Cashback.

There's a system here in Ireland that i like. It's called cashback.

So here's how it works: When you're out doing your grocery shopping and you're ready to pay, just slide your debit card into this handy machine they have at the checkout counter, tap in your 4-digit pin, ask the cashier for some cashback, wait for the transaction to process, and then voila! Instant cash!

You can ask for any amount that you like. Any day of the week. Any time of the day. It's THAT simple! Easy-peasy cash in the blink of an eye!

It's fun cos it tricks your brain into thinking that you get money instead of losing money when you buy stuff (what a lovely paradox they've put together, ne?). Hehehe... In truth, you're only withdrawing money from your own bank account. And yes, they still charge your debit card for the groceries you bought. (Nothing's free, okay!). It's basically similar to the concept of drawing money from the ATM; only with cashback, you do it as you shop.

A few things to note tho:

1. Cashback only works in certain outlets (eg: Dunnes).
2. A healthy reservoir of money in your bank account is preferable.
3. No debit card, no cashback.
   

Which brings me to my story of the day:

Me and my friend, A (identiti dirahsiakan) were out on a date~ We planned on having a semi-romantic lunch out in town, just the two of us. On the way to the restaurant, we stopped at a store cos A wanted to get something (i can't remember what).

After grabbing the stuff A wanted, off A went to the takeout line, whips out a €10 note to pay for the purchase, then remembered that A needed cash for lunch. So without batting an eyelid, A calmly asked the cashier for a €20 cashback, completely forgetting that one needs to pay with a debit card to do that.

The cashier looked at A, confused. And A looked at the cashier, feeling sorry for him. "Gosh, this cashier kid must be new here," A mused. "He doesn't even know what cashback is. He's probably from Poland"

But before A had the chance to teach the young cashier a lesson or two about cashback, A was cut off mid sentence with this: "I'm sorry, but you can't ask for a €20 cashback when you pay with €10 CASH."

(D'OH!!!!!)

(=___=') <----- This is A speechless~

And yes, it was hilarious!!!

I couldn't stop laughing the whole bus trip back from lunch. Sorry A, but i just had to write about this. When cashback becomes a hit in Malaysia some time in the next decade or so, i'll look back at this post, and i'll remember you!!

And yes, i wud probably still laugh my head off then.
HAHAHAHAHA!!!