Chocolate Parfait

I have recommended this place whenever the opportunity presents but my experience this week has sharply changed my perspective. I was immediately taken aback by all the signage posted basically everywhere advertising their credit card fees are «very high» and they prefer people pay in cash. I walked in and the girl at the counter was helping someone. I received no greeting until the woman who I believe is the owner came up and asked if someone needed help. I felt the reception was cold and she seemed stressed. I purchased over $ 50 of chocolate to give as gifts. I commented how I had moved from the area but made sure to come back for the holidays to buy chocolate as my family loved the candy they received last year. This comment was barely acknowledged by the woman who was waiting on me. Not that I was expecting praise, but a little excitement or a smile would have been nice. After she rang my order up, I presented her with a $ 5 off coupon I received in the mail via ValPack. The contempt was easily readable on her face and she immediately asked if I was a new customer. I again repeated how I went out of my way to come buy candy from her and how I made sure to save the coupon for the holidays when I received it. She lamented how she was hoping to bring new people in with it, but all she managed to do was have her «existing customers» get money off. Being it’s the holidays and I for one would like to save $ 5 when I can. The coupon, along with my family loving the chocolates they make, was another draw for me to come in. So ultimately I don’t think $ 5 is much of a loss when you’re making $ 50.
Since it is the holidays I decided to pay with the credit card I have put all my holiday expenses on. The look of contempt came back again and I was told sharply that Amex is not accepted. Fair enough, I have a Visa. As I was handing over the Visa, I was met with a lecture about the credit card fees. I was also asked for my ZIP code and then loudly questioned about where exactly I lived, which made me a little uncomfortable.
I left with the boxes of chocolate and my family will be happy for Christmas, but the bad taste in my mouth remains. If I had just been buying candy as a nice gesture and it wasn’t the holidays, I would have told her she could keep it. My point of writing this review comes down to the following points.
1. Back off a little with the signage about using credit cards. My personal belief is if you are a business in the digital age where a large majority of people are now carrying their phones only and paying with their phones, you need to be a little more lenient with cards. As a person who uses their debit card for a large majority of purchases and who does not generally carry a lot of cash, the signage almost made me feel afraid to present them with plastic. Her reaction didn’t help either and I shouldn’t feel uncomfortable in a candy shop of all places!
2. Don’t offer coupons or deals if you ‘re going to make your customers feel bad about using them. I’ve only been in the shop a handful of times, but was so impressed initially that I have shared about it on social media and recommended it to friends.
3. Stress happens… especially when there are a lot of orders and it’s a busy time of year, but a quick hello or smile to a customer goes a long way.
Overall I hope this advice is taken. They do make amazing chocolates, have the best gelato and I love supporting local businesses!