I entered a well known card emporium this morning to choose the goods, one which I very rarely frequent because they are quite pricey. I only wanted three cards but there was an offer - "buy 3 get a 4th for free". So I chose four.
At the till I was asked for a membership number ...
... "You need it for the offer"
"Haven't got one."
"OK, we'll sign you up, what's your name and address?"
"I'm sorry, I'm not really prepared to give you any personal details. I'll put a card back"
"Oh no, it's OK, I'll enroll you but you won't need to give me name and address"
"OK then" says the Ostrich, cautiously ...
Transaction put through the till. One card knocked off the bill, money paid.
"Now here's the membership form. See, I've put a line through name and address. What's your phone number?"
"I am sorry, you are not getting my phone number. Or my email address. I do not want spam telephone calls or emails"
"Oh we won't do that, promise"
"Forget it, I am not giving you any details"
<prepares to return cards>"Don't worry, I'll just let you have the discount."
"Thank you" Exit the Ostrich.
When I get home, I look at the receipt and yes, I've got the relevant discount, but it's marked "Reason: Customer Satisfaction".
Now that was printed before my final refusal to hand over my ID. I wonder how they knew it was "Customer Dissatisfaction"?
She was very quick to let me have the discount even though I wouldn't comply. Seriously, I'm beginning to wonder if this hard-sell was just a scam .....
