Savings Cards

It is becoming increasingly common for stores to have their own "savings card." These annoying devices are found in your grocery store, hardware store, book store, etc. Now, aside from the minor annoyance of having an incredibly cramped wallet from have to carry 10+ cards, you also have to (usually) fill out an application for a card.

THIS IS A SCAM!

Without the card, you cannot get the sale price on your purchases. The stores will try to sell you on the fact that you can get extra savings with these cards, if only you put down your email and home address. The stores will however require your phone number for you to recieve your card. This is done under the guise of convieniance, just in case you forget to bring the card.

In fact, it is a way to track what you buy. Now, this card also has good reasons for existing. The more people that buy "product X" with "special card Y," the more likely the store will make sure to stock more of "product X." If a large enough percentage of card holders buy "product X," the store may even put it on sale. This in turn, gives you more savings, but causes more people to get the card.

My store is really good. We trust our customers. Most stores, if your number is not in the directory, and you forget your card, you can't get the sale. It doesn't matter if you've had a card for SafeWay for the past 10 months, your number is still not in the system. My store however, will take your number. I can know you personally, know that you don't have a savings card, and you could give me your number, and it will go through. We trust our customers. We trust our customers so much, that you could give me (area code) 867-5309, and the computers will take it.

So, my suggestion for this? When you have to fill out an application for a savings card, do it. Don't, however, put down personal info, unless you want to get spammed with coupons in your mailbox/ inbox. NEVER GIVE A STORE YOUR REAL NUMBER. It doesn't matter if they promise to not sell it to people, the contracts are subject to change, at any time, without notice.

Now, will that be cash or credit?