Red Flag Comp 'Cheats'

Quote: EvenBob

reason. Just recently, the grocery store chain
I use issued a 'points' card that you have to
swipe at checkout in order to get anything
thats on sale. You earn points (comps) that
you can redeem for grocery items. I fought
against it but had to give in because of the
sale items. Its Big Brother watching. They
know every item I buy, they can track my
buying and eating habits and sell the info
to whoever buys such stuff, as I'm sure was
the intent. I hate it.

You can get the sale items by just saying "I forgot my card", and they'll swipe the store card. They'll do it for you every time, and really, it's good for them, because (1) You won't earn the "points" (exactly like comps) for free gas or register receipts for "$5 off your next $50" or whatever and (2) they'll still get the info that they really want, which has nothing to do with you personally.

I remember when I got my latest Supermarket card, they just gave it to me with the postcard sized application and said "You can use it for the sale prices right away, but if you want the extra bonuses, just fill this out and bring it back..." And actually I have gotten some of the bonus comps (coupons after checkout) even when I have used the cashier's card and not mine.

So if all you want is the sale prices and not the comps, then you don't have to worry about being tracked. I understand some of your Casino reluctance but wanted to calm your supermarket fears a bit.

Quote: cclub79

You can get the sale items by just saying "I forgot my card", and they'll swipe the store card.

Nope. They did that the first two weeks into the
program, now you have to have your own card.

Quote: EvenBob

Nope. They did that the first two weeks into the
program, now you have to have your own card.

Wow, I've never had them not swipe a store card in the 4 different states and countless supermarkets I've been in! Stingy! I'd say fill out the form with an alias and the address of the supermarket then...if they ask (they won't) say you are homeless and if they'd like to discriminate against the homeless, you have several lawyers at your disposal!

Ditto.

The stores around here always let you use the store card.

Consider the alternative:

A. A pissed off customer
B. You apply for a new card - requiring someone to enter that info
C. You get a new card with false info - meaning they'll send mailers to invalid addresses

Quote: cclub79

I'd say fill out the form with an alias and the address of the supermarket then...if they ask (they won't)

You have to show a drivers license as proof that
you are who you say you are. Thats why I was
against this to start with.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Ditto. The stores around here always let you use the store card.

There was a retired out of town couple in front
of me today and they had no card and none was
offered by the cashier. She said they're forbidden
from using a store card.

Quote: EvenBob

You have to show a drivers license as proof that
you are who you say you are. Thats why I was
against this to start with.

Whoa...where the heck are you shopping? The ONLY time they'd ever ask for DL is for check cashing. You should find a new supermarket, because I've been to over a dozen chains and all let you use the store card and none required ID.

There's only two huge chains here now, dozens
of each in the area. Not much choice.

Quote: EvenBob

You have to show a drivers license as proof that you are who you say you are. Thats why I was against this to start with.

Actually, EvenBob is right... Giant Eagle around here requires to show a DL to get a card. I was a little surprised, because Kroger's just has you fill out a form, and most of the time, I just mix a couple digits in my address and a couple digits in my phone number to avoid getting hit with junk mail. I'm not paranoid, but I already get enough casino mailings, and frankly, I don't shop at the overpriced grocery stores to save a few bucks on a gas. Give me WalMart or Meijer any day!

However, EvenBob, most groceries stores will swipe their card for you. Or even better, if there's a line, get someone behind you to swipe their card. They'll be happy to take the points you don't want.

Quote: Tiltpoul

Actually, EvenBob is right... Giant Eagle around here requires to show a DL to get a card. .

I'm pretty sure the law would be on your side if you said you'd rather not show your DL. A call to the BBB would also probably be on your side if they demanded ID for sale prices. Unless they say in the fine print that you must be 17 and older to take advantage of their sale prices (and actually, something like that would have to be printed in more than fine print), you could also say you are not a licensed driver, and nothing says you must be a licensed driver to get sale prices.