First I’d like to say that I do enjoy the food at China Wok. The problem I have is the payment option and use of credit cards. It seems everytime I go in there, the minimum charge goes up. I found a very interesting article on a law that was passed in 2010 which states that establishments can impose a $10 minimum charge, but can not impose a higher minimum than the $10 minimum. A $20 minimum charge is ridiculous. Not only that, but I tried to use a coupon card and was told that I could only use it if I paid by cash or check. Of course this wasn’t stated any where on the discount card, but I was told that she forgot to tell the advertising company. Instead of another pizza joint, we could use another good Chinese take out.
Businesses do what they need to do to survive. They don’t stay in business by intentionally upsetting their customers. If China Wok or any other business does this in these times it is because they need to, not because they want to. Better they did this instead of raising the price across the board so people paying with cash have to pay more for the people using a cc.
We had always relied on China Wok to be great food (regardless of charges, because we always ordered big and paid cash), however, the last two orders were VERY sub-par. We even ordered a feast for new neighbors to introduce them to what we thought was a great Chinese Carryout. Over $190 later (two separate orders) we discovered that they now suck. I suggest only going there in person so you can experience first hand good food...you are there, so you can complain.
Nothing but love here for China Wok. When they first upped the amount they gave us a free pass at least once. While I hate min amounts, they have been more than fair in instituting theirs. Plus, they do have the best chinese food in the area. I’ve tried the other two close ones in Shrewsbury, and they are decent. I’ll eat their food. BUT China Wok is the hands down winner.
We’ve always received the friendliest service as well as consistent quality food from China Wok. Won’t say a sub-par dish hasn’t slipped in on the rare occasion but overall they regularly provide a fair valued quality meal. If they need to make adjustments to their business operations to stay afloat then I can make an adjustment (stop at the cash machine if necessary) so that I can keep enjoying their service. I prefer the minimal inconvenience to the loss of the Wok.
8640
First I’d like to say that I do enjoy the food at China Wok. The problem I have is the payment option and use of credit cards. It seems everytime I go in there, the minimum charge goes up. I found a very interesting article on a law that was passed in 2010 which states that establishments can impose a $10 minimum charge, but can not impose a higher minimum than the $10 minimum. A $20 minimum charge is ridiculous. Not only that, but I tried to use a coupon card and was told that I could only use it if I paid by cash or check. Of course this wasn’t stated any where on the discount card, but I was told that she forgot to tell the advertising company. Instead of another pizza joint, we could use another good Chinese take out.
First I’d like to say that I do enjoy the food at China Wok. The problem I have is the payment option and use of credit cards. It seems everytime I go in there, the minimum charge goes up. I found a very interesting article on a law that was passed in 2010 which states that establishments can impose a $10 minimum charge, but can not impose a higher minimum than the $10 minimum. A $20 minimum charge is ridiculous. Not only that, but I tried to use a coupon card and was told that I could only use it if I paid by cash or check. Of course this wasn’t stated any where on the discount card, but I was told that she forgot to tell the advertising company. Instead of another pizza joint, we could use another good Chinese take out.
Then why don’t you confront the business owner and let them know they are breaking the law?
They have pretty good food and a decent price. So I will not debate that.
They know the rules and excepting credit cards is a “cost of doing business”. The rates they pay per transaction may have went up but the cost of other services have went up as well too. So like so many small businesses, they are pushing that cost to the people that use the credit/debit cards. We are the bad guys right? Wrong! Remember, businesses that choose to accept credit cards benefit from the larger customer base. They see it as a tool to get more business. They know the costs upfront but choose to move forward. I know things are tough right now for everyone, but rules are rules. If they don’t want to pay the fees go to cash only. But I believe they will lose some business. That loss might be more than the small change they pay in fees per transaction. The rules were changed recently to allow them to post a $10 minimum to help. Before they were not allowed to post any minimum.
Their merchant agreement also does not allow them to charge an additional fee to use a card either. There is one place in town that has this posted. They also should be reported as well.
Bottom line… They are not in compliance with the merchant agreement. If they need to raise the prices a few cents to cover there costs then they should.
Instead of pitchforks and torches (reporting them to MasterCard), has anyone thought of discussing it with them in a professional manner? Maybe show them the rulings? Not everyone fully understands everything presented to them, especially when English might not be their native language.
They are a local business. We should all work together to support our local businesses, not fry them for stupid things.
Instead of pitchforks and torches (reporting them to MasterCard), has anyone thought of discussing it with them in a professional manner? Maybe show them the rulings? Not everyone fully understands everything presented to them, especially when English might not be their native language.
They are a local business. We should all work together to support our local businesses, not fry them for stupid things.
I am all for supporting local businesses. I usually do try to talk to them. I have tried before with this place awhile ago. I still see the sign posted. So, where did that get us? They acted like they did not understand anything I was saying. Given the fact as you say “english might not be their native language”, they had no idea what I was trying to say. All it does is make them mad that you are questioning them about what they are doing. They will try to sell you other things to bring your bill upto the $20 minimum. It used to be $15, still not allowed by the agreement, that amount was managable. I rarely order $20 worth of food from this place.
Either way, I was just trying to provide info to those that wish to address the problem instead of just complaining about it on the chat board.
My comment was directed to everyone in general, not just you. It is not just this particular issue - it seems to be the normal way of doing business in this town: gripe and complain on line but never do anything useful about it.
I do greatly appreciate the fact that you provided the link to the rules. I am also glad you tried to talk to them. It is a shame they don’t understand better. I have always enjoyed their friendly service and good food.
Of course, on the flip side to this whole thing, the small business is getting crunched by these stupid fees. Maybe we should show them how to use a Square and an iPhone. Their rates smoke most of the banks and it is easy to use. They charge a flat 2.75%, no per transaction or monthly fees. Money deposited to your account the next day. Very easy to use. Works on the iPad as well.
http://www.squareup.com for those that are interested. The reader is free, as is the software for the iDevice or Android.
Do they use the cash register to ring up cash sales or just credit cards and checks?? i was in once and they used a calculator to figure my order which was less than $10.
