CASPIAN Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion And Numbering

CASPIAN: Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering

Shoppers Speak Out!

Comments Received July 2002
Note: We receive hundreds of e-mail messages each month from shoppers who support our efforts. Below are only those messages from visitors who have given permission to post their comments publicly.

I have been in the grocery business for 27 years. Employment was with Supervalu (voluntary wholesaler) for 26 years and currently one year with Associated Food Stores ( a cooperative). The ultimate goal of stores using frequent shopper cards is to increase sales volume. With the cards you simply get the same discounts that were always there before. I hate being forced to use a card to get the same prices that were always available before. Like Gold Bond and Green Stamps I have a feeling that they will run their course and some will fade away. I was surprised when Albertson elected to start using a card. Currently the only "non-card" stores where I live are Walmart and a few independently owned stores. I have not researched the use of data, however I am sure that the larger stores (primarily chains) are able to sell a lot of the data they electronically collect. Probably the best way to get rid of the cards is to not patronize any store that uses them and let them know of the decision you made.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
7/31/02

Where do I start? You have way too much time on your hands! Yes it is a martketing research, but why go and dog every cotton picking grocery chain in town because of it! People like you make it hard for people like me (who work at these chains)!! The cards take the place of a coupon. How much time does it save, to simply take out a card that hangs on your keys, instead of tearing out 15 coupons from their advertisements? It saves me lots of time! And as far as your pricing "pre-card"; did you get that from the 1998 Kroger ad?

G E T A L I F E ! ! !

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

David Carpenter
Indianapolis, Indiana 7/31/02

[Editor's response: I have a lot of sympathy for cashiers and managers who have to deal with these cards in their stores. CASPIAN supports these hassled cashiers 100% because we know that the real fault lies with the corporate management -- which is often several states away from the store itself.

Though the stores would like you to think so, the cards actually do NOT take the place of coupons. They take the place of sales, which used to be available to all customers and required no effort on the part of cashiers to process. Now a cashier has to scan thousands of customer cards every time there is a card-based "sale" (i.e., every day).

Coupons still exist and are still presented at the checkout counter, only now cashiers have the added inconvenience of dealing with customers who forgot their cards, can't find their cards, fishing around in their wallets, complaining about the program all the while. I agree that it is a pain.

Fortunately, all of this inconvenience for cashiers will disappear as soon as the cards do. - K. Albrecht]

In response to comment above

You go Girl! Great job on the site, and your program! Keep up the good work! I was a regular Winn-Dixie customer, but NO MORE!! Thanks for all you do! Steve

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Steve Craig
Jacksonville, OH 7/29/02

Stater Bros. Supermarkets in the Southern California Area does not use "cards", but most of the other area chains do.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
7/29/02

I was fascinated to read your stats on Kroger, and am wondering if you plan to similarly investigate Safeway. I have, and use, a Safeway card and admit that I use the so-called "sale" prices to stagger purchases of various items--laundry products, soft drinks, cereal--that I would purchase for my family in any case.

We live in an upscale part of Washington, D.C., which is essentially a two-supermarket town, Giant and Safeway. In order to find the discounters, it is necessary to drive into the Maryland or Virginia suburbs, which I do on occasion but not habitually, as it wastes time and gasoline. While shopping at a chain supermarket in rural Maryland, after dropping one of my sons off at summer camp, I was shocked to see how much lower the grocery prices were than back at the Safeway closest to my home.

I have explained to my children that the "Club Card" is used to target consumer preferences and to collect data, that it is not corporate largesse. Only now am I realizing how these cards are used to justify "everyday higher prices," as well as monitoring potential "terrorists" among us.

One concern that is extremely personal is the fact I also patronize the Safeway pharmacy. After our independent neighborhood pharmacy was gobbled up by an incompetent chain, I shopped around for the most professional-seeming pharmacy. However, I am very uneasy with the idea that someone is monitoring my purchases; even if I changed druggists now, my previous record would remain.

Thanks for exposing the motivation behind these cards, and keep up the good work.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Washington, D.C., 7/29/02

Paper or plastic? And do you have your Kroger Plus card so that John Ashcroft can examine your purchases to see if you're a terrorist? I was so mad a few years ago when I went into a Farmer Jack's grocery store to buy some Diet Coke. The sign said it was $2.49 for a twelve-pack, but when I got to the register it rang up at $4.39. I explained to the cashier that the sign said $2.49, but she said I had to have a Farmer Jack's Savings Card to get that price. I filled out the stupid paperwork, got the lower price, tore up the card, and I haven't shopped at a Farmer Jack's since. So I was really PO'd a couple of years later when Kroger introduced their "Kroger Plus" card. My main objection was that it was deceptive and inconvenient. Deceptive because of the situation I experienced in Farmer Jack's--you don't see the little logo indicating that you need the card to get the price, and inconvenient because it takes me 15 seconds to pull the stupid card out of my wallet, as it does for everyone in line in front of me at one of the few checkouts open. Also, it's one more piece of junk in my wallet. I boycotted Kroger for a year and complained to the store managers and the 1-800-Krogers customer line. Finally I caved--there's a Kroger right on my way home from work. I wondered about the privacy aspect, but I used my old address and phone number. Now I read that some grocery chains are giving their records to the FBI so they can search for shopping patterns matching suspected terrorists. Fortunately, the local Busch's and Meijer supermarkets don't use the cards. I think I'll tear up my Kroger Plus card and resume my boycott.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Bob Goodsell
Ann Arbor, MI 7/26/02

Finally, I've discovered like minded people who share my conviction that this supermarket exploiting of my privacy is just plain...wrong and I want to see it become ILLEGAL!

Diane Ropp Altadena, California

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Diane Ropp
Altadena, CA 7/26/02

So glad to find that I am not the only "nut" who thinks my privacy is more important than some mega corp's market share. I have come to realize that not only are these "loyalty" schemes invasive, punitive and unfair, but they are ultimatley dehumanizing. Being a ranked digital cog in some corporate profit tally is not how I want to do business. And knowing how entrenched corporate interests are in our government gives me great pause...I prefer citizenship to membership!

Below find an e-mail just sent to Albertson's. Thanks for your good work!

Dear Albertson's representative, This is the first time I have written a letter like this. I am prompted to do so due to my strong feelings about your transition to what you call a "preferred savings card." For years, I and my family have shopped at Albertson's. Barring an emergency, this was our sole Big Market choice. The reason? No club cards. At first we found these cards at other stores annoying and insulting. Upon further reflection, we know that they are also an invasive strong arm tactic designed to get at private, personal information. We noticed the ridiculous price mark ups at Safeway after they initiated their "loyalty" scheme. It is clear that the citizen who wishes to keep their shopping list private is punished at the check out stand. Hardly a voluntary program, especially for the poorer person. I fear Albertson's will be no different. Sadly, we will no longer shop at Albertson's, or any of it's other holdings until Albertson's can demonstrate that selling groceries to their "valuable" customer is more important than selling out the customer.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Arlington, VA 7/26/02

I have been screaming about these rip-off cards for years. I didn't know there was a group out there to fight them. Count me in, Jim

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Jim Fields
Palmdale, CA 7/26/02

Thanks for doing this work. I hate those damn cards. I shop at Hannaford because they don't have them. I annoy all my friends by ranting against the cards at every opportunity. I wasn't at all surprised to read in the Village Voice about how some shoppers' information was handed over to the government. It was bound to happen.

I could possibly volunteer depending on my workload. I'm a copy editor, can write a little.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
7/25/02

I quit shopping at QFC when the Advantage Club program started. I work in Information Technology and know how easy it is to share data. It is none of their business to know individual purchasing choices. It is a hassle to have another card to carry around. It makes me wonder what they are using the data for and who they will share it with. Corporate America is getting way to intrusive in our lives. We need to take a stand wherever possible.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Edmonds, WA 7/25/02

I shopped Kroger exclusively over 35 years. I got my card (real name) and was shocked once I noticed the prices seemed to be the prices before the card. On a trip to an Ingles, for a product Krogers doesn't sale, I needed to pick up another item. Going through the store I started comparing the items on the shelves with Kroger prices. On Bushes Original Baked beans Kroger's regular price was 1.19, with card .99, Ingles price .89. I still shop Kroger's only for the cut meat or items Ingles doesn't carry. My card is coming off of my key chain and when my husband gets home, confiscate his!

I am so happy to find this site, I've wanted to vent and let everyone know there ARE other choices since my discovery.

Thank you!

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
7/24/02

I AGREE WITH C.A.S.P.I.A.N, CUSTOMER SHOULD HAVE RIGHTS WHEN THEY ARE PURCHASING A DISCOUNT CARD, THEY SHOULD NOT REVEAL ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING ABOUT THEMSELVES OR THEY FAMILY TO A GROCERY STORE JUST FOR A DISCOUNT CARD.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

N. Tembe
Queens, NY 7/23/02

Personally, I pay the higher prices or shop at stores that don't monitor my purchases. I hate these programs. Thanks!

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Queens, NY 7/23/02

Hi!

Remember last weeks 19million pound meat recall? Krogers better than just nosey about your life -- Indeed: THEY KNOW HOW TO SAVE IT!!! Do any of the dozens allready sick have Kroger cards? Odds are most of them do! Since Kroger can harvest customers purchasing data for the companies benifiet, arent they negligent if they fail to use it for public benifiet? Culpable? In the future they should be! Did any of the sick "Buy one - Get one free" (with card)? *shudder*

8-|

"As part of ConAgra's recall, Kroger is asking consumers to check their freezers for Kroger-brand ground beef, ground chuck and ground round purchased in one-, three- and five-pound tubes with sell-by dates of May 9, 2002 through July 16, 2002"

quoted from: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020719/nyf111_1.html

It should be easy for this list of recalled products, and the kroger card data to be cross-checked, right? http://www.msnbc.com/news/782928.asp

You'd think they would welcome such a positive use of such a suspect system...

Sincerely, Joe

Can_publish: Yes, first name and location

Joe
Atlanta, GA 7/21/02

I agree with C.A.S.P.I.A.N, we all should have some privacy in our life. As we all know everyday is a new day and we don't know what to expect. As a person who shop for his family, I believe if we are applying for a job then we should give our SSN and any other information required. This is not a JOB is a supermarket who wants to INVADE people privacy, just to by some food for their family and I think that is WRONG...What do a supermarket need with that information and why, what are they going to do with it when they get it. -McBride AJ Brooklyn, New York

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

A. McBride
Brooklyn, NY 7/21/02

Website is slower then molasses. . . . i've got old computer, but so do alot of other people. keep it simple, cause i've got more patients then most people.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
7/20/02

[Editor's response: Delays can be due to a lot of traffic on our website or slowness anywhere on the Internet between your computer and ours. We've tried our best to keep the website lean and fast-loading; the exception being the supermarket list, which has an enormous amount of information on it. We are working on turning that into a searchable format to save load time. Meanwhile, I appreciate your patience! -K. Albrecht]
Response to comment above

Winn Dixie has gone over to the dark side. At the end of June, with no warning or fanfare, they instituted a "customer reward program". I wrote them this letter:

------------------------------------------------------
"I will never set foot in Winn Dixie again unless you get rid of the Customer Reward Card.

There are two major grocery stores convenient to my neighborhood, Sav-A-Center and Winn Dixie. Last year, Sav-A-Center instituted their Bonus Reward Card program. I won't even go into why I find it offensive to whore myself to a company's marketing database in order to enjoy sale prices that I used to enjoy without having to do so -- that should be obvious. The other thing I noticed is that prices on every item, sale or non-sale, went up. I learned that this is because the cost of rolling out and maintaining a loyalty card program is extraordinarily expensive, and that cost is passed on to the customer. Overall, I noticed that despite a few perceived "deep" discounts (only available with the card, naturally), the total grocery bill at Sav-A-Center was more expensive than before the program was instituted. Not being a sucker, I started shopping exclusively at Winn Dixie.

Until the end of June, that is. I was absolutely dismayed to find that Winn Dixie has sold out to one of these crap card programs. As a consequence, I have not set foot inside my local Winn Dixie since. Fortunately, I have found two independent grocery stores not too much farther away, and soon a Whole Foods will be opening up within walking distance (Winn Dixie used to get all my walking-distance business...so convenient...but oh well. Forget it now!). I am particularly eager to give Whole Foods my business because they got rid of their card program after listening to customer complaints! That's right, they care what the customer thinks! Between myself and my husband, we spend anywhere from $750 to $1000 a month on groceries. But not at Winn Dixie anymore. I know for a fact that I'm not the only person in my neighborhood who feels this way. You guys blew it big time."

Imagine my surprise when they actually bothered to respond, but of course the response failed completely to address my assertion that the cost of maintaining a "reward" program is passed onto the customer, and furthermore asserts the marketing "party line" that the majority of customers embrace their program. Bulls**t. I am even more P.O.'d now that I have received their condescending reply. Any suggestions on how, or if, I should reply? BTW, here is their response:
------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you for taking the time to contact us about the Winn-Dixie Customer Reward Card. I’m sorry that you are displeased with the card since the majority of our shoppers have registered for the card with great enthusiasm. We have made the card extremely easy to sign up for—it really only takes a few moments. With all the plans we have for the future to benefit our customers, we hope that no one would pass up the opportunities we offer. Our cards are a way to extend value and service one step further—and to let you know how much we appreciate your patronage.

Winn-Dixie is striving to become an even better supermarket operator and is therefore launching many new initiatives as a result. We feel that the card is a very important part of this effort and are glad to finally be in a position to have one to offer to our customers.

All promotional programs cannot be pleasing to all customers. We realize that. However, this particular program was based on our desire to learn what will best help us understand and satisfy our customer’s shopping needs and at the same time offer significant savings to our loyal customers. Thank you again for sharing your opinion.
------------------------------------------------------

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Sabine
New Orleans, LA 7/20/02

Don't worry about giving out personal information just make up an alias, you don't have to give anything but a name, and no first name if you don't care to. What if you were Cher or Jewel or Prince etc. etc. I did just that with my local Brookshires food store. You don't have to give an address or phone number nor do you have to give a social security number. All you need to do is make up a name. When I check out I tell the cashier that I have a card on file but not on me, this makes them look it up which is a major inconvenience to them and the people waiting behind me. On many occassions I will stop the cashier while he/she is thumbing through the members book and say "thats me right there" pointing to any name that I see. Make a game out of it and have some fun, if they refuse to give you the regular price rather than the inflated non card holder price, sue them! Oldsot

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Oldsot
Kilgore, TX 7/19/02

[Editor's response: CASPIAN does not support signing up for a shopper card under a fake name as a solution to the card problem. To find out why, please read the essay titled "10 Reasons Not to Use a Fake Card". A better solution would be not to set foot in the card stores store until they get rid of their card programs. Empty stores will send a much stronger message than giving them a minor inconvenience at the checkout counter. -K. Albrecht]
Response to comment above
-

I believe we are not far from the day that scanning Hands will replace scanning cards- Cards are just the beginning to whats to come. I find it very disturbing to have to use a scannable card in order for me to receive my discount and it shocks me even more that these supermarkets are so insistant on my using there card- wouldn't they prefer to make more money by not mentioning I use my card- What's really going on?

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Sunny
Quincy, IL 7/18/02

Dear Katherine,

I commend your efforts and your appearance on the Brian Williams radio show (KSFO) on July 16, 2002. As soon as I read the article in World Net Daily I immediately sent the following e-mail message to Albertson's on June 23, 2002:

Dear Albertsons:

I have just read of your plans to roll out a Supermarket Discount Card program on June 26 in Utah, Wyoming, Northern Nevada, Idaho, Montana and North Dakota. I live in California and do the bulk of my grocery shopping at your stores. However, if you institute this program in California I will cease shopping at your stores immediately. I refuse to use such a card to obtain supposedly lower prices while at the same time having information collected about me which violates my privacy. In addition I refuse to be penalized by not having access to these supposedly lower prices simply because I refuse to participate in your program and have my privacy invaded. Please don't insult my intelligence by telling me that this information is collected with no link to my identity or that it will only be used by your corporation to give me better service and prices. Firstly, when applying for the card my personal identity WILL BE LINKED to the card by virtue of the fact that I must identify myself on the card application. In the current information driven--anything for a buck to improve the corporate bottom line and stock price--corporate culture, the temptation on you to sell this information to third parties will be enormous. Not to mention the fact that revenues from such sales will go a long way toward recuping the price of collecting the data. And it will only be a matter of computer skills on the part of any third party to link raw data to the identities of the persons generating that data. Also I'm sure you and most other corporations have heard of HACKING and GOVERNMENT MANDATES AND SUBPOENAS. Secondly, if you want to give your customers better service and prices you can simply do just that without a privacy invasion card. Simply keep an adequate number of check-out lines open to match the daily ebb and flow of customers AND MARK ALL OF YOUR PRODUCTS AT THE LOWEST PRICE POSSIBLE so as to serve EVERYONE who enters your stores. Since June 23 I have not received one word in reply from Albertson's as an attempt to assuage the 'savage beast' in my indignation towards privacy invasion cards. To me this silence speaks volumes, ie., they intend to impliment this program in all of their stores and all dissenting customers be damned!

Dean Unruh

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Dean Unruh
Napa, CA 7/17/02

I have ANOTHER "beef" with the supermarkets (in addition to the requisite cards) and it's their deceptive pricing and product placement.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

James
Sonoma, CA 7/17/02

About one time a month I go shopping at my local safeway store before I go to trader joe's and buy 15-20 things, go to the reg, and when they ask me if I have a card I tell them no and ask "why; do I need one to shop here?" after the explanation, I tell them "then just take out everthing your going to over charge me for and I will go some where that I don't need one". Often I end up with three items. If I use an ATM, they call me by my Sir and last name. You can buy it some where else at the same price or less

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Doug
Walnut Creek, CA 7/17/02

I need more information about what voluneer activities would include before I decide if I want to volunteer. I can type very well. I have very good internet search abilities. I'm a good writer. Those are my skills. I'm a homemaker. No skills that would make me any money.

I think stores that use the shopper's cards raise their prices so that when customers use the cards they think they're getting a good deal, but the prices are still higher then stores that don't require customers to use cards. Our Walmart has a large grocery section. We get a lot of groceries there. We also shop at Hy-Vee good store, but don't use a card. I don't think they have one. And Fairway food store (Moline, IL)doesn't require a card.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Bobbie
East Moline, IL 7/16/02 -

If members have the time, an effective way to protest the cards is to get a shopping cart full of groceries and tell the clerk that he or she has the choice of giving the lowest price or re-stocking the groceries. Enough of that and they will not have any advantage in requiring customers to use the cards. It will be much cheaper just to let people buy the products at the lower price. You might want to go to the second nearest store to do this, two bucks a pound is a big difference on beef.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

John Griffin
Bothell, 7/16/02

I hate intrusive, pain in the rear to keep with you cards. They don't need to track my every move and they sure don't need to force me to carry their stupid cards.

(Can_publish: Yes, full name and location)

Jeff Phelps
Franklin Furnace, OH 7/14/02

Is anything really happening in North Texas to get Albertsons and Krogers to stop their madness? I haven't shopped at either one for a very long time, yet neither looks to be hurting. Kroger seems to be expanding by adding new stores and renovating others in my area. With Winn Dixie pulling out of Texas, I am quickly running out of stores to shop at. Sometimes it seems like a very lonely battle.

I applaud you at CASPIAN for the effort, you are well informed and well spoken on the subject. Please keep up what you've been doing, but "kick it up a notch" here in the Metroplex. I haven't heard much about this "problem" in the local media - and the stories that I have seen... they either skimmed the surface or made it seem like a silly fight by people with nothing else to do. I am already on your mailing list and a member. Please keep me informed of what is happening in my area. Thanks.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
7/14/02 -

I think it is wonderful and very constitutional to express your feelings and concern in a public forum. I will however, ask that you do not yell at the checkers at Albertson's (myself included). Please know that we have no control over this program and after 8 hours of listening to 20% of our customers complain, we get a little frazzled. This card program hasn't made our life any easier either.

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
7/13/02 -

I am a front-end clerk at an Albertson's grocery store in Utah. Recently, our store started the Preferred Savings Card. We were told only one week before at a staff meeting that we would have to ask people to sign up, we'd have to explain the concept, we'd pretty much have to put up with all the customer's complaints. They told us all the details of this program, how they did a survey and the PEOPLE wanted it, how it was just more savings for customers. And although I was opposed and scared to death that everyone would lash out at me, it hasn't been as bad as you CASPIAN's make it. Our store, unlike Smiths and most other's, DO NOT sell your personal information. Also, you will not get the unwanted coupons if you mark it on your application. A lot of people argue that it's not fair that they won't get the same prices as others---- but that's not a probable argument.... what about coupons? People who don't use coupons won't save like those that do. All we are doing is offering you more savings. As a checker, I can truthfully say there are some awsome savings and deals. Also, with the card you have benefits such as free trips, savings on rental cars and air tickets, and it can even help you earn money for college. I am not saying I am 100% for the card... definetly not saying that, but if it saves you more and helps us recognize our customers, it's not as bad as you are trying to make it. It's not difficult to carry a simple little card. And eventually you can just tell us your phone number and we can type it in for you. Again.... I know you argue about privacy, but we only ask for Name, Address and Phone #. And we all have better things to do than memorize these to call you up and bug you. This info just links you to your card. IF you ever lose your card, they can look it up at the main office. And I suppose they look up your info to send you coupons, but they won't even do that if you mark that you don't want the coupons. Anyways, Still, like I said, I am not sure the card plan is the best way and I am not pro-active on it, but the way people react when we ask for their card is unreasonable and rude. WE did not ask for this program and WE should not have to put up with the bullshit customers. If you have a problem with the card, talk to someone who can do something about it.... not us little people. We're just the messengers. If you choose to shop elsewhere, so be it. The employees hired at Albertson's are of high quality and very people-friendly, other stores just want the job done. Good luck.

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
UT 7/13/02

Protests in front of retail supermarkets are ineffective. My Brother was truck driver for a few years and said if you want a protest to do some good and make these supermarkets listen then protest at their Distribution Center. A line of well placed individuals at the front gates of any DC will slow the movement of semi-trucks and delay shipments. These DCs run a *very* tight schedule. Which goes for 24hrs periods. Each truck has a predetermined time to load and off-load. If this was set back by a few hours it would mean the DC would be behind. And THAT immediately affects their bottom line. Most DCs are gated, so there is only one way in and one way out. Therefore a group "sit down" in fornt of the gate would require police which most likely would attract media, which WILL delay truck deliveries. I can name one such DC I am aware which is for Albertsons @ 620 West 600 North, in North Salk Lake, Utah. Trucks are going in and out 24/7/365. An organized protest their would be best

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
UT 7/12/02

These are more questions than feed back. I never thought about these problems before and I did sign up for a card at my super market. I have decided to stop using it and try to find a store that does not have this program. Is that enough or do I need to do something to remove my self from their database? Also should I refuse to give cashiers my phone number or zip code when checking out? MANY stores now ask for this information as if I have to give it to them.

Thank you

(Can_publish: Anonymous)

Anonymous
7/12/02 -

I called my local division in UT. Try this next time you are forced to shop lame tracking supermarket. Simply demand the "preferred price" and see what sheep waiting line behind you do. They all want to checkout quickly, right? Well, if you get the good price..others will demand it too! Why? Cuz they saw you just get it!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Centerville, UT 7/12/02

The time is ripe for a "Boycott QFC" bumper sticker! I'll gladly be among the first puchasers of a bumper sticker if it comes out. I'm sure you could make a small profit on this item, to be used to continue the fight. I have been saving all of my receipts from Larry's, Albertson's, and other grocery stores that I have shopped at since boycotting QFC. Since QFC wants to monitor my shopping habits, I will soon give all of my receipts to the manager of the QFC that I formerly shopped at. Let them monitor the shopping habits of former customers and see just what they are loosing. Keep up the good work, Al

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Al
Seattle, WA 7/12/02

After reading your site I logged on to Albertson's website and sent them an email to tell them that I am switching my business BACK to the local Tom Thumb/Simon David. When Simon David instituted their card program I switched to Albertsons, though it is several miles further from my home than Simon David. Now that Albertsons is doing the card thing here in Dallas I have no reason to drive the extra miles to shop at Albertsons.

Can_publish: Anonymous, location

Anonymous
Dallas, TX 7/10/02

I thought this was very interesting. When I signed up for the Safeway club card I had no idea that they would use the purchasing info to possibly hurt me in any way. It was explained that we wouldn't have to use coupons anymore and that was what the purpose of the card was to take the place of coupons & to give me discounts for shopping there. So much for a free country!! One of the most recent times I shopped there I had trouble with my debit card. So I used a different card that I had never used there. There system didn't recognize my credit card in conjunction with my safeway club card. My thought I was going to get sick. So they are not only collecting info on what we buy but it also collects credit card info. Like we don't have enough trouble with credit card theft! Thanks for doing what you are doing!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Albany, OR 7/10/02 -

Regarding your article, “10 Reasons Not to Use a Fake Card,” I can think of another good reason.

If you ever use a personal check or debit card (even just once), then that information becomes associated with your “discount” member card. Then, if you later pay with cash and use the card, it doesn’t matter, because they know who you are based solely on your card.

They are constantly refining their data based on additional information sources. Your name, address, phone number, bank account number, and purchasing habits are tied to the fake card by creating relationships in the database. So you think you are tricking them by putting down “Superman” as your name, when they already know who you are as soon as you pay.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Adam
Salt Lake City, UT 7/10/02

I went into a Brookshires Grocery Store in Grosbeck, Texas and was just looking around through the store with my son and we saw these 2 different prices on articles. One price was if you had a Brookshires Card and the other price was if you didn't. I bought a few things and I started talking to this Lady and I said what with the two differnt prices and she explained about the card.

When I got to the checkout I ask the girl about the card and she pulled out these papers and said to me first I need your Drivers License Number and I said what for? I said I am not applying for insurance and she said Brookshires requires it. I said what for and she couldn't answer that. I told her to keep the card because I could buy stuff much cheaper at another store. Now this store is the only store in Grosback, Texas of any size so they have them pretty well hooked.

I told the checker to keep her Nazi Card and turned around to leave. One Lady behind me said,That Lady must have plenty of money and I said to her.Lady I probably have less than you do but, I am not stupid enough to stand here and give these people information about myself that is none of their business. I said to her. Their specials aren't specials and that is nothing but, a come on that you people are dumb enough to fall for.

I ask her and the rest of the people were standing there listening to every word that I said." Have You Ever Heard Of Nazi Germany?" I said to her mayb e you had better start reading because you have just entered another phase of control.
My Son was so embarrised of me by that time that he almost had my arm pulled off trying to get me to leave that store before I was locked up by the Local Yokals.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Ida
Jewett, TX 7/9/02

I found it comforting to know that someone else out there objects to supermarket cards as much as I do. When our Kroger went to the card I sent a letter to Kroger management letting them know that unless they removed the card they would lose my business. They must not have needed my business badly enough because they sent a response stating 'it's what our customers wanted'. Yeah, right. Maybe if everyone of those customers becomes informed about the rights they are losing and all of them stopped patronizing Kroger, then management might pay attention.

Thanks for informing the public!

(Can_publish: Anonymous, location)

Anonymous
Houston, TX 7/9/02

I do not shop @ stores requiring cards. It would be nice to link with the Canadian stores as well --- I do shop there when in Canada. Not only do I not like my personal information shared & used, I do not like the dual pricing for the haves & have nots. The only info the store needs is products purchased. I am sorry to see that Albertsons has joined in. My shopping is becoming more restricted which I do not like.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Carole
Lynnwood, WA 7/8/20

Thank you for being a standard bearer and having the movitation to fight against this invasive practice being foisted on us.

I refuse to shop at grocery and drug stores using the "advantage" cards. (Guess whose advantage they are referring to). I quit shopping at Safeway after many years and then QFC. Have been giving my business mostly to Albertson's and also Top Foods and have been pleased with the true values you get with open competition where you can compare apples to apples, so to speak. Am dismayed that Albertson's has chosen to follow the pack at the expense of their customers' wishes. This just shows a flagrant disregard for the opinion of loyal shoppers.

We know that the real issue here isn't that the shopper will get a great deal if they embrace a card but that none of these mega stores want to miss out on the next big thing which is the capability of tracking our shopping habits and garnering private information. In return for our great "bargains", they have the opportunity to sell us out to insurance companies, lawyers and advertisers, etc., so we can be victimized some more.

If we don't speak out, they won't cave in. Forcing cards on the public doesn't benefit the store if their customers leave in droves. I'm outraged at this tactic to paint an under-handed procedure with a warm, fuzzy brush.

Thanks for listening. Now that I've vented, I can pick up my wallet and schlep it whatever supermarket hasn't been bitten by the card!

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Gayle
Federal Way, WA 7/8/02 -

I find the supermarkets cards an extremely unnecessary invasion of my privacy these new cards are disgusting and I will not shop at any market that uses them here in tucson arizona - I will do without before that happens

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location but not provided)

Anonymous
Unknown, 7/5/02

Nice site. Thanks again for the info.

(Can_publish: Yes, first name and location)

Jaesen
Kansas City, MO 7/3/02

Note: Our email ratio generally runs about 15 anti-card messages to every one pro-card message we receive (i.e., around 15 people write in supporting our position to every one who opposes our position). I distinguish between pro-card messages and anti-CASPIAN messages. Pro-card messages get posted here as my time to address them individually permits. Anti-CASPIAN messages will not be posted if their content is vulgar, offensive, or devoid of any real argument. (I.e., "You guys are a bunch of idiots" with no real reason offered will not get posted, but "You guys are a bunch of idiots because cards save me money" will probably get posted here eventually with a rebuttal.) -K. Albrecht

Click here for Current Comments

CASPIAN
Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering
An information clearinghouse and resource for community and national action

© 1999-2005 Katherine Albrecht. All rights reserved.