Thread

Why should I have to pay more for buses if I don't use a smartphone?

65 points · 89 comments · DamonHD

chimneychanga · 1791016738 · focus · HN ↗
I have the same issue but regarding paying for groceries. I have to pay more because I don't have access to the grocery store's coupon app because I don't use a smartphone.
1. lopis · 1791016946 · focus · HN ↗
  People with the app are paying with their person Al data. Seems like a fair deal.
  1. stavros · 1791024388 · focus · HN ↗
    That's exactly what loyalty programs are. You sell your data for a discount on purchases. It's not even a secret, that's the actual goal of loyalty programs.
    lopis · 1791036753 · focus · HN ↗
    Yup, that's what I said. I was not implying it was a secret.
    stavros · 1791036833 · focus · HN ↗
    But I mean that's regardless of whether you use an app or a barcode.
    BobaFloutist · 1791044563 · focus · HN ↗
    I wonder about that. I'm sure they're selling your data too, but I wonder if the kickbacks the retailer gets for your data is actually comparable to the discount, or if their incentive is just the "loyalty" - convincing you to spend money you wouldn't already spend and to default to them instead of trying alternatives because you want the points or you're close to a reward.
    They seem like a pretty natural successor to the punch card model, which I can't imagine had a motive beyond the obvious.

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