I had to pick up a prescription at CVS yesterday and when I got there I went back through the entire store to get to the pharmacy. I did not pick up any popcorn, toy firetrucks, shave cream, or holiday decorations – because I’m a model of restraint.
Instead of waiting in line and being called, there were stations set up along the counter with a kiosk. I approached an empty one – they were all empty, slow day for drugs – and it suggested I scan my barcode or sign in. I had a text message with a link so I tapped that – and it tried to get me to download the CVS app.
Folks, I’m not a programmer, but I could write an app that generates a barcode on a webpage like an adult without needing an app.
No thank you, CVS.
I bail out of that and proceed to sign in. And as expected, it’s as much of a pain in the ass as it can be. The last few questions appeared to be a survey or some nonsense and a clerk was already on her way to the counter with my perscription.
I had to re-verify my identity again – not sure what the point of the 3rd degree from the kiosk was all about – and she gave me the total.
$2.42
For small transactions, it seems silly to use my card if I have cash. And I did that day.
I handed the clerk three singles and she took them and handed me my change and my receipt.
“We’re out of pennies so it’s $.55”
I took my prescription and started to walk away – then stopped in the aisle.
My change had been rounded down and my prescription now cost three cents more.
In the grand scheme of things, 3 cents isn’t going to mean much for me either way.
But, for CVS, that is going to add up. Just like that weird plot in Superman III.
I got charged a fee for using cash. Which is, I suppose, the point. People less well off are more likely to use cash and not have credit cards. They may also be older. So, if a corporation is going to rob someone, that’s the best set of victims – if you’re evil.
And CVS, well, yeah…
Sort of canceling the transaction and making a scene, there was nothing to be done on my end. It wasn’t the clerk’s fault they didn’t have pennies – unless it was her turn to go to the bank – it was the government finding a new way to screw people over.
3 cents at a time.