Finally stopped giving out my phone number to grocery store loyalty programs

I used to just hand over my phone number at every checkout without thinking. Last month I counted and I had given my number to 17 different stores just for those 'discounts'. The final straw was when I started getting spam texts from a regional chain about their new sushi menu at 6am. Now I refuse to give any personal info unless I absolutely have to, and I use a random email for the ones that force you to sign up. The cashier in Phoenix yesterday looked at me like I was crazy when I asked them to manually enter the coupon. But honestly getting 30 cents off a bag of apples is not worth them tracking every single item I buy for 5 years. Has anyone else just stopped participating in these programs altogether or am I being overly cautious?

3 comments

3 Comments

hayden_craig955d ago

Getting 30 cents off a bag of apples is not worth them tracking every single item I buy for 5 years" - that's EXACTLY how I felt. I use a Google Voice number for all store signups now, and I literally made a fake name like "Samantha Johnson" for the ones that force you to enter one. The cashiers always give me that same weird look but who cares. I tested it once - the discounts I actually USE amount to like $8 a year, which is NOT worth my data.

the_thomas5d ago

Funny you mention Phoenix, I was there last month visiting my sister and the grocery store by her place wouldn't even let me use the self checkout without a phone number. I just walked out. My sister thought I was nuts but I'd rather go to a different store than hand over my digits for a discount on cereal.

ivan_murphy805d ago

My local Albertsons wouldn't even let me use my discount card last week because I forgot it at home and they insisted on my phone number to look it up. I get the privacy concerns but honestly the savings add up for me. Last month I saved like $47 across all the stores I shop at just by being in their programs. Plus I actually like knowing when stuff is on sale through their texts, it helps me plan my meals around deals. The tracking thing doesn't bother me that much either, I figure they already know what I buy from my credit card history anyway.