Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,3717069.story



Grocery stores taking check use off shoppers' lists

In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in accepting
only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.

By Jerry Hirsch

September 21, 2009

"Long before banks started locating branches inside supermarkets, grocery
stores acted as informal financial establishments, cashing payroll checks
and personal checks to provide ready cash for their customers. That's
starting to change.

Whole Foods Market Inc. is considering banning the use of personal checks at
its stores and this month stopped accepting checks at two stores in Los
Angeles County and one in Arizona as a test.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, the California division of British
retailing giant Tesco, won't take personal checks at any of the 70 stores it
operates in California.

"Supermarkets used to be a repository of checking, cashing payroll and
personal checks, but in an age of direct deposit and debit cards, that's not
something that is relevant to their customers anymore," said Mac Brand, a
Chicago food industry consultant.

The heads of these chains see check processing as a time-consuming and
expensive service at a time when the industry is looking to drive down
business costs, he said. But such a move carries risk.

"Every time you take something away, you run the risk of severing your
relationship with a customer," Brand said.

Such policies would irritate shopper Kerry Showalter of Newbury Park, he
said.

"Grocery stores are a dime a dozen. If the Albertsons where I shop stopped
accepting checks, I would just go to Vons," he said.

The computer industry sales executive said he uses checks to buy groceries
as method of keeping "a budget under control."

He said he's bothered by using debit and credit cards -- which he said are
not actual representations of money -- on perishables such as groceries. The
physical act of writing a check makes shoppers think more carefully about
their purchases, he said.

It would also be hard on many seniors, who have been slow to adopt the use
of debit cards, said Gail Hillebrand, a lawyer and financial services expert
for the nonprofit Consumers Union.

But a widespread move by the grocery industry to ban personal checks would
not upset other shoppers such as Sharon Fern of Placentia.

"I haven't written or carried a checkbook in many years," she said.
"Wouldn't bother me a bit." Debit cards are far more convenient, she said.

"The money comes right out of my account and saves a lot of time over
writing a check," Fern said.

Vons, Albertsons and Ralphs -- the stores most likely to have a bank branch
within their locations -- continue to accept checks.

They also cash payroll checks, although the chains typically charge a
service fee of about $1 to about 1% of the check, depending on the municipal
regulations of the city where the store is located.

Representatives of the chains said there were no plans to end the services,
and one supermarket industry executive questioned why, in an environment of
increasing competition for shoppers, a company would add a barrier to
potential sales.

Fresh & Easy, which started opening stores two years ago, has only
self-service checkout. It doesn't take checks or manufacturers' coupons.

"We keep our systems as simple as possible, keeping prices low for
customers. We do accept cash, credit and debit cards and also have an ATM in
store," said Brendan Wonnacott, a spokesman for the chain.

Bill Jordan, Whole Foods' regional vice president, said prohibiting personal
checks should improve service.

"Since most of our customers pay with cash, debit cards or credit cards, we
want them to be able to check out as quickly as possible. This pilot program
was put in place to see if personal check users would make the switch to
debit cards or another form of payment."

In little more than a week into the change, "the program is off to a great
start," he said.

So far only the stores in El Segundo, one in Los Angeles on 3rd Street near
Fairfax Avenue and a store in Tempe, Ariz., have stopped accepting checks.
The chain had already stopped cashing payroll checks.

Jordan said Whole Foods would evaluate consumer reaction before rolling out
the change to other stores.

A recent rise in bad checks also factors into the new policy, he said. "That
unfortunately makes it more difficult for the remaining customers who prefer
to pay this way. To help reduce fraud, we have a several-step personal check
approval process that can often inconvenience other customers in line,"
Jordan said.

The chain prefers cash, debit cards and credit cards because they can be
processed quickly and "come with added protections" that safeguard the
interests of the consumer and the retailer, Jordan said.

Many retailers prefer the type of debit cards that require the shopper to
punch in a personal identification number to complete the purchase. That's
because those have the best combination of low transaction fees and
security, said Adam Levitin, a law professor and consumer finance expert at
Georgetown University.

But probably the biggest advantage for grocery stores looking at stopping
accepting checks is the labor savings of taking and processing the checks,
he said.

Showalter, the Ventura County shopper and frequent check-writer, said he
understood the rationale but didn't like the policy.

"If I was a shareholder I would say yeah," Showalter said. "But I'm not a
shareholder, I'm a shopper."



Copyright © 2009, The Los Angeles Times

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Gregory Morrow wrote:
>
> http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,3717069.story
>
> Grocery stores taking check use off shoppers' lists
>
> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in accepting
> only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.
>
> By Jerry Hirsch
>
> September 21, 2009
>
> "Long before banks started locating branches inside supermarkets, grocery
> stores acted as informal financial establishments, cashing payroll checks
> and personal checks to provide ready cash for their customers. That's
> starting to change.
>
> Whole Foods Market Inc. is considering banning the use of personal checks at
> its stores and this month stopped accepting checks at two stores in Los
> Angeles County and one in Arizona as a test.
(snippers)
>
> Copyright © 2009, The Los Angeles Times

It's when banks start refusing to 'honor' checks drawn on "their" own
funds/accounts when one needs to start worrying, and I don't mean "due
to insufficient" funds of the account holder, either! No business has
ever been 'required' to accept checks, at least that's how I understand
it.

Sky, who easily misunderstands

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice!!

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Good - maybe the lines'll move a bit faster.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On 2009-09-21, Gregory Morrow > wrote:

> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in accepting
> only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.

Gee! Whole Paycheck screws its customers yet again. Big surprise.

nb

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

In article > ,
"Gregory Morrow" > wrote:

> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in accepting
> only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.

The older I get, the sicker of change I become. It took my Raley's store
accepting checks, doing something with them and giving them back to me
before I left the checkout to kick me into the twenty first century.
That was about six months ago. I'm starting to like not carrying a
checkbook to the grocery store. Plastic rules, and the bank says I'll
get a kickback of some sort for credit transactions. If those are
airline miles coupons, I'll use them in the bathroom instead of
corncobs. I'm always thinking green.

leo

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

> On Mon 21 Sep 2009 04:43:30p, notbob told us...
>
>> On 2009-09-21, Gregory Morrow >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in
>>> accepting
>>> only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.
>>
>> Gee! Whole Paycheck screws its customers yet again. Big surprise.
>>
>> nb

Customers have been screwing stores with bounced checks for years. I've
never used them for grocery shopping so I don't care either way.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

In article 7>,
Wayne Boatwright > wrote:

> On Mon 21 Sep 2009 04:43:30p, notbob told us...
>
> > On 2009-09-21, Gregory Morrow > wrote:
> >
> >> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in accepting
> >> only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.
> >
> > Gee! Whole Paycheck screws its customers yet again. Big surprise.
> >
> > nb
> >
>
> I wish they'd all do that. I hate getting stuck behind someone writing a
> check, since most have made no effort to prepare for writing the check in
> advance. Slows everybody down.

I agree. I wish the grocery stores where I shop would stop accepting
checks too.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

"George Shirley" > wrote
> Or the little old man or lady who pays cash and has to dig around in a
> pocket or purse for the exact change. Sheesh! People what the hell
> difference does four or five minutes make in your life? Slow down and
> enjoy things for a change.

Seconded.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Leonard Blaisdell wrote:
> In article > ,
> "Gregory Morrow" > wrote:
>
>> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in
>> accepting only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.
>
> The older I get, the sicker of change I become. It took my Raley's
> store accepting checks, doing something with them and giving them
> back to me before I left the checkout to kick me into the twenty
> first century. That was about six months ago. I'm starting to like
> not carrying a checkbook to the grocery store. Plastic rules, and the
> bank says I'll get a kickback of some sort for credit transactions.
> If those are airline miles coupons, I'll use them in the bathroom
> instead of corncobs. I'm always thinking green.

(laughing) You're too funny. Me too, I'm all about the plastic.
And I don't even have to write a check at the end of the month,
a couple of clicks and it all goes away.

nancy

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

George Shirley wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>> "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote

>>> I still use either cash or checks for most of my grocery purchases.
>>> With checks, I fill out everything on the check except the amount
>>> while I am waiting in line, then add the amount after my purchases
>>> are totaled. That doesn't take any longer than swiping a credit
>>> card, pressing a couple of buttons (such as "right amount"), and
>>> signing the receipt.

>> Yeah, that's what I do, too, when I pay with a check. Seems like
>> common courtesy to me. It's not like the person didn't know before
>> walking into the store they were going to pay with a check. I do
>> understand Wayne's frustration.

> Or the little old man or lady who pays cash and has to dig around in a
> pocket or purse for the exact change. Sheesh! People what the hell
> difference does four or five minutes make in your life? Slow down and
> enjoy things for a change.

If it was little old ladies I don't think anyone would say a word.

It's the able-bodied self-absorbed types who don't care if you're
late or just need to get home that grate on people's nerves. I
don't think common curtesy is too much to ask. I'm aware of
the people behind me in line, the way Jill, MaryL and Wayne are.

nancy

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Nancy Young wrote:
> George Shirley wrote:
>> jmcquown wrote:
>>> "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote
>
>>>> I still use either cash or checks for most of my grocery purchases.
>>>> With checks, I fill out everything on the check except the amount
>>>> while I am waiting in line, then add the amount after my purchases
>>>> are totaled. That doesn't take any longer than swiping a credit
>>>> card, pressing a couple of buttons (such as "right amount"), and
>>>> signing the receipt.
>
>>> Yeah, that's what I do, too, when I pay with a check. Seems like
>>> common courtesy to me. It's not like the person didn't know before
>>> walking into the store they were going to pay with a check. I do
>>> understand Wayne's frustration.
>
>> Or the little old man or lady who pays cash and has to dig around in a
>> pocket or purse for the exact change. Sheesh! People what the hell
>> difference does four or five minutes make in your life? Slow down and
>> enjoy things for a change.
>
> If it was little old ladies I don't think anyone would say a word.
> It's the able-bodied self-absorbed types who don't care if you're
> late or just need to get home that grate on people's nerves. I don't
> think common curtesy is too much to ask. I'm aware of
> the people behind me in line, the way Jill, MaryL and Wayne are.

Exactly, the little old ladies are usually ready to go. Its the I am so
much more important than everyone folks who go through the drill of
tying everyone up with looking for their their checkbook, filling out a
check and then being asked "could I see your check cashing card" with a
reply of "hold on" while they look for it and then usually "I don't have
it" that drive people nuts.

And its the same mindset when they push their cart with 68 items into
the 10 item express lane.

>
> nancy

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On 2009-09-22, George Shirley > wrote:

> Or the little old man or lady who pays cash and has to dig around in a
> pocket or purse for the exact change. Sheesh! People what the hell
> difference does four or five minutes make in your life? Slow down and
> enjoy things for a change.

Boy, Howdy!

I couldn't agree more. We have gobs of ol' timers still using checks.
When a gray hair/beard takes one out, I just settle back and do
something else, like peruse the slander rags. Two or three minutes is
nothing to get my blood pressure in a boil over.

The other advantage to checks is, you can't mail plastic. Also, being
out in the boonies, my local bank doesn't electronically connect with
ALL other financial institutions so I can do an e-xfer. Plus, I
discovered a little known fact. I know it's probably my local bank
(boonies, remember), but when they do connect with another acct I have
in TX and I do an online e-xfer, they accept the online transaction
and then, MAIL A CHECK! lol....

nb

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Sep 21, 6:20�pm, "Gregory Morrow"
> wrote:
> http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,3717069.story
>
> Grocery stores taking check use off shoppers' lists
>
> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in accepting
> only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.
>
> By Jerry Hirsch
>
> September 21, 2009
>
> "Long before banks started locating branches inside supermarkets, grocery
> stores acted as informal financial establishments, cashing payroll checks
> and personal checks to provide ready cash for their customers. That's
> starting to change.
>
> Whole Foods Market Inc. is considering banning the use of personal checks at
> its stores and this month stopped accepting checks at two stores in Los
> Angeles County and one in Arizona as a test.
>
> Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, the California division of British
> retailing giant Tesco, won't take personal checks at any of the 70 stores it
> operates in California.
>
> "Supermarkets used to be a repository of checking, cashing payroll and
> personal checks, but in an age of direct deposit and debit cards, that's not
> something that is relevant to their customers anymore," said Mac Brand, a
> Chicago food industry consultant.
>
> The heads of these chains see check processing as a time-consuming and
> expensive service at a time when the industry is looking to drive down
> business costs, he said. But such a move carries risk.
>
> "Every time you take something away, you run the risk of severing your
> relationship with a customer," Brand said.
>
> Such policies would irritate shopper Kerry Showalter of Newbury Park, he
> said.
>
> "Grocery stores are a dime a dozen. If the Albertsons where I shop stopped
> accepting checks, I would just go to Vons," he said.
>
> The computer industry sales executive said he uses checks to buy groceries
> as method of keeping "a budget under control."
>
> He said he's bothered by using debit and credit cards -- which he said are
> not actual representations of money -- on perishables such as groceries. The
> physical act of writing a check makes shoppers think more carefully about
> their purchases, he said.
>
> It would also be hard on many seniors, who have been slow to adopt the use
> of debit cards, said Gail Hillebrand, a lawyer and financial services expert
> for the nonprofit Consumers Union.
>
> But a widespread move by the grocery industry to ban personal checks would
> not upset other shoppers such as Sharon Fern of Placentia.
>
> "I haven't written or carried a checkbook in many years," she said.
> "Wouldn't bother me a bit." Debit cards are far more convenient, she said..
>
> "The money comes right out of my account and saves a lot of time over
> writing a check," Fern said.
>
> Vons, Albertsons and Ralphs -- the stores most likely to have a bank branch
> within their locations -- continue to accept checks.
>
> They also cash payroll checks, although the chains typically charge a
> service fee of about $1 to about 1% of the check, depending on the municipal
> regulations of the city where the store is located.
>
> Representatives of the chains said there were no plans to end the services,
> and one supermarket industry executive questioned why, in an environment of
> increasing competition for shoppers, a company would add a barrier to
> potential sales.
>
> Fresh & Easy, which started opening stores two years ago, has only
> self-service checkout. It doesn't take checks or manufacturers' coupons.
>
> "We keep our systems as simple as possible, keeping prices low for
> customers. We do accept cash, credit and debit cards and also have an ATM in
> store," said Brendan Wonnacott, a spokesman for the chain.
>
> Bill Jordan, Whole Foods' regional vice president, said prohibiting personal
> checks should improve service.
>
> "Since most of our customers pay with cash, debit cards or credit cards, we
> want them to be able to check out as quickly as possible. This pilot program
> was put in place to see if personal check users would make the switch to
> debit cards or another form of payment."
>
> In little more than a week into the change, "the program is off to a great
> start," he said.
>
> So far only the stores in El Segundo, one in Los Angeles on 3rd Street near
> Fairfax Avenue and a store in Tempe, Ariz., have stopped accepting checks..
> The chain had already stopped cashing payroll checks.
>
> Jordan said Whole Foods would evaluate consumer reaction before rolling out
> the change to other stores.
>
> A recent rise in bad checks also factors into the new policy, he said. "That
> unfortunately makes it more difficult for the remaining customers who prefer
> to pay this way. To help reduce fraud, we have a several-step personal check
> approval process that can often inconvenience other customers in line,"
> Jordan said.
>
> The chain prefers cash, debit cards and credit cards because they can be
> processed quickly and "come with added protections" that safeguard the
> interests of the consumer and the retailer, Jordan said.
>
> Many retailers prefer the type of debit cards that require the shopper to
> punch in a personal identification number to complete the purchase. That's
> because those have the best combination of low transaction fees and
> security, said Adam Levitin, a law professor and consumer finance expert at
> Georgetown University.
>
> But probably the biggest advantage for grocery stores looking at stopping
> accepting checks is the labor savings of taking and processing the checks,
> he said.
>
> Showalter, the Ventura County shopper and frequent check-writer, said he
> understood the rationale but didn't like the policy.
>
> "If I was a shareholder I would say yeah," Showalter said. "But I'm not a
> shareholder, I'm a shopper."
>
> Copyright � 2009, The Los Angeles Times

Well, I liike this idea , but am probably in the minority. Generally ,
I use the Credit card for everything that I can. At the end of the
month, it is all paid off, I have a good record of what and where I
bought everything and....it is faster and easier..

I get miles too, and like that..

Rosie




Rosie

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> George Shirley wrote:
>> jmcquown wrote:
>>> "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote
>
>>>> I still use either cash or checks for most of my grocery purchases.
>>>> With checks, I fill out everything on the check except the amount
>>>> while I am waiting in line, then add the amount after my purchases
>>>> are totaled. That doesn't take any longer than swiping a credit
>>>> card, pressing a couple of buttons (such as "right amount"), and
>>>> signing the receipt.
>
>>> Yeah, that's what I do, too, when I pay with a check. Seems like
>>> common courtesy to me. It's not like the person didn't know before
>>> walking into the store they were going to pay with a check. I do
>>> understand Wayne's frustration.
>
>> Or the little old man or lady who pays cash and has to dig around in a
>> pocket or purse for the exact change. Sheesh! People what the hell
>> difference does four or five minutes make in your life? Slow down and
>> enjoy things for a change.
>
> If it was little old ladies I don't think anyone would say a word.
> It's the able-bodied self-absorbed types who don't care if you're
> late or just need to get home that grate on people's nerves. I don't
> think common curtesy is too much to ask. I'm aware of
> the people behind me in line, the way Jill, MaryL and Wayne are.
>
> nancy



I've often stepped aside for someone who only has a few items (I'm not
talking the 10 items or less aisle). I don't care if they dig into their
change purse top pay for it. I'm not in that much of a hurry. But someone
who has hundreds of dollars of groceries and didn't bother to make out the
check before getting up there? That's annoying.

Jill

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Sep 21, 6:20 pm, "Gregory Morrow"
> wrote:
> http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,3717069.story
>
> Grocery stores taking check use off shoppers' lists
>
> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in accepting
> only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.
>
> By Jerry Hirsch
>
> September 21, 2009
>
> "Long before banks started locating branches inside supermarkets, grocery
> stores acted as informal financial establishments, cashing payroll checks
> and personal checks to provide ready cash for their customers. That's
> starting to change.
>
> Whole Foods Market Inc. is considering banning the use of personal checks at
> its stores and this month stopped accepting checks at two stores in Los
> Angeles County and one in Arizona as a test.
>
> Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, the California division of British
> retailing giant Tesco, won't take personal checks at any of the 70 stores it
> operates in California.
>
> "Supermarkets used to be a repository of checking, cashing payroll and
> personal checks, but in an age of direct deposit and debit cards, that's not
> something that is relevant to their customers anymore," said Mac Brand, a
> Chicago food industry consultant.
>
> The heads of these chains see check processing as a time-consuming and
> expensive service at a time when the industry is looking to drive down
> business costs, he said. But such a move carries risk.
>
> "Every time you take something away, you run the risk of severing your
> relationship with a customer," Brand said.
>
> Such policies would irritate shopper Kerry Showalter of Newbury Park, he
> said.
>
> "Grocery stores are a dime a dozen. If the Albertsons where I shop stopped
> accepting checks, I would just go to Vons," he said.
>
> The computer industry sales executive said he uses checks to buy groceries
> as method of keeping "a budget under control."
>
> He said he's bothered by using debit and credit cards -- which he said are
> not actual representations of money -- on perishables such as groceries. The
> physical act of writing a check makes shoppers think more carefully about
> their purchases, he said.
>
> It would also be hard on many seniors, who have been slow to adopt the use
> of debit cards, said Gail Hillebrand, a lawyer and financial services expert
> for the nonprofit Consumers Union.
>
> But a widespread move by the grocery industry to ban personal checks would
> not upset other shoppers such as Sharon Fern of Placentia.
>
> "I haven't written or carried a checkbook in many years," she said.
> "Wouldn't bother me a bit." Debit cards are far more convenient, she said..
>
> "The money comes right out of my account and saves a lot of time over
> writing a check," Fern said.
>
> Vons, Albertsons and Ralphs -- the stores most likely to have a bank branch
> within their locations -- continue to accept checks.
>
> They also cash payroll checks, although the chains typically charge a
> service fee of about $1 to about 1% of the check, depending on the municipal
> regulations of the city where the store is located.
>
> Representatives of the chains said there were no plans to end the services,
> and one supermarket industry executive questioned why, in an environment of
> increasing competition for shoppers, a company would add a barrier to
> potential sales.
>
> Fresh & Easy, which started opening stores two years ago, has only
> self-service checkout. It doesn't take checks or manufacturers' coupons.
>
> "We keep our systems as simple as possible, keeping prices low for
> customers. We do accept cash, credit and debit cards and also have an ATM in
> store," said Brendan Wonnacott, a spokesman for the chain.
>
> Bill Jordan, Whole Foods' regional vice president, said prohibiting personal
> checks should improve service.
>
> "Since most of our customers pay with cash, debit cards or credit cards, we
> want them to be able to check out as quickly as possible. This pilot program
> was put in place to see if personal check users would make the switch to
> debit cards or another form of payment."
>
> In little more than a week into the change, "the program is off to a great
> start," he said.
>
> So far only the stores in El Segundo, one in Los Angeles on 3rd Street near
> Fairfax Avenue and a store in Tempe, Ariz., have stopped accepting checks..
> The chain had already stopped cashing payroll checks.
>
> Jordan said Whole Foods would evaluate consumer reaction before rolling out
> the change to other stores.
>
> A recent rise in bad checks also factors into the new policy, he said. "That
> unfortunately makes it more difficult for the remaining customers who prefer
> to pay this way. To help reduce fraud, we have a several-step personal check
> approval process that can often inconvenience other customers in line,"
> Jordan said.
>
> The chain prefers cash, debit cards and credit cards because they can be
> processed quickly and "come with added protections" that safeguard the
> interests of the consumer and the retailer, Jordan said.
>
> Many retailers prefer the type of debit cards that require the shopper to
> punch in a personal identification number to complete the purchase. That's
> because those have the best combination of low transaction fees and
> security, said Adam Levitin, a law professor and consumer finance expert at
> Georgetown University.
>
> But probably the biggest advantage for grocery stores looking at stopping
> accepting checks is the labor savings of taking and processing the checks,
> he said.
>
> Showalter, the Ventura County shopper and frequent check-writer, said he
> understood the rationale but didn't like the policy.
>
> "If I was a shareholder I would say yeah," Showalter said. "But I'm not a
> shareholder, I'm a shopper."
>
> Copyright © 2009, The Los Angeles Times

Many stores in my area, grocery stores, big lot stores, etc., are
accepting checks in the same way they accept debit cards - when you
write a check, the money comes directly out of your account as a
debit, and the cashier returns your check along with the receipt. I
forget what this is called - but it stops the "check float" phenom for
sure.

N.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Sep 21, 6:35 pm, Kalmia > wrote:
> Good - maybe the lines'll move a bit faster.

That's for sure!

N.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

"Nancy2" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> There is one huge disadvantage to not accepting a check - which
> happened to me in the past month. My debit card number was hacked,
> and I had to wait 10 days for a new debit card (unless I paid a hurry-
> up fee of $38!!!) - so I had to write checks during that period. I
> guess if stores don't accept checks, your only alternative in this
> case would be to go to the bank (when they are open, since you don't
> have an ATM card) and withdraw enough cash to see you through. It was
> super-annoying not to have my debit card for 10 days.
>
> N.

Another disadvantage (for me, at least) is that I *want* to pay certain
bills with checks. I record my checks in Quicken, and I have a number of
years backed up. Therefore, it is easy for me to locate payments or to
check my records on expenses. I would change to a different store if the
one I use stopped taking checks.

MaryL

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Kalmia wrote:
>
> Good - maybe the lines'll move a bit faster.

Ikea has debit/credit only lanes and they have faster
checkout lines for it. Several grocery stores I go to
have signs on each line listing what they will accept
in that line and the number that list checks continues
to drop.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

In article
>,
rosie > wrote:

> On Sep 21, 6:20?pm,

> > http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,3717069.story
> >
> > Grocery stores taking check use off shoppers' lists

> > He said he's bothered by using debit and credit cards -- which he said are
> > not actual representations of money -- on perishables such as groceries. The
> > physical act of writing a check makes shoppers think more carefully about
> > their purchases, he said.

Please mentally change the word "shoppers" in the paragraph above to
"stupid shoppers". Credit and debit cards are just as much actual
representations of money in my mind, as checks. I used to be a bank
auditor, and I and bank employees were always astounded by how many
people didn't understand that paper checks were only to be used when you
had money in the bank. It's like that old joke, "What do you mean I'm
out of money in my checking account? I still have blank checks!". In
the old days, people used to deposit their Friday paycheck on Friday,
after the bank was closed, using the ATM. They would then write checks
all weekend long against the deposit that the bank hadn't processed.
That was OK, since they didn't process the checks, either. On Monday,
after the banks closed, they would process all the activity from the
weekend. The deposit was processed first, so all the checks were good.
Now, if you deposit your paycheck after the bank is closed and try to
use your ATM card against that money, it bounces. You don't have that
money in your account yet.

> Well, I liike this idea , but am probably in the minority. Generally ,
> I use the Credit card for everything that I can. At the end of the
> month, it is all paid off, I have a good record of what and where I
> bought everything and....it is faster and easier..
>
> I get miles too, and like that..

I don't think you are in the minority. However, I think it will take a
long time before checks disappear, even though my personal opinion is
that they are obsolete for most purposes right now. I suspect that we
will gradually eliminate checks and go for plastic for those who are
willing, and cash for those who aren't.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:42:50 -0700 (PDT), Nancy2 wrote:

>
> There is one huge disadvantage to not accepting a check - which
> happened to me in the past month. My debit card number was hacked,
> and I had to wait 10 days for a new debit card (unless I paid a hurry-
> up fee of $38!!!) - so I had to write checks during that period. I
> guess if stores don't accept checks, your only alternative in this
> case would be to go to the bank (when they are open, since you don't
> have an ATM card) and withdraw enough cash to see you through. It was
> super-annoying not to have my debit card for 10 days.
>
> N.

that would be annoying.

but i don't visit the a.t.m. that much - i usually take out two hundred
bucks, which lasts me a while. might be more if i had to cover groceries
out of that.

your pal,
blake

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

In article 7>,
Wayne Boatwright > wrote:

> On Mon 21 Sep 2009 04:43:30p, notbob told us...
>
> > On 2009-09-21, Gregory Morrow > wrote:
> >
> >> In a cost-cutting move, Whole Foods may emulate Fresh & Easy in accepting
> >> only cash and credit and debit cards at checkout.
> >
> > Gee! Whole Paycheck screws its customers yet again. Big surprise.
> >
> > nb
> >
>
> I wish they'd all do that. I hate getting stuck behind someone writing a
> check, since most have made no effort to prepare for writing the check in
> advance. Slows everybody down.

I understand your frustration, although since I have been retired a few
years, I'm not rushing around much. Still, one would think those people
would try to write their checks in advance, especially since some carry
around a life's worth of papers, and can't find their checkbook in their
purses that hold several cubic feet of old junk, and they can't find
their driver's license for ID, since they no longer drive. I strongly
suspect, though, that for a few people, this is the high point of their
day. This is their one social event for that day. Their adult child is
waiting in the car, because they are so slow and have to look at
everything. The adult child is embarrassed by the fumbling with the
check check at the checkstand, but their complaints fall on deaf ears.
So they wait in the car and read or listen to music. They drive the
parent home and take the groceries in the house. Then they leave the
parent alone until the next trip.

Still, once in a while I look at what is happening in the line in front
of me. If it's moving OK, I'm seldom interested, but once in a while I
look. People who write checks still, have them out and filled in, with
their ID all ready. We don't notice those people because they don't
hold up the line. They are actually just as fast as people who use ATM
cards, especially people who wait until the get the final total to start
looking for their card, who then don't know how to swipe it and are
fumbly fingers on the keypad for the PIN.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Nancy2 > wrote:

> There is one huge disadvantage to not accepting a check - which
> happened to me in the past month. My debit card number was hacked,
> and I had to wait 10 days for a new debit card (unless I paid a hurry-
> up fee of $38!!!) - so I had to write checks during that period. I
> guess if stores don't accept checks, your only alternative in this
> case would be to go to the bank (when they are open, since you don't
> have an ATM card) and withdraw enough cash to see you through. It was
> super-annoying not to have my debit card for 10 days.

Does your bank issue ATM cards? Those do not have Visa or MasterCard
logos and can't be used like a credit card, but work as debit cards
with a PIN. My bank issues those at the local branch and they are
usable within a few hours or next day at worst. Nice thing is they
can't get used online or by anyone who doesn't know the PIN.
I deliberately turned down the Visa branded debit card when my bank
offered it because I don't want a card that anyone can use that takes
money directly out of my account. All the grocery stores I've been
to in the last 10 years or more can process my ATM card as a debit
card with a PIN.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

> wrote:

>Nancy2 > wrote:

>> There is one huge disadvantage to not accepting a check - which
>> happened to me in the past month. My debit card number was hacked,
>> and I had to wait 10 days for a new debit card (unless I paid a hurry-
>> up fee of $38!!!) - so I had to write checks during that period. I
>> guess if stores don't accept checks, your only alternative in this
>> case would be to go to the bank (when they are open, since you don't
>> have an ATM card) and withdraw enough cash to see you through. It was
>> super-annoying not to have my debit card for 10 days.

>Does your bank issue ATM cards? Those do not have Visa or MasterCard
>logos and can't be used like a credit card, but work as debit cards
>with a PIN. My bank issues those at the local branch and they are
>usable within a few hours or next day at worst. Nice thing is they
>can't get used online or by anyone who doesn't know the PIN.
>I deliberately turned down the Visa branded debit card when my bank
>offered it because I don't want a card that anyone can use that takes
>money directly out of my account. All the grocery stores I've been
>to in the last 10 years or more can process my ATM card as a debit
>card with a PIN.

I emphaatically agree with rejecting debit cards, which my
bank always tries to foise upon me at least once a year as
a replacement for the traditional ATM card. You can't
blame them; they charge the merchants up to 2% per transaction
on the debit card. But it has the weakest possible
consumer protection.

Steve

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Sep 22, 1:21*pm, wrote:
> Nancy2 > wrote:
> > There is one huge disadvantage to not accepting a check - which
> > happened to me in the past month. *My debit card number was hacked,
> > and I had to wait 10 days for a new debit card (unless I paid a hurry-
> > up fee of $38!!!) - so I had to write checks during that period. *I
> > guess if stores don't accept checks, your only alternative in this
> > case would be to go to the bank (when they are open, since you don't
> > have an ATM card) and withdraw enough cash to see you through. *It was
> > super-annoying not to have my debit card for 10 days.
>
> Does your bank issue ATM cards? *Those do not have Visa or MasterCard
> logos and can't be used like a credit card, but work as debit cards
> with a PIN. *My bank issues those at the local branch and they are
> usable within a few hours or next day at worst. *Nice thing is they
> can't get used online or by anyone who doesn't know the PIN.
> I deliberately turned down the Visa branded debit card when my bank
> offered it because I don't want a card that anyone can use that takes
> money directly out of my account. *All the grocery stores I've been
> to in the last 10 years or more can process my ATM card as a debit
> card with a PIN.
>
> Bill Ranck
> Blacksburg, Va.

My debit card requires a PIN at the supermarkets and the big box
stores - other times, it doesn't. It can be either debit or credit.
My credit union doesn't issue a separate ATM-only card.

I didn't lose anything when my card was hacked, because the 24/7
outfit my c.u. uses to watch for suspicious activity didn't authorize
two questionable debits and notified me right away to make sure I
hadn't authorized them. It was an annoying hiccup in my financial
life, but it didn't cost me anything but wait time. ;-)

N.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Sep 22, 12:07*pm, Dan Abel > wrote:
> In article
> >,
>
> *rosie > wrote:
> > On Sep 21, 6:20?pm,
> > >http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,3717069.story
>
> > > Grocery stores taking check use off shoppers' lists
> > > He said he's bothered by using debit and credit cards -- which he said are
> > > not actual representations of money -- on perishables such as groceries. The
> > > physical act of writing a check makes shoppers think more carefully about
> > > their purchases, he said.
>
> Please mentally change the word "shoppers" in the paragraph above to
> "stupid shoppers". *Credit and debit cards are just as much actual
> representations of money in my mind, as checks. *I used to be a bank
> auditor, and I and bank employees were always astounded by how many
> people didn't understand that paper checks were only to be used when you
> had money in the bank. *It's like that old joke, "What do you mean I'm
> out of money in my checking account? *I still have blank checks!". *In
> the old days, people used to deposit their Friday paycheck on Friday,
> after the bank was closed, using the ATM. *They would then write checks
> all weekend long against the deposit that the bank hadn't processed. *
> That was OK, since they didn't process the checks, either. *On Monday,
> after the banks closed, they would process all the activity from the
> weekend. *The deposit was processed first, so all the checks were good. *
> Now, if you deposit your paycheck after the bank is closed and try to
> use your ATM card against that money, it bounces. *You don't have that
> money in your account yet.


My credit union doesn't operate that way - if I use the auto teller to
make a deposit, I can withdraw that money or use my debit card against
it right away.

N.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Dan Abel wrote:

> Still, once in a while I look at what is happening in the line in
> front of me. If it's moving OK, I'm seldom interested, but once in a
> while I look. People who write checks still, have them out and
> filled in, with their ID all ready. We don't notice those people
> because they don't hold up the line.

Precisely. Those aren't the people who are irritating others.
They're considerate.

nancy

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Steve Pope > wrote:
> > wrote:

> >I deliberately turned down the Visa branded debit card when my bank
> >offered it because I don't want a card that anyone can use that takes
> >money directly out of my account. All the grocery stores I've been
> >to in the last 10 years or more can process my ATM card as a debit
> >card with a PIN.

> I emphaatically agree with rejecting debit cards, which my
> bank always tries to foise upon me at least once a year as
> a replacement for the traditional ATM card. You can't
> blame them; they charge the merchants up to 2% per transaction
> on the debit card. But it has the weakest possible
> consumer protection.

The banking system gets a processing fee for debit cards, too.
My wife's shop accepts debit with PIN, and it definitely costs
some fees, slightly less than most credit cards, but still
a fee. Oh, 2% is on the low end, it can easily be 3% or more
for smaller merchants. Big stores get a better deal.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

jmcquown wrote:


> I've often stepped aside for someone who only has a few items (I'm
> not talking the 10 items or less aisle). I don't care if they dig
> into their change purse top pay for it. I'm not in that much of a
> hurry. But someone who has hundreds of dollars of groceries and
> didn't bother to make out the check before getting up there? That's
> annoying.

Lots of stores these days can print the check. The buyer just needs to
sign it.




Brian

--
Day 232 of the "no grouchy usenet posts" project

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Nancy2 wrote:

> I didn't lose anything when my card was hacked, because the 24/7
> outfit my c.u. uses to watch for suspicious activity didn't authorize
> two questionable debits and notified me right away to make sure I
> hadn't authorized them. It was an annoying hiccup in my financial
> life, but it didn't cost me anything but wait time. ;-)

Wasn't it creepy nonetheless? It wigged me out when all these
charges started showing up on my credit card.

That's why debit cards are not for me. I understand ACH processing,
that was one of my responsibilities when I was a computer programmer
in payroll. I am not worried about that process. It's what I'd call the
front end ... the store and their employees that worry me, them
hijacking my information and getting to my checking account. Credit
card charges, no worries, they don't get a dime from me and my other
bills won't bounce if something happens.

I'm glad it was relatively painless for you. I don't know who stole my
information for sure. Creepy feeling.

nancy

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Christine Dabney > wrote:

>On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:22:38 +0000 (UTC),

>>I emphatically agree with rejecting debit cards, which my
>>bank always tries to foise upon me at least once a year as
>>a replacement for the traditional ATM card. You can't
>>blame them; they charge the merchants up to 2% per transaction
>>on the debit card. But it has the weakest possible
>>consumer protection.

>I have heard differently. I went to pay with my debit card at one
>place, and the merchant told me that it was cheaper for them if I used
>it as a debit card, instead of a charge card. There was a fee for
>charging, and none for debit.

Definitely the merchant fees are highest for credit cards.

I had not heard previously that there can be zero merchant
fees for debit card use, but it's possible.

>Don't know if it was just that merchant or the same for anyplace.

I'm uncertain also.

Debit cards may be kinder to the merchant, but not to the
consumer (you stand less of a chance of being able to
contest a charge... not something I like to do more than
once or twice per decade, but sometimes it's necessary).

Steve

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

"MaryL" wrote

> I still use either cash or checks for most of my grocery purchases. With
> checks, I fill out everything on the check except the amount while I am
> waiting in line, then add the amount after my purchases are totaled. That
> doesn't take any longer than swiping a credit card, pressing a couple of
> buttons (such as "right amount"), and signing the receipt.

Same here. What is disruptive is the person who waits to find the store
card and credit card until it's all rung up, then spend 3-4 mins 'hunting
the purse'.

Be i check writing or using the credit card, I have it all out in advance
and filled out as far as possible (checks). As a matter of fact, i'm
usually using a few coupons and they show a talley then scan them. I write
then and get the cash back from the coupons, normally finishing same time
the cashier does. What is also disruptive is an inexperienced cashier who
doesnt know *how* to process a check.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

"Wayne Boatwright" wrote

> You and Mary would seem to be in the minority, at least in the stores
> where
> I usually shop. I'm sure the people behind you appreciate it.

Add me in Wayne. It's just common courtesy to do that. Including the phone
number etc added to the top (they always want that).

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
> Yeah, that's what I do, too, when I pay with a check. Seems like common
> courtesy to me. It's not like the person didn't know before walking into
> the store they were going to pay with a check. I do understand Wayne's
> frustration.
>
> Jill

In some stores, all you have to do is sign the check and the store will fill
it out for you. Saves time.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote in message
>
> Another disadvantage (for me, at least) is that I *want* to pay certain
> bills with checks. I record my checks in Quicken, and I have a number of
> years backed up. Therefore, it is easy for me to locate payments or to
> check my records on expenses. I would change to a different store if the
> one I use stopped taking checks.
>
> MaryL

Quicken allows for using a cash account too so no big deal. I use it to
track certain items too.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> > Yeah, that's what I do, too, when I pay with a check. Seems like common
> > courtesy to me. It's not like the person didn't know before walking into
> > the store they were going to pay with a check. I do understand Wayne's
> > frustration.
> >
> > Jill
>
> In some stores, all you have to do is sign the check and the store will fill
> it out for you. Saves time.

Yes, I saw that for the first time just the other day.
Some old woman in front of me was about to write out
a check, and she was told all she had to do was sign it,
and then the checker put it into a printer to fill it out.
The checker said they'd had this system for a couple of years,
but that was certainly news to me and the woman in front of me.

It's a great improvement. Some people write really slow.
But most people can sign their name relatively quickly.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
>
> "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote in message
>>
>> Another disadvantage (for me, at least) is that I *want* to pay certain
>> bills with checks. I record my checks in Quicken, and I have a number of
>> years backed up. Therefore, it is easy for me to locate payments or to
>> check my records on expenses. I would change to a different store if the
>> one I use stopped taking checks.
>>
>> MaryL
>
> Quicken allows for using a cash account too so no big deal. I use it to
> track certain items too.
>
>

Yes, but it's a *lot* easier for me to record by using check numbers. For
one thing, I would know immediately if I forget to enter a check (which has
happened a few times) because I would see the missing check number. Cash
transactions won't give me that warning.

MaryL

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:45:45 +0000 (UTC), wrote:

>Steve Pope > wrote:
>> > wrote:
>
>> >I deliberately turned down the Visa branded debit card when my bank
>> >offered it because I don't want a card that anyone can use that takes
>> >money directly out of my account. All the grocery stores I've been
>> >to in the last 10 years or more can process my ATM card as a debit
>> >card with a PIN.
>
>> I emphaatically agree with rejecting debit cards, which my
>> bank always tries to foise upon me at least once a year as
>> a replacement for the traditional ATM card. You can't
>> blame them; they charge the merchants up to 2% per transaction
>> on the debit card. But it has the weakest possible
>> consumer protection.
>
>The banking system gets a processing fee for debit cards, too.
>My wife's shop accepts debit with PIN, and it definitely costs
>some fees, slightly less than most credit cards, but still
>a fee. Oh, 2% is on the low end, it can easily be 3% or more
>for smaller merchants. Big stores get a better deal.

PIN based debit transactions are less expensive than PIN-less debit
transactions are less than credit transactions. How much it costs will
depend on your bank, the merchant bank (if not your bank), and any
processor that might be involved.

Credit cards are usually a transaction fee + a percentage. Both of
these are negotiable. Debit cards (PIN and PIN-less) are usually a
percentage with a cap or a fixed fee. Debit cards usually are not
subject to chargebacks or downgrades (increasing the fees because you
violated a condition of the negotiated rate).

Here is a good listing of the multitude of fees:
http://www.merchantaccountblog.com/2...t-account-fees

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:15:48 GMT, notbob > wrote:

>On 2009-09-22, George Shirley > wrote:
>
>> Or the little old man or lady who pays cash and has to dig around in a
>> pocket or purse for the exact change. Sheesh! People what the hell
>> difference does four or five minutes make in your life? Slow down and
>> enjoy things for a change.
>
>Boy, Howdy!
>
>I couldn't agree more. We have gobs of ol' timers still using checks.
>When a gray hair/beard takes one out, I just settle back and do
>something else, like peruse the slander rags. Two or three minutes is
>nothing to get my blood pressure in a boil over.
>
>The other advantage to checks is, you can't mail plastic. Also, being
>out in the boonies, my local bank doesn't electronically connect with
>ALL other financial institutions so I can do an e-xfer. Plus, I
>discovered a little known fact. I know it's probably my local bank
>(boonies, remember), but when they do connect with another acct I have
>in TX and I do an online e-xfer, they accept the online transaction
>and then, MAIL A CHECK! lol....

I don't know about your bank, but mine does it for free. Saves me the
cost of the check and the stamp.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:08:46 -0400, "Nancy Young"
> wrote:

>Nancy2 wrote:
>
>> I didn't lose anything when my card was hacked, because the 24/7
>> outfit my c.u. uses to watch for suspicious activity didn't authorize
>> two questionable debits and notified me right away to make sure I
>> hadn't authorized them. It was an annoying hiccup in my financial
>> life, but it didn't cost me anything but wait time. ;-)
>
>Wasn't it creepy nonetheless? It wigged me out when all these
>charges started showing up on my credit card.
>
>That's why debit cards are not for me. I understand ACH processing,
>that was one of my responsibilities when I was a computer programmer
>in payroll. I am not worried about that process. It's what I'd call the
>front end ... the store and their employees that worry me, them
>hijacking my information and getting to my checking account. Credit
>card charges, no worries, they don't get a dime from me and my other
>bills won't bounce if something happens.
>

I used to work for a bank also. I have a PIN only ATM card and a credit
card. I also am not comfortable with the VISA/MC combo debit card.

Grocery Stores Stop Accepting Checks...
 

Robert Klute wrote:
> On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:08:46 -0400, "Nancy Young"
> > wrote:

>> That's why debit cards are not for me. I understand ACH processing,
>> that was one of my responsibilities when I was a computer programmer
>> in payroll. I am not worried about that process. It's what I'd
>> call the front end ... the store and their employees that worry me,
>> them hijacking my information and getting to my checking account.
>> Credit card charges, no worries, they don't get a dime from me and
>> my other bills won't bounce if something happens.
>>
>
> I used to work for a bank also. I have a PIN only ATM card and a
> credit card. I also am not comfortable with the VISA/MC combo debit
> card.

I get that other people aren't concerned and debit cards work well
for their needs. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. I'm just
happier if someone hijacks my info, it's my credit card and not my
checking. I'm sure working for a bank you saw enough.

nancy