Some stores track your purchases by your check, or debit card or you can join a club. They store all that in their computer so they can target ads etc. Creepy if you ask me.
Well, in the case of Giant - creepy is wonderful! By using your Bonus Card you get significant savings on every trip (last year our accumulated savings were over $1000)! The only targeted mailings were quarterly for "per-cent off your total order" coupons. By using our Safeway Bonus Card we get $.03/gallon off gasoline at their service center. I'd much rather have "targeted" ads for Pet Food and Deli items, then "untargeted" ads for Diapers, Feminine Hygiene Products, and Tofu. After five prescriptions are filled at the pharmacy, the card automatically triggers a coupon to be printed at the register, worth 5% off the next purchase. After six gallons of milk are purchased, the computer prompts another coupon, this worth a FREE seventh gallon of milk.
Remember, the "selfish" interest of the merchant is to entice customers by providing better service.
I am regularly amazed at the folks who will leave tens of dollars of food savings at the register rather than get a Bonus Card or provide a phone number.
der Brucer
PS That means provide "any" phone number - make up 10 digits and the system will give you a discount!
