Apple dealer Gravis now only uses card payments. Will cash payments soon be a thing of the past? That says the consumer center.
Hamm – Entering a shop with a bulging wallet and still not being able to pay for the desired goods has become reality in 2023. Apple dealer Gravis has decided to stop accepting cash. A realistic scenario for other retailers?
Will cashless payment become mandatory? Consumer advice center takes a stand
“As of today, our customers can only pay cashless, i.e. with credit and debit cards, mobile payments and digital wallets or by Gravis Abo,” Apple dealer Gravis wrote in a statement on Monday. Words that other retailers have already saved for the future? There is currently a gray area.
“I think it’s open whether that’s possible,” said lawyer David Riechmann from the consumer advice center in North Rhine-Westphalia wa.de. There is currently no judgment from a higher court, since the obligation to make cashless payments at Gravis is a completely new topic in the industry. On the other hand, completely different rules apply to online retailers and airlines, which have already been determined by the higher courts.
After Gravis decision: consumer advice center comments on payment methods
In general, it is possible that a retailer, such as Gravis, will not accept cash payments. However, it is unavoidable to inform the customer about the payment method before the purchase. “It’s a trader’s trade-off. There are enough people who don’t have a bank card or don’t want to pay with it,” said attorney Reichmann and also recalled last spring 2022. At that time, a system error meant that many retailers were unable to pay by card for a few days .
Aldi Nord customers do not have to fear a scenario similar to that of the online retailer Gravis. The company would register an increased use of card payments. Across from wa.de Aldi Nord confirmed that it would continue to pay in cash. “As a basic supplier, ALDI Nord would like to enable its customers to shop quickly and easily. That’s why we accept both cash and cashless payment options in all of the more than 2,200 markets,” said a spokesman for Aldi Nord.
Merchant no longer accepts cash – Aldi, Rewe and more are reacting
Rewe sets upon request from wa.de continue to pay with cash in addition to the digital variant. “Although cash is becoming less important, it is still the second most popular form of payment. For us as retailers, “digital” versions also have handling and insurance advantages. Ultimately, however, it is important to us to let our customers decide how they want to pay,” said a Rewe spokesman.
In general, David Reichmann describes payment by cash or card as a “highly emotional issue” that is likely to gain in importance in the future. Until then, it is up to the retailer which payment methods they make available. MediaMarkt and Saturn have also taken a clear position on this. According to the companies, cash payments will continue to be offered. It’s hard to imagine that other retailers are now throwing their payment concept overboard.
