On 11/19/2012 9:46 AM, Cheri wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> I use my bank card to pay for groceries. That card is scanned into
>> the POS system for funds verification and that's how they get the
>> information. At some stores they ask for my phone number and I've seen
>> my information pop up on the screen. Still never got a telemarketing
>> call based on what I bought.
>>
>> Jill
>
>
>
> Well sure, then they would have your information. If you've ever had a
> telemarketing call, how do you know that the information was not
> garnered there? For instance if you bought Slim-Fast and then you get a
> call about Acai Berries for weight loss or something like that? Why do
> you think supermarkets and other stores have the cards in the first
> place if not to track sales and the demographic of people buying, such
> as areas where you live by zip code etc.
>
> Cheri

I *know* why they have the cards. Publix doesn't offer one, for which
I'm grateful. If something is on sale, it's on sale, no card required.

Some 25 years ago I was on my way to a party and stopped at a Kroger (it
wasn't my regular grocery store) to pick up a meat and cheese platter.
The gal at the checkout asked if I had one of their savings cards.
Nope. So she asked the young man behind me if she could use his card to
get me a discount. IIRC he was on his way to meet his date and was only
buying a single long stemmed rose and a card or some such thing. He
said sure. She swiped his card to get me the discount. How does that
help their demographic purchasing info? From what they garnered from
that transaction, this guy likes meat & cheese platters and single long
stemmed roses. LOL

I'm not saying it never happens. I'm just saying in all these years
I've never had a telemarketer call me and say we see you bought this,
maybe you'd like this, too? <shrugs>

Jill