R11 saving costs Pick’nPay a client, plus potentially friends & family

A few days ago, I wanted to redeem R14.29 “Smart Shopper” points and do some shopping at Pick’nPay Gardens, Cape Town. On activating the credits on the “machine”, we found that there was only R3 credit left. They one-sidedly cancelled R11 of my credits. I decided there and then not to go ahead with my shopping at PnP. So, I turned on my heel, left the shop, and went straight to Checkers. Now, the “Smart” or shall we rather say, “Stupid” Shopper card seems like a good idea, but if PnP pretends to give with the one hand and then to take away with the other, they are being quite stupid, aren’t they? They are saving R11, but losing a client, and potentially others - forever. Wow! R11 is nothing, but the principle is everything. Customers are you’re most important asset – ask Shoprite/Checkers who is the investors’ darling. This type of behaviour is embarrassing to the customer and will eventually be embarrassing to PnP Management. Cancelling “Smart Shopper” points is a supremely stupid “business” decision. In fact, the worst business decision of 2017 and 2018. Sure, provisions on the Balance Sheet will look a little better; and executives will get paid bigger bonuses, but you will have lost more customers. Luckily, really smart shoppers will avoid PnP like the plague and really save on their expenses by shopping at Shoprite, Checkers, Makrostores, Clicks, etc. - and PnP willo continue to waddle in the mud, whilst Shoprite/Checkers eats their lunch.

I shall actively encourage friends and family to stop using Pick’nPay, and to cut up and throw away their “Stupid Shopper” cards.