By I.J. Hudson
I can remember all of the talk about opt-in/opt-out – which was the “fairer” way to treat consumers?
It was kind of a no-brainer. You shouldn’t have to change anything to keep companies from sending you stuff. If you want to receive emails about their latest offers, new products or a newsletter you should opt-in. Do nothing, you get nothing.
Along comes Chase. Yes, I have a credit card with them so there’s a “relationship,” but what I received in the mail is a little disturbing, if not disingenuous. Chase mails me a cleverly crafted form that tells me I haven’t been receiving stuff from them and they need to update what I receive. I’m instructed to block out the circles of things I do NOT want to receive, sign it and return it in the enclosed envelope. If I don’t do anything I may start receiving things. I admit they did underline do not.
The letter goes on to say whatever I decide will remain in effect for five years. After that, or if I move to a new residence, “you’ll need to renew all of your mailing options.” I will have to renew my options!
I presume there is nothing illegal about this, but I don’t like it. It’s certainly not following “permission-based” marketing that is supposed to connect with customers and build loyalty. I wonder what would happen if I sent a letter to Chase that read, “unless you fill out the attached form and fill in the oval that my interest rate will not go to 0%...it will.” Obviously nothing, but I wish I could get away with that.
I did have the option of going online to make my choices. Oddly enough, I elected not to receive anything from Chase.
You get the picture. Does Chase?
