Christmas is over, and I have a small rant for retailers: Please, starting in 2014, just take my money, okay?
No, I do not want to give you my email. Please don't look hurt when I refuse.
No, I do not want to give you my postal code. How is this necessary for the transaction between us to occur?
No, I do not want another reward card in my wallet.
No, I do not want another credit card with exorbitant interest rates attached to it so I can "save" 15% today but pay 28% on the bill.
No, I do not want to donate a dollar to a charity and then be made to feel bad about it. If I gave a dollar every time I was at a store, I wouldn't have any money to donate to the causes I truly support.
No, I do not want to fill out a survey.
No, I don't want socks. Stop trying to up-sell me when I'm done shopping. Maybe your staff should have been paying attention on the floor?
What I really want to do is just pay you. The easiest thing to do in the whole shopping process has now become the most awkward. I don't like saying no every time I get to the cash. I don't enjoy feeling like I'm a total heel if I don't donate a dollar to a charity.
So, I'm done feeling bad, and from now on I'm going to stand a little taller and say "no" with my head held high. After all, I just want to give you my money; that shouldn't be so difficult.
What do you think? Are you sick of the constant barrage of questions at the cash? Do you think retailers should knock it off, or are you not bothered by it all? Chime in and let them know how you feel.
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