Why customer loyalty cards stink

To the older gentleman in front of me in the Kroger line earlier, I say "Amen!"

Here's the scenario: The checkout girl says, "Thank you sir, you saved $6 by using your Kroger card. And he says, "No I didn't." And she says, "Yes, you saved ..." And he says, "You guys jack up the prices and then make me use the dang card in order to get the real price. I didn't save a thing."

Thank you, sir. (I was the one who started the slow clap behind you). 

You see, I have a real problem with the "loyalty" card/program thing. Just today, I was charged an extra $8 + at CVS. I was moving swiftly and picked up a few things —shampoo, toilet paper— that were "on sale" at the Mockingbird store. I checked out, paid with a credit card ... it wasn't until I was a couple miles down the road that it occurred to me that my bill was a bit high. I pulled out the receipt and, sure enough, because I forgot to present my CVS card, I was charged an unreasonably high price for my dang toiletries—charged as much as double on a few items.

And before you say anything, I know, I'm a moron. I should have remembered to hand over the card. But the girl at the checkout started small talking with me and next thing you know, my carefully chosen "sale" items cost me close to a ten-spot more than they should have.

I saved the receipt with intentions of returning for a refund, but let's face it —time is money too.

Comments

[peabody]

Could not agree more.