December 3,2006

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  "No Cash Allowed"

  If you are craving bubble tea at Snap, in Washington DC, be sure you have a card on you. In a controversial move that made national wires, the owner of Snap (who was not named) decided to accept only plastic as payment.
  
  According to NPR, which reported the story, the move to credit or debit cards only was primarily a safety issue. No cash means fewer trips to the bank and no cash vault on premises – which is sure to discourage enterprising thieves (internal or external). Customers grumbled a bit at first, according to the owner, but she rarely hears complaints nowadays.
  
  Apparently, the credit card merchant processor for Snap's transactions cut a deal with the owner – a lower transaction fee in exchange for more business. The merchant processor claims not to condone exclusive plastic, but stated they would be willing to make similar deals with growing merchants.
  
  
  
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