Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

&#^$( store rewards cards.

I am so sick of them. I am not a big shopper, but I seem to have acquired a ton of them. I can count on one hand the ones that really get me a benefit, and I think about tossing the rest.

Then I remember what happens when I go into a store where I don't have a rewards card. This exchange:

Cashier: Do you have our rewards card.
Me: No.
C: Would you like one?
Me: No thank you.
C: Are you sure? For every $100 you spend you get a free puppy.
Me: Ok, sure.

It's quicker just to get the stupid card and hand it over and save seven seconds. I think I may get a tshirt just for shopping that says, "Ask if I want a rewards card and I will cut you."

Message edited 8/4/2011 8:28:17 PM.

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

the only 3 of the bazillion i have that are remotely useful are CVS, BRU and Stop n Shop.

A lot of retailers not as a benefit to the customer but as a tool to track purchasing habits of customers in an area/demographic and better understand them and their patterns to be able to more accurately market.

I work for a major corporation that owns several retail companies - we have these for two of our stores and thats its primary purpose.

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

I got a very VERY hard sell from a pharmacist at Rite Aid to sign up for their new rewards card. I declined 2 or 3 times and he wouldnt give up. He told me I'd get 3 dollars off whatever sinus meds I was buying. I finally gave in and got it.

Then after I signed up, he got me the discount he then said "Do you want to donate money to XYZ charity?" So I said no. Then he went on to say "Why not, I just got you 3 dollars off, you wont give a dollar back?"

I took my package and left. I am mad that I let him manipulate me and sign up for the card. I don't want to be part of his quota.

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

it's funny how they were once referred to as a "loyalty"card. In the hotel industry, you wanted people to earn points and always choose your chain. But now, people carry a card for every single chain, it's crazy! Plus, I have had many guests stay at a Holiday Inn and then pay with their Marriott credit card. Double points, no loyalty

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

I love them.

I get Modell dollars, Ulta dollars, Sephora, CVS, Hallmark, etc.

The grocery store ones, I just ask them to swipe the store card, I don't feel I get a benefit from them.

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

I love them... especially the grocery store you cant get the sale prices without it...

its not like they cost money so it doesnt bother me at all

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

i know exactly how you feel - my wallet is so fat it barely closes. and my keychain - forget it!

however there are certain ones I will never part with:

CVS
Stop n Shop
BRU

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

I keep all my rewards and gift cards in a little card wallet. It keeps everything in one place for me and doesn't take up a lot of room.

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Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

I use the CardStar app on my iphone. I put in all my numbers and don't carry those annoying cards. I scan my phone, or the cashier takes it and scans it, and the gives the phone right back to me.

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

i try not to use them at ALL. They are so creepy. stores use it to gather your personal information for marketing and to track your consumer habits: yuck, so 1984.

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe

Re: Today's First World 21st Century Rant/Gripe