INCONVENIENCE! This is the first (AND LAST) time I've visited a Qdoba. Very simple. . .I went out of my way to go to this Qdoba to get a $50 gift card. I wanted to use my debit card (with my pin # that is connected to my checking account). I was told by the "manager" that they only accept cash for gift cards. But for food, I could use a debit (or credit card). I asked him if it was a franchise. Yes. I asked him who's policy that was. He said, "It is Qdoba's policy." I asked him who his boss was (wondering if he is the franchise owner or not). He told me that the district manager in Henderson is his boss.
Well, already having gone out of my way, I was NOT going to be inconvenienced by finding an ATM only to come back with the money - that they could have charged directly to my checking.
So, I called Qdoba Corporate. Apparently, Qdoba is a sister-company to Jack-in-the-Box. FANTASTIC! Jack-in-the-Box takes credit & debit cards, right? The receptionist at corporate explained to me that the "Cash for Gift Cards" policy can be enforced by a franchise owner, but is not necessarily mandatory.
According to the "manager," there has been problems with using credit/debit cards for purchasing gift cards. But if I were a real scammer, I could have bought $50 worth of food, paid for it with credit/debit card, complained about the food (so they re-make it and waste food). Or I could have disputed the charge later. . . .
I think I will take the high road and just NEVER step foot in another Qdoba. . . .In this town there are a TON of competitor Mexican restaurants who will gladly take my money.
THANK YOU, Qdoba, for teaching me a valuable lesson on economics & customer service! Good Job!