Groupon is testing out an offering of its own in the increasingly crowded payments space, according to an email I was forwarded by a business that was solicited for the service. (Disclosure: I have various puts against Groupon.) The pricing is extremely aggressive, with a 1.8% transaction fee and a 15 cent per transaction charge for transactions processed through the terminal. Square charges 2.75% with no per transaction fee. PayPal Here and Verifone Sail charge 2.7%, also with no transaction fee. Groupon is charging 2.3% for AmEx transactions [update: a groupon insider tells me the AmEx pricing is 2.7, not 2.3]. Square and PayPal don’t charge extra, and Sail charges 3.7% for AmEx. Unlike the other players, Groupon is offering an iPod Touch and card ... Continue reading →
It actually kind of rocks.It can store 40 pictures, perfect for weddings, beach days, and all that jazz. It is essentially a cell phone camera with zero doo-dads- you can't even see what the pictures look like until you stick the usb adapter into your computer. It's like the disposable cameras of old, except you a) don't have to pay and wait for Walgreens to half-heartedly develop the shit on time (I'm obviously bitter) and b) don't have to throw it away after the first time, unless, you know, you want to. If this thing is cheap, this could be a revolution. Continue reading →
11/21/2011 The Peabody Hotel has always held such a dear place in my heart ever since I was a child. When we visited Memphis, we would make a point to stop by just to see the Marching Ducks. This became an ongoing tradition for my family for many years. I don't know what it is about the Peabody that's so alluring. Maybe the Italian Renaissance decor? The rich history? It's ambiance in the Grand Lobby? All of the above. Every time I walked into the lobby the fountain would be adorned with a new, fresh bouquet of flowers. The floral scent carries through the whole main floor. If you're around the fountain at 11am or 5pm, you get the opportunity to see the ducks getting ... Continue reading →
