Reader’s Question:
Can I purchase convenience store collaboration goods like game and anime merchandise (such as can badges and acrylic stands) with QUO cards?
Can You Use QUO Cards for Anime Merch?
So, I was having this conversation with a friend the other day about the quirks of shopping in convenience stores,
especially when it comes to those awesome collaboration goods like can badges and acrylic stands from our favorite games and anime. You know, those little treasures that make our collections just that much cooler! I remembered a time when I was in Osaka, wandering around a konbini (convenience store) with my kid. We stumbled upon a display filled with all sorts of anime merchandise! There were can badges featuring our favorite characters, and I could hardly contain my excitement. I mean, who knew a quick trip to grab snacks could turn into a mini treasure hunt? While we were there, I overheard a conversation about using QUO cards to buy these goodies. It turns out, you can indeed use QUO cards for most of those fun items! But there’s a catch. Apparently, items with fixed prices—like cigarettes or stamps—are off-limits. The shop staff explained that because they can’t mark those up for profit, they can’t accept QUO cards for them. It was a little surprising, but it made sense when you think about it. I remember trying to explain this to my kid, who was just itching to buy a can badge. “So, we can get this, but not that?” they asked, wide-eyed. It was a cute moment, trying to navigate the complexities of shopping with a child who only wants to collect all the coolest stuff. I also learned that when the store cashes in QUO cards, there’s a fee involved. It’s funny how little details like this can really change the way we think about spending. It made me reflect on how I often arrive at the konbini way too early, just to make sure I don’t miss out on any new releases. Those little collectible items have a way of making you feel like a kid again, right? In the end, we left the store with a couple of badges and a bag full of snacks—definitely a win in my book! I’d love to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences or if you’ve found any other quirky rules at your local convenience store. What’s the best thing you’ve ever scored while shopping? Let’s swap stories!
