Club card v new technology

Andyt21 replied on 10/11/2018 09:11

Posted on 10/11/2018 09:11

I'm sure like me you find it a challenge to keep up with new technology and there is no doubt we now have more information at our fingertips than we could have imagined a few years ago. It des have a negative side but in general it is a positive influence on our lives. 

This year I have started using an app on my phone which means my wallet is much slimmer and not because it is expensive. I have got rid of a host of loyalty cards including my club membership card. The app scans the bar code or takes a picture and stores it in an easy to access file and you can present this when buying in store. 

But not on the M6 toll. I have only just found out about the discount so confidently arrived at the toll booth and showed my card only to be told she needed the actual card to apply the discount. No card, no discount. The offer is being withdrawn at the end of the year but on the same day The card was nearly refused again  

We arrIved  at the site we were heading for and the warden very politely pointed out that this could be a photo of someone else's although I have used on other sites without problem. 

So the issue here is similar. I could have taken a photo of a friends card in order to obtain the benefit. The answer however is not to go back to carrying a wallet full of cards but to have, and be prepared to show, evidence you are the person on the card. I still carry photo ID my driving license and happy to show this. 

And before you argue that it doesn't take up much space just have a look at all the cards you own.  Also consider the other options. I might have just borrowed the card from my friend /neighbour for the day as I knew I was going on the M6 toll. The card has no proof or link to me. I could use the automatic barrier and press the button for assistance (see terms and conditions) how does a physical card mKe a difference here? My site booking is linked to the vehicle I arrive in but the card doesn't prove my identity. 

So a very simple plea either make the card tech friendly. This doesn't have to be at the same level as my credit card / contactless payment but can prove I am the member. Or simply ask for proof of identity e.g. Credit card payment or driving license. Please don't force me to dig the out the cards again. 

eurortraveller replied on 10/11/2018 09:48

Posted on 10/11/2018 09:48

Membership cards are just a leftover from the days when this was a Club. So I would go further than you, Andy, and drop them altogether. 

Other campsites, hotels and guest houses are happy to welcome me without any sort of membership card at all - whether high tech or no tech. They ask for no proof of identity and no membership  - they are just happy to have me as  a paying customer. 

Best regards to you. 

 

Takethedogalong replied on 10/11/2018 10:11

Posted on 10/11/2018 10:11

What is required is for Tesco to take over the Club. They know what I want to eat before I do, and send me specific vouchers to save me money! The dogs have their own discount card elsewhere, freebies on their birthdays, special events to attend, samples to try out......laughing

All the cards I have, not a lot really, around half a dozen, allow me to get access to cash, pay without cash, or save money in a variety of ways, so I am quite happy hauling around a few micro grams of useful plastic. 

OH seems to collect bits of plastic at random, probably has three times what I have. They make good ice scrapers in an emergency.

 

 

Cornersteady replied on 10/11/2018 10:17

Posted on 10/11/2018 09:48 by eurortraveller

Membership cards are just a leftover from the days when this was a Club. So I would go further than you, Andy, and drop them altogether. 

Other campsites, hotels and guest houses are happy to welcome me without any sort of membership card at all - whether high tech or no tech. They ask for no proof of identity and no membership  - they are just happy to have me as  a paying customer. 

Best regards to you. 

 

Posted on 10/11/2018 10:17

indeed but the good news is actually double this time smile you don't have to go these club sites where a membership card is needed, club sites only have about 10% of the market so plenty to choose from (and usually have plenty more pitches than club sites but that's different story), but even then on most club sites you do not need to have a membership card/be a member, just pay the extra £10 per night, win win!

 

Cornersteady replied on 10/11/2018 10:20

Posted on 10/11/2018 10:20

As a membership 'card' is needed yes  an electronic version would be a good idea.

PS you can turn up on a club site without your card but you need some form of ID with your address on it.

replied on 10/11/2018 10:28

Posted on 10/11/2018 10:28

Go Outdoors if you want a discounted price? 

cyberyacht replied on 10/11/2018 11:07

Posted on 10/11/2018 11:07

I can sympathise. I've taken to having a separate wallet for caravan/MH related cards. There are 7 caravanning related and that's before I include stuff like NT, EH, and vehicle specific - tracker etc.

replied on 10/11/2018 11:20

Posted on 10/11/2018 11:07 by cyberyacht

I can sympathise. I've taken to having a separate wallet for caravan/MH related cards. There are 7 caravanning related and that's before I include stuff like NT, EH, and vehicle specific - tracker etc.

Posted on 10/11/2018 11:20

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