CASH OR CARD?

I remember when the only way to pay at a shop was cash (or cheque) – but these days we have a choice – cash or card, though increasingly some businesses are not taking cash.

I think it is a good idea to carry both – and they both have challenges.  A card can be a gift card, a debit card or a credit card, and like cash, they are often the target of people with criminal intent.  Naturally we must take care with all!

When we leave home mostly, we need to have either or both in our wallet or bag.

Today I went out for a quick visit to get my new glasses altered slightly and I knew I didn’t need to pay – but on a whim I went into a supermarket and picked out a couple of things before taking them to the CARD ONLY do-it-yourself checkout and I scanned the two products and reached in my handbag for my wallet with my cards.  Ooops.  I must have left home without it.   I tried to cancel the transaction but could not.

Then a staff member walked passed and luckily I was able to attract his attention.  He quickly cancelled my purchased and directed me to a closed checkout which he re-opened and proceeded with the transaction.  I had cash – so I could pay that way.  I apologised for my error and he was most gracious and with a smile, added “It happens often” – making me feel a little better.  My transaction was less than $10 – and I had the cash so all was well.

Another time I was shopping and for some reason they card system was not working, causing great havoc in the suppermarket – I don’t think they could even process cash payments with the system down, but I chuckled as I walked past.  I was not inconvenienced as I had done my shopping earlier.

But, as they say, buyers beware.  Sometimes CARD or CASH won’t work.