One of the reasons I work in the CRM space is that our software can be used to improve the customer experience. In our consumer driven economy customer satisfaction is increasingly becoming citizen satisfaction.

Read this before continuing (don't worry it's quick and painless).

For the purposes of discussion lets assuming its true (don't believe everything you read on the Internet). This type of behaviour clearly shows the lack of respect for their customers. Instead of fulfilling the customers needs through mutually beneficial deals - these employees just wanted to sell sell sell. Sure they will spike their revenue for that day. But the guy (and surely he wasn't the only person who noticed the scam 'sales strategy') who reported this behavior will probably never shop there again. In an age where we discuss 'lifetime value of the customer' a company needs to think long term. Ask yourself: does your company try this kind of stuff? Does your company love your customers enough?

Costco is a great example of a 'good company' in this space. Sure they aren't perfect but I think they are best of breed (which is why I own stock in them). Look at their return policy, their markup (fixed at 12% and 15% on costco brand items). You go there and you know how much they are making. No scams. Plain and simple. Their customer loyalty is awesome. I highly doubt you would find this type of behaviour at your local Costco.