So, if I'm single and don't spend as much as a family of four, then I get to pay more?

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So, if I'm single and don't spend as much as a family of four, then I get to pay more? Sorry, Safeway, I'm not shopping with you.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/10/business/supermarkets-try-customizing-prices-for-shoppers.html?smid=go-share

Comments

Puerto Rican Charles Cortes (Ohm) said…
Hmmm, interesting concept but one I find a bit unfair as you do. Its not the privacy issue that bothers me either. I can always restrict the info I give them when it comes to store cards but to charge me a different price e than you based o family size? That's just wrong. I don't see anything wrong with discounts if I buy more of a particular product than you do because I like it more but to do it because you don't have kids and I do is extremely unfair. I rather they have coupons with the same discount for everyone.
August 30, 2012 at 5:53 PM
Shannon Dillavou said…
What am I missing?  I'm not seeing anything in that article that suggests single people pay higher prices than families....
August 30, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Calvin Phuong said…
Looks like phone: XXX-867-5309 is going to real popular at Safeway
August 30, 2012 at 6:16 PM
Calvin Phuong said…
Stephen Dickson Shop anywhere you want and get the discounts as well.. use your local area code with Jenny's number: 867-5309... it's set up everywhere, anonymous and it works.
August 30, 2012 at 6:38 PM
Calvin Phuong said…
Alice Cabrera well, it says that they are "testing personalized prices via “other devices, or other ways of reaching out to the consumer,” he said, which could include things like smartphone apps or loyalty card swipes."

If it does move to smartphones, I can see them losing business. Some people tend to shop based on advertised prices in their local paper. What price would they advertise in these cases? Seems like the higher prices, since you have to honor your advertised prices to everyone. I don't really see this happening soon in this case.

I do see where they are going with this though. Since those stupid little coupons that they hand out with your 50" receipt are just ridiculous to hold on to. They are more of a paper waste than anything.

How about they just send coupons to my smartphone based on what I buy? Prices stay the same, discounts are given based on buying habits and the general public isn't pissed.
August 30, 2012 at 6:50 PM
Puerto Rican Charles Cortes (Ohm) said…
Shannon Dillavou It does mention a family of four as part of the discount system in the article.
August 30, 2012 at 7:30 PM
Puerto Rican Charles Cortes (Ohm) said…
Alice Cabrera Don't get me wrong. I understand what you mean about privacy but as a person who spends a lot of time online, is well aware of what privacy concerns are and uses a lot of store cards (not credit cards) I know what I can and have to give in order to get one and you know what? I am not gonna die for a small discount on items I rarely buy just to get a card that they need, say my SS# for.. I have many options here where I live. I even have it set up so that when I get the weekend store shoppers in the mail I can make a list of what I need, check which store gives me the best offers and literally go to 6 supermarkets in a row from my job to my house without wasting much gas since they all happen to be on my way home. I can be very efficient when i want to be. I picked the area i live mainly because I am surrounded by stores that I can either easily drive to or walk to for easy and convenient access to the stuff I need.
August 30, 2012 at 7:35 PM
Puerto Rican Charles Cortes (Ohm) said…
Alice Cabrera Well, I was trying to exaggerate a bit if you know what i mean. :+)
August 30, 2012 at 9:46 PM
Blake G. said…
I'd like to see something like this implemented. Having a family we spend our money differently at the grocery store than those without a family. We need discounts on diapers, wipes, among other things. What difference does it make if my family gets a discount on diapers and someone else gets a discount on cases of soda (something we rarely buy)

I'm curious how the shopper will know while in the aisle which product they will get cheaper
August 31, 2012 at 9:53 AM
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