It seems that most supermarkets now require you to have their "bonus club" card in order to get the discounts in their weekly flyer. Since I shop about 5 different supermarkets, I have signed-up for all of their cards. However, sometimes I go to a supermarket whose card I don't have. Usually the cashier will scan his or her own card, if you ask. But recently I had a cashier refuse. He said his manager would not allow it. The manager refused to come over. Can they do this? Is it legal (in NY) to refuse to give a customer a sale price because they have not signed-up for your store's card? This seems like discrimination. What if I don't want to give out my personal information? Or what if I don't live near your store and don't plan on shopping there often? It just seems like poor customer service and that it should be illegal. Does anyone know for sure?
2007-03-09 03:32:50 · 10 answers · asked by Rachel K 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No, it is not illegal as you are voluntarilly signing up so you can receive the special price. If you chose not to participate in their program, then you elect to pay full price for the item.
If it is not a store you frequent or you have forgotton the card, nearly ever Customer Service Desk has the application/cards on hand and you could just sign up before you shop.
If you are in a hurry and don't want to sign up for the card at that time or left your card at home, a little known fact that a former grocery store customer service rep. relayed to me is if you have a card but simply forget it on that occassion (and no one will let you use their card to swipe to get the savings) you can save your receipt and the next time you return to the store visit the Customer Service Desk and they will refund you the difference between the full price charge and the sale price.
The best way to verify the difference is to keep a copy of the sales ad flyer and write down the sale price next to the full price charged on the item, along with having the sales flyer as a back-up if needed, to ensure you get every penny that you are entitled to.
2007-03-09 03:43:30 · answer #1 · answered by bottleblondemama 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, yes they can. The cards are set up as a customer incentive program, They are the same a a buy 10 get 1 free card or any other similar program. If you do not have the card on hand you are not entitled to the benefits of the program.
Stores can run promotions as they see fit. As long as they are withing the bounds of the law. Rewards cards are completely legal. It is ultimately your decision to take part in the program, however you cannot expect the incentives if you chose not to enroll in the program.
For the record you don't need to give out your personal information, you can write any old crap on the card, nobody verifies the information.
And not to lie to you they are using that information for marketing. It is a really effective way to collect information regarding the purchasing habits of your clients and different demographics. This will dictate which areas receive certain fliers and what merchandise goes on sale.
2007-03-09 12:22:10 · answer #2 · answered by smedrik 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's legal. Some supermarkets, nevertheless, don't use scan cards. One is King Kullen on Long Island, NY. The store's discounts are automatically included. The best way around this is to use the cashier's card.
2007-03-09 11:44:32 · answer #3 · answered by mac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Businesses are free to charge what they want and do what they want within the law. If they publish that a store card is required to get the special pricing, that's not illegal, it's a price they are willing to pay to get shopping loyalty. You are free to shop sales at any store you want. If you want to shop at Sam's Club or Cosco, you will have to pay the membership fees or a 10% premium on what you purchase. This is good marketing and good for business and competition is good. Giving customers choices is good.
You don't have to give out your information if you don't want the special pricing. That said, you don't have to give your social security number to anyone who is not paying you a salary or collecting taxes. That you can enforce and there is a provision in federal law that you can cause anyone who demands your social security number without proper authority to have a $1200 fine. That's fair and just and right and allows for legal discrimination just like clubs and organizations who limit their services to members.
2007-03-09 11:42:14 · answer #4 · answered by MH/Citizens Protecting Rights! 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
its not illegal. i work at a grocery store and people have to sign up for the cards. but if someone forgets theirs i will gladdly scan one for them. i dont know why they make you sign up for one, i think they should just give the savings to everybody. they do it so they can know how many people shop at the store, and so they can see how many people actually use the card when they sign up for it.
that manager/cashier who didnt want to give you the card for savings has some MAJOR problems, they should of been more than happy to help you. but its there loss cause i take it they wont see you again! but yea dont let it get to you.
2007-03-09 11:45:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes - you accept the rules of pricing in a store when you shop there. You have the option not to use the store.
2007-03-09 12:34:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No its completely legal and probably falls within the pervue of the Robinson Patman act that permits sells to charge less to those who purchase more.. A volume discount. The retailer is assuming that you will purchase more if you are offered a discount, and that's legal.
2007-03-09 11:38:20 · answer #7 · answered by fredrick z 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Seems it would only be discrimination if they woudlnt let you get a card. You have the choice to either get the card and the savings or not.
Personal choices such as this have nothing to do with discrimination.
2007-03-09 11:36:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Pretty soon you won't be able to buy groceries before the store notifies the proper authorities. Get used to it.
2007-03-09 11:41:47 · answer #9 · answered by Jabberwock 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, those specials are for cardholders.
2007-03-09 11:37:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋