There's only one place near me where I can spend my hard earned Bitcoins in a public store. So after only recently finally sorting out my paper and online wallets, I thought that today I would attempt to spend some mBTC in public for the first time. After entering the bustling convenience store I loudly proclaimed with pride to merchant, "Can I pay by Bitcoin here?" After initially expecting a most enthusiast reply to my question, imagine my startled surprise when he replied "Um yes...", "...but I don't have the machine here". He then looks around at the other customers listening and shuffles on his feet. I then say, "okay then I'll take my business elsewhere" before I promptly left leaving my goods behind.
If merchants aren't prepared to adequately provide the means for customers to pay with Bitcoin then this monetary revolution will never take off. I'll be taking my Bitcoins and business elsewhere.
Put yourself in the merchant's shoes for a minute. No need to antagonize the guy. He probably gets next to no business from Bitcoiners so far, don't make it a bad experience for him when he does! Did you put your goods back where you found them, or did you leave that for him to do?
