I was getting gas for the Vespa yesterday. [Mostly I don't have to get gas, as house elves seem to keep the four-wheeled vehicle fueled. The house-elves don't ride, however. So a whole new world of customer experiences is opening up for me here.]
I used my VISA card to pay at the pump, and at the end got a message that says "receipt available inside". Interesting on several levels:
- reduces the operational demands on the pump. No printer, no paper to replace. Might even be something they can say is greener, because it reduces paper litter
- provides an alternative that encourages you to go in to the store where you might buy something
- is only a slight inconvenience to achieve these benefits
Additional remarks posted July 1
There are some pretty interesting comments below. I admit to having been being mildly annoyed by this process. But others are much more seriously ticked. I'd love to know what the real story is here. [i.e. what the real strategy is, and if it is working].
As an alternative method to get people into your store, I'd suggest printing a receipt with a tear-off coupon or offer on it for a discounted coffee, chips, etc.
