Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Do you want your change back, Sir?

For several years I kept my coin change in a red plastic party cup in my truck's center console cup holders. I'd use the money for an occasional treat, like a Coke and country ham sandwich at the local gas-mart.

One day one of my friends who "chews" (Sunil -- think "Turtle Men") got in my truck and automatically grabbed the cup and let loose with a pretty good squiting of brown juice. I now keep my loose change in a small pail on my dresser.

Speaking of fuel purchases, I consider that one of the areas where credit cards have had a huge, beneficial impact...pay at the pump.

No waiting in line while someone scratches off lottery tickets, buys cigarettes or milk, or pays for their fuel using all that loose change we've been discussing. Just me and the pump, and a 60 second transaction. Genius.

I see a lot of folks still paying cash to get the 5 cent/gal cash discount available at all stations here. I found one station that gives you the 5 cent cash discount when you use your debit card as long as you hit debit instead of credit on the keypad at the pump. Makes me wonder if debit cards charge the vendors less than credit cards do?

We had a local station that was upset at customers who chose to pay at the pump instead of coming inside. They tried offering a free fountain drink with purchase of 7 or more gallons of fuel, but it guess it didn't work. Next thing you know, the pumps were all broken and would no longer give a fuel receipt. "Please see cashier" said the hand written note.

I bought fuel elsewhere.

Another station west of here is either prepay cash or slip in your card and pay at the pump. If you pay cash with one of their rewards cards, you get a discount/gal. If you pay at the pump, oh well.

They do want you to come inside and buy other things, and that place has the best darn apple fritters I have ever had, not to mention their other bakery items.

I'm just a tad curious as to how the lint in my pocket is going to buy anything? If that really is true, then I am a rich man

A weird random thought:

I rarely use a credit card for small purchases, largely because I seldom make small purchases. I quit smoking cigarettes 11 years ago, therefore I seldom have reason to shop at a convenience store anymore. I've come to the conclusion that convenience stores primarily cater to people's addictions, be it tobacco, alcohol, gambling (lotto), coffee, junk food, soda pops, newspapers, etc....... Sure, people occasionally purchase household, and food staples at a convenience store, but it's hardly the preferred venue at which to shop for such items. Not counting gasoline, I'd guesstimate that over 90% of a convenience store's sales feed an addiction of some sort. Especially stores in urban areas............. I wonder if any convenience stores have ever been named, Quick Fix. lol

I hate waiting for lottery people. A number of places up here have a lottery register and another one for non-lottery purchases. They don't man that one all the time, so it becomes inconvenient.

There will be no cars in the parking lot, but always a line of people inside...