Normally, I am the one that is on the rag about questionable business practices at retail outlets I frequent.
So, it was refreshing to flip open a page in the Los Angeles Times bright-and-early the other morning, and stumble across one columnist's criticism of the "Rewards Coupon" offer at CVS.
In his rant, David Lazarus started off by noting that last year - when he voiced his concerns about the way the coupon offer was being handled - management misrepresented the facts to get him off their back.
For instance, when the journalist complained that the coupons received currently at the cashier were cumbersome and difficult to use in a practical way, the representative he spoke to at CVS assured him the coupons would be automatically calculated on the shopper's rewards card in the near future so the consumer wouldn't have to keep track.
I agree with Mr. Lazarus that the ticker-style coupons are - not only difficult to "stow away" in a wallet - but an indecent waste of paper (I'm an environmentalist, after all).
But, when the reporter followed up recently with a phone call to determine what progress was being made - Lazarus not only got the run-around - but a different take on the issue by another "suit" in management.
Go figure!
In the past, I have reported my own run-ins with staff at CVS, and the fraudulent deceptive way they often conduct their business enterprise daily, at outlets all around California.
In fact, I published one post in which I noted that the Department of Consumer Affairs actually took legal action against CVS, to curb their illegal conduct which was in direct violation of consumer rights.
Post: 08/31/2009
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/08/cvsretailer-dishonest-about-sale-offers.html
So, the drama persists with CVS.
Obviously, management doen't care at this point what their customers (or the government) thinks.
That's what happens when a retailer becomes a giant in the industry.
The "Davids" are few-and far-between; subsequently, if it weren't for folks like Mr. Lazarus and moi - CVS would undoubtedly get away with murder.
And, mounds of ill-gotten gains, in the process.
News at 11!
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