Christie Frazier from The Pearl Now Owns Starlite in Five Points.

[Captain Zissou]

Starlite is not just a cash bar, but they do require a minimum charge of $10.

My problem exactly... HAHA

What is the point of that? Tax evasion??  I know credit card companies charge for their services, but it's a small percentage.  I know I have had to cut myself off prematurely at TSI multiple times because I ran out of cash and was too lazy to go to the ATM.

[904Scars]

Ya it seems ATM fees only continue to grow. Soon they will be at $5! Maybe the new owner's will reconsider the $10 minimum. Afterall it is the 21st century, just about everyone uses their cards. I try to use cash but only to limit myself to a certain amount of beer, haha!

[RiversideLoki]

The sad fact is, most merchant card services charge quite a bit in fees every time you run your card. If you don't buy enough product, that fee eats into the profits generated by the sale. It can literally be 2 to 3 dollars in fees PER TRANSACTION for some of the crappier merchant card services. I can't remember who Starlite is using. Some merchant card services use a sliding scale based on the number of transactions, and some just charge a percentage. That's why you can go into european street, get one beer, and slap it on your card. They do enough transactions (and probably have a better merchant card service provider) that it doesn't eat into the profits.

By law, merchants aren't allowed to charge you the transaction fee. It's supposed to be transparent to the customer. But to the letter of the law there are ways around it. They are allowed to force you to make a minimum purchase. Some DO charge a fee and call it a "cash discount" but it's still the same thing.

Don't be too harsh on bars that have a card minimum purchase. They're just trying to make a living. Cash is king.

[The Compound]

I use a company called CoCard for Merchant services that is actually right here in Avondale. Its amazingly inexpensive, I only pay $1 or less per transaction, no monthly minimum, and i dont remember the percentages off hand, but they are crazy low. I can find the info for anyone interested, they have saved a lot of merchants in the area thousands of dollars by switching.

[Deuce]

I put everything, I mean everything on my credit card. I'd put my utilities if JEA didn't charge a fee. I'd put my mortgage if it was allowable. I always pay it off to avoid any interest. I avoid merchants like the plague that don't except credit cards or have too high a minimum. I do all this because I receive cash back when I use my card. It saves me money to use that instead of cash.

I understand there is a cost on the merchants side of the equation, but that's just how I roll. I'm only trying to keep my costs as low as possible, just like they are. If the merchant card services are really giving it so hard to the merchants, why don't they lobby congress to pass some laws that create terms more favorable to them. Of course, not being a merchant I don't understand the full equation.

[stug]

Wall Skreet 4 life. Starlight has always been a second (ok, third) choice ... hopefully Christie can change that.

[JaxByDefault]

As a small business owner, I understand places not taking American Express (high merchant fees) even though I as a consumer swear by it. I also understand setting minimums to recapture merchant fees on low dollar transactions. However, such minimums are strictly against merchant agreements with Visa, Mastercard, and American Express (and maybe Discover, they will not comment). These violations are not really illegal, but if reported, can result in a merchant losing the ability to accept cards. Some merchants simply do not know this; others ignore it hoping that it will never become an issue.

It's a bit of a "suck it up and deal" situation. In all, the system is designed so that people like who using cards (me too, Duce) never report their favorite merchants who charge minimums because that merchant could then become cash only. 

Back to the thread...

The Pearl is one of the best bars I've had within stumbling distance of my home. It can only be good news for 5 points that Christie and her team will be at the helm of Starlight.

[froth]

Starlite is no longer cash only. Its now accepting credit cards with no minimum fee. The Pearl will not be closing. In fact the 4 year aniversary party is this saturday and would be great for everyone to come out and support. We hope The Pearl will be around for many years to come.

The scoop on Starlite is that its a work in progress and has been cleaned thoroughly. I know cause i had to scrub the bathrooms myself. Radioactive gear was required but its all good now. It obiviously needs the touches that only Christy can do to make them nice but as i said before its a work in progress and that will come sooner than later. The idea seems pretty simple: comfortable, safe, good company and good prices. There is a dedicated staff that so far has been dedicated to making sure you have everything you need and making starlite a much happier place.

[904Scars]

 

good to hear! ill be at "First Fridays" tomorrow so I may swing in!

[Dog Walker]

Froth,  Hope you guys pressure washed/disinfected the patio too.  Stinky!

[froth]

Froth,  Hope you guys pressure washed/disinfected the patio too.  Stinky!

That we did and continue to clean as part of our nightly duties.

[Dog Walker]

Froth,  Hope you guys pressure washed/disinfected the patio too.  Stinky!

That we did and continue to clean as part of our nightly duties.

Goodonya, Mate!

[WagNERD]

The place is already looking better. We've been cleaning and renovating solid everyday. Bathrooms are cleaner and it's only been a week and the vibe has dramatically improved. The pearl isn't going anywhere, she will be operating both bars.

[David]

I was never crazy about Starlite, it always felt too...stabby, but I think i'm addicted to this place now. Christie really knows how to make a joint feel cozy. It's enjoyable for those of us art-bar throw backs who like to have good music with their drinks.

.

[TREE4309]

I've come around on Starlite/Birdie's now too...much more inviting.  Used to be very "clique-y" but doesn't seem that way anymore.  Weird.