| Author | Message | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3620 Registered: 1-2007 |
A guy I know smokes a pack of cigarettes a day but I've noticed recently that he always has 3 or 4 cigarette packs on his person. When I asked him about that he blamed the recession. Why does he carry more cigarettes than he needs? | ||
| Solitiare (Solitiare)
New member Username: Solitiare Post Number: 291 Registered: 7-2011 |
To provide people who might ask to "borrow" one? Are they full packs or partial ones? | ||
| Jvp (Jvp)
New member Username: Jvp Post Number: 50 Registered: 9-2011 |
Does he use them as currency? | ||
| Shez (Shez)
New member Username: Shez Post Number: 1944 Registered: 2-2011 |
is he in prison? | ||
| Galfisk (Galfisk)
New member Username: Galfisk Post Number: 4404 Registered: 9-2009 |
Does he worry about being able to get more? Would it work if he had the packs lying at home? Does he suffer financially from the recession? Or does he expect to? Relevant? Has he changed his smoking habits? | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14899 Registered: 4-2010 |
Do any of the packs only have one cigarette in them? So he can get people to pay for his "last cigarette"? | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5157 Registered: 12-2000 |
Is he trying to beat any price increases? | ||
| Solitiare (Solitiare)
New member Username: Solitiare Post Number: 294 Registered: 7-2011 |
Is he a smuggler? | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5158 Registered: 12-2000 |
Does he buy them from over the border? Are they cheaper in bulk? | ||
| Jvp (Jvp)
New member Username: Jvp Post Number: 52 Registered: 9-2011 |
Does he give them away to others more needy? Is his livelihood relevant? Or other activities he engages in? | ||
| Quovynyte (Quovynyte)
New member Username: Quovynyte Post Number: 712 Registered: 6-2009 |
Are the packs unmodified, same as normal packs? Does he ever use the cigarettes in them? Does he do this to avoid buying new packs? Is he happy/relieved about doing it? Is it his choice? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3625 Registered: 1-2007 |
To provide people who might ask to "borrow" one? No Are they full packs or partial ones? Well the pack he is using is obviously partially full but the others are unopened | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3626 Registered: 1-2007 |
Jvp Does he use them as currency? No things aren't that bad in Ireland just yet Shez is he in prison? Great lateral thought but no I'm afraid Galfisk Does he worry about being able to get more? No Would it work if he had the packs lying at home? Yes Does he suffer financially from the recession? Yes Or does he expect to? Yes Relevant? Yes Has he changed his smoking habits? No | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3627 Registered: 1-2007 |
Balin Do any of the packs only have one cigarette in them? Well the one he using might have but not relevant So he can get people to pay for his "last cigarette"? No Lynne Is he trying to beat any price increases? No Solitaire Is he a smuggler? No however this question made me chuckle. As I was raised just yards from the border with Northern Ireland I often get teased about smuggling by my Dublin friends. Entrpreneurial use of the meandering line that divides our island is not relevant to this puzzle | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3628 Registered: 1-2007 |
Lynne Does he buy them from over the border? No. Strangely at the moment cigs are more expensive in the north than in the south Are they cheaper in bulk? Not in the "bulk" that he's buying them | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3629 Registered: 1-2007 |
Jvp Does he give them away to others more needy? No Is his livelihood relevant? Yes Or other activities he engages in? Yesish but not sure i'd describe it as an activity. I'll say yope to that | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3630 Registered: 1-2007 |
Quovynyte Are the packs unmodified, same as normal packs? They're just normal packs of twenty Does he ever use the cigarettes in them? Yes he smokes them Does he do this to avoid buying new packs? no Is he happy/relieved about doing it? No Is it his choice? he'd describe it as a last resort Nice to see you back here Quovynyte. Are you still in D6 | ||
| Ciaobella (Ciaobella)
New member Username: Ciaobella Post Number: 225 Registered: 8-2011 |
Is he some kind of con artist? a gambler? Does he use the cigarettes for something other than their intended use? Does he use the closed boxes for anything? Is his physical appearance relevant? Any other relevant individuals? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3631 Registered: 1-2007 |
Forgot to say thanks for all the questions. 10 posts is nice surprise. Keep em coming. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14934 Registered: 4-2010 |
Does he sell any of his cigarettes? Does he roll his own from the butts? And put them in the same packs? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3632 Registered: 1-2007 |
Is he some kind of con artist?No a gambler? He does back the occasional horse but he's Irish so that's no big shock. Gambling not relevant Does he use the cigarettes for something other than their intended use? No Does he use the closed boxes for anything? No Is his physical appearance relevant? No Any other relevant individuals? Yes | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3633 Registered: 1-2007 |
Does he sell any of his cigarettes? No Does he roll his own from the butts? Lol we used to do this when we were teenagers. Alas no but nice thinking And put them in the same packs? So no to this | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14936 Registered: 4-2010 |
Does he do anything at all with the butts? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3636 Registered: 1-2007 |
Does he do anything at all with the butts? Nothing out of the ordinary | ||
| Jvp (Jvp)
New member Username: Jvp Post Number: 62 Registered: 9-2011 |
Is the title relevant? Does he have to change outfits for his work? Before price rises, would he not have to worry if he "left his cigs in his other jacket" -- he'd just buy a new one. Now he tries to make sure he keeps cigs in every outfit? | ||
| Shez (Shez)
New member Username: Shez Post Number: 1954 Registered: 2-2011 |
is he trying to give up? is he a magician? a motivational speaker? a doctor? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3637 Registered: 1-2007 |
Is the title relevant? No I borrowed it from Jaws Does he have to change outfits for his work? No Before price rises, would he not have to worry if he "left his cigs in his other jacket" -- he'd just buy a new one. Now he tries to make sure he keeps cigs in every outfit? No and price rises are not relevant There's an element of false assumption in your questions | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3638 Registered: 1-2007 |
is he trying to give up? No is he a magician? a motivational speaker? a doctor? no to all | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14944 Registered: 4-2010 |
Does he carry all the cigarettes in the same pocket? Have the unopened packs been removed from their plastic covering? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3640 Registered: 1-2007 |
Does he carry all the cigarettes in the same pocket? No but not relevant Have the unopened packs been removed from their plastic covering? No but again not relevant | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14945 Registered: 4-2010 |
Does he intend to smoke all the cigarettes? Relevant how often he purchases cigarettes? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3641 Registered: 1-2007 |
Does he intend to smoke all the cigarettes? Yes Relevant how often he purchases cigarettes? Yes | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5160 Registered: 12-2000 |
Is he a colleague? Is his profession relevant? Is he a fellow banker type bod? Is he on to some clever financial ruse? If there was no recession would he just have one packet on him at a time? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3642 Registered: 1-2007 |
Is he a colleague? No Is his profession relevant? Very much so insofar as he no longer has one. He recently lost his job. Is he a fellow banker type bod? Hee hee no. Note to self: "Amend user profile!" Is he on to some clever financial ruse? Hard to answer. Wouldn't describe it as a ruse and I suppose some might think it's clever but I'm not so sure. You could say he's up to something but it's a bit of a grey area If there was no recession would he just have one packet on him at a time? Yes | ||
| Jvp (Jvp)
New member Username: Jvp Post Number: 65 Registered: 9-2011 |
Is it relevant where he buys cigarettes? Is it relevant when he buys cigarettes? If he leaves home on a Monday with 4 packs on his person, by the end of Monday does he just have 3 pack on his person, having smoked one? If so, would he leave home Tuesday with just those 3, or would he "top up" to 4 (or whatever his normal maximum is)? When he is out and about with 4 packs on his person, would he also have some number at home (e.g., the rest of an opened carton)? Does he carry the packs -- in a jacket? pants? backpack/briefcase? other garment? Besides eventually smoking them, do the 'extra' packs serve an additional purpose so long as he is carrying them (e.g., insulate his ears)? Are they visible to passersby when he is carrying the packs? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3643 Registered: 1-2007 |
Is it relevant where he buys cigarettes? Yes Is it relevant when he buys cigarettes? More how often rather than when If he leaves home on a Monday with 4 packs on his person, by the end of Monday does he just have 3 pack on his person, having smoked one? He may have more it depends If so, would he leave home Tuesday with just those 3, or would he "top up" to 4 (or whatever his normal maximum is)? He might do. He doesn't follow an exact pattern When he is out and about with 4 packs on his person, would he also have some number at home (e.g., the rest of an opened carton)? No Does he carry the packs -- in a jacket? pants? backpack/briefcase? other garment? Irrelevant where he carries them Besides eventually smoking them, do the 'extra' packs serve an additional purpose so long as he is carrying them (e.g., insulate his ears)? What an interesting thought. A no i'm afraid Are they visible to passersby when he is carrying the packs? Not relevant | ||
| Solitiare (Solitiare)
New member Username: Solitiare Post Number: 300 Registered: 7-2011 |
Because of the stress he is under, is he thinking he might become a 2-pack-a-day or even a 3-PPD smoker, and wants to have some on hand for this possibility? | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5161 Registered: 12-2000 |
Does he only have a few occasions when he can buy cigarettes so he stocks up when he passes a certain shop (perhaps) and he has thieving family/flatmates/whoever at home and so he takes his stock with him? Does he spend his unemployment money as soon as he has it, limiting himself to however many packets he deems fit, and then makes a point of sticking to that many without buying more within a certain time limit? Is his being unemployed the reason the recession is important here? i.e. he lost his job due to cutbacks. Or would this scenario still be the same if he was employed despite there being a recession? | ||
| Quovynyte (Quovynyte)
New member Username: Quovynyte Post Number: 726 Registered: 6-2009 |
Does he buy cigarettes every day? few days? week? few weeks? month? few months? year? Does he buy multiple packets at once Does he buy cigarettes in a shop? a newsagents? Are they normal cigarettes? Actually D6w now | ||
| Bodo (Bodo)
New member Username: Bodo Post Number: 2625 Registered: 2-2001 |
Is transportation relevant? That is, when he was working the place he bought them was more convenient? Dole relevant? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3644 Registered: 1-2007 |
Solitaire Because of the stress he is under, is he thinking he might become a 2-pack-a-day or even a 3-PPD smoker, and wants to have some on hand for this possibility? \bNo to this} Lynne Does he only have a few occasions when he can buy cigarettes so he stocks up when he passes a certain shop (perhaps) and he has thieving family/flatmates/whoever at home and so he takes his stock with him? No but a certain shop is relevant Does he spend his unemployment money as soon as he has it, limiting himself to however many packets he deems fit, and then makes a point of sticking to that many without buying more within a certain time limit? Nice thinking but no Is his being unemployed the reason the recession is important here? Yes i.e. he lost his job due to cutbacks Yes he was recently laid off. Or would this scenario still be the same if he was employed despite there being a recession? No | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3645 Registered: 1-2007 |
Quovynyte Does he buy cigarettes every day? few days? Every 2/3 days week? few weeks? month? few months? year? Does he buy multiple packets at once? Yes Does he buy cigarettes in a shop? Yes a newsagents? Yes Are they normal cigarettes? Yes Actually D6w now Ah the all important W Bodo Is transportation relevant? no That is, when he was working the place he bought them was more convenient? No Dole relevant? Somewhat Nice to see you back round these parts Bodo | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5165 Registered: 12-2000 |
Is there a Post Office within the newsagents? Does he buy his cigarettes at the same time as collecting his dole? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3647 Registered: 1-2007 |
Is there a Post Office within the newsagents? Does he buy his cigarettes at the same time as collecting his dole? Nice thought but no. I suppose the dole is only peripherally relevant | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5166 Registered: 12-2000 |
If he ate a bar of chocolate per day would the same logic dictate that he carries all his chocolate around for the next few days? | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14966 Registered: 4-2010 |
Is it relevant where he buys his cigarettes? The relevant shop -- does he buy anything at the shop? Does he go into the shop? Pass it? Does anyone relevant work there? | ||
| Jvp (Jvp)
New member Username: Jvp Post Number: 71 Registered: 9-2011 |
Does he have a lot of time on his hands due to being out of work? (Relevant?) Does he buy all these packs (as opposed to getting them as gifts)? Does he pay full price? Does he get anything else with the purchase of a pack of cigarettes? (Free cuppa, sandwich, etc.)? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3649 Registered: 1-2007 |
Lynne If he ate a bar of chocolate per day would the same logic dictate that he carries all his chocolate around for the next few days? Yes but he would have more chocolate bars on his person that he does cigarette packs Balin Is it relevant where he buys his cigarettes? Yes. It's the local newsagents The relevant shop -- does he buy anything at the shop? No he just buys the cigarettes Does he go into the shop? Yes Pass it? Well he goes in so that's all you need to know Does anyone relevant work there? No but there is something very relevant about the shop itself Jvp Does he have a lot of time on his hands due to being out of work? (Relevant?)Well I'm sure he does but not relevant Does he buy all these packs (as opposed to getting them as gifts)? Yes Does he pay full price? Yes Does he get anything else with the purchase of a pack of cigarettes? Yes although this could mislead (Free cuppa, sandwich, etc.)? It's not a promotion of any sort You've all been so active on this I feel It's only fair to give you a hint... The shop has a very relevant policy | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5167 Registered: 12-2000 |
Is the policy to due with the age restriction on buying cigarettes? Does he buy for underage friends? Or is he underage and only buys when there is a shop assistant there who doesn't ask for ID? I can't think of 'policies' that a shop would have. A limit to the number of schoolchildren allowed in at any one time? Only selling local goods? (Unlikely as magazines and newspapers aren't necessarily 'local') | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5168 Registered: 12-2000 |
Is the shop only open on certain days? Not sure how they'd sell papers on less than 7 days per week, but still.... | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14979 Registered: 4-2010 |
Is it relevant exactly what type of shop it is? | ||
| Shez (Shez)
New member Username: Shez Post Number: 1962 Registered: 2-2011 |
does the shop only sell him one cigarette at a time? or only sell him a pack of cigarettes on proof of coming near the end of a pack? is he buying some sort of refill pack? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3653 Registered: 1-2007 |
Is the policy to due with the age restriction on buying cigarettes? No Does he buy for underage friends? No Or is he underage and only buys when there is a shop assistant there who doesn't ask for ID? No he's in his 30s I can't think of 'policies' that a shop would have. Hmm I'm trying to think of a hint that won't give it away, there are many policies a shop can have though A limit to the number of schoolchildren allowed in at any one time? No but If I owned a shop that would be a policy Only selling local goods? (Unlikely as magazines and newspapers aren't necessarily 'local') No to this | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3654 Registered: 1-2007 |
Is the shop only open on certain days? No Not sure how they'd sell papers on less than 7 days per week, but still....As with all newsagents it's a 7 day week | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5175 Registered: 12-2000 |
I'm sure it's a forehead slapper whatever the policy is, but having sold cigarettes and papers for the last eight years, I'm still at a loss! | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5176 Registered: 12-2000 |
Do they run a tab/slate at the shop? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3655 Registered: 1-2007 |
Balin Is it relevant exactly what type of shop it is? Just an ordinary newsagent Shez does the shop only sell him one cigarette at a time? No but this question did raise a sentimental smile. There used to be a shop in my hometown that sold cigarettes in singles. Great for underage smokers who couldn't afford a pack. or only sell him a pack of cigarettes on proof of coming near the end of a pack? No is he buying some sort of refill pack? No Hint: The policy is of a transactional nature | ||
| Jvp (Jvp)
New member Username: Jvp Post Number: 72 Registered: 9-2011 |
If you spend a certain amount in one go.... you can use credit (card)? | ||
| Shez (Shez)
New member Username: Shez Post Number: 1966 Registered: 2-2011 |
is it to do with the price? method of payment? does the shop not dish out bags so he has to stuff all the packets in his pockets? | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5180 Registered: 12-2000 |
Jvp - now that's a forehead slapper, having a minimum spend on a credit card. I'll just repeat my own question in case it gets missed back there. Does the shop run a tab/slate? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3656 Registered: 1-2007 |
If you spend a certain amount in one go.... you can use credit (card)? Well a debit card but Yes that's a key point is it to do with the price? yes method of payment? Yes see above it concerns Debit Card payments does the shop not dish out bags so he has to stuff all the packets in his pockets? In Ireland we have a plastic bag tax of 24c per bag. It's been a huge success with a reduction in their use of 90%. No more plastic bags stuck in tree branches. This is a no by the way Jvp - now that's a forehead slapper, having a minimum spend on a credit card. Indeed kudos to Jvp. There's more to it though than minimum spend. Think other features of a debit card. I'll just repeat my own question in case it gets missed back there. Does the shop run a tab/slate? They might do but not relevant to this puzzle Ok just to clarify . The shop has a policy that you must spend a certain amount before you can pay with a debit card and........ | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3657 Registered: 1-2007 |
If you spend a certain amount in one go.... you can use credit (card)? Well a debit card but Yes that's a key point is it to do with the price? yes method of payment? Yes see above it concerns Debit Card payments does the shop not dish out bags so he has to stuff all the packets in his pockets? In Ireland we have a plastic bag tax of 24c per bag. It's been a huge success with a reduction in their use of 90%. No more plastic bags stuck in tree branches. This is a no by the way Jvp - now that's a forehead slapper, having a minimum spend on a credit card. Indeed kudos to Jvp. There's more to it though than minimum spend. Think other features of a debit card. I'll just repeat my own question in case it gets missed back there. Does the shop run a tab/slate? They might do but not relevant to this puzzle Ok just to clarify . The shop has a policy that you must spend a certain amount before you can pay with a debit card and........ In case anyone is unfamiliar with debit cards they are like a credit card except it debits your current/checking account. It also doubles as an ATM card | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14982 Registered: 4-2010 |
Does he have any other way he can buy the cigarettes? Or has he no choice but to use a debit card? So he has to buy a lot of cigarettes? | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5187 Registered: 12-2000 |
Is there any particular reason why he keeps them all on him rather than leaving some at home? Or just the fact that he has to buy several packs at once? Does his card offer points? Air miles or something? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3659 Registered: 1-2007 |
Does he have any other way he can buy the cigarettes? Well there are but none that suit his current predicament Or has he no choice but to use a debit card? This So he has to buy a lot of cigarettes? Well he has to buy more than he needs to be able to use the card in the first place, but ask yourself what else he does with the card? Is there any particular reason why he keeps them all on him rather than leaving some at home? Don't concern yourself with this point. Lets just concentrate on why he buys more than he needs part of the reason for which is that he can pay by debit card Or just the fact that he has to buy several packs at once? Yes Does his card offer points? Air miles or something? No nothing so grand | ||
| Shez (Shez)
New member Username: Shez Post Number: 1969 Registered: 2-2011 |
that was a very nice no | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 14987 Registered: 4-2010 |
Does he use an ATM? | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5193 Registered: 12-2000 |
Does he buy the cigarettes as his indulgence while he has the money in his account, and as a good excuse to delay payments on something the car will demand? i.e. as soon as any money comes in, something drops off the car - have you noticed that? | ||
| Shez (Shez)
New member Username: Shez Post Number: 1971 Registered: 2-2011 |
does he have no cash? so each time he buys cigarettes he asks for cashback? | ||
| Jvp (Jvp)
New member Username: Jvp Post Number: 81 Registered: 9-2011 |
Jvp - now that's a forehead slapper, having a minimum spend on a credit card. Indeed kudos to Jvp. Thanks. The answer to the choccies question was key to that bit. | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3661 Registered: 1-2007 |
Does he use an ATM? No and that's key Does he buy the cigarettes as his indulgence while he has the money in his account, and as a good excuse to delay payments on something the car will demand? No i.e. as soon as any money comes in, something drops off the car - have you noticed that? Yes . Someone scratched my car in a car park last week and cleared off without so much as an apology. | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3662 Registered: 1-2007 |
does he have no cash? Yes so each time he buys cigarettes he asks for cashback? Exactly well done Shez Ok serious progress there. Our hero has no cash and buys more cigarettes than he needs because the shop has a minimum spend of €25 euro before one can use a debit card and ask for cash back. Accordingly he buys 3 or 4 packs of cigarettes at a time There are a few more details to clear up namely: Why doesn't he use the ATM instead of the cashback facility? Why does he have to do this every couple of days? There's another relevant policy that the newsagents enforces Next few posts should put this to bed | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5204 Registered: 12-2000 |
Our shop dropped the minimum spend on cards but started charging £1 for cashback. Caused no end of confusion. The nearest ATM is miles away so it's hard if you have no transport, or begrudge the travel costs to get there if you have no other reason to be in that vicinity. Is that the reason why your man doesn't use the ATM? Is there a limit on cashback set by his bank? (Apart from the fact that if the money's not there you can't get cashback, of course) Is the other relevant policy set by the newsagents specifically to do with getting cashback? | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3665 Registered: 1-2007 |
Our shop dropped the minimum spend on cards but started charging £1 for cashback. Caused no end of confusion. I can only speak from an Irish perspective but a retailer is not permitted to charge for cashback. He is after all saving money on not having to bank cash which is costly The nearest ATM is miles away so it's hard if you have no transport, or begrudge the travel costs to get there if you have no other reason to be in that vicinity. Is that the reason why your man doesn't use the ATM? No in fact there is an ATM in the newsagents . The reason is that he simply doesn't have any money in his account Is there a limit on cashback set by his bank? Well not the bank but the shop itself. (Apart from the fact that if the money's not there you can't get cashback, of course) Is the other relevant policy set by the newsagents specifically to do with getting cashback? Yes As the remaining point of note is quite technical I think you've all made sufficient progress on this for me to declare the ****************Spoiler*************** Ok here goes: Our hero who we will call Rob was recently laid off without a redundancy payment. He is naturally experiencing some challenging financial times. Now Rob is owed a tax rebate of about 5k and when he asked his bank to bridge receipt of this with an appropriate overdraft they, showing loyality to a longstanding customer who was going through a rocky patch, said no. What his bank failed to realise or so far have failed to realise is that Rob's debit card is an offline card i.e. the system does not check for sufficient funds at each transaction . Between me you and the walls if you have one of these cards the system only checks 1 in 15 transactions for funds so you've a pretty good chance of getting the transaction including cashback authorised even if you have insufficient funds in your account. As his Bank are forced to honour debit card transactions once authorised , Rob is basically overdrawing his account without permission and while he will pay penalties for this he argues that he needs the cash for bills etc so he'll have to put up with it until his tax refund comes in or he gets another job. The shop in which he buys his cigs has a min spend of €25 before you can use a card and also has a surprisingly small cashback limit of €50 euro. So Rob is routinely spends €30 or so on Cigarettes every couple of days so that he can access €50 in cash. Given that his cigarette consumption is about €6 a day he is buying considerably more cigarettes than he needs to. Of course he could ease his financial problems by quiting smoking but I guess he's under a lot of stress at the moment. As a Banker myself I was embarrassed to hear that a bank wouldn't help a customer when in most need. He produced evidence of the impending tax rebate as well and they still refused him. Banks in my experience love you when things are good and then don't want to know when things get rough. And I say all that from within the system. Thanks for all the questions and I hope the solution is satisfactory given the great team effort that you all put in. Thank you Balin, Lynne, Jvp, Quovynyte, Shez, Bodo, Solitaire and the person that I inevitably missed. | ||
| Lynne (Lynne)
New member Username: Lynne Post Number: 5206 Registered: 12-2000 |
That's interesting. I was told by my boss that although there was a limit to cashback due to having to have the cash available to pay out, it did save them the charges of having to bank the money. The Paypoint machine through which we did this had an upper limit of £50 anyway, but I once did it twice on the same card for one customer, on the grounds that it saved the shop money and also that if the money wasn't there, the card wouldn't be authorised (all cards seem to be checked as many transactions were declined, especially the seasonal workers who always lived close to the limit). I still got told that I shouldn't have done that.... Still, that's all behind me as I retired (early retirement I hasten to add!) last week. | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3668 Registered: 1-2007 |
Congrats on your retirement. Only another 22 years to go for me. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 15007 Registered: 4-2010 |
The grocery store I worked in over the summer had a cashback limit of $50. I think that's the norm over here, but I'm not sure. | ||
| Jvp (Jvp)
New member Username: Jvp Post Number: 104 Registered: 9-2011 |
Interesting story and well-crafted into a puzzle. Does this shop sell nothing else he needs, besides cigarettes? | ||
| Fionakelleghan (Fionakelleghan)
New member Username: Fionakelleghan Post Number: 344 Registered: 7-2011 |
Would cárta creidmheasa help? D-) Oh. Darn it! I'm too late, aren't I? Or, as my Paddy would say, "Amn't I?") | ||
| Peter365 (Peter365)
New member Username: Peter365 Post Number: 3669 Registered: 1-2007 |
The shop is a relatively small newsagents but the only one in his village. He'd have to buy a lot of chocolate bars to spend €25. Would cárta creidmheasa help? D-) Maith an cailin. Oh. Darn it! I'm too late, aren't I? Ar an drochuir. You can't beat "cupla focail as Gaeilge" on a Monday morning Or, as my Paddy would say, "Amn't I?") Where is your Paddy from because i say "Amn't" all the time to much hilarity from my wife and children. |
