Why can't you just buy a book anymore at a store like Borders?

[Hardrada]

And depart the premises? It seems the lines are held up by the often lengthy offers and memberships and gift ideas the clerks are proferring in addition to actually getting around to ring up the book or magazine. I think that sort of thing does NOT help businesses.

[spinbaby]

1. Not just bookstores

Everyone wants you to join their "club."

[Hardrada]

2. Well, I remember the pre-club days with fondness.

I have to restrain myself from muttering things when I am in a bookstore line especially when I have just one book or magazine.

[Rochester]

12. I avoid places that have "clubs" when possible...

...because they offer discounts only on the condition they get to track your buying habits for marketing purposes, and I don't want to pay extra for the privilege of not receiving junk mail!

[tigereye]

14. yes, it certainly isn't for our benefit... kind of annoying

unless they actually give you a discount for it, or keep track of any discounts..

[Brigid]

3. You mean I'm not the only one irritated by this?

You can't even make a purchase in a drugstore anymore without that crap. :grr:

[Patiod]

6. "May I have your Wellness Card?"

"Nope, just the gum, please."
"Would you like a card?"
"I have one, please just ring up the gum."
"I can look it up using your phone number!"
"NO. PLEASE just ring up the gum."

I am always torn, assuming these people are rated or evaluated based on the percent of transactions are done with the "Wellness Card" number attached. I don't want to get people in trouble, but damn, I should be able to purchase gum or lifesavers or any other damned thing without digging out another damned card.

[Hardrada]

10. I think, seriously, that we are all probably being evaluated all the time.

I have to meet some quotas in my line of work though nominally self-employed.

[Gormy Cuss]

4. Because too many other customers have signed up for those offers.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

5. Why can't drop off a mortgage payment without the bank teller trying to get me to open a new acct.?

I GET it, guys-- if I had a checking account with YOUR bank, I could do automatic payments. Not complicated.

[jobycom]

7. Me, or you? I have no problem doing it.

I just walk up, hand them the book, and say "No" when they ask if I want a membership card. Except when I actually have one, then I just hand them the card. Takes less time than telling them I don't need a bag. :shrug:

[Hardrada]

8. If it were only so easy. There is a small arsenal of questions

they ask and one, with some customers more naive, will trigger another!

[Kat45]

9. I think a lot of stores require their employees to do that.

Stores also want their employees to "upsell"--I HATE that word, that concept. They probably do get judged on that stuff.

[Tunkamerica]

11. Secret shoppers report whether you repeat the script. If you don't do it you can get a warning

which can affect raises. It also affects the managers' ratings.

[Hardrada]

15. They have secret customers (inspectors) show up in USPS offices too.

Creepy practice.

[Pool Hall Ace]

17. Yes, this. I work in a store where I am required to repeat that script.

If customers don't want a card, I just say "Okay," but I do have to ask.

Some customers who have cards use obviously fake names and phone numbers, which is always good for a laugh! :rofl:

[tigereye]

13. ours here is closing...

:(

[Hardrada]

16. We still have one near here but I think we only have two in the whole state!

I would miss it.