XPost: rec.arts.sf.written, rec.arts.books   
   From: rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com   
      
   The Horny Goat  wrote   
   > Rod Speed  wrote   
      
   >>> and payment processing is a major element of their costs.   
      
   >> No, and none of the electronic payment alternatives   
   >> cost the business as much as doing the transaction   
   >> with cash with all those cash handling costs involved.   
      
   > That's an exaggeration.   
      
   No, not with any operation that has to either have   
   someone go to the bank every few days with the cash etc.   
      
   It would be cheaper to not handle any cash   
   at all and just pay the electronic transaction   
   fee with most operations.   
      
   >>> I'm not contradicting what you're saying - but   
   >>> don't assume the banking system is 'free' as it   
   >>> makes quite a serious impact on the bottom line.   
      
   >> Not really, even when its an entirely cash based system.   
      
   > I pay typically $1500-2000 per month on credit card related   
   > charges in my business and I'm far from a huge enterprise.   
      
   Sure, but the cost of handling the cash isnt free   
   even tho it isnt as easy to put a dollar value on it.   
      
   >>> This is particularly serious in the grocery business   
   >>> where margins are smaller and their 'turns' are higher.   
      
   >> But they have always had to deal with the cost of handling cash.   
      
   > Which as I've said are not nearly as high as you suggest.   
      
   I know they are, because I have done it.   
      
   >> Its just not as visible per transaction.   
      
   >>> My understanding is that debit costs are lower in Canada   
   >>> than the US and VISA/MC charges are lower in the US.   
      
   > This is anecdotal rather than any particular statistic but I believe   
   > it's true. I am willing to change my view given suitable evidence.   
      
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