Digital Coupons

I am climbing up on my virtual soapbox to address an increasingly prevalent issue: the reliance on cell phones for our daily activities.

In the past, we relied on newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials, which allowed us to clip coupons for grocery shopping. However, that model has shifted. More and more of these activities have moved to digital formats, accessible on computers or mobile devices.

While this transition is convenient for those who are computer and cell phone savvy, it presents significant challenges for many, particularly within the senior population.

In my work with seniors, I have observed that this approach can be discriminatory. Even though I consider myself reasonably familiar with technology, I still find using grocery store applications challenging. When I see a digital coupon in the store, I have to open the app on my phone, often forgetting where I found the scan feature before. This process involves standing, reaching up, or stooping down in the aisle, blocking other shoppers.

Moreover, good connectivity in the store is essential, but cell phone reception is often poor. While guest WiFi is usually available, there are concerns about its security.

And after all of setting up my app, finding an item in the store with a good savings, opening the app, finding the scan item choice, stooping down to scan the item, checking out entering my phone number, it did not apply the digital coupon. I went to the desk and found that I have to have them scan the id QR code on my phone. What a hassle. 

I have written to my Congressperson about these issues but have yet to receive a response.

This article goes into more detail about this issue:

https://money.com/digital-coupons-discriminate-seniors/

Daryl Goodman