Rec'd 8/16/1999: I purchased some Canned tuna with their lable on it. I can not believe that they would pack it with 1/2 the amount that should be in the can. The rest was water. I think that they are cheating the public. Jim R.

Rec'd 9/4/1999: I would NEVER shop at Vons without a Vons Club Card & coupons. Your prices are so high that even with double coupons sometimes the items are more expensive than a place like K-mart would be. You should be ashamed and embarrassed, really!

Rec'd 9/5/1999: today purchased two (2) boxes of confectioners sugar (vons brand) 16oz. inter paper packaging was open and appeared that it had never been sealed. The outer container (box) was intact. Poor packaging or tampering???????

Rec'd 8/31/1999: hi i am e-mailing you to let you know about there latest B.S. is where you spend $250.00 and they will give a 5% savings coupon. To be use on a future shoping trip. so I.E. if if you spend $100.00 then you will save $5.00 so you have spend a total of $350.00 to save $5.00 B.F.D. Dan W.

Rec'd 8/31/1999: About one year ago, North Park Vons in San Diego had a grand re-opening, at which point they got rid of many of their premium wine products in favor of cheaper ones. Not only did they get rid of all Japanese sake and many of their red wines, but they also began ridding themselves of many of their ethnic foods. A month later, I made a request to see if they could stock Spectrum Olive Oil and Belvedere vodka, products which other chains carry. Two months later I got a phone call from the store manager, saying that he was sorry he hadn't gotten back to me, but he was working on it, to see if the products I requested were obtainable through his sources. Four months went by, and I never heard back.

Today, I went to Vons and explained to a supervisor what had happened, and immediately he said "Well, if it's not on the shelves, we don't have it." Not only was he completely unapologetic for his supermarket dropping the ball on my request, he didn't even bother to retake my request, I had to offer to give it to him.I've had other bad experiences at Vons. The quality of their beef has been atrocious in the past, and their selection of all items is very limited. It is very rare that I have gone to Vons and been able to find everything I was looking for. In addition, their prices are much higher than their competitors, and their customer service is terrible. Once I waited nearly 20 minutes for a butcher to find me a container of lard, after which time he was unable to quote me the price of the item. During another hideous experience, I was not given the $1 off for a Vons Club discount on a bottle of Glen Ellen chardonay. When I got home and noticed the mistake and called the store, I was told I had to bring the receipt in to get my $1 back, when they clearly could have credited my Vons club account. And of course, I was never offered the item gratis after the store's mistake. I rarely go to my local Vons any more, only out of convenience because it is two blocks away. When I do my real shopping, I am willing to drive the extra mile to go to Lucky's. Sincerely, Paul G. [Webmaster's note: I'm not sure that Vons could have "credited" money to a Vons Club account, but nevertheless, this story is still a good one.]

Rec'd 8/4/1999: There are no free rides in this life. If you want the discounts that Vons Club offers, you have to be prepared to give something in return---this is the data on what you buy. Why is this so difficult to accept? If you want to protect your privacy, then don't take the discounts---very simple. By collecting this information, Vons is able to be more efficient in its own buying practices and therefore offer you lower prices. Do you not want this? Disclaimer: I am not a Vons or Pavilions or Safeway employee. I'm just a shopper with a clue. Deborah L.

Rec'd 7/30/1999: Dear Sirs, I recently read you comments about databases that are kept on customer buying habits. I would just like to take this opportunity to let you know that I totally agree with your comments. The thing that worries me is the fact that total strangers have so much detail about our personal lives, and at a touch of a button.

If this data base is used correctly for example, making sure that when we visit the store the goods we purchase are in stock, and the store owners regard customer satisfaction as paramount, then I say this data base would be beneficial. As a business minded person, market research is vital for any business to survive in today's highly competitive market place. Market research is a tool used by companies to point them in the right direction as far as customers goes, and if market research means that we as customers receive a better service, then I am for data-basing. What I don't agree with is the fact that these companies have the customers names and addresses. In Britian they usually ask for our post code(zip codes), that is the only information they ask for. Yours Sincerely, IAN R.

Rec'd 7/20/1999: I have no problem with their tracking my purchases; I don't care who knows what I buy. I *do* care, however, that since Safeway bought Vons & Pavilions, they are rapidly turning into really crappy stores. The Pavilions near my house used to be a very nice store, with good service and great selection. It was also spotlessly clean. Now it's shabby and getting dirty and rundown. The floors aren't clean. Many of the products I used to buy are no longer carried; instead the shelves are stuffed with Safeway products. The lines are longer and there are fewer employees on duty at any given time. I don't like to go there anymore.Lately I've been splitting my shopping between Gelson's, Whole Foods and occasionally Ralphs for some items (though I don't like that market any more either). And since they don't even have a web page, thre's no one to complain to! Janice, Disgusted in Culver City CA

Rec'd 7/15/1999: If you're really worried about this, you're totally paranoid and should probably seek counseling and a life. Koryn S.

Rec'd 10/8/1998: I agree that Vons employs both deceptive and consumer rip-off practices. In fact, I am involved in a price-fixing case alleging that Vons, Ralphs and Lucky have fixed the price of eggs, a staple commodity that everyone buys. The case is filed in San Diego, a class has been certified, Vons lost its motion for summary judgment, and the case is going to trial in the next few months. If you would like more info about it, I am lead-counsel in the case, so you can drop me an e-mail. Cash J. B.

Rec'd in May, 1999: I complained about the lack of personnel working one morning and that one of the two people working refused to do anything other than clean her check out counter. She ignored my questions, was later rude to me, and stared at me when I left. I wrote to store manager Adolfo Calderon who three weeks later sent me a PR sheet about how hard Von's works to help its customers. I took the time to write a specific complaint, but got a handout sheet as an answer.

Rec'd May 11, 1999 (I'm not sure I understand the "taxes" part): Ooooh... did you know that the FBI keeps files on every man woman and child in the United States? Uh Oh, theres the CIA knowing the details of our lives again, maybe if I close my eyes I won't see that the ENTIRE WORLD is a corrupt place. This is not a moral crime, I doubt that VONS is selling the precious details of our dieting habits to tabloid television or the Iraqi's. Watch out for that BLACK MARKET vendor on the street, he just might know that I refused to spend $2.99 on a six pack of coke, DEAR GOD DON"T LET THE REST OF THE WORLD KNOW THAT I USED A COUPON!!! This is not a conspiracy against the pepole, it is a system of tracking prices of products, inventory and accounting for a major corporation. It's called statistics people, not RBI'S or PPG, it's mode, median frequency distribution etc..... it's how 99% of all corporations details there business practice. These companies have taxes to do just like the rest of us, this is how they do it. No I'm not a VON'S rep, I've never shopped there, at most I have the brains to understand these kinds of things or at least I have more to do than complain about who knows my purchasing habits.

Rec'd August 27, 1999: While searching the web for Vons Co. email address so I could send them a response to the service I received today, I happened upon your site. Obviously you're under the impression that Vons is the only company to have the practice for tracking information. The Gasoline stations monitor where you buy your gas, what type and how often. The Long Distant [sic] Telephone companies track your usage and to where. With today's electronic age, most business track your personal information. How often do you get notified by the local 'Jiffy-Lube' that it's past time to get your oil changed. What about the other grocery stores? Do YOU honestly think that VONS is the ONLY company tracking this info. Your web site certainly could have some benefit, but to say that Vons has the biggest scam is untrue and unrealistic. No one company/business is a 100% perfect, but to target one particular business for doing what all other large chain grocery stores do is foolish. Now as a First Amendment right, you do have a right to disagree with this policy. You have a right to shop anywhere you want. Be sure not to 'swip' [sic] you store card, credit card at any other store, for they will also be monitoring your purchases. To target one particular business for a practice that they ALL DO - is well, prejudiced. Word to the wise, no matter where you go, what you buy, someone somewhere will be tracking it. Deniz

(Webmaster's comments 8/27/1999: This site mentions that Vons is not the only company tracking customer information. Obviously any business where customers use a credit card, store discount card, or other traceable systems, has the ability today to inexpensively track purchasing habits. I believe that this even keeps some prices down, since those businesses can more efficiently target their advertising dollars. I singled out Vons in particular (ie, large graphic on top of the page) due to a personal problem I had at their Sherman Oaks location on Ventura Boulevard. By the way, the site covers more than grocery stores -- I receive complaints regarding other businesses, and the index page can be found at http://www.bigwebs.com/webs/scams.)

Rec'd 8/22/1999: Last week I purchased a bottle of excedrin at Vons for the advertised price of $1.99. The ad stated only one item per store visit. Today I purchased another bottle but was told that the offer was a limit of one item for the life of the ad, and I would have to pay full price for the item. If this isn't dishonest advertising it sure is deceptive advertising. Vons has lost a loyal customer. [Webmaster's note: I have not seen this ad, so if anyone has a copy please contact me].

Rec'd 8/2/99: hey there, why should I have a problem with Vons knowing what I eat/buy/drink and when? They entice me to shop there by giving me "discounts" on food and product and if I spend enough, they send me 5% coupons, they double my coupons... I know they keep track of what I buy... I'd have to be pretty stupid to think that they DON'T collect and use all that information! My father has refused to get a Vons club card specifically for that reason! But come on, when they're raising prices on items, then offering a "lower" price to club members (and every supermarket does the same thing), I'd be crazy to spend more!! So they know what tampons I use, so what? They reward me with coupons for giving them that information! There's no big threat of communism here!!! RELAX!!!!! mk.

Rec'd 7/19/1999: I have a complaint to send to Vons directly. Can't find the corporate e-mail address anywhere. Do you have it? Thanks. [If anyone has this information, please email me, thanks] [added 8/19/1999: Apparently Vons will not give out an email address, as stated later in this page].

Rec'd 6/30/1999: I had a really upsetting experiance and want to complain but I can not find a address in which to mail it.Do you know where the main office is? Or how to let a big boss know? I live in southern cailf.Will even writing or emailing make any differnece?Came across your sight, you have some realy eye opening info. thanks. Tina.

Rec'd 8/17/99: I want to work at vons as a cashier. What is the best way to get a job there? How would joining the union help me? [Any info from anyone to help this soul?]

Rec'd 7/1999: These guys [Vons] are the pits. I do not shop there, as I do not wish to use a so called 'Discount Card'. Check out the prices on items that they do not discount and you will see that they are higher than say Albersons or Stater Brothers. Look at the averge of your bill. The stores that do not promote cards deserve and get my business! Tim S.

Rec'd 7/18/1999: Who is the genius who decides to move the whole store around ? What an IDIOT ! You can't find a f***ing thing. You spend 3 times as much time shopping just looking fors things. What a hassle ! I am thinking of going somewhere else. Thanx.

Rec'd 8/19/1999: When Pavilions arrived, it was to be the creme de la creme of most grocery stores. However, they eliminated brand products, replacing them with their own name products. They do not carry several items, for which I find I must shop at Bristol Farms. I.E.: cake flour, tomato paste in a tube, whole vanilla beans, pine nuts, super fine sugar, just for an example. Often they don't have the fresh vegetables OR the frozen ones! The person who does the shopping, will constantly, consistently, state they don't have this or that. I should not need a gourmet store for most of the items they refuse to carry. Yes, I did write---as they don't have email. I did not receive a response. Surprise! Needless to say, any specialty items are never carried! G-d forbid I need hoisin sauce! Thank you for allowing me to vent. As for your main issue, I think it does make sense for them to profile. They don't really know me personally, so finding what my shopping needs are, makes sense from a business standpoint.