Sam's Club Requires All Purchases be Made by SmartPhone
On the QVC community boards someone objected to Sam’s Club now requiring all in- person purchases be made by Smartphone. There was some question there about why a vendor would do this and other objections to it. We all know apps are tracking devices (essentially spyware), providing a ton of information about individuals and their purchases, sites they visit and area codes they talk to. The simple answer may be that Sam’s Club, like others, is making use of another income stream –selling information about its customers. Seems obvious to me.
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What if you don’t have a smart phone? Many people have gone back to flip phones for a variety of reasons.
I’ve been behind people at the grocery store who still write checks. -
Wow I didn’t know this!? Yes I’ve seen people with flip phones too or ones that don’t like to make purchases on their phones! So crazy!
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Hol44, So crazy???? What is so crazy about NOT wanting to make purchases with your phone? As someone who has taken every IT class offered, I still have a flip phone and have no desire to get a smartphone. (And it’s not because I lack knowledge of how to operate one. Show me any operating system and I will show you how to operate it). At least, I can say that my identity has NOT been stolen. Sure, it’s convenient to keep ALL your info on a smartphone, but the question is as follows: Who is it MOST convenient for? Some of my relatives who have smartphones do NOT put their credit card and bank info on their phones and they do not purchase items with their phones. Do you honestly think that there is NOT a “backdoor” in the security system of your smartphone? Hackers are a very ingenious and innovative bunch. Smartphones are nice to have, but do you really want to put your WHOLE life on your smartphone? Yes, one can still have their identity stolen even if they don’t place their financial info (and other info) on a smartphone, but why make it SO easy?
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Moderator- 07.16.25 12:43 AM
To place orders with HSN you can use (almost) any phone! I remember speaking to someone who had difficulties using a rotary phone when trying to reach customer service. We want to let you know we are here to help. Online, by phone, via the app or you could even contact us by regular mail! If there is an issue – we will try our best to assist!
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Hnn,,,,I just made a purchase without using my cell. Sam’s Club asks that you verify using either a smart phone or through your e-mail. It is only to insure that it is really you using the computer or in some cases a Smart phone. At least in Florida that is the way to purchase on line. I like having my items delivered. Makes life easier, especially when ordering their 40 bottles of water.
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The new policy is for in-store purchases. You scan your purchases yourself. This is a way for Sam’s Club to eliminate cashiers and the person who checks your receipt when you leave.
This idea didn’t work out for the Amazon stores. It’ll be interesting to see if people cancel their Sam’s memberships.
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Yes, it’s convenient. But I don’t use my SmartPhone much; I stick to my little, reliable more private flip phone without apps. I feel Smartphones are tracking devices, and it makes me nervous. I don’t want anyone but me knowing everything about who I talk to and what I buy. I could have Internet access with my flip phone but I choose not to and only place orders from my laptop.
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Yes, smart phones track location. (just wait until you buy a new car). And remember that anything voice activated is listening to you.
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Renegade007 is 100% correct. Smartphones collect huge amounts of data about your activity and location, and advertisers and others can get detailed profiles. Even if these aren’t used for criminal activity, I value my privacy and don’t want Madison Avenue prying into my life. Not only that but location data is used for targeted ads influencing my buying habits without my being aware of it. I think of it as a kind of brainwashing. Location data can be used for stalking or identity theft. Smartphone users, not understanding this, are vulnerable. I don’t need spies in my life –every advertiser knowing everything about me. I have shades on my windows for a reason.
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Every app I’ve been encouraged to download asks for access to my contacts, photos, location, etc. I always click “NO,” and then the app aborts. I suspect most people just click okay.
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Conversation Info
Posted in Talk Among Yourselves
11 Replies
07.25.25 10:02 PM
6 Participants