While I totally agree that it would be nice, Steve is never going to change. Steve once asked me who would pay for the $150,000 in credit card fees. I told him the doubling of his business would easily handle that.

So I actually went out and got a new order of checks (I had stopped using them) and learned how to order through email. Having a parts catalog is also critical. While I am working on a game, I create an email and begin listing the parts I need. I save it and leave it open like a shopping cart. Once I am sure I have everything I need for that game, I hit the send button. As long as the email doesn't get refused because of some PBR Holiday, I get my package in a couple of days. I have a post office in walking distance at work, so I leave a supply of checks, stamps and address labels in my desk and just take care of it there.

Jimmy who takes care of the email orders is awesome and he will contact me with any questions. Also, Marcos buys tons of parts from PBR and stocks them on their site. Worse comes to worse, you can go there for most of your needs. For me I will stick to PBR. Yeah its kind of like dealing with the Soup Nazi of pinball parts, but damn is the soup good.

Funny whenever this subject comes up I remember a day a few years ago when I was waiting in line at the grocery store and there was a woman ahead of me holding up the line fumbling to write a check. A guy behind me in line with his girlfriend said "hey they 80s called and they want their checkbook back"! We all busted out laughing including the cashier and the lady writing the check.

Shame the credit card companies charge so much for so little real value. 3% for something that is completely automated? Still eCommerce is the way to go. I love using my card for every day stuff like fast food where you swipe and go with no signature. Not to mention not having to fumble with change in my pocket. I also use paypal frequently and lets not even talk about the 1-click buy on Amazon Prime.

I tip in cash even if I pay the bill on the card.