I refuse to use "rewards/loyalty" programs

[Techman]

Some time ago I attended a marketing seminar that included a section about using "rewards/loyalty" programs.

I was appalled to what the hidden usages would be and the fact that certain prices would go up to pay for the discounts given to other products.. I also was taken aback about the profiles built up from the usage of those cards along with our credit card usage at many stores. And I had no use for the polarization of users from non users. IE: Exclusion of users of cash with a low income who did not have a credit card. To this say I will not participate in those schemes.

Well here it is in black and white. The facts "they" want to keep hidden from consumers.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmir...teen-girl-was-pregnant-before-her-father-did/

I know some love these programs because they think there is a benefit. Some know it is just a transfer of costs added on to other products. So it becomes a wash overall.



here is more.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&hp

 

[jrsc]

I don't see the problem. I would much rather have ads and coupons for stuff I actually need then random junk. Ever notice when you browse the internet for something you start getting banner ads for the products you just looked at.

 

[Techman]

That is the problem. Many do not see the problem

Lets try this one.
You purchase some heart medication. It is for a temporary need not related to a bad heart. Use your rewards card. Then you get coupons for that medication.

Then you insurance company finds that transaction and charges you more for your insurance because you are now on a risk list. Even though that medication was for a temporary need. So nopw you pay much more and are included on a pre-existing condition list.

 

[ProWraps]

quick! get the tin foil hats!!!!!

i mean for hecks sake, i purchase heart medication for a temporary need all the time. doesnt everyone?

 

[binki]

This could have ended much worse. The father could have injured or killed someone.

But, this does explain why I keep getting those mailers for Viagra!

 

[Speedsterbeast]

Good read, thanks for posting.
I'm a little turned off about this stuff myself, but I think I'm more interested in watching this type of information gathering unfold and see where it leads. Articles like this is what makes it interesting- you know, the stuff that the even the alarmests fail to anticipate.

I've posted a link to Terry O'Reilly's show before, but this episode of "The Age Of Persuasion" is relevant to this story and an entertaining one to boot.
Take a lsiten while you work if you have 20 or so minutes. -but be warned, you may hooked and want to listen to all of his work.

http://www.cbc.ca/ageofpersuasion/episode/2009/02/14/season-3-episode-7-breaking-the-contract/

 

[weaselboogie]

I rarely fill out warranty cards or rarely fill out all the info "required" for this same reason. Why the hell do you need to know my hobbies?
I'm a stickler for only giving out any info on a need to know basis.

 

[rjssigns]

The capability to gather information on you without your knowledge is getting a little disturbing.

 

[Pat Whatley]

You can always fill out the info on your rewards card "application" with false information.

 

[Techman]

If they were based on the truth then no one would be concerned. But since they rea trying to keep these programs hidden, and lie about the costs then shouldn't consumers be watchful and wary?

 

[Custom_Grafx]

Anyone read the iphone/itunes terms and conditions? i didn't get all the way to page 437, but skimming the first few lines, I would not be surprised if I later found out that I had promised my unborn daughter away to Jobs' unborn son. Seriously, all this stuff makes me puke... stinks to hiiiiiiiiigh heaven.

 

[ThinkRight]

Anyone read the iphone/itunes terms and conditions? i didn't get all the way to page 437, but skimming the first few lines, I would not be surprised if I later found out that I had promised my unborn daughter away to Jobs' unborn son. Seriously, all this stuff makes me puke... stinks to hiiiiiiiiigh heaven.

You must not watch southpark.
They did a show about the iphone terms of agreement.
They were not far from wrong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynpnYh4o_Qo
Warning ! NSFW !!!!

 

[Custom_Grafx]

You must not watch southpark.
They did a show about the iphone terms of agreement.
They were not far from wrong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynpnYh4o_Qo
Warning ! NSFW !!!!

No I had not seen that but yeah... I'm worried now! hahahahaha

 

[Graphics2u]

I don't participate in most rewards plans, I just tell the cashier I prefer to pay the absolute most I can for everything!

 

[SD&F]

I do use rewards programs for suppplies. I now know why I keep getting emails everyday for performance enhancement drugs......