Coca-Cola Rewards--not so much

[Shawnee123]

I thought of this after reading Rkz post about boycotting. I wanted to reply, but I also wanted the thread title about Coca-cola in case any of their powers that be might care.

I've been faithfully saving Coca-cola rewards points for months. I am a Diet Coke addict, so I've never begged others for codes...mine just pile up.

Usually, the thing I had in mind was long gone before I had enough points. Until my DVD player at home went out. I went to the Coca-Cola rewards website and sure enough, there was a fairly cheapo Sony DVD player that I had enough points for. Shipping and handling included in points..no money exchange necessary. I was very happy; I have recently gotten rid of all credit/debit cards in an attempt to get my financial life back in order (many of you know that story!) I don't have extra cash lying around to just run out and pick up a new DVD player.

So, Coca-Cola gives me a redemption number to take to Sony's website. I enter all the information. No problems. UNTIL I try to check out.

They ask for a credit card (for security purposes.) As I said, no money was changing hands so I figured they could waive that requirement.

I expressed my concerns and was told by them that it's policy,and it's for security purposes. They said I could use a friend's or family member's card if need be, as no charges would go to the account.

So (still being very polite) I wrote back with these three points:

1) In these days of identity theft how is it MORE secure to use a credit card number when no money is needed in the exchange: Though I'm sure both companies try to keep their sites very secure any identity theft victim will tell you that it does happen.

2) If the card is to identify ME, how does using someone else's card accomplish that? I'm not proving I am who I am, I'm proving I'm someone I'm not, albeit someone I know. Why isn't sending it to my address on file a viable option?

3) If no charges are applied to the account, then Coca-Cola should be happy to use their corporate card account.

I got some canned responses, and did get an actual reply which basically reiterated what they said the first time. There was no response to my specific concerns.

At this point I'm pissed at the poor level of customer service. I'm unhappy that my importance as a long time faithful customer is unimportant in big corporation America.

I wrote back, once again outlining my concerns, but this time in a much more irritated manner. I pointed out that if it didn't matter if I used someone else's card perhaps one of their employees would be so kind as to swipe their card for me.

Here it is, months later. No DVD. They ignore my emails now. My Coca-Cola Rewards points spent on the DVD player are gone.

It's a small thing, but at this point it's the principle. To suggest I use another person's card for no reason? I just don't get it.

Signed,

A potential starter of the NEW Pepsi generation