7-Eleven: A Hypocritical Petition Drive?

Despite the fact that 7-Eleven charges retail prices to make profit and stay in business, it is attacking credit card companies for doing the same.

The convenience store has pushed millions of consumers to sign a petition to get Congress to regulate interchange fees.

Is there a difference between marking up prices for profit at a B2C company versus a B2B company? Yes – at least when it comes to the credit card industry. The buyers can actually see what they are paying over cost, versus B2C companies that only reveal the retail price.

Perhaps if 7-Eleven consumers could see how much extra they were paying for hot dogs and soft drinks, they would sign a petition against 7-Eleven’s prices instead.

American companies operate in a free market. They may charge what they see fit. Customers have the liberty to forfeit purchase, pay the amount or go elsewhere.

7-Eleven may not be happy with interchange fees, but capitalism affords them the same options their consumers have. Whether they – like their customers – choose to pay the price for convenience is their decision.

I know interchange fees aren’t pleasant, but do you all think that 7-Eleven is justified in their outrage?