Would You Like to Save 49 Cents Today By Opening an Old Navy Card?
The other night I went to Old Navy and purchased a shirt for $4.97.
Within two minutes of entering the store, I was approached by a girl with a clipboard asking if I’d like to apply for an Old Navy credit card. After I declined her offer, she quickly moved on to a Hispanic lady next to me. While I don’t think this shopper spoke English, she glanced at me and told the employee no. She must have known by the look on my face that whatever the question was, the answer was no!
Then, the guy ringing me up asked if I’d like to save 49 cents by opening an Old Navy card! I laughed and told him no.
Based on the fact that every Old Navy customer satisfaction survey asks whether you were offered an Old Navy card, and the fact that I am asked every single time, I suspected that the employees must be required to ask everyone.
So I did a little research and found the following discussion among Old Navy employees on MySpace. It seems that employees have certain goals for the number of Old Navy Cards they need to get per month, week or even per shift. What’s worse, these “goals” are more like requirements for employment, as employees are threatened with loss of hours and possible termination if they do not perform up to expectations.
While it seems to bother some of the posters, many just see it as “part of the job,” and post tips about how to talk shoppers into applying for the card.
So, is there anything we can do to get stores to stop pushing these cards on us? (Besides taking it out on the employees, obviously.)
Here are a few options:
- If you shop at Old Navy (or another annoying store) and are given a customer satisfaction survey with your receipt, be sure to mention your displeasure with their strong-armed credit-card pushing techniques when asked if you have any other comments.
- Write a letter or email the company. Here is the contact information for Old Navy:Old Navy Customer Relations
200 Old Navy Lane
Grove City, OH 43123-8605custserv@oldnavy.com
I know that retail credit cards are supposed to increase company loyalty among card-holders, but what about the loyalty of non-card-holders? I’m seriously considering reducing my visits.
