It could be the way the register is programmed. Several comapnies program them to require the clerk to enter a phone number (or random digits in the xxx-xxx-xxxx form) in order to complete the sale.
Sorry, this was for me and I missed it the first time.
I’m not sure what you’re trying to imply about my “cynicism,” but I stand by my statement. “I will never shop at your store again, even if my life depended on it” is either false, or you’re crazy. Simple as that. If true, you would continue to refuse to shop at Safeway, even with a gun to your head, because of this interaction? Sounds maniacal to me. And you’re welcome for my opinion.
Weird, when I signed up for my Safeway card, I just made up information on the application form. They give you the card right then, so there’s no need to give accurate information if you don’t want to.
As far as anyone asking for my phone and zip code, I always just tell them that they don’t need that information, and they seem okay with that, though I’ve never had anyone ask me at Safeway.
I’ve never seen a group of adults get so riled up over a rant about grocery service before.
I found the whole shopping experience in the USA to be really weird. Here instead of coupons they just put stuff on special and advertise that Coke will be 20c off this week or whatever. Every person going to that store pays what Coke costs that day whether thay have seen the ad or not. There is one price on the shelves that everyone pays. Tourists pay the same as a local. When cards are involved they are not going to give you a discount then and there but may well give you reward points you can use for other stuff. They still get to track you but I don’t have to have one or pay more for my groceries. I should not have to pay to keep my privacy.
I cannot believe that the only response to these cards tends to be give them incorrect information not yikes, this system just sucks!. As if it isn’t confusing enough going shopping and never having any idea what the total will be as you have no idea of the tax in that state and whether it is added on or included!
Won’t you please think of the foreigners, your green money is so confusing as it is, please make spending it a little less harrowing. 
But what do you do when you have to have a card on file so you can write a check to pay for groceries?
Thylacine, you’ll win the Powerball before we figure this crock out.
Am I the only person who doesn’t care if Safeway knows what I buy? Yes, I’m sure all the info they gather is for nefarious purposes, however, my indifference predominates.
Hell, they could follow me around all day to judge my shopping habits. I could have a team of people in white lab coats and clipboards murmering things like “Hmmm… just the generic brand today…” and again, I don’t care.
I’m not out to argue - if you feel that your privacy has been invaded, and you resent the fact that Safeway (or insert store of your choice) knows which brand of toilet paper you prefer, certainly that’s your own choice.
But again, am I the only one who doesn’t care? Am I the only one who filled in accurate information on my card? Maybe I’d like to get the flyers so I know what’s on sale this week. I even get special coupons e-mailed to me. And I’m ok with it.
I haven’t seen anyone with a cheque book at the supermarket in possibly 20 years and then they needed a driver’s licence. Not to say it doesn’t happen but I think we always had a preference for cash shopping that has now become debit and credit cards. Australia seems to have switched to electronic forms of banking pretty easily.
Looking at my stubs the only cheques I have written in the last 5 years have been to my travel agent for obscene amounts beyond electronic transfer allowances or my cash carrying comfort. They give me sizable discounts for not using a credit card.
So no, Safeway need no card on file.
The funny thing is that even without any cards my local safeway know me and my purchasing habits so well that if I do not buy the usual amount of diet cola they ask me if I am unwell
Sadly, the American shopper is clinging to the check/cheque book.
Even neighboring Canada has switched to almost totally cash or electronic means. I don’t know why Americans like their check books so much. I have seen statistics (can’t remember the numbers, too lazy to google - this is The Pit) that suggest that debit is finally making serious inroads.
Thank God Albertson’s is gone. The one closest to my parents, on Military Highway, is now an HEB.
Although the grocery stores in Houston have cards. I’ve got Randall’s, Kroger, and Rice Epicurean tags still on my keyring (they’re nice for holding my keys in my mouth), and I’ve got both tags for both supermarkets where I live now. I really don’t care that my purchases are being tracked; in fact, I’ve gotten some nice discounts on stuff like diapering supplies because I’ve got the card.
Robin
Coles and Woolworths still have cards which allow you to cash cheques. You fill in an application form and get a credit card sized piece of plastic which you have to produce each time you want to use a cheque. In practical terms, it’s easier just to EFTPOS the funds directly from your cheque account to the store; but I guess some people probably do hang on to their cheque cards so that the funds stay in their own bank account until such time as the store presents the cheque.
The only Albertonson’s in Laredo went out of business a while back. Its also an HEB now. Thank God for Charles Butt.