Dear Corporate Discount Overlords,
I recently visited your store—once a reliable place to grab materials, mind my business, and get a modest “thank you” for serving my country. You know, the ol’ 10% veteran discount? A humble gesture that said, “We appreciate you.”
Well, apparently that’s been...
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Dear Corporate Discount Overlords,
I recently visited your store—once a reliable place to grab materials, mind my business, and get a modest “thank you” for serving my country. You know, the ol’ 10% veteran discount? A humble gesture that said, “We appreciate you.”
Well, apparently that’s been upgraded. Now, to receive that coveted discount, I must register online, surrender my personal data, link a unicorn’s DNA sample, and probably offer up my firstborn to the algorithm gods.
I showed my official veterans ID—something issued by the government, not a Cracker Jack box—but was told that just wasn’t good enough anymore. No no, progress demands that I join your sacred loyalty club, where I can be tracked, analyzed, marketed to, and sent emails about lawnmower sales I didn’t ask for.
When I declined to sell my soul for 10% off a hammer, I was told I “may not be eligible” in the future. Don’t worry. I won’t be back. I didn’t serve my country just to get talked down to by someone reading from the Corporate Handbook of Customer Disengagement.
So here’s my feedback, free of charge (unlike your discount): if you’re going to honor veterans, honor them. Don’t make it contingent on data mining and digital surveillance. I fought for freedom—not forced enrollment into the Loyalty Rewards Hunger Games.
Sincerely,
A Veteran Who Apparently Needs an App to Earn Your Thanks