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Besides, I heard that retailers in Japan can now target advertising to an individual as they walk through the subways in Tokyo. (The walkways are lined with flash ad technology.) For example, because my purchases are being tracked--and let's say I purchased a coffee pot recently, they would flash an ad (intended for ME!) for gourmet coffee. Get it? It's going to happen here too with all the rewards card data and smart phone apps people are lapping up.
I'm fine with this. I'd rather see relevant ads than irrelevant ones in the subway.
I, for one, despise retail stores’ “rewards” cards. I shopped at Walgreens this morning for a few sale items. Apparently, you have to have their “Balance Rewards” card in order to get the sale price. So I put everything back because I refuse to sign up for their rewards card. Even the cashier agreed with me (she also hates her employer's policy). I resent retailers tracking my purchases with these blasted cards, and I really hate giving my name/address/etc. out to retailers just to buy a can of peanuts on sale. I’ll be crossing Walgreens off my list of places to shop. This is yet another reason I hate shopping. Just a rant…..go on about your business!
You don't have to give them your real address or information at all. They never call you.
I have no problem using these cards if I'm going to get the sale price.
I think they are annoying, only because I like to keep a thin wallet and it's like everyplace you go now there's some stupid little card to keep up with.
So then, if you don't want to keep up with the cards you have to use your phone number or email address... which is personal info that I'd rather not give out to just anybody especially if I have to say it outloud to the cashier and there's some creepy dude in line behind me. Hence - fake info.
I don't understand why they can't just use the store's inventory/sales to see shopping trends. Especially since so many people are using fake info to get the rewards cards anyway?
I agree with you! Another good reason not to use these darned cards.
Quote:
Originally Posted by haggardhouseelf
I think they are annoying, only because I like to keep a thin wallet and it's like everyplace you go now there's some stupid little card to keep up with.
So then, if you don't want to keep up with the cards you have to use your phone number or email address... which is personal info that I'd rather not give out to just anybody especially if I have to say it outloud to the cashier and there's some creepy dude in line behind me. Hence - fake info.
I don't understand why they can't just use the store's inventory/sales to see shopping trends. Especially since so many people are using fake info to get the rewards cards anyway?
My in laws love a good sale but are very paranoid about their information. Not saying posters here are, my ILs are paranoid in other ways. Although here's a good shopping example-my FIL will only pay cash at the liquor store, because he thinks credit card companies send the info to your insurance companies, and you can get denied coverage based on the amount you have purchased.
Anyways, I digress-basically they made up a fake name and address and phone number (consisting of special numbers) that they have used for years at places like these and elsewhere. That way, if they get a call for "Mr. Sprinkles" at their home, they know it's a telemarketer. Just an idea. You could always change just *one* digit of your number by "mistake" on the app!
I don't understand why they can't just use the store's inventory/sales to see shopping trends. Especially since so many people are using fake info to get the rewards cards anyway?
They do use store inventory to track trends. But the reward card lets them track behavioral trends that inventory can't tell you. The rewards cards are really only useful for gathering information from people who pay by cash. Anyone using credit/debit cards (and checks in many stores) is already tracked.
My biggest issue with them (specifically Walgreens) is that everything is points driven except to get the points you have to buy 2 of something, or buy the specific sale item. The one time I DID go for the points, (there was a deodorant that was supposed to give 1000pts (so I bought it) and a body wash that was supposed to give 3000pts(so I bought that too)) I got a grand total of 180pts out of 4000. There is a number to call but I havent had time to sit on the phone with them.
I have no problems with them, as long as I get my discount. I just got four bottle of Purex laundry detergent for $.99 at Walgreens with my card, and coupons. I could care less about the points, though, because I'm not trying for points, only my discounts.
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