I refuse to buy vegetables because seller doesn't accept non-cash payments

In recent debates about customers asking for Wi-Fi to make bank transfers, I have noticed many people criticizing young folks for wanting to transfer money even for small purchases like vegetables or a banh mi. They often ask: "Why don't you carry VND100,000-200,000 around for small expenses instead of inconveniencing the seller?" Personally, I disagree with this viewpoint.

I once went to a wet market intending to buy a bundle of vegetables for about VND80,000, but the seller did not have a bank account. I said I would go to another stall because I did not carry cash. Seeing this, the seller offered to let me put it on a tab and pay her next time, but I still refused because withdrawing money is a hassle for me. In the end, the vegetable seller had to ask the neighboring vendor, who had cashless payment methods set up, to accept my money on her behalf.

On a later occasion, I revisited the wet market and passed by the same vegetable seller. She waved me over and eagerly told me she had registered for a bank account and even set up a QR code. She enthusiastically shared that since setting up the account, she has been able to sell more because many consumers, like me, prefer to not use cash. Having used it often, she admitted that this electronic payment method is very convenient.

Currently, I spend most of my time at home, and my income is transferred through my bank account, so I rarely have cash on me. Why should I go out of my way to withdraw cash to make purchases when I can find countless shops that accept bank transfers and QR code payments? I respect that how one chooses to use their money is up to them, so if a seller does not accept cashless transactions, I just buy elsewhere.

I believe that electronic payments are an inevitable trend in modern society, and there are many people like me who prefer these methods. Therefore, if businesses do not adapt to new changes, they should be prepared to lose customers. We should discuss how to make non-cash transactions faster, more streamlined, and more convenient instead of arguing against them.

What are your thoughts on going completely cashless?

Reader Ho Den

*This opinion was translated into English by AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.