Consumerism gone to far?

PingSpike

Lifer
Feb 25, 2004
21,758
603
126
I went to vitamin world yesterday because I thought it might be a good idea for me to take some multi-vitamins. I got roped into signing up for some vitamin world card that gives discounts, and she said they have stuff for sales every once in awhile and they'll send me mailings about it now. She sort of blind sided me with it so I just signed up. I don't remember all the rules and speil she laid on me because it was just to complex.

And that was just to buy some vitamins. I probably won't even ever go back to that store. Not because of the card, just because I don't go by that way very often.

WTF is up with every place and there brother having some store only card coupon things. I've already got a price chopper card, shaws card, like 5 rental place cards (which do make sense) etc, etc in my wallet. Every time I go to JC Penny or Best Buy they try to get me to sign up for their store credit cards.

WTF...why does this all have to be so complicated? If they want to offer me a good price, just lower the price...don't give me a coupon deal or some savings card or whatever. I know they use it to track purchases but its just so overly complex. I like a good deal as much as the next guy, but do they really expect me to carry that card around and clip coupons to save $1.50 off vitamins when the moons align or whatever that girl was babbling about?

I dunno...just ranting about nothing I suppose. Its not a big deal really.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,402
8,574
126
that reminds me i need to go to the vitamin place... 40% off athletic supplements, including boxes of bars
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
that way they can analyze your buying habits and direct market to you.

Its an attempt to "understand our customers and offer personalized service"

Its been the latest trend in marketing for about 10 years now.
 

VTEC01EX

Senior member
Mar 8, 2002
315
0
0
Just do what I do - grab blank "discount" cards from customer service when they're not looking. You get the discount, they don't get to track your purchasing. Or fill out with bogus information. I agree all the cards are stupid, but it's to the point now where if a store DOESNT have a card, Joe Schmo thinks that the deals wont be as good as the store that DOES have a card.
 

CptObvious

Platinum Member
Mar 5, 2004
2,501
7
81
I bought something at Best Buy yesterday and they tried to sell me a magazine subscription at the counter. :thumbsdown: