shopper loyalty cards
What's up with those shopper "loyalty" cards? Supposedly, these cards, often given free by grocery stores, can give a shopper discounts when scanned at the register. I guess the assumption is that you will be "loyal" to the store who gives you such a discount if you possess one of these cards.
But people I know who use such cards have a boatload of them on their keychains. I've seen people with cards from Kroger, Food Lion, Target, Albertsons, Safeway, Piggly Wiggly, etc. So much for loyalty.
Privacy
Disregarding loyalty for a moment, some have concerns over the privacy of the information that using such cards may expose. Some believe that information about what you purchase using these loyalty cards is sold to marketing companies in order to help them sell you similar products and services.
The other day, while standing in line at my local supermarket, the checkout lady asked the person in front of me if he had his loyalty card. The man said he left it at home. The checkout then asked me if I minded if she were to scan MY card in order for him to save on his purchases. After all, isn't that the polite thing to do? Wouldn't you want someone to do the same for you, had you forgotten your loyalty card?
I took a look at what he was buying: Cigarettes, beer, Guns & Ammo magazine, and a box of condoms. I told her I, too, left my card at home.
But people I know who use such cards have a boatload of them on their keychains. I've seen people with cards from Kroger, Food Lion, Target, Albertsons, Safeway, Piggly Wiggly, etc. So much for loyalty.
Privacy
Disregarding loyalty for a moment, some have concerns over the privacy of the information that using such cards may expose. Some believe that information about what you purchase using these loyalty cards is sold to marketing companies in order to help them sell you similar products and services.
The other day, while standing in line at my local supermarket, the checkout lady asked the person in front of me if he had his loyalty card. The man said he left it at home. The checkout then asked me if I minded if she were to scan MY card in order for him to save on his purchases. After all, isn't that the polite thing to do? Wouldn't you want someone to do the same for you, had you forgotten your loyalty card?
I took a look at what he was buying: Cigarettes, beer, Guns & Ammo magazine, and a box of condoms. I told her I, too, left my card at home.
posted by The Sarcasticynic at 8/14/2006 01:51:00 PM
3 Comments:
I use those cards, but when I first get them - when they make you fill out the registration card - I always put a fake name and address. That way they may use the card to track my shopping habits, when I scan it. But good luck to them when afterward they try to send junk mail to Shmooly McDougal at his address in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
Ahhh, James! You may regret that! I am going to tell Piggly Wiggly who Shmooly McDougal really is!
I once let a woman in front of me use my card like that. No big deal. I have NO clue what she bought but I do know I began receiving coupons for tampax, and other 'womanly' stuff. Coinkydink? I think not.
BD
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