As a cash and check user at Smith’s here in town, I can understand the frustration VISA card users have at  Smith’s recent policy of no longer accepting that credit card.

In my years of shopping at Smith’s, I have found their staff pleasant and helpful, and their product inventory to be more than adequate. Yes, there are times when I’ve shopped late at night, and found certain produce items out of stock, but that can be expected after a full day of shoppers. I don’t hold that against the store (and I’ve never heard the derogatory term “empty shelves Smith’s”).

I worked my way through college at a Central Ohio Kroger store in the 1970s. I knew at that time that a grocery store’s profit margin was a miniscule 1 percent or so. In checking on the internet, I learned that this is still true today for the typical grocery (though more specialized stores can have higher profit margins).

So, with VISA charging Smith’s 2-3 percent in fees on every transaction, it seems like a logical business decision on Smith’s part to discontinue their acceptance of that credit card. I’m sure this decision was not made lightly knowing the impact it would have on many customers. Perhaps VISA and Smith’s will be able to come to some sort of agreement in the future for the benefit of both.

I will continue to shop at Smith’s and be happy to do so. And I hope that any customer behind me in the self-checkout lane will be tolerant and understanding while I take 30 seconds to write a check.