Clerk: Sorry socks aren't apparel, so you can't have the seniors' discount,
Me:
Clerk: They are accessories.
Me:
Clerk: Don't shoot me. I'm just the messenger.
Me: Understood. Now please take me to the owner, so that I can shoot her.
Clerk:
Me:
Okay, I didn't really say that.
But I did say something like. "The irony of this is that loyalty programs are supposed to build loyalty, not infuriate people, not turn them off."
Clerk: Don't shoot me. I'm just the messenger.
Me: I know, but we can hope that some things get back to the owner. (But I knew they wouldn't.)
We got to the checkout (because we needed that item at that time) where there were earrings, bracelets, necklaces etc.
Me: Now these are accessories
Clerk:
This sort of thing has happened before. When we arrived in this town, the Welcome Wagon, among other things, gave us a certificate for a loaf of bread at the only bakery in town.
It was for white bread. We didn't want white bread, which caused some consternation. We were obliged to pay the 20¢ difference for brown bread.
In more than 13 years, we've barely been back.
I don't know why people who are bright enough to run a business, don't understand that they shouldn't negatively undermine their own loyalty programs.
As I write this, we are about to go shopping at our local pharmacy. They have a 20% discount for seniors every Thursday (which is when I am actually writing this no matter when it goes live). There are only two exceptions: prescriptions and items that are already on sale. I understand both of these things.
On top of that, their last Thursday of the month (today) is Super Seniors Day. We get both the 20% discount and a $10 voucher for orders over $50. We save up our needs, shop on this day; we get the 20% discount plus one or two vouchers. On top of that we get our usual number of loyalty points, which really add up.
It's a good deal. It makes me want to keep going back and not just on Thursdays. We've be doing this regularly for 13+ years, which is very handy since the store is just around the corer and pretty well functions as our corner store for bread and milk etc.
Now that's a proper loyalty program, not one that causes resentment.
Do a loyalty program or don't do it, but if you do it, just do it, and don't cheap out. I mean, if you can offer the discount on a $100 shirt [sic], you can afford to do it on a $20 pair of socks.
Besides, socks are apparel, you fools.
My beef is the dozens of loyalty cards one is forced to carry to access these rewards. Finding the right one quickly when needed is a challenge.
ReplyDeleteIt’s news to me that socks are an accessory. Is underwear too?
Well said AC. It never amazes me how many companies undermine their relationships with the very people who they hope will buy their products. Your "free coupon for white bread" example would be very funny if it wasn't so pathetic.
ReplyDeleteI carry loyalty cards. My grocery store gives me points for discount on their gasoline. Not sure how much I save. My shoe store give great discounts, but I am not Imelda Marcos and do not buy lots of shoes. Customer loyalty is worth a lot and should always be cultivated fully. Yes. socks are apparel.
ReplyDeleteSocks are apparel...How incredibly stupid of the employee...of Course you wear them...shaking my head at all the idiocy these days.
ReplyDeletehughugs
My friend and I have to force ourselves to remember we must go to breakfast at our favorite breakfast place on Thursday to have a senior discount. The only day it's given. We resent that when we see the sign and remember Friday won't work.
ReplyDeleteOf course socks are apparel! But beyond that, your point is so valid, and I can't understand why people undermine their own programs, either.
ReplyDeleteYes, they sure are.
ReplyDeleteYes, too, the ACS shop here gives volunteers 20% off, plus 10% if you are a vet...which I am. A very nice deal. Never a quibble.
What then, are socks for?
ReplyDeleteIncredibly short-sighted of this store and the owner. I'd email him/her/them with a complaint. Seriously.
Something else that bothers me is after you've made a good-sized purchase somewhere, they offer you a "gift". Well that "gift" just happens to be a coupon for let's say $10.00 off of your NEXT $100 purchase (which you have no intention of making because it's too much money and whatever you've bought in the first place you will not buy again for a long time, maybe never - think TV, furniture, etc.) Ha!
I guess it's a marketing thing, but when you get excited about receiving a "gift" for choosing their store, I expect a free sample or a REAL gift. Not an invitation to buy more from them. LOL.
What sort of twit thinks socks aren't apparel? Accessories are things we can do without, but choose to wear. I would hate to think about not wearing socks this time of year. Logic says apparel! Find another store.
ReplyDeleteBuying incentives are bogus around here, except at our local pharmacy. They, too, have a good incentive program. One department store nearby gives "store money" for every $50.00 spent, but it's limited to items not on sale, and the "money" expires in 10 days. Go figure.
These discount thingies are just unbelievable!! JoAnn's for instance. They send coupons in the mail....40% off one item. Of course it is between two days next week.....and, it cannot be for anything that is already on sale.....and it cannot be for furniture or irons or books or....By the time I have read the fine print with two pairs of glasses on, I am too tired and too damn mad to bother with any of it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteApparel is defined as a piece of clothing that is worn, and socks are definitely worn, usually on the feet. Or perhaps socks accessorize the feet? Hmmmm.....
ReplyDeleteApparel to me would be things that are essential to wear, like socks. Accessories are not essential, like a tie. Ties are nothing more than man made nooses.
ReplyDeleteI can't stand those "gift vouchers" so called, where someone gives you a token to shop in a store, and then you forget about it for three months or a year and then find it again, go back and are told "no, that's expired" In other words, your friend's money is no longer worth anything. The moral is, I never ever give those damn tokens. I get a really nice little card, put some money inside, with the store's logo and say, I'd love you to spend this at X store if you want, but I understand you might prefer Y store. I think it also gives a nicer message, ie. that I thought about them.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I don't get any senior discounts yet but there are plenty of incentives for the middle aged, too. I only bother with two that are straightforward and no nonsense. Most other discount offers require a PhD in marketing to understand what one is entitled to or more likely what is excluded from the offer. Socks are definitely an item of clothing, not an accessory.
ReplyDeleteHow ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteThe grocery store nearest us had loyalty cards that work well --savings on lots of different things -- including gas. I don't shop other places enough to have a lot of those cards. I do remember years ago in a big department store, I had purchased some undergarments and was given a card for The Bra and Panty Club. I just couldn't bring myself to put it in my wallet, it sounded so silly.
Agreed! Most tend to have just so much fine print and limitations making them almost impossible to use.
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh! That is funny, in hindsight. Sort of. Isn't it?!!!!
ReplyDeleteI once wanted a smart phone, but didn't have the money to buy a new one. One of the salespeople told me about a shop close by where they sold second hand smartphones. I went back to the first store afterwards and bought all my other electrical appliances! Good service means I stay a customer.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, socks are not accessories!!