[X]
Write ReviewJump to 
1
Helpful
Votes
Votes
GNC Complaint - GNC Gold Card - Valueless Almost - GNC Gold Card
Complaint
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA -- This is the most underhanded way to market your products. Each time you purchase vitamins there, the clerk nags you about whether or not you have a "gold card".
What they fail to tell you (probably by design) is that the discount is only available for the first 7 days of any month.
Most consumers purchase on demand - they do not manage most purchases unless they are large $$ this way.
The underhanded nature of nagging a pyaing customer into buying one of virtually worthless instruments is the worst marketing ploy in retail. Akin to overdraft fees and foreign atm fees this ranks as a major debacle.
Don't ask me again if I have a 'Gold Card'...
What they fail to tell you (probably by design) is that the discount is only available for the first 7 days of any month.
Most consumers purchase on demand - they do not manage most purchases unless they are large $$ this way.
The underhanded nature of nagging a pyaing customer into buying one of virtually worthless instruments is the worst marketing ploy in retail. Akin to overdraft fees and foreign atm fees this ranks as a major debacle.
Don't ask me again if I have a 'Gold Card'...
Comments:
Posted by bearkatkitten on 2010-03-23:
I have a feeling that the "nagging" you don't appreciate... they *have* to ask you that. So, you can either nicely tell them no or continue to be rude to someone who's just merely doing their job.
Posted by i_am_canadian on 2010-03-23:
Unless there's a cost to you associated with a GNC Gold Card, I don't see how it compares to bank overdraft or foreign ATM fees.
Posted by i_am_canadian on 2010-03-23:
I just looked at GNC's website and there is in fact a fee for a Gold Card, $15 along with a long list of terms and conditions. I don't blame you for being irritated, that's ridiculous. Although I do acknowledge the employees were only doing their jobs.
Posted by YourFace on 2010-10-02:
The clerks *are* required to ask you, it's not that they enjoy nagging people. Having to ask that, and getting shot down in a rude manner probably bothers them more than it bothers you. Also there's nothing underhanded about the program, as it's very clearly explained on the big mat that takes up the entire checkout counter and on the several signs hanging all over the store.
There also is nothing "ridiculous" about having to pay a fee to get savings all year. People pay for Sam's and Costco cards. It's optional, so if you don't feel that you can or will make it in to make your purchases within the 7 day period, then don't buy a card. If you buy a lot of stuff, then do it. The card saves you the day that you buy it so, if you're spending a lot of money, it pays for itself right then and there.
There also is nothing "ridiculous" about having to pay a fee to get savings all year. People pay for Sam's and Costco cards. It's optional, so if you don't feel that you can or will make it in to make your purchases within the 7 day period, then don't buy a card. If you buy a lot of stuff, then do it. The card saves you the day that you buy it so, if you're spending a lot of money, it pays for itself right then and there.
Note: All comments are reviewed by a moderator before being published. Please be sure to read our guidelines before commenting.
Company Reps: Post your company response!
