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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 27, 1975)
Groceries against credit cards By Susie Reitz Will credit cards soon be used for grocery buying? Nine out of ten grocers interviewed do not think so. The grocery credit card is a suggestion of Duane Acker, vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL. He suggests that credit cards would be useful because of the psychological effect on the consumer. If a shopper does not immediately pay for groceries he might buy better products, Acker said. Without cash payment, the effect of rising prices would not be as great, he said. Another benefit is that shopping would be spread throughout the week, not concentrated on weekends, and paydays, Acker said. The grocer stocks for weekends, particularly with fresh produce, and if he doesn't have the volume he expects, produce goes to waste, he said. Not original Acker said credit cards have been tried elsewhere. He has spoken to several groups about . the idea he said but is not actively promoting it. Of the grocers interviewed, nine said they were personally opposed to the idea of charge cards, but a few commented that it is a "thing of the future." "It would be impractical to use a credit card service at this time because it costs the store to provide the service and the costs would be prohibitive," said Joe Quattrocchi, manager of Food King IGA. "Credit cards would be too much of a hassle because there would be no way that a grocery store could handle them as easily as larger stores," said Joleen Miller, assistant manager of Shaver's Food Mart. "We don't get the same margin of profit as larger department stores," said Louie Stanard, manager of Stanard's IGA, adding, "our profit is only one per cent of the sales and credit card companies charge the retailer around five per cent for the service. We'd just lose money." "I would fight it because I am personally against credit cards," said Vern Van Gerpen, manager of Mr. B's downtown. "The service is just too costly for the store to afford. Private accounts Several managers commented that their stores do have private credit accounts. "We do have some private accounts," Miller said. "They have tried credit cards other places in the country but I just don't think Lincoln is big enough to warrant credit cards for groceries." Providing a credit card service would increase sales, several acknowledged, but added that the increase would not offset the loss from paying for the service. "I know I .would sell more groceries," said Wes Klein, manager of Klein's Food Center "but the margin of five per cent for the credit card company would not be profitable. "If the credit card companies would waive or substantially lower the cost of providing a credit card service, I would be the first to install it," said Stanard. ' Most grocers agree "Most grocers I have talked with feel the sarr way," he added. Stanard is treasurer of the Cornhusker Food Retailers of Nebraska and said that at a recent meeting the subject was brought up. "I think that for things like groceries that are used up quickly, it is best to pay cash said John Moore, manager of Ideal Grocery. "If a person knows he is going to charge something and doesn't have to pay right away, that person might tend to buy more than he can really affojd and that could create a problem." "Additional services we add that cost us money would have to be reflected in price increases," said John S. Jones, manager of Havelock Jack and Jill. Tom Alexander, manager of Mr. B's IGA, said, "Personally I think that having charge cards would be inconvenient and time-consuming." Alexander reflected the feelings of most of the grocers when he said the trend is to charge purchases and that someday that will include groceries. Ommt TRAINING (O 472-2200 Q) Have you ever wondered What it's like to be on the other end of the line? APPLY NOW DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 7, 1975 Call 472-2102, or stop Into Rm. 104 Health Center " -t, r ',t i f f ? 1 ' r ,: r i 4 V l rliiinniiiuli urn EXPLORING AWARENESS Workshops What is really limiting us? What can we do about it? How can we get started? In small groups using the processes of Gestalt, Encounter Psvchosvnthesis. and sensory awareness, individuals may develop their own potentials. Everyone may participate to the level of their own comfort. No special education or skills are required Open to everyone students and non-students. Each workshop meets 2 hours weekly for six weeks. Groups will be limited to 14 individuals. Sessions begin Feb. 3, 4, 5 and 6 with afternoon and evening sessions available. Sessions will be held at Wesley House, 640 No 16th St., Lincoln. For complete information, contact University Extension Division 511 Nebraska Hall Tel. 472-2171 Duane Acker, vice chancellor of the Institute of Natural Resources at UNL, proposed a grocery credit card system. Cfl The American J ' Red Cross. i , ;--J The Good j LJ Neighbor s CQlendor Monday 8:30 a .m. -Housing-Nebraska Union 216 12 p.m. -Faculty Senate-Human Rights Commission-Union Pewter Room 1:30 p.m. -English Depart ment-'Josh McDowell"-Union Auditorium 6 p.m.-Towne Club-Union Harvest Rooms A and B 7 p.m. -Table Tennis Club-Union Conference Rooms 7- rvui Pledges -Union 216 7 p.m.-Delta Actives-Union 337 9 p.m.-Kappa 232 rCO-OPS COMBINE EXPERIENCE WITH COLLEGE STUDIES Cirtm Pi Sigma Pi Psi-Union NQW SHOWINGI DOUBLE FEATURE vTl they um ;V '! TEECIHFE'S FLUSHES! & lii . g THE COLLEEiATES Fkis- "Ths Haltfl'sa Asparagus" NO ONE UNDER 18 1730O 432-6042 EMBASSY Jeff Miller and Tom Grothe have a lot f in common. They're both from Omaha and attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Both are in junior standing, studying civil engineering. One more similarity: Jeff and Tom are two participants in Valmont's Cooper ative Education Program. The plan, a work-study program with time divided between college academics and on-the-job experience with Valmont, began in early 1974. Academic studies relating to Valmont's needs, as Engineering, Technology, or Business, are encouraged. The program seeks students from midwest area colleges and universities. Ideally, participants should be in junior standing and will work through gradua tion, applying their academic studies l an actual job situation. "This is a great beginning job," says Jeff. "It really is a practical application and a chance to become totally familiar with engineering." "Being a Co-op has reinforced my de sire to become an engineer. And, it will help me decide if I should specialize in any one part." Tom Grothe agrees that, "The plan coordinates and applies educational prin ciples to work." Right now, I'm primarily doing drafting, but I get to see the whole engineering process." Initially, students are placed in jobs related to their college work. As academic learning and job experience increase, succeeding job assignments also . ' VI? I-, lb rr. 72 till St - -A ji in' " - -- flL ' W .m.am -m ... .. xwiui jm Both Tom I and Jeff agree that being a Co-op has many advantages. increase in difficulty and responsibility. "Although I'm doing drafting work, the project still involves a certain amount of money. That means trust has been placed in me and it's up to me to show my supervisor he can have confidence in my work," says Jeff. Upon completion of the program, students enter the job market with a 4-year degree and over one year of job experience. Even though there is no guarantee of continued employment at Valmont, the student's chances in the job market are sharpened. J'The main reason I entered the Co-op Program was for the physical experi ence. I plan to stay on at Valmont, if possible. But, in looking for another job, this experience will sure look good on my transcript," says Tom. "No question about it," says Jeff. "It helps a great deal to have experience behind your degree. Everyone wants experience, whioh is a hip 'plus' for the program." Jeff touched on an additional benefit. "I have to pay my own way through school. The money I earn in six months pays for one year of school." In addition to wages with regular increases in pay, the Co-ops also partici pate in the majority of the Company's regular benefit program, Valmont benefit coverage is even continued during study periods. "The advantages here are tre mendous," says Tom, "And, if I ever run into problems with my work, I'm readily assisted by fellow employees.' Jeff adds, "The people here are so helpful. Everyone is willing to answer questions I might have." Valmont Represuntatives will present a briefing Thursday, January 30 at 4 p.m. in Room 192, Nebraska HaH. Additional information on the Valmont Co-Op Program may be obtained from: Larry Kauffman at 472-3181 or write to Allen Hunt, Valmont Industries, Inc., Valley, NE 68064. Valmont Industries Inc. An equal opportunity-affirmative action employer page 7 rnonday, january 27, 1975 daily nebraskan
