention of accepting my card I don't he would've asked me to go to an ATM and withdraw cash for the order.

      • TRANCE on 10/01/2015 - 16:20
        +2

        Just sounds like he was trying to convince you to use cash. If you had brandished the card like a sword he probably would have got scared and accepted it, as is evidenced by the next customers paying by card.

  • imcjb on 09/01/2015 - 23:53
    +5

    This post is missing the cafe owner's perspective. It would be only fair if the OP took his phone or tablet in to the cafe so the owner could give his side of the story.

    "So this guy came in and started trying to haggle my price down on the Sweet and Sour Fish he ordered…and then he tried to split the transactions while jumping up and down shouting PAYPASS! PAYPASS!!!!"

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 00:04

      There was no splitting of bills involved.
      And despite my prolonged associations with WC, I have never received any discounts from them nor have I ever asked for any discounts.

  • rambao9 on 10/01/2015 - 01:25

    So, did he accept the other couple's VISA in front of you? Or were you outside? It does take a while for the transaction to process on the machine, including printing receipts and what not. So it would have been obvious he just accepted another couple's card in front of you… btw you didn't point it out to him?

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 01:40

      It happened in front of me, after I returned from the ATM.

      Further, I didn't think of creating a scene over it.

      • smartazz104 on 12/01/2015 - 11:29

        Was their VISA a credit card or debit card?

        • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2015 - 17:04

          On the day, I had a visa credit card.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2015 - 19:23

          Sorry, I misread your post.

          I assume their card was a credit card because it had "Frequent Flyer" and the Qantas logo emblazoned on it.

  • rav0 on 10/01/2015 - 03:13
    +6

    Report them to Mastercard and Eftpos. Mastercard and Visa are stick that their merchants must always accept their cards without fuss, Eftpos may take the same attitude also.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 14:33

      Is it possible to report merchants in that manner? I've never had anything like this happen before that's all..

  • JimB on 10/01/2015 - 03:47
    +4

    Poor service. I would have insisted to pay via CC on the spot.

    Now, you have 2 options. Suck it up or never return.

    If you complain and return, I'll never be comfortable ordering the 'special' fried rice again. I've watched Road Trip too many times! lol

  • teehee on 10/01/2015 - 05:25
    +2

    Well that transaction is over now. In future just tell him flatly that you don't want to order unless you can pay by card. I'm sure he'll then agree

  • Zarcady on 10/01/2015 - 06:49
    +5

    It may be that he insisted because he knew he could get away with it, with you.

    A young couple would be far more unpredictable because there could be a broader range of repercussions (young couple, unpredictable, girl kick up stink, boy kick up stink, etc) so the owner probably didnt bother in the first place.

    Sorry this had happened to you, I loathe taking cash out of my cc account and would be pissed too if I had to take money out for trivial reasons.

    You could decide to not go there again, but to be honest I don't think the owner would even realise if you stopped showing up, unless you let him know right there and then of what he did and what you saw. You didnt want to create a fuss but if he doesnt realise that his behaviour is creating resentment in his loyal customers, he will continually use his tactics to minimise his 'fees'.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 14:36

      True, I'm sure he will do very well whether I visit again or not, though if this happens here there is some possibility that customers elsewhere may find themselves in the same situation in the future.

  • grb1234 on 10/01/2015 - 08:03
    +2

    Just don't go back. What else can you do?

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 14:37

      True, I'm sure he will do very well whether I visit again or not, though if this happens here there is some possibility that customers elsewhere may find themselves in the same situation in the future.

  • Rel63 on 10/01/2015 - 09:40
    +5

    I would have pointed out that there is advertising in their shop for EFTPOS/CC payments and if they do not wish to take my money via those i will take my business elsewhere. I have done that for less. There is no way i would have made a cash advance to pay cash.

  • Cheeper on 10/01/2015 - 10:30
    +3

    The café owner should just raise his prices to cover the cost of card transactions and be done with it.
    Every day we are becoming more and more a cashless society, why not just get with it?

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 14:43

      I wouldn't have a problem if he raised his prices for wider card acceptance or placed a reasonable surcharge for card use, but to accept cards on one hand and then coerce (existing) customers to pay in cash is not acceptable in my opinion.

      • Cheeper on 10/01/2015 - 17:55

        Some things in life you just have to roll with… :-)

  • nikhi24 on 10/01/2015 - 11:41
    +2

    Should be law that all food establishments have eftpos. If they can afford to rent space in shopping centres they can afford an eftpos machine/transactions

    • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2015 - 19:24

      Hi nikhi24, thanks for taking the time to post your opinions in this thread.

      My intention, by making this post, was to primarily highlight my experience at Wong's Cafe in Elsternwick, and secondly to gauge what others would do had they faced an identical or similar situation.

      I for one do appreciate your input here and please do not be discouraged by any conflicting opinions. I welcome everyone's comments and ideas impartially and thanks for your comments again.

  • mousie on 10/01/2015 - 13:31
    +1

    I had a cafe refuse to accept my Amex card despite being featured in the shop small campaign. I had to very much forced the issue, and the owner accepted the card begrudgingly. Understand that merchant fees are very expensive but I won't generally use my card for less than $10. On a $40 bill this cafe owner is greedy. I would say I'll get cash out but I want a 5% discount on my bill to cover the atm fee.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 14:32

      I had amex and visa with me at the time.
      He refused both.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 15:26
        +1

        For $40, a visa transaction shouldn't cost him more than 2 percent which is 80cents max.
        Sounds silly to lose a loyal customer like OP

        • teardrops21 on 10/01/2015 - 18:47
          +6

          The cafe owner isn't concerned about the merchant fee. If he receives cash then he can take that transaction off the books and save at least 30% in tax. Cash equals at least $12 more in his pocket.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 19:08
          +1

          @teardrops21:

          I too think it's tax dodging on Steve's behalf (in charge at WC).

          But if he had placed a sign to the effect of CASH ONLY then I wouldn't have any issues with that.

          China Bar in Chadstone (inside the shopping centre) arguably has more business than KFC and Hungry Jack's which are adjacent to its left and right.

          However, CB has a sign saying CASH ONLY and I enjoy going there whenever I can.

          But I've never been to a place where EFTPOS is accepted but then been ordered to get cash.

          Bad move Wong's Cafe IMO.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 03:18
          +1

          @KaptnKaos: Oh dear. Googling "tax dodging wongs cafe"… first result… THIS THREAD.

          Bad news for Wong. Or Steve.

          If the Tax man likes to Google for tax dodgers, that is…

          ;)

        • Daabido on 11/01/2015 - 13:39

          Not even 2%. It's more like 1% these days.

        • teardrops21 on 11/01/2015 - 23:03
          +1

          @Daabido:
          Actually merchant fees are actually on the rise. In addition it's almost impossible for the business to know how much they are going to be charged. Previously the business knew exactly the percentage of the merchant fee. These days the merchant fee depends on the type of card the customer uses. The reason the banks are pushing platinum or premium cards is that they charge a higher merchant fee for these cards.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2015 - 19:15

          @teardrops21: I have a small business. I know EXACTLY how much I pay for my card transactions. Visa and Mastercard fees are insignificant compared to AMEX. I also accept BPAY, which is far more expensive, so I only offer that on transactions under $500. Even still, I know how much I will get charged by the merchant facility provider.

  • meumax on 10/01/2015 - 14:00
    +3

    The cafe owner just cost you money. Cash advances attract interest from the moment they are withdrawn. I would have told the owner is be happy to get a cash advance to pay you by cash if you agree to pay the interest the bank will charge me for the advance. If not then you better let me pay by card end of discussion.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 14:32

      That's exactly my point, and though I've transferred the ATM amount back to the card I've (understandably) been charged a fee for it.

      For him to push the notion of cash despite having and accepting card equipment beats me.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 14:27
    +3

    Just let your friendly ATO agent know. I am sure he would be pleased to have a look into Mr Wong's accounting processes!

  • Lancerx on 10/01/2015 - 15:16
    +2

    lol without even reading the content, I have to say this is quite common practice in chinese restaurants..

    Somehow Asian restaurant like just to take cash (we all know what're the advantages of cash), and they will try anything to deter you paying with card..

    I have to say OP is probably Asian, cuz they will usually make it more difficult for Asian to pay with card..

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 15:27
      +1

      Not sure how that logic works, but I'm not Asian.

      • Lancerx on 10/01/2015 - 15:29
        +1

        ok my bad then…but coming from Asian background, I have to say this is "how it works"..it's like we Asian will offend fellow Asian if paying by card..

    • Hiroko on 10/01/2015 - 19:01
      +1

      the reason to your "somehow" is because the majority of suppliers for asian restaurants (butchers, grocerers, container manufacturers etc) dont carry an eftpos machine with them and only accept cash upon delivery.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 19:03

        In my experience, he had a perfectly working EFTPOS machine in the store with acceptance marks at the entrance. Further, he accepted the electronic settlement of another customer in my presence.

        I still fail to see why such a partiality exists…

  • isthisreally_me on 10/01/2015 - 16:09
    +3

    Tell him you saw the sign and as such assumes EFTPOS is ok, which is youre method of payment, if not then tell him that lunch is on him.

  • eneloop on 10/01/2015 - 17:45

    You should have said you can paybhik later and see how fast he gets the machine out

    • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2015 - 19:27
      +1

      Chances are he probably wouldn't bat an eyelid if I walked out.

      For those who are familiar with WC, it may be a small business by definition but definitely not small by popularity (and, I assume, turnover as a result).

  • tomsco on 10/01/2015 - 18:15
    +1

    Once almost got a free meal because of something similar.

    Had a sit down lunch in a restaurant and it wasn't until we got to the counter we saw the smallest sign saying minimum card charge is $20 (couple of souvlakis in Stalactites came up less back at that time). Apparently they didn't want the decor or the place brought down with such an ugly sign.

    After the manager demanding I go to an ATM to get cash out, I calmly let him know that if I walked out the door, I wasn't coming back to pay. He turned around real quick.

    Pity in your situation you hadn't already eaten.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 19:01
      +1

      If I was eating in, I too guarantee it would've been a totally different story…

  • donbot on 10/01/2015 - 18:41
    +2

    So yourself a favour and head further down glenhuntly road and support the new kid on the block - panda mama. No issue with cards down there.

    I'm not associated with this place, just a local to the area who has punished a few plates of dumplings there in recent weeks since it opened.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2015 - 19:00
      +1

      Thanks for the recommendation, I'm not too sure if I'll be going to Wong's Cafe anytime soon.

      • arcticmonkey on 12/01/2015 - 21:08
        +2

        Why are you even thinking about returning?

  • edfrane on 10/01/2015 - 18:41
    +3

    "I pointed to the card logos affixed to the window and also to a MasterCard open/close sign on the door."

    If that sign was a mistake, you should have challenged him to remove it on the spot, as it was false advertising. Otherwise he can suck it up, and accept the card.

  • Daedalus on 10/01/2015 - 21:09
    +2

    I would report him to visa/mastercard /Amex, the ato and whatever organisation deals with false advertising complaints. make sure you take pictures of his credit card signs

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 00:52

      Is it possible to report merchants in that manner? I've never had anything like this happen before that's all..

      • Daedalus on 11/01/2015 - 15:48

        i have no idea but i would expect companies with valuable brands would want to protect it

  • King Tightarse on 10/01/2015 - 21:37
    +9

    Just dob the bastard in to the tax dept.
    They love this sort of info.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 00:53

      Thanks, is it possible to report merchants in that manner? I've never had anything like this happen before that's all..

    • Findo on 12/01/2015 - 18:47

      Crap, my fat fingers accidentally negged this comment :( my bad

  • daydream on 10/01/2015 - 21:59
    +2

    In your post description he said "cash would be preferable". You asked and he gave his view. Doesn't sound like he was refusing your card. If you explained your situation I'm sure both sides would have understood and the outcome would have been better (he would've have processed the transaction and you could decide if you wanted to come back). You now understand his preference if you want to help him out - He would probably appreciate it and give you free prawn crackers next time ;-)

    No need to kick up a stink or assume he knows your financial situation. Work towards the outcome you both want and keep the emotions out of it is the best way to handle the situation (esp. if you are a regular and want a positive outcome). Otherwise all you'll achieve is one, or potentially two, disappointed parties.

    • grasstown on 10/01/2015 - 22:17

      "Preferable", "we're trying", "asking"
      He would have accepted the card if you told him you to, even told him you didn't have a big 4 bank card

      • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 00:34

        I would've thought that a business accepting a certain type (or types) of cards would accept all cards of that description, regardless of the bank which I obtained my card from.

        Moreover, there wouldn't be much point in lying as most cards - if not all - would prominently display the issuing bank's indicia.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 00:30
      -3

      I wouldn't have thought cash would be THAT favourable for any business, that when I told him I didn't have cash with me that he would tell me to go withdraw cash from an ATM, as opposed to accepting the card straight up.

      Additionally, I should not have to disclose my "financial situation" to justify my method of payment, nor should the business ask or need to know that information. If I do decide to pay by card, that should either be accepted or declined and that decision should also apply uniformly to all customers.

      In other words, I'm of the opinion that it should not be my job to persuade a merchant for their business (by explaining myself), rather it should be the merchant's responsibility to clearly disclose their terms of trade.

      Regarding "helping him out", I have paid in cash for the last 2-3 years at WC and I've yet to receive a single cent in discounts, let alone free items as an exchange for cash payments. Frankly, I'm not interested in such favours; as long as I get what I pay for I'm content.

      I think there needs to be a delineation between "preference" and "coercion", and further I shall encourage the evidently wiser members here to exercise their own judgements in this matter, and to apply the right terms as and where they see fit.

      • daydream on 11/01/2015 - 12:50

        You don't have to disclose anything (or persuade anyone - no one has suggested that) but since you chose to enter a dialogue with retailer you may as well help him understand that there would be an additional cost for you - there is a big difference and it's interesting how you are choosing to interpret the suggestion. Both parties understanding each other's goal is how you reach a good outcome. Clearly you are not happy with the outcome of your decision/action otherwise you wouldn't be posting here asking us for our views.

        The terms of trade were disclosed and he is entitled to explain what he prefers (you asked him), just as you are to choose another legally accepted means (if you want to kick up a stink in the process that's your call but I think it's not needed. I'm sure the other couple didn't waste their time doing so). Stickers were there and as the other couple proved you could pay by accepted cards.

        Re: "helping him out" I think you missed my point. There was an opportunity to build a relationship (if you are a regular and want to do so) while still getting the outcome you wanted and with less effort than going to the ATM or posting here. He would've have appreciated the intent by explaining even if you paid by card. If you just want to vent (which I can understand too) then so be it. I'm sure you've heard the saying "it's the thought that counts". Paying cash in the past is not the same if he doesn't know that you have done so to help him out.

        I'm not sure what the banks, ATO or any other authority are expected to do (from what others are posting). The retailer offered a preference but he did accept the cards displayed so that while he may not have treated you in the way your wanted he hasn't breached any law or trade condition that I can see.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 14:20
          -2

          "Today I asked the owner if he accepted EFTPOS"

          Such a question should net a binary answer - either Yes or No.

          Those were the exact words which I have used in the opening post. If I ask someone if they accept something, I don't think that is an invitation for them to reply with just their preferences. If I were to ask someone a question like I did on Friday, the answers which I should have received are along the lines of Yes, I do accept cards but I prefer cash or No, I do not accept cards.

          Establishing a grey area didn't help.

          For instance…

          Do you eat apples?

          Answer: I prefer bananas

          This doesn't even answer my original question about apples.

          Now, back on track…

          Do you prefer EFTPOS?

          This question is asking for a preference. I never said this and therefore I don't think I asked for his preferences.

          Previously I paid in cash, true, although the intent wasn't to benefit the merchant. Personal circumstances meant that I had more cash with me then, as compared to now.

          The pleasure or displeasure of my actions were not the discussion of this topic. I simply stated what I did and what others were likely to do should they be in the same situation.

          Further, I never suggested (and I never will suggest) that any party did something contrary to the law. This notion has been suggested by some members here and I welcome everyone's opinions on this matter.

  • imahapyboy on 11/01/2015 - 00:56
    -1

    just pay cash or walk away, easy and simple

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 00:59
      +1

      Not to assume the duties of other people, but then may I suggest that merchants not keen on accepting cards refrain from publicly displaying card logos at their premises?

  • ednamekin on 11/01/2015 - 01:38
    +2

    From your comments here, your previous post on using the 2 two-for-one vouchers, how you eventually caved in to the shop owner's demands, and the poll options, you sound like an awfully polite person unwilling to confront others. Methinks the shop owner, having dealt with you regularly decided that you're an easy target to bully into paying by cash (which may or may not skip Mr. ATO). It seems to be an Asian / Indian thing where we treat people worse the more familiar we get to them haha.

    The best thing to do for you then is to just stop buying there; it's a passive form of reaction requiring no confrontation. From a dobbing in perspective, in Australia it looks like you complain to the bank providing the shop's Eftpos: you can get which bank from looking at their receipt (if one was given). I just read the Big 4's merchant agreements:

    NAB: section 3.7a says "must accept any valid and acceptable nominated card in a transaction;"
    ANZ: Section 4, ia: "The Merchant must: (a) accept Nominated Cards in accordance with the Agreement;"
    Westpac: Section 4.1 "You will accept all valid Cards and process all Transactions in accordance with all applicable Laws, any obligations in the Agreement and any direction of Westpac in carrying out activities related to your Merchant Facility."
    Commbank: DOES NOT HAVE THE CLAUSE!!! OZB let's begin a petition to get this in!

    On a related note, skimming through the agreements I also noticed they mention no minimum amount; is this part of a bigger exercise to dob in all the $10 min spend guys? I understand but do not appreciate the business owners' side of having to pay $0.30 or 1.5% in fees on any transaction.

  • xuqi on 11/01/2015 - 01:57
    +2

    Most certainly a Tax minimization strategy on behalf of the proprietor.

    • valour on 13/01/2015 - 12:51

      Tax minimisation is legal. Tax evasion isn't. Cash transactions are easier to hide from the ATO. Decide for yourself why he is doing it.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2015 - 04:50
    +5

    It sounds like to me, that he recognised you as a returning customer and his eyes lit up when he saw you because he knows that you always pay in cash. Then he was dismayed when you told him you would pay in card. Not wanting to be miss out out on one of his favourite cash customers and to set a new precedent with you he requested that you pay in cash that in his mind 'surely you must have' (because you always have before). He probably didn't realise that he was pushing you so far to get a Cash Advance.

    I have been to Wongs many times and while the service & food are always great/consistent he is also a small business man. You have to be in any small business.

    Next time you go, I would insist on credit card and say "I only have a credit card on me this time, it would be expensive for me to get cash out from the ATM". If he still pushes cash you know his agenda and then shame him.

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