Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/06/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Yes, it is. It certainly is not an indicator for a fraudolent dealer. In Germany, most retailers and restaurants except the expensive ones refuse to accept credit cards. Although Germany has the reputation of being a wealthy country, the retail business is very, very competitive pricewise. Foreign retailers like Walmart could tell a story. The commission plus delayed payments for credit card sales would be a noticeable burden. Given the strong domestic sales and the ubiquitous EC card (no commission and instant money transfer), there are only moderate incentives to accept credit cards. Even retailers who have valid contracts with credit card firms usually try to avoid them. Typically they refuse to sell "on sale" items on credit card. I am however in doubt whether this is covered by their contracts. "Leica bei Meister" and "Foto Hobby" are exceptions. In particular "Foto Hobby" is very much dedicated to mailorder, internet and credit card sales overseas, with "adjusted" prices, of course. Foreign visitors to Germany may find that inconvenient and this contributes to Germany's reputation as being a "service desert". But on the other hand I find the commissions excessive. As a domestic customer paying in cash or with EC (Eurocheque) card I would not want to subsidise those paying with credit card. I have three credit cards, but I hardly use them at home (only sometinmes for train tickets). I only have opportunity to use them abroad, e.g. to pay hotel bills, rent cars. Hans-Peter