Large pharmacy chains such as Walgreens and CVS will no longer be allowed to do a certain activity in their stores. This post reveals what that activity is, why it is being stopped, how it will affect customers, and what they can do instead.
What Does Walgreens and CVS No Longer Allow?
Walgreens and CVS have both decided to no longer allow their customers to process payments in cash. By phasing out cash payments, it is hoped that the stores are creating a smoother and more efficient process for customers. While the new policy goes into effect on different timelines depending on the store, both of these large pharmacy chains have announced that they are taking a similar stance on cash payments.
Why Are Cash Payments Being Phased Out?
There are several factors that have gone into the decision to stop accepting cash payments. First, contactless payments reduce the risk of spreading germs and viruses by eliminating the risk of people touching the same money and payment system. This is particularly relevant during the current health crisis, as many customers are ill or contagious and are isolated in their homes. Additionally, cash payments slow down the checkout process, and with more customers shopping in the store they need to be able to get through quickly.
Cash payment processing is also costly and can be difficult to track. By shifting to digital payments, the pharmacies can more easily track customer purchases and provide better customer service. Moreover, Walgreens and CVS both partner with Apple pay and other cashless payment methods that are designed for convenience, allowing customers to pay for goods or services with a tap of their phones.
How Will This Affect Customers?
The decision to no longer allow cash payments will undoubtedly affect their customers. Those who rely on cash to pay for their goods and services are now left wondering how they will pay for their essential purchases. Moreover, customers who rely on cash often do so because they don’t have access to banking services or credit card.
There are also customers who prefer to use cash for their purchases for personal reasons and will now have to turn to other stores to do so. Moreover, there is the risk of some customers turning away from the pharmacy entirely due to the policy change.
What Can Customers Do Instead?
While the change in policy may affect how customers pay for their purchases, there are still options available to them. Walgreens and CVS accept a variety of other payment methods including debit cards, check, and most major credit cards.
Customers who prefer to use cash can also use a prepaid cash card to pay for their items. A prepaid cash card is a great alternative for those who don’t have a checking account or credit card and can be used just like cash. Customers are also able to purchase prepaid cash cards online and have them mailed to them.
Furthermore, the stores accept digital payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Customers can securely store their payment information and make payments easily and quickly with these payment methods.
Walgreens and CVS have both decided to no longer accept cash payments in their stores. This policy change is designed to reduce the spread of germs and viruses, improve checkout times, and provide customers with more ways to securely purchase goods or services. It may affect customers who rely on cash as a form of payment but there are alternative solutions such as debit cards, check, prepaid cash cards, and digital payments that they can use instead.
