A weekend or so ago, I went to Frys for their weekly "$12.99 BluRay specials" as well as their cheap cola products. Apparently, their "Fry's card solicitors" were out in force. I generally avoid eye contact, and say, "No." However, I was asked four times. The fourth time, I gave that person a look that she could sense that I got asked way too many times. I responded, "I'm just going to make it perfectly clear.... NO!"
Yes, I have one of those voices that carries. Apparently the word got around... "Don't ask the kid with the aussie hat for a Fry's card."
Weekend of September 5th, I went back in, and purchased two more older Blu-Rays: Spaceballs and Big Trouble in Little China. Total cost: $28 with tax. I approached the cashier, and she asked the usual, "How was your day?" etc. I asked her not to pop the question. She said she was required to, and that I could see the manager. I did. I explained my point of view. He understood, but his hands were kinda tied.
Today, I was in Fry's, and picked up a notebook and a couple bottles of soda. Total cost: $8.97. She asked me if I wanted a Fry's card. I asked to see the manager, and relayed my message.
So, what I am encouraging everyone to do is that whenever they visit a Fry's store and they get asked for a Fry's card, please politely ask for a manager. Maybe if enough people complain, the practice gets stopped.
cardsfan111
09-20-09, 09:22 PM
When I first saw this thread title, I thought it was a little early in the year to have nativity scene threads. ;)
I can understand the frustration with being asked multiple times in one visit. Otherwise, this kinda thing doesn't bother me. I can recall usually being asked if I carry a particular card whenever I visit a Borders or FYE store. Never really bothers me.
Kevin M. Dean
09-21-09, 12:11 AM
Have a T-shirt made that says "No, I don't want a Fry's card."
dino88
09-21-09, 12:49 AM
Before each visit, get a boner just before you walk in.
whotony
09-21-09, 02:18 AM
it's called upselling, get over it or don't go shopping anymore.
JP5683
09-21-09, 02:36 AM
I have one, but I never use it, the interest is terrible.
Alan Smithee
09-21-09, 05:49 AM
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed......
Oh, but your sig says you will want to see them as a manager if they ask. ("I will ask to see you manager".) Maybe that's what they have to do to be promoted to manager there.
I got a Fry's card when their Roseville store opened, since everyone who applied got a prize. I ended up with just a free soda, but better than nothing. I've never used the card since the interest looks pretty high, and whenever they ask if I want to apply for a card now I just tell them I've already got one.
Rockmjd23
09-21-09, 07:33 AM
Yeah you definitely came out looking like a winner there :lol:
rexinnih
09-21-09, 08:25 AM
Haven't been asked in the store anywhere other than at the register, but I simply say no and move on.
Trevor
09-21-09, 09:51 AM
This is common in many stores. Every transaction at Target includes a "would you like to put this on your Target card".
I can not fathom complaining about it. Even if they ask 5 times a visit, it takes 5 micro seconds to politely say no and move on.
The time it took you to post this thread is likely more than the total about of time you'll have to say "no" even if you shop there daily for the next 40 years.
trespoochies
09-21-09, 09:54 AM
Lame. Fry's has been doing this forever. If it's an issue with you, don't go there. But if you keep going there, expect them to ask you - yes, sometimes the dimmer ones will ask over and over - but you'll be at the register for only a couple of minutes. This practice will not go away. I think you're going to have to live with that fact. Holidays are coming around, so keep that in mind - it'll probably get worse.
SethDLH
09-21-09, 10:26 AM
I don't have a problem being asked once, but it certainly does get irritating to be repeatedly asked. I'd be doing the same thing as you around the 5th time too.
MBoyd
09-21-09, 10:52 AM
I don't think I've ever been asked. If I have it doesn't stand out. Maybe they ask "would you like to put this on your Fry's card?" at the register and I just say "no thanks" instead of getting into the fact I don't have a Fry's a card.
Pistol Pete
09-21-09, 11:26 AM
Think of it this way. The store makes more off the credit card fees than they do off the merchandise markup. The people who have the cards are subsidizing your purchase by enabling the store to sell at lower margins and still stay in business.
I just politely ignore them. It's really not too difficult.
hilts
09-21-09, 04:06 PM
Lighten up, Francis.
lamphorn
09-21-09, 05:26 PM
That's funny, I go to Fry's all the time and haven't been solicited for the card even once that I can remember.
That'sAllFolks
09-21-09, 05:31 PM
I ignore them and act like they did not even say it. I won't waste my time even giving these kind of things the time of day. I know. courtesy and all, but I did not go into that store to be hammered about something I do not want.
It is the same w/ telephone solicitors. I do not even give them the courtesy of a listen or a no thank you. I hang up on them in mid-sentence.
Groucho
09-21-09, 05:44 PM
My guess is the OP over-reacted one time, and the employees passed word around and deliberately harass him just to see what he'll do.
It must take the OP 3 hours to get in and out of Fry's since every time he visits he has to ask for a manager, then stand there and wait for the manager, then explain it to the manager, then walk away feeling dignified as the staff laughs at him behind his back... with the scenario repeated EVERY time someone asks about the card.
Can you imagine doing this three or four times in one visit? What a waste of time and effort.
And why just the anger at Fry's? Virtually every store does this now. Target, Best Buy, every grocery I know of...
cdollaz
09-21-09, 10:50 PM
The shirt idea is pretty funny. Just take a black sharpie and write it on a plain white tee. See what reactions you get.
Double_Oh_7
09-22-09, 01:06 PM
That's funny, I go to Fry's all the time and haven't been solicited for the card even once that I can remember.
Same here. I honestly didn't know they even had a Fry's card.
DvDDan
09-22-09, 01:07 PM
A weekend or so ago, I went to Frys for their weekly "$12.99 BluRay specials" as well as their cheap cola products. Apparently, their "Fry's card solicitors" were out in force. I generally avoid eye contact, and say, "No." However, I was asked four times. The fourth time, I gave that person a look that she could sense that I got asked way too many times. I responded, "I'm just going to make it perfectly clear.... NO!"
Yes, I have one of those voices that carries. Apparently the word got around... "Don't ask the kid with the aussie hat for a Fry's card."
Weekend of September 5th, I went back in, and purchased two more older Blu-Rays: Spaceballs and Big Trouble in Little China. Total cost: $28 with tax. I approached the cashier, and she asked the usual, "How was your day?" etc. I asked her not to pop the question. She said she was required to, and that I could see the manager. I did. I explained my point of view. He understood, but his hands were kinda tied.
Today, I was in Fry's, and picked up a notebook and a couple bottles of soda. Total cost: $8.97. She asked me if I wanted a Fry's card. I asked to see the manager, and relayed my message.
So, what I am encouraging everyone to do is that whenever they visit a Fry's store and they get asked for a Fry's card, please politely ask for a manager. Maybe if enough people complain, the practice gets stopped.
patients my friend, move on. i understand its frustrating but they have a job to do. People dont yell at you for asking "do you want fries with that?" do they?
Cheato
09-22-09, 01:29 PM
Was that actually an attempt at insulting someone by implying they work in the fast food industry? While making a moronic spelling mistake(*)? Hey that is awesome.
(*) I know, the entire reply is a ridiculous string of incorrect capitalization and punctuation, but the misspelling was more stupidity than laziness.
Of course, if your post was just having fun, I guess you just forgot the ;) or :p. Me, too.
jjcool
09-22-09, 01:55 PM
Simple solution. Stop shopping in any big box store.
DvDDan
09-22-09, 02:57 PM
Was that actually an attempt at insulting someone by implying they work in the fast food industry? While making a moronic spelling mistake(*)? Hey that is awesome.
(*) I know, the entire reply is a ridiculous string of incorrect capitalization and punctuation, but the misspelling was more stupidity than laziness.
Of course, if your post was just having fun, I guess you just forgot the ;) or :p. Me, too.
really just wanted to see if someone would take the time to respond to a moronic post. looks like my work here is done
GizmoDVD
09-22-09, 05:34 PM
Let me guess - you are also the same guy who rushes out when they ask to see your receipt because you just hate to be accused of shoplifting. I'm sure the manager has a good laugh when you leave, just like I have many times when customers felt the need to talk to the manager about idiotic things (It's ridiculous Microsoft only includes 1 controller and not an extra for free).
Texan26
09-22-09, 06:52 PM
The manager will actually be pleased to know his employees are pushing the Fry's Card.
mcfly
09-23-09, 01:15 AM
Although I shop at the exact same Fry's stores you do OP, I think your rationale and solution is stupid and will go nowhere.
I've worked countless retail jobs and I'll tell you right now - as soon as you walk away from that desk, you'll just be discussion among the employees. Nobody gives a shit - that's company policy for them to try and hock their card on you. If you don't like it, shop somewhere else. Oh, but that's right - Best Buy and Target do it, too! I can honestly say I've never been asked to sign up for a store card at Walmart, so I guess that's your only option.
I will say though, the Fry's associates seem to be really desperate to sell these things. I was at the one in Roseville, CA a few weeks ago just browsing and I got asked once (politely declined), then on my way out. The girl who hit me up on my way out was a bit sneaky about it though, since she comes up to me and is like "Would you like to sign up for our free card?". Knowing that their credit cards aren't free (I mean yeah obtaining one is), I ask her if they have some new frequent shopper or rewards program. Then she says "No, our store charge." I told her I wasn't interested since I wouldn't get approved anyway (my credit sucks), but she still persisted. She's like well you can still sign up then get declined. Why would I do that? She said it wouldn't cost me anything.. then when I explained to her how mundane that sounded, along with stupidity on my part since even them checking my credit would ding it some knowing I'd get denied, she STILL begged me. I asked her what kind of quota they had to meet and she said that all employees are required to sell at least so many cards a month.
I was annoyed, sure, but I was still very polite about it. Some of them are just more dedicated to their jobs. I would hate to have seen what you would've done to that girl.
Deftones
09-23-09, 03:07 AM
this thread is hilarious. why the fuck would you get so mad at such a simple question? it's not like they are asking you if you are gay or something.
fumanstan
09-23-09, 03:47 AM
this thread is hilarious. why the fuck would you get so mad at such a simple question? it's not like they are asking you if you are gay or something.
Agreed. Not to mention asking to see a manager does nothing more but waste more of your own time. I don't see how that solves anything, since they're not going to remember who you are and to not ask you if you want a card the rest of your trips to the store.
asianxcore
09-23-09, 03:50 AM
This thread rules. Mostly because of the over-reacting and some of the funny responses :)
Honestly OP, most retail associates hate asking almost as much as you hate hearing it. As many others have put it, they are required to and it goes light years above the store level and directly into the heart of the Corporation itself.
Others have mentioned too, Fry's isn't the only one who does it...
-Borders Rewards Cards (Have you signed up? Do you have one?)
-Best Buy (Do you have a Rewards Zone card?)
-Barnes and Noble (Do you have a B&N card? Do you want to sign up?)
-Staples (Do you have a Staples Card)
-Safeway (Do you have a Safeway Club Card?)
-Target (Would you like to put this on your Target Card)
-Bev Mo (Do you have our Saver Card?)
The list goes on and on. It's what retailers are doing nowadays and as others have again mentioned, B&M stores make their money up-selling. Think a Manager is alright with letting someone come into his B&M store and walk out with just a Xbox 360? No way, up-sell a Protection Plan, maybe a couple games, a second Controller, Play and Charge Kit, Xbox Live Membership and so on.
Trust me if it was a Retail Associates' choice, they would spend their entire time giving 100% true Customer Service to their Customers and spending lots of time being friendly, honest, recommending favorites, talking about _____ related to the items in the store and so on, rather than selling things to Customers they really don't want to push.
Every time I see threads like this on the forums, I always wonder how many of them are made by people who have worked a good time in Retail.
DvDDan
09-23-09, 03:57 AM
I work in banking and if you think this kind of stuff is bad, you should hear the managers at the bank. Same principle really, have them get a debit card, sign them up for savings, the list goes on. Businesses make money upselling and cross selling. Get used to it or just become an anti-social dipshit like me and buy everything online :)
cdollaz
09-23-09, 08:48 AM
It's not so much the asking that bothers me about stuff like that, it's just part of their business. The problem for me is that they are still pushing credit cards on people when a big factor in our current financial situation is that many people have bought a bunch of shit they can't afford and don't need, and they are too stupid to realize that credit cards are not free money. So, let's give them another avenue to buy a bunch of shit they can't afford and don't need.
rexinnih
09-23-09, 10:16 AM
This thread rules. Mostly because of the over-reacting and some of the funny responses :)
Honestly OP, most retail associates hate asking almost as much as you hate hearing it. As many others have put it, they are required to and it goes light years above the store level and directly into the heart of the Corporation itself.
Others have mentioned too, Fry's isn't the only one who does it...
-Borders Rewards Cards (Have you signed up? Do you have one?)
-Best Buy (Do you have a Rewards Zone card?)
-Barnes and Noble (Do you have a B&N card? Do you want to sign up?)
-Staples (Do you have a Staples Card)
-Safeway (Do you have a Safeway Club Card?)
-Target (Would you like to put this on your Target Card)
-Bev Mo (Do you have our Saver Card?)
The list goes on and on. It's what retailers are doing nowadays and as others have again mentioned, B&M stores make their money up-selling. Think a Manager is alright with letting someone come into his B&M store and walk out with just a Xbox 360? No way, up-sell a Protection Plan, maybe a couple games, a second Controller, Play and Charge Kit, Xbox Live Membership and so on.
Trust me if it was a Retail Associates' choice, they would spend their entire time giving 100% true Customer Service to their Customers and spending lots of time being friendly, honest, recommending favorites, talking about _____ related to the items in the store and so on, rather than selling things to Customers they really don't want to push.
Every time I see threads like this on the forums, I always wonder how many of them are made by people who have worked a good time in Retail.
Man, I miss BevMo
Eddie W
09-23-09, 10:30 AM
You know what kind of card I would apply for & even pay a monthly fee? A universal no-help, no-upsell card that would allow me to shop in peace. I used to enjoy browsing electronics stores but the constant hovering & asking if I need 'help' every time I turn around is annoying enough that I just don't go anymore.
If I need help, I'll ask. If I want to pay 27% interest on a credit card, I'll apply. Otherwise leave me alone.
Funk
09-23-09, 01:12 PM
What some of you seem to be missing is that the OP was asked (4 times!) while he was browsing the store, not at the checkout. That's what I can gather from the original post, anyway.
IMO, that's different than being asked one time while you're checking out.
I've had a similar experience at Best Buy except it was a Comcast (cable) rep.
jjcool
09-23-09, 01:24 PM
What some of you seem to be missing is that the OP was asked (4 times!) while he was browsing the store, not at the checkout. That's what I can gather from the original post, anyway.
IMO, that's different than being asked one time while you're checking out.
I've had a similar experience at Best Buy except it was a Comcast (cable) rep.
I , for one, did indeed catch that in the OP. That is nothing that any of the other big box retailers is doing. Best Buy has a table setup at the front of the store, signing people up for best buy cards. If an employee sees someone walkign around with a bunch of product, of course they are going to ask if you want a frequent shopper card. If they see you geting a piece of electronics, they should ask you if you want a protection plan. It is retail 101. Nothing new, and I am 100% positive that the OP is not going to get anywhere talking to the manager complaining about it, as the employees are doing their jobs correctly.
Peep
09-23-09, 05:18 PM
People dont yell at you for asking "do you want fries with that?" do they?
:lol:
GizmoDVD
09-23-09, 06:08 PM
I will say though, the Fry's associates seem to be really desperate to sell these things. I was at the one in Roseville, CA a few weeks ago just browsing and I got asked once (politely declined), then on my way out. The girl who hit me up on my way out was a bit sneaky about it though, since she comes up to me and is like "Would you like to sign up for our free card?". Knowing that their credit cards aren't free (I mean yeah obtaining one is), I ask her if they have some new frequent shopper or rewards program. Then she says "No, our store charge." I told her I wasn't interested since I wouldn't get approved anyway (my credit sucks), but she still persisted. She's like well you can still sign up then get declined. Why would I do that? She said it wouldn't cost me anything.. then when I explained to her how mundane that sounded, along with stupidity on my part since even them checking my credit would ding it some knowing I'd get denied, she STILL begged me. I asked her what kind of quota they had to meet and she said that all employees are required to sell at least so many cards a month.
I was annoyed, sure, but I was still very polite about it. Some of them are just more dedicated to their jobs. I would hate to have seen what you would've done to that girl.
If she's cute, ask her to join you outside in your car and you'd be glad to sign up for a card.
Deftones
09-23-09, 07:13 PM
It's not so much the asking that bothers me about stuff like that, it's just part of their business. The problem for me is that they are still pushing credit cards on people when a big factor in our current financial situation is that many people have bought a bunch of shit they can't afford and don't need, and they are too stupid to realize that credit cards are not free money. So, let's give them another avenue to buy a bunch of shit they can't afford and don't need.
so fry's needs to be concerned about people's financial stability to buy their products? who gives a shit? they are a business? there's no cause for them to have scruples or morals. sell shit, make money for profit. :shrug:
mcfly
09-23-09, 07:31 PM
What some of you seem to be missing is that the OP was asked (4 times!) while he was browsing the store, not at the checkout. That's what I can gather from the original post, anyway.
IMO, that's different than being asked one time while you're checking out.
I've had a similar experience at Best Buy except it was a Comcast (cable) rep.That is different. I was never asked at the checkout - in act, Fry's just does the usual big box deal of "Would you like to put this on your ____ card today?". Fry's is the only store I go in where I'm asked if I want to open a charge.
They have the best DVD selection of any store, good prices, and I could get lost for hours in there so they can bug me a few times if need be.
cdollaz
09-23-09, 07:51 PM
so fry's needs to be concerned about people's financial stability to buy their products? who gives a shit? they are a business? there's no cause for them to have scruples or morals. sell shit, make money for profit. :shrug:
And then declare bankruptcy and fold when their customers don't pay their card balance and the economy goes to hell.
Deftones
09-24-09, 12:51 PM
And then declare bankruptcy and fold when their customers don't pay their card balance and the economy goes to hell.
didn't the economy already go to hell? guess what, bankruptcy doesn't erase CC debt anymore. seriously? if people don't have the restraint and fiscal responsibility to not spend more than they make, i have no sympathy for them.
krampster
09-24-09, 01:27 PM
So, mate, would you be interested in a Fry's card?
cdollaz
09-24-09, 07:13 PM
didn't the economy already go to hell? guess what, bankruptcy doesn't erase CC debt anymore. seriously? if people don't have the restraint and fiscal responsibility to not spend more than they make, i have no sympathy for them.
I have no sympathy for them either. The problem is, however, that their problems trickle down and end up affecting me and everyone else who is responsible, which ends up costing all of us money and value. That's the problem, and most of it is due to people spending money they do not have.
Dean Kousoulas
09-24-09, 08:47 PM
So, mate, would you be interested in a Fry's card?
I pretty sure I don't have a Fry's anywhere near me, but sign me up!
Finch03
09-25-09, 01:22 PM
Isn't Fry's an electronics chain? Why would you go there to buy a notebook and soda???
jjcool
09-25-09, 04:47 PM
Isn't Fry's an electronics chain? Why would you go there to buy a notebook and soda???
Because he also wanted to get a Fry's card?
GoldenJCJ
09-25-09, 08:00 PM
It's a ridiculous practice, I think I have a little more restraint than to get a credit card cause an employee pushed it on me. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to watch my Directv I just bought at Best Buy...
mcfly
09-25-09, 08:09 PM
Isn't Fry's an electronics chain? Why would you go there to buy a notebook and soda???A lot of people get soda there. They usually have good deals on the 12-packs and 24-packs (cheaper than most grocery stores around here anyway).
Tarantino
09-26-09, 03:49 AM
So...
...did they in fact, take you to the manger?
KillerCannibal
09-26-09, 06:32 PM
I don't really care either way if a store is trying to get me to sign up for their cards, but I still get irked when I go to BB and they try to get me to sign up for "free" magazines. I'm already at the register, I'm ready to pay. Please make this quick, I want to leave, thanks.
kstublen
09-26-09, 10:19 PM
My Best Buy asks if I have a Reward Zone card when I check out; that is much different than a store charge card. I actually appreciate when they ask about the Reward Zone card because I sometimes forget to get it out in my haste to leave the store. Also, I don't mind when employees ask me if I need help, but I'd really like to know what stores you guys shop at, because I probably get asked if I need help about 5% of the time I am in Best Buy and when I actually do need help I can never find anyone around.
Target does ask at checkout if I want the Target Card and FYE asks if I want to sign up for the Backstage Pass, but again, at checkout. I could see being bothered if a bunch of people came up to me on the sales floor and asked me if I wanted to sign up for their store's charge card, but I don't think I would be bothered enough to request a manager every single time.
And I saw someone mention the receipt thing. As far as that's concerned, I don't mind letting them look in my bag if when I step into the detector the alarm goes off (obviously that makes sense and there is a reason for them to be suspicious and a reason for me to be cooperative), but what does bother me is when they ask to look at my receipt/bag when the alarm hasn't gone off or before I even step through the detector. If they do that I say let me step into the detector first, and if it goes off, then you can check.
Buy: