a mini rant

by coffee_black 13 Replies latest jw friends

  • coffee_black
    coffee_black

    Ok.... I had to buy something today at a department store. I was paying cash. As the clerk was ringing up the sale, she said "phone number please". I asked why she needed my phone number. She said that they use it to put me on the mailing list. I said well you can't mail it to my phone number... are you going to call me when you have a sale?!! She turned red... I told her I don't give out personal info.... it wasn't a problem...and it didn't get unpleasant or anything..I did it with a smile... but as I stood there, I heard other customers readilly give out their number. This has happened a number of times...It kind of alarms me.... on a couple of levels. First, I think it's rude to expect someone to just give out that info... I can see if I was writing or check...or even using a credit card. I wasn't... I paid cash. End of transaction. The other thing is the gathering of info in data bases that track my purchases and sell that info to who knows who. I'll track my own purchases, thank you very much. I don't think it's anyone's business how I spend the money I earn.

    Ok... I feel better now... anyone else feel this way?

    Coffee

  • Crumpet
    Crumpet

    Jeez - i hope they dont intriduce that kind of sales technique over here but if the cashier asks for my phone number ever I shall say I only give my number if the sex is exceptionally good, thankyou. That should leave them blushing!

  • daystar
    daystar

    There were only a handful of places that used to do that. Radio Shack in particular is infamous for keeping updated databases on anyone who purchases from them.

    It's a disturbing trend that needs to be bucked.

  • damselfly
    damselfly

    Ooooo I hate that I just smile and say no thanks. Throws them for a complete loop most of the time as most shoppers just hand out personal info like it's candy.

    Dams

  • luna2
    luna2

    I've had them ask for my zip code, but not my phone number. I figured they were trying to figure out where most of their customers came from so that they'd know where to mass mail their flyers.

  • mrsjones5
    mrsjones5

    when I get take-n-bake pizza the guy always asks for my phone number then he says "Jones on such and such street?" and I say "Yep, that's me."

  • Jourles
    Jourles

    Anytime I get asked for my zip, I give it to 'em. If they ask for my phone number, I give them a fake one --- well, a made up number that is.

  • rebel8
    rebel8

    I feel the same way with zip codes and credit card transactions. A lot of times it is really a marketing survey the store is doing, to find out where their customers live.

    Other times, they claim to need it to process the credit card transaction. Wal-Mart stupidly claims it is the credit card company that requires it, yet no other stores ask for it. For a while I purposely put in a different made up zip code each time I bought something there. I guess American Express must think I move a lot. Then I just stopped shopping there altogther.

    At other stores I just say no. There is usually an awkward silence, sometimes followed by the cashier trying to "overcome my objection". I just keep politely repeating the word no. I do not offer any more explanations, and usually that speeds things up.

  • Why Georgia
    Why Georgia

    I also live in Massachusetts...and I have noticed this trend at Sears, Gymboree, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, and The Christmas Tree Shops.

    I know a lot of stores will ask for my zip code...

    I think its annoying...and I usually say 508-555-1212. Since the cashiers are usually so highly intelligent they don't get that its not our real telephone number.

    To me its no different than the grocery stores tracking everything I buy with my special savings card.

    But I can definately understand your irritation.

  • Outaservice
    Outaservice

    I JUST GIVE THEM MY JW SISTER-IN-LAW'S CREDIT CARD AND PHONE NUMBER.

    OUTASERVICE

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