An Australian bakery has caused quite the stir after deciding to go fully cashless in 2024.
The debate surrounding card versus cash is a divisive one, and there are some fairly compelling arguments in favour of both sides.
Obviously, it’s easier to pay for things on your phone or with your card as you don’t need to have a wallet or a load of physical currency to do so.
Also, you can access your funds pretty quickly with a tap of you phone or swipe of your card.
Advert
Going cashless was particularly popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, as we tried to minimise contact time with other people.
However, there are also many advantages to cash, too.
People argue it is a lot easier to manage your finances if you have all cash in-hand as you can literally only spend what you have in your wallet or purse.
Once it's gone, it's well and truly gone.
Advert
But in recent years we've seen some establishments adopt a cashless system, leading to much backlash online.
Now, The Heritage Bakery in the NSW south eastern town of Milton, Australia, has hung a huge sign outside claiming it is 'Australia’s First Cashless Bakery'.
"Cashless is quick..., Cashless is clean... Cashless is accurate," the sign adds. "Thank you for being an early adopter."
The sign has not exactly gone down well with large parts of the internet though, with 'The cash is king' Facebook page leading the protests.
Advert
"And for a country town I guess they are proud of this... each to their own but good luck to them when their system goes down..." one anonymous poster wrote.
A second on Facebook added: "Good luck when they have a power outage, can’t use cards then."
"Well my decision will be to find another bakery. No problem. We all do what is right for us," a third quipped.
And a fourth remarked: "Yep good luck when your customers realize that without cash, banks will start to charge more and more for card use."
Not everyone is bashing the bakery though, with one social media user penning: "It’s their right to choose as a merchant, as it’s my right to choose as a consumer. Everyone has access to a debit card these days & cash. Adapt & be flexible. We need to move with the times."
Advert
While another added: "It’s their decision and I think it makes sense."
UNILAD has reached out to The Heritage Bakery for comment.
Topics: Food and Drink, Australia