Thursday, February 09, 2012

The Target of My Ire

Are You Feeling Lucky?

I went to the local big box the other day. Where else can you get women's opaque-footless tights, cat food and car polish all in one place? I really enjoy dodging sport utility sized shopping carts, pushed by oblivious, texting citizens. This visit was a special one. I watched an out of control seven year old slap and try to bite his older sister thinking the whole while  they must be filming "What Would You Do?" T.V. show. Just about the time I was about to intercede, mom showed up and gave him a "time out." On the way to check out, I passed the new grocery area and spotted some boxed wine called Bandits. We like these for travel. I feel comfortable stowing them in luggage and not risking the sound of broken glass. Two Bandits jumped into the cart.

The lines at checkout were short and the nice employee began posting my order. Near the end of the transaction she requested my drivers license. Somewhat startled by her request I asked why. She pointed to the wine. I am almost three times the legal age but in the interest of consistent sales of  alcohol I complied. She told me I would need to remove my license from my wallet. Again I asked why."I need to scan the license into my register" she replied. I explained my whole family had to have our credit cards replaced when our information was compromised, at another local grocery. Now she wanted to have my credit card information and my drivers license in one convenient location. This was the policy. Well my policy is different. You can keep your Bandits this time and in the future you can keep all of your products.  I would love to talk to the person who implemented this policy. Just give me your credit card, license, social security number, passport and fingerprint...trust me it will be safe!! Are you feeling lucky?

Update: Read this NYTimes Magazine article "How Companies Learn Your Secrets." Maybe I'm not just a grumpy, old paranoid guy!





7 comments:

Zoomie said...

Clearly, it's not about the customer's needs, it's about the company's wishes. Not a good business plan and yet so many millions just go along with the policy, not protesting until we end up in the soup again, like we did with the bank meltdowns. Good for you to make your protest by not opening your wallet. If enough do that, they will hear us.

cookiecrumb said...

Occupy Costco!

Greg said...

Zoomie- Money talks.
cookiecrumb- Not Costco -see title for clue to store name. In this case I choose not to occupy ;)

cookiecrumb said...

Oh, right! Silly me. Well, if it helps, Target is not a Democrat-friendly company, though they'd like your money. Costco is OK, apparently.

Greg said...

cookiecrumb- How does one find which are Democrat-friendly?

cookiecrumb said...

I'll try to find it, but a few years ago I remember checking something called -- maybe-- buy blue.

cookiecrumb said...

Greg, Buy Blue is no longer operating. Pshaw.