The cash/debit card identical purchase gig

As a mostly single shopper I have to be selective about these so I can present a scenario I'm comfortable with.

So far that has been 1 shop where I could get 2 of the same beers (kinda rare for me in one sitting) and come up with a story (waiting for my boss who's buying the rest of the night and he bails).

That one went well and was accepted despite my cash tip being on the high side.

I'm looking at another possibility: a quick serve Mex place I used to frequent when I lived across the street. Love me them pickled carrots/jalapeños!

While the guidelines imply that both purchases be made inside, they don't specifically require it.

I'm thinking I could dine in for the cash side of the deal and to get the pictures, then head for the drive-thru to get the second item with my debit card.

Thoughts? TIA

Have synthesizers, will travel...

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Personally, I wouldn't risk it. Can't you get the second also inside because "your roommate/spouse/kid/parent just texted you?"

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/18/2025 04:56PM by Nikki21.

I just did one at a salon. I purchased two gift certificates and asked for receipts. I casually said they were for an event as prizes. The lady working the front desk was friendly and helpful. I have done several of these and I just flat out say these purchases are separate and I need receipts. I have never had one rejected.

I just buy both at the same time and say I have to pay separately and need receipts because they're for different people.

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.

My husband and I did a bar shop over the weekend and just ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and water.

@misspocos75 wrote:

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.

Good idea, thank you. I’ll have to take the husband out for lunch.

Try a cheap appetizer, nachos or something similar.

@misspocos75 wrote:

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.

@mjt9598 wrote:

Try a cheap appetizer, nachos or something similar.

@misspocos75 wrote:

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.

You know, not once did I even fathom the idea that I could stay in the location for longer than just picking something up 'quick.'

(LOL, my husband would be so proud of me. So many times we argue about the fact that he ends a sentence by saying, 'quick,' and I, on the other hand, end the same sentence saying, 'real quick.')

We have enjoyed these shops. For the bars, my husband and I go during lunchtime for a quick bite and just order water. Its been fun!

@misspocos75 wrote:

@mjt9598 wrote:

Try a cheap appetizer, nachos or something similar.

@misspocos75 wrote:

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.

You know, not once did I even fathom the idea that I could stay in the location for longer than just picking something up 'quick.'

(LOL, my husband would be so proud of me. So many times we argue about the fact that he ends a sentence by saying, 'quick,' and I, on the other hand, end the same sentence saying, 'real quick.')

The worst shop. I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole. Buy a pack of chewing gum using debit card. Then buy the same gum using cash. Yeah, good luck with that. A lot of these are mom & pop shops. They hate cards to begin with.

Why are you buying gum? I love these shops. Instead of gum, how about a case of soda or bottle water? One is for you and one is for your neighbor. I usually go slightly over $8 for each purchase. I buy things that I can use and that make sense why I would purchase 2 separately. TBH it’s none of their business anyway, but I try to avoid too much awkwardness.

@hksh1 wrote:

The worst shop. I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole. Buy a pack of chewing gum using debit card. Then buy the same gum using cash. Yeah, good luck with that. A lot of these are mom & pop shops. They hate cards to begin with.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2025 07:12PM by gigishopper.

@hksh1 wrote:

The worst shop. I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole. Buy a pack of chewing gum using debit card. Then buy the same gum using cash. Yeah, good luck with that. A lot of these are mom & pop shops. They hate cards to begin with.

I quite enjoy them. I accepted 2 liquor stores at the same time and purchased 2 different types of schnapps that are a favorite at our family holiday gatherings. They were 100% paid for, so what could be better than that?

As for the small town mom & pop locations that we have here in rural America, most of them added credit/debit card machines so they could cash in on the sales that they would not normally have if they didn’t have a machine. Do you know how many kids there are that only carry a card these days and have no idea how to count back change? For the younger crowd, cards are the only way.

@misspocos75 wrote:

Do you know how many kids there are that only carry a card these days and have no idea how to count back change? For the younger crowd, cards are the only way.

I like to give them 4 pennies if the sale will end in $.79, Most cashiers today don't realize they can give me back a quarter now instead of $.21,

I have recently noticed that stores/restaurants I have shopped in this project now have dual pricing. Entire menu boards have two prices, one for cash and one for card. On every item. Seems like a lot of work for them to have to change everything once you whip out your card (or not).

That is very interesting. I have done several and only one charged me for using my Visa debit card. For the rest, the prices were the same for both purchases.

@sestrahelena wrote:

I have recently noticed that stores/restaurants I have shopped in this project now have dual pricing. Entire menu boards have two prices, one for cash and one for card. On every item. Seems like a lot of work for them to have to change everything once you whip out your card (or not).

If I did one of these shops, I guess I would make my first purchase, go put it out in the car, and come back in saying I just realized I need to get one more.

It depends on the location and circumstance. I many cases, that would be super awkward in my opinion. Ive done several of these and its easier to just rip the bandaid off and purchase both at once. I did one at a hemp shop over the weekend. The signage, pricing and the whole situation was awkward, but with the $40 shop fee, I can deal with 5 minutes of strange.

@jp43209 wrote:

If I did one of these shops, I guess I would make my first purchase, go put it out in the car, and come back in saying I just realized I need to get one more.

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The cash/debit card identical purchase gig

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