Lor says:
Happy New Year! Congratulations on the move. Only two months till the Moxie opens. I'm kinda excited, even though I live so far away I'll never be able to visit.
I'd only be annoyed if I waited in a long que then got told "sorry cash only" because that's embarrasing or if all I had was my card and there was no ATM.
¤ Posted on January 1, 2005 @ 6:26 pm
justin says:
Cash-only sucks, I think. How much do you get charged for each transaction? What if you put up a sign saying "please try and keep credit card transactions to $10 and more!"?
¤ Posted on January 1, 2005 @ 6:32 pm
whitty says:
Cash only does indeed suck mainly because I hardly carry cash, however, there is at least two no fee ATMs between my house and the Moxie so I would be okay with it. AND you are right down the street from my credit union (which doesn't have an ATM, but that is another story), so really, it isn't a huge inconvience to me personally. While I know that you are basing all of the Moxie's business around me, it might not be convenient for everybody.
I know that the downtown grocery store makes you send at least $5 bucks to use your credit card. It is no big deal, I just by more gum.
Phew, now I don't have to go to Rolla.
¤ Posted on January 1, 2005 @ 6:50 pm
whittler says:
It wouldn't bother me. But I'm together enough to front up to a movie house with a bit of cash in my pocket (right next to the sunshine). But as you have probably gleaned from earlier commenters, consumers EXPECT to be able to use plastic. This is always a tough issue for small business (duh, bit obvious Whittler).
¤ Posted on January 1, 2005 @ 7:15 pm
Dan says:
I need to find out how close the nearest ATM is to the Moxie. The cost for processing our own transactions is $250 per annum, $10 per month, 1.79% of the price and $0.20 per transaction. That's roughly $0.35 per ticket. Pretty shitty if you ask me.
¤ Posted on January 1, 2005 @ 10:00 pm
[ The Moxie Blog ]
Dave says:
what about the barter system? how many beers can i get for a live chicken?
seriously. cash only is a pain in the ass.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 12:23 am
c says:
Ha, as an alternate view: it's always cash only at the theatre for me. i prefer it, find it expedient. none of this waiting for "acceptance" and such, holding up the line. but i also have something personal against usings cred/deb cards for small purchases.
cards are evil and the lugs what hornswaggle innocent small-business-types into bucking up precious profits for the "convenience" of it all are a purer form of said evil. it's robbery, hands down.
in my exp: laying out an avenue for plastic is a sad necessity, folks use them for everything. i think if more people realized how rotten the whole racket is they'd alter their spending habits to support the little guys [rather, i hope they would].
in the real world, you need to have the service available. in an ideal world, there's an atm near-by and eager movie goers have the $ before getting in line.
Happy house fixin'
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 4:32 am
Oz says:
I would be annoyed by not being able to use my credit card. However, I have been to a movie theater--and a big one at that--that was cash only. They had an ATM in the lobby, so that helped. Although I DID have to get to the front of the line to find out that it was cash only. I recommend big signs saying "Cash Only." How difficult would it be to get an ATM in your lobby? I'd look into that. You might even make money off of it if you can "own" it or whatever (I really have no idea how ATMs work). Even if it belonged to the bank, what would it hurt them to have another ATM out there?
Oz, why are you harping on the ATM thing so much? Well, here's the dealio. If I was an idiot and did not see the sign stating that the Moxie was cash only (quite possible) and then I waited in line, got turned away, and then had to leave to walk a block to go to an ATM and return....I just don't think I'd do it.
And another thing, if you're charging like $8 a beer (typical), people would have to bring a bunch of cash with them, you know, if they wanted to get loaded. You certainly wouldn't want anyone NOT to be able to spend money on your concession stand because they'd already used all their money buying a movie ticket.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 8:09 am
Jennifer Neil says:
Hey, Dan,
I live in Canada and am very envious. Our city doesn't have a rep theatre, either, and it's two hours to Toronto! Good luck and Congratulations!
As for the "Cash Only," thing, it will be slightly inconvenient as people have become dependent on all those little plastic cards. If, however, you put up a big sign that says "Cash Only, Please," in a very visible spot, customers can't say they haven't been warned before they go to the Box Office. Although this is only common sense, you'd be surprised how many little businesses around here forget to warn their customers about stuff like this. Something to keep in mind, though, word of mouth is powerful advertising. As your business grows (and I have no doubt that it WILL), your customers will let their friends know, and smart journalists will let their readers know about your policy. The first few months will be rocky, but after people are aware of the "Cash Only" thing, it'll be smooth sailing.
Another idea is for YOU to buy an ATM to put near the Box Office for the convenience of your customers. Hey, if Mom 'n' Pop variety stores can have them, why can't you? I'm not sure how much it is to pick one of these babies up, but the service charges pretty much pay you back. If you haven't already, I recommend you look into it.
Can I also say I think you and Nicole are very, very brave? I've been thinking of this kind of thing for a long time, and never had the guts to do it. My hat is off to you!
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 8:12 am
Al says:
In 2005, "cash only" is absurd. 35 cents of a ticket is a lot? Please. It's a pittance compared to the lost revenue of a single pair of customers.
The only way you should even consider it if if you have an ATM in the lobby. But, seriously, it shouldn't even be considered then. The world runs on plastic.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 8:29 am
bryan says:
Personally, I think taking plastic is an evil necessity, but at the same time there was a theatre here in atlanta that only took cash. they have since changed, but they did start out that way. i think oz brings up the best point... alcohol. people that purchase alcohol will probably purchase more if they can drop the cost on their plastic buddy.
i'm sure you already know, but stay away form discover and amex and that'll help. good luck.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 8:30 am
whitty says:
After confering with Timmy, we have come to the conclusion that there is only ONE ATM in all of downtown Springfield at the bank on McDaniel. That sucks. And it is a considerable distance from the Moxie.
On the other hand, it might mean that people are already coming downtown loaded with cash.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 11:40 am
Brandon says:
If you're looking to get college students on the bandwagon, the card rules their lives now just like everybody else's. Building up your credit during your college years is now the "smart" thing to do... even so, I think the concept of cash only WITH A PURPOSE could benefit your image. Post a few nicely written and constructed signs around the lobby and waiting areas saying that: "Credit card use might be convenient, but it is promoting the 'first-run theatre' attitude of society. Do you want the newest, latest thing at the expense of being psychologically deceived by all-powerful credit corporations? I didn't think so... If you did, you wouldn't be here! You'd be at Wal-Mart, or watching yet another movie starring The Rock. So thank you for holding up the little guy. I know you'll be glad you did."
You don't have to mention at all that you just dont wanna lose money through processing. Good luck.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 2:33 pm
Ben D. says:
A cash-only policy wouldn't bother me, but that's probably because I'm 17 years old, I don't have a credit or debit card, and I don't live in Springfield, so I wouldn't be a frequent visitor to the theater. Although, I will most likely get a debit card before college, and I may even be living in Missouri next year.
Anyway, I can understand how the policy would upset the average customer. Just think, what if Brad Pitt does decide to stop by your theater and he has to deal with the cash-only policy? You know how celebrities love their credit cards. Then again, he would most likely have a load of cash with him as well.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 5:42 pm
Dave Adams says:
The only place in town that I frequent that's cash only is Andy's and they have an ATM. I think cash only is fine IF you have an ATM in the lobby. One of those withdrawal-only small models like you see in all the gas stations shouldn't be too expensive (I have no idea).
But if you can't do that I think you have to give in and take credit cards. I never use credit at movie theatres, but I think most people expect to be able to use their cards everywhere. Mickey D's and BK take credit nowadays.
Minimum purchases would be okay. Family Video requires $10 minimum, but they will credit it to your store account if you are getting less. You could do the same. If someone wanted to pay for one ticket with a credit card, you could require a 10 dollar minimum and just give them a gift certificate for the remaining.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 6:49 pm
Dan says:
Geez guys! All your comments are so helpful...
I just cried a little.
*blushes*
Now I don't know what to do. Both sides of the spectrum were argued with equal moxie. I think I'm going to go take a shower and contemplate.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 6:56 pm
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nicole says:
I like the gift certificate idea. Being the one who will most likely run the box office, I'm not sure if that would be a hassle or not, but it's got my vote for now. As for me, I prefer plastic option. I can't help it. I haven't seen what a dollar bill looks like in ages! My purse can only hold so much.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 7:14 pm
Al says:
FYI, I'm 99% sure your deal with Visa/MC says you cannot do a "minimum" charge. Some break this rule, especially small mail order, but you can't get away with it live and in person.
I had never considered it, but it is true about "average purchase by customer" going way up when it's on a credit card. McDonalds trial run showed the average credit card trany was $1.50 more than cash.
If you are to be taken seriously, you gotta take cards.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 7:33 pm
Fyse says:
I've gotta go down VERY firmly on the 'accept plastic' side of the debate. I can obviously only go on my experience this side of the Atlantic, but here it is very rare to find a place that wont accept credit cards. Even the tiny sandwich shop near me at uni accepts plastic because students love their credit/debit cards. Credit cards may be an evil, but you'd be fighting a losing battle.
For what it's worth, I think cards are the way forward, especially with the new 'chip and pin' system being introduced in the UK. You got anything like that in the US?
And those non-bank cash machines are evil. In the UK they charge £1.50 per transaction, and I refuse to use them on principal.
What a long comment. Good luck with making your house habitable!
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 9:13 pm
Mina says:
My parents are small business owners, for them, a cash only policy is not even an option. For beginners, those rental ATM machines come with complicated contracts and minimum quotas ($X amount of transactions must be reached each month, or you face a hefty penalty fee) eitheir that, or they charge ridiculous rental fees. Also, ATM's must always be stocked with cash from the owners/business sales. Of course, their is always the threat of robbery, and depending on your location (I'm obviously not from downtown Springfield) such large amounts usually become targets for criminals. Finally, from a consumer's point of view, I hate spending that extra $2.50 on ATM fees. I would much rather pay .35 cents more for a ticket.
The minimum purchase deal is something I always see with small businesses, although I have never heard of credit card companies banning the practice.
Anyways, too make a lengthy story short, you just gotta accept plastic. Although it may seem harsh, a previous poster was right on the money (credit card?); you won't be taken seriously otherwise.
¤ Posted on January 2, 2005 @ 10:25 pm
Devin says:
Just have an ATM in the Lobby and lots of Cash Only signage. Mast ATM's can be handled like a Vending Machine (Where you get some of the fees associated with it) Or Partner with a local bank and see what they say. I hate that my Favorite theatre is cash only on the concessions. Especially when I am in a hurry and they don't have an ATM.
¤ Posted on January 3, 2005 @ 6:36 am
einahpets says:
I'd prefer using my cards. But could I just flash a dazzling smile or something?
¤ Posted on January 3, 2005 @ 7:47 am
Carl says:
Many times I do not have that much cash in the wallet. Therefore would make it up to the window and if I did have enough to get in , would not have any to buy the wine and teats (where you will make your money from). So in cash only I would get a fairly cheap movie, but not the full experince and you may one break even.
¤ Posted on January 3, 2005 @ 8:50 am
justin says:
Is Ragtag cash-only? I think it is. The type of people who will frequent the theater will be understanding in the fact that you're a small independent theater, so the luxuries of a larger establishment might not exist. Come to think of it, I don't even think the larger theaters here in Columbia take cards. If they have, I've never used them. But I have used the ATM in the lobby.
I think your best bet is to find out where the closest ATM is, and possibly have a small map in the lobby pointing customers to it. If it's far away, talk with other businesses near by to see if they'd want to help (financially) get an ATM that's closer to all of your businesses.
¤ Posted on January 3, 2005 @ 9:32 am
Scott G. says:
Can you get a free ATM located at the Moxie? I think you have to allow plastic, the charges are just one of the costs of doing business
¤ Posted on January 3, 2005 @ 10:49 am
Luke says:
I often avoid places with cash-only policies because debit cards rule. I just never have cash since the rise of teh debit card. It would be somewhat off putting, but if the Moxioe were the only place to see an indie movie, I would make due.
You guys should talk to an ATM company. That would be a big help I think, and you wouldn't need to worry about the debit and credit card fees.
¤ Posted on January 4, 2005 @ 9:43 am
matt says:
keep in mind that if you are cash only, you will likely lose customers simply because what might have been a knee-jerk spur of the moment 'let's see a movie' decision becomes a 'oh shit, but they don't take credit cards, i have no cash/i am broke, never mind' decision. unfortunately, a lot of folks buy things on credit that they can't really afford, movie tickets included, and you'll more than make up for the fees by not losing the business.
¤ Posted on January 4, 2005 @ 11:04 am
Dan Magnum's Boyfiend says:
Happy New Year Daniel; all my love and this year, as always, just remember to bend over;
CUZ DADDY'S DRIVING!
¤ Posted on January 5, 2005 @ 11:42 pm
Dan says:
Who's Dan Magnum, and why does he have a boyFIEND?
¤ Posted on January 6, 2005 @ 9:07 am
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