We have been in Searcy for about a month, and every day I am reminded that I once again live in a small town.
During the next few weeks, I will share 10 of the most blatant reminders. Here’s the first:
I recently got my hair cut at a local establishment near my house. The lady did a wonderful job. After she brushed the excess hair off my shoulders, I handed her my credit card to pay the bill. She smiled, “Honey, we don’t take credit cards here. It’s cash or check.” I sighed, “Of course. Why would a place of business want to make paying the bill convenient for customers?”
So I left, went to the nearest ATM, pulled out $20 and headed back to pay my bill.
A few days later I went to lunch with a friend at a new Asian restaurant. When it was time to pay the bill, I handed the waitress my credit card. She informed me that if I used it, she would have to add a $1.50 surcharge to my bill. I asked the obvious question, “Why?” She informed me that because the restaurant didn’t have an account (or something like that), the credit card companies charged her $3 every time she used the credit card machine. So, she said, the restaurant pays half of that charge and the customer pays the other half.
Sounds like a scam to me, but I paid it.
Disclaimer: These reminders are not an attempt to ridicule my new hometown. In fact, small-town life is incredibly charming. These reminders are simply part of my adjusting process.
Sounds crazy, but the same things happen in larger towns… Brad and I went to the Market Street Cinema one night and were so excited b/c we read “free popcorn” – if you bring your own bucket. We ordered our tix and our popcorn and were ready to pay with our c/c – nope. They have an ATM right there (how convenient) and we ended up getting charged the ATM fee TWICE, $4 in all (not sure how that happened), so, essentially, we paid more than our share for our “Free popcorn.”
ooh- super annoying. we would be in big trouble b/c we pay for everything with credit cards. I’m anxious to see the rest of the list now!
Haha… Where are you getting your hair cut? You should go somewhere else. Also… I was in Searcy this weekend. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you and Sara. Wedding weekends are always a bit crazy. Also… another Asian restaurant???? Seriously??
Hey man…we are here in town and tried to go out to Frozen D’s at 9:30 last night…yup, it was closed as was almost every other place! Ahh, small town life…love it!
How about the drive-thru coffee shop that said “Open Late: We close at 8:00”?
You’re spoiling my list of 10 reminders, Sara.
Sounds like small town fun! We miss you guys! Hope you’re adjusting well!
It’s a very good idea to ALWAYS carry cash in Searcy. Someone willing to take a (debit) card should be counted as a bonus.
Also, Jim … when you say “credit card” … certainly you meant “debit card” … AND you should be using cash for things like that anyway (Dave Ramsey)…
Haven’t you guys spent some time in Tennessee, for goodness sakes?
I miss that small town! Although, we currently live in a small town and most everyone takes credit/debit cards, checks and cash. I think that many places are moving away from the credit/debit cards do to the fees they have to pay every time they run someone’s card. They get to keep more money when they don’t have to pay Visa or MC to swipe a card. I’m with Rick–Dave Ramsey’s way is the best way!