actually, spending 10 minutes explaining the details ruins it at first contact. more success has been found just by mentioning it briefly and subconsciously the merchant gets intrigued.

but forcing large amount of info upon them makes them think its alot of hassle, alot to remember and too much work, so they ignore it.. at first contact keep it short. especially if its the wrong time to ask.

"are you accepting bitcoin yet"
"do you accept bitcoin"

the op is very correct in his assessment that by the x'th customer the merchant will see there is a demand, and will look into it.
its the same as cold calling. if you try persuading a stranger to accept something instantly your success rate is under 1%. but if you subtly hint it to them by letting them know something exists, in small bursts via different methods. and THEN gently steer them in the direction of bitpay/coinbase. you have greater success.

try not to aim to get merchant adoption within 2 minutes of the merchant ever hearing of bitcoin, it just wont work.


also in petco's, asking the cashier about bitcoin is futile, they dont have the authority to make decisions. its the guy at head office that needs the subtle nudges