The seesaw uncontrolled dollar and the consequent unavailability of certain prices is prompting some businesses to stop accepting credit cards. Afraid to sell a product at one price and charge ten days later, with the risk that the peso depreciated sharply in this period.
Merchants partners Mercantile Company Activities Coordinator (CAME) received the recommendation of that entity to refrain from using plastic money. The vendors claimed that CAME strong capitalization suffer because they charge card vouchers in 21 or 28 days, depending on the institution, leaving them unable to replace the goods sold. In contrast, spokesmen for MasterCard and Visa said they are paying at 10 days.
"The consuming public is at risk of removal from their credit cards to the inability to be accepted by the merchant," said a statement from the CMEA. A tour of businesses showed the reluctance of vendors to receive plastics.
Some even refuse to accept debit cards with the excuse that works for them POS machine for electronic payments. Visa Electron credited to local operations in 48 hours, enough time for the dollar to take a leap.
The external relations manager of Visa, Daniel Chirom denied a decline in credit card sales, "There is a progressive reduction. Instead, MasterCard sources acknowledged a decline of 20%.
"Retailers are getting credit cards. If one does not is their decision," said Chirom. "Everyone accepts anything as long as sell," said the spokesman, referring to the posters of the windows that indicate the acceptance of different bonds and plastics. At MasterCard predict the end reject selling fewer cards.
The CMEA, who chairs Osvaldo Cornide, admitted that "most businesses are forced to sell anyway, even under difficult bond exchange, but the inflationary pressure generated by the excessive rise of the dollar causes the capitalization of those operating with credit terms that are not shod with payment dates similar to those granted by suppliers. "
Consumers can get a good deal if you buy with a credit card in pesos and paid days later, with devaluation through. However, the benefit is zero for the vast majority of Argentines who takes his pay in local currency.
The use of debit cards increased "very much" as Chiron, since it set up the playpen and restricted the use of cash. MasterCard confirmed that expansion, also powered by the discount of 5% VAT to customers who buy with that instrument.
Some merchants are imposing surcharges on card purchases, according to market sources. Chirom warned that the practice is prohibited by law.