My local bodega owner called me out for using a card on a $2 coffee

Last week at Joe's Market in Queens, the guy behind the counter said my 75 cent swipe fee was cutting into his profits on small purchases. He showed me the receipt and I realized he was getting less than a dollar for that coffee. Now I always keep a $20 in my wallet for those tiny buys, helps the small shops keep more of their money. Anyone else have a merchant give you the real talk about card processing fees?

3 comments

3 Comments

mary_nelson711mo ago

My buddy Dave had the same thing happen at his local deli in Astoria - the owner straight up showed him the 30 cents he was losing on a $1.50 egg and cheese. Now Dave keeps a roll of singles just for his morning coffee runs.

ross.lily1mo ago

I used to be one of those people who thought, "whatever, it's just 30 cents" but then I realized I was the problem lol. The owner showing the real numbers makes it hit different when you see actual math. I started carrying change after my local shop had to raise prices and the guy looked so guilty about it. Now I always use exact change or round up if I can because these small places are barely hanging on. It took me a while to understand that all those little transactions add up to their rent and paying staff.

max2231mo agoMost Upvoted

i mean i get the sentiment but calling yourself "the problem" over 30 cents feels a little dramatic lol. these places are marking up everything by 200% anyway, the 30 cents on a transaction fee is whatever. my bodega charges $4 for a bacon egg and cheese that costs them maybe a buck to make, i don't think they're hurting that bad from a card swipe.