Retailers collecting personal information

[Phoenix84]

I'm not sure if we've talked about this before, but has anyone else noticed the trend over the past couple of years for retailers to try and collect your personal information, like phone numbers and e-mail address?

Back in December, I bought a few pairs of shoes, and the shoestore wanted my phone number.  I went to Kohl's earlier this week, and they said "we're updating our contact list, what's your e-mail address?"  I told them I'm not giving them my e-mail address.

It's just annoying that they keep doing this.  I'm here to buy stuff from you, you don't need to know my contact info or even my name.

It's getting bad on online retailers to.  It seems a lot of websites won't let you even check out without creating a profile where you give your phone number and e-mail address.

[zibazinski]

I just lie. 

[Deleted]

Read "Dragnet Nation" about how your data is collected and "shared" It's a real eye-opener.

I give them a fake phone number (one that used to be a fax line) and my spamcatcher e-mail address If I get tired of their endless e-mails (Macy's and the Gap are the worst offenders), I find the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the page. Passive resistance, I know- I should refuse to provide it in the first place.

They NEVER get my real phone number. I once stupidly provided it to Loehmann's and they actually set up robo-calls from "Lisa from Loehmann's" to tell me when they had sales. That was years ago in NJ. They're probably still robo-calling the person who got the number.

[Sum Dum Gai]

Email is the only free marketing venue around, of course they all want your address.

[Phoenix84]

As if the government collecting and spying on us isn't bad enough, you also have to worry about coorperations collecting your info to better "market" stuff to you.

And I'm sure all that info is shared and sold among coorperations.  It's a wonder more security leaks like the Target debacle don't happen.  Though my understanding is that they actually do happen more often, but companies don't report them.

I was dumb and gave my phone number to the shoe store, but I'm much more aware and sensative to that kind of thing now.

[resolution]

I usually just say "no thanks" and then they ring me up.

[Blonde Granny]

When asked, I just say NO. That's always the end of it, no lying about phone or email address.

[Abby Normal]

I just say no.  One clerk followed it up by saying " we'll send you money saving coupons"  I replied " I'm not interested in saving money".  Should have seen the look on her face. 

[zibazinski]

They get in trouble if they don't get it so I find white lying to just be easier on all of us.

[Tiny]

But, did you pay for your purchase with a credit or debit card? If you did you already gave alot of valuable info to the credit card/company that handles the transactions... and I don't mean your cc number... I mean WHAT/WHEN/WHERE you made a purchase. That's way more valuable than your email address.

Now, if you pay for everything with cash (and don't have a cell phone) becuase you don't like your movements tracked - I get that.


Does no one else remember that article/expose about how Target knows a woman is pregnant most likely before she's told anyone else... based on her purchases? They didn't 'glean' that kind of live changing event that was occurring from having collected her email address at the check out.


As for the phone number - I don't ever give that out - I have pay as you go phone and I don't want to be paying for 'advertising' texts or phone messages. And I don't want calls to my home - and since I paid with a credit card - the store COULD be tracking me using the last 4 digets of the card if they really wanted to... OR they can track me by my 'members rewards #' or whatever I signed up for...

I do sometimes give out my email address cause the electronic reciepts are kinda nice (for some purchases). I just wish I didn't have to keep giving them an email address - save the Gosh Darn Thing - it's the 21st century!!

[Tiny]

Apr 18, 2014 11:36:28 GMT -5 Phoenix84 said:

 

It's getting bad on online retailers to.  It seems a lot of websites won't let you even check out without creating a profile where you give your phone number and e-mail address.

I haven't bumped into a website that FORCED me to set up an account.  There's always been an option to purchase as a "guest" - sometimes it's inconviently placed on the screen - but it's there.    

I do give my email address because I want to get the messages about my order (the tracking number, when it will ship, etc).

I think the phone number may just be a carry over from the olden days - didn't the CC companies use the billing address phone number LOOSELY as an additional way to confirm that the card wasn't being used by a thief?     Kinda like how, when you use a credit card at the gas station,  you have to key in your Zip Code when you pump gas?
 

[Tiny]

Apr 18, 2014 12:25:12 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

They get in trouble if they don't get it so I find white lying to just be easier on all of us.

Yeah, this.  

I just say "No, Thank you" and smile.  I repeat if necessary.   I don't feel the need to extend the agony/torture of checking out by making the clerk key in a fake email addy or phone number.    

[lynnerself]

It's using the store reward cards that keep track of the most information of all.

I used to get very annoyed every time the clerks would ask if I wanted to open a store credit card. Then my daughter worked in retail and I understood that they are required to do this and under a lot of pressure to get new accounts.

So now I just politely decline.

[sheilaincali]

Apr 18, 2014 12:25:12 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

They get in trouble if they don't get it so I find white lying to just be easier on all of us.

Yeah this. This is why I just tell them (area code) 555-1234

I figure this person is working a retail job in which probably 1/3 of the customers are rude to them so I don't need to add to that.

Email- I set up a separate email address for the exact reason. They only reason I give them this address is because they do send me coupons. I only check that email like once every couple of weeks. But I get coupons from Kohls, Old Navy, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Hancock Fabrics, etc. Usually 10 to 15% off so it's worth it to maintain a free email address that I check twice a month.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I don't give out my phone number, but I do give out my email address because I DO want the coupons.

I'm sitting on a 30% off at Kohl's right now that with their sale going on, it'll be a substantial discount.

[Phoenix84]

I don't mind giving out my work e-mail as much when I make purchases at work.  Mostly I only give it out for e-receipts though.

[Phoenix84]

Apr 18, 2014 12:25:12 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

They get in trouble if they don't get it so I find white lying to just be easier on all of us.

I think they are requied to ask, but I don't think they're required to hassle you if you decline.

[Phoenix84]

Apr 18, 2014 13:05:05 GMT -5 sheilaincali said:

Apr 18, 2014 12:25:12 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

They get in trouble if they don't get it so I find white lying to just be easier on all of us.

Yeah this. This is why I just tell them (area code) 555-1234

I figure this person is working a retail job in which probably 1/3 of the customers are rude to them so I don't need to add to that.

Email- I set up a separate email address for the exact reason. They only reason I give them this address is because they do send me coupons. I only check that email like once every couple of weeks. But I get coupons from Kohls, Old Navy, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Hancock Fabrics, etc. Usually 10 to 15% off so it's worth it to maintain a free email address that I check twice a month.

Why do you shop at Hancock Fabrics?

[sheilaincali]

Um because I craft. I don't buy a ton from there but I have a crazy group of girl friends and we get together on a regular basis to make things together.  Our current kick is purses. I can bust out a pretty attractive purse in about 45 minutes (including, cutting, sewing and ironing).

We have also made: scarves, covered cardboard boxes, scrapbooked, made pillows, curtains, bedding, etc.

[sheilaincali]

In my town They are lined up in a row- Joann's, Hancock, Hobby Lobby and then Michaels.  If we all go shopping together we hit all four. Plus Joann's will honor other store's coupons and let you use multiples at once.  So you can use a 40% off one from Michaels on one item, a 40% off from Hobby Lobby on another item and a 10% off entire purchase from Hancock all in one transaction at Joann's. 

My girlfriends and I take our crafting and our coupons seriously when it comes to our hobby.  There are like 12 of us currently and more keep wanting to join but the house we rent for our weekend retreats only has so many beds and craft tables available.  So membership is set at the 12 until someone dies, quits or moves out of state

[NoNamePerson]

I just tell them phone # is unlisted and don't have email!! As for coupons I usually go to website and coupons are there without having to sign up to get them.  But I do have a junk email acct for any newsletters, etc that I want to get.

They also sometimes want your zip code but that is also for marketing purposes. I give zip code for state capital    

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Apr 18, 2014 13:28:28 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I just tell them phone # is unlisted and don't have email!! As for coupons I usually go to website and coupons are there without having to sign up to get them.  But I do have a junk email acct for any newsletters, etc that I want to get.

They also sometimes want your zip code but that is also for marketing purposes. I give zip code for state capital    

When they ask for a zip code, it's not necessarily for marketing purposes.

I used to drive 30 miles to Tuesday Morning and this was one place where they would ask for my zip code.  I usually gave it to them.  One day, I asked why and the cashier told me that the company monitors where people come from and if there are enough people traveling from certain zip codes, they'll put a store in.

Sure enough, I wound up with a Tuesday morning about 4 miles from where I used to live about 4 years later.

[sheilaincali]

I was always under the impression that the zip code thing was to track where to build the next store. Like if there were tons of people from my town driving up to the Twin Cities to shop at a certain store than that would lend to their decision to expand a store into our area. I could be wrong but that was always my impression

[NoNamePerson]

Apr 18, 2014 13:27:04 GMT -5 sheilaincali said:

In my town They are lined up in a row- Joann's, Hancock, Hobby Lobby and then Michaels.  If we all go shopping together we hit all four. Plus Joann's will honor other store's coupons and let you use multiples at once.  So you can use a 40% off one from Michaels on one item, a 40% off from Hobby Lobby on another item and a 10% off entire purchase from Hancock all in one transaction at Joann's. 

My girlfriends and I take our crafting and our coupons seriously when it comes to our hobby.  There are like 12 of us currently and more keep wanting to join but the house we rent for our weekend retreats only has so many beds and craft tables available.  So membership is set at the 12 until someone dies, quits or moves out of state

You're so lucky. All those stores area spead out over hell's half acre where I live    

[Phoenix84]

Apr 18, 2014 13:23:55 GMT -5 sheilaincali said:

Um because I craft. I don't buy a ton from there but I have a crazy group of girl friends and we get together on a regular basis to make things together.  Our current kick is purses. I can bust out a pretty attractive purse in about 45 minutes (including, cutting, sewing and ironing).

We have also made: scarves, covered cardboard boxes, scrapbooked, made pillows, curtains, bedding, etc.

I hope you aren't offended, I was just curious.

[NoNamePerson]

Apr 18, 2014 13:40:36 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Apr 18, 2014 13:28:28 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I just tell them phone # is unlisted and don't have email!! As for coupons I usually go to website and coupons are there without having to sign up to get them.  But I do have a junk email acct for any newsletters, etc that I want to get.

They also sometimes want your zip code but that is also for marketing purposes. I give zip code for state capital    

When they ask for a zip code, it's not necessarily for marketing purposes.

I used to drive 30 miles to Tuesday Morning and this was one place where they would ask for my zip code.  I usually gave it to them.  One day, I asked why and the cashier told me that the company monitors where people come from and if there are enough people traveling from certain zip codes, they'll put a store in.

Sure enough, I wound up with a Tuesday morning about 4 miles from where I used to live about 4 years later.

Guess I have gotten a lot of stores opened in the state capital then

[sheilaincali]

NNP-  Our retail center changed a few years ago and now everything is along the same basic strip of road. Hancock and Hobby Lobby share a parking lot even. It is pretty nice but going to SUCK this summer. My company was hired to do two huge roundabouts and all traffic in that area will be diverted. It's a logistical nightmare and I've started apologizing to people in advance. It's not our fault but the engineers were smoking crack when they dreamed up that brilliant idea.

Phoenix- No worries, I wasn't offended at all.  I was just teasing you because the "fabric" part of the store name makes the reason for shopping there pretty obvious.   It's all good.  I hadn't gone there for years and then about 6 months ago one of the ladies suggested we dust off the old sewing machines and now I swear I'm there 3 or 4 times a month.  It's not everyone's cup of tea but I like it.  DH is having the Nerd Herd over on Sunday to plan Pathfinder all day so I'll probably hide out in the family room in the basement and making half a dozen purses and totes.

[tloonya]

At this age you can try and hide an information about you but is it really worth an effort?
Everyone can find out everything about anyone...and I am very surprised that some people who are not giving their info to the retailer will go and post half-naked pictures of themselves on FB.

Existence of FB showing to the world willingness of people to share their private life, so what's the big deal if clerk wants to know your email if maybe in 30 min she will see your naked butt on Instagram or somewhere like that?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Apr 18, 2014 13:42:40 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Apr 18, 2014 13:40:36 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

When they ask for a zip code, it's not necessarily for marketing purposes.

I used to drive 30 miles to Tuesday Morning and this was one place where they would ask for my zip code.  I usually gave it to them.  One day, I asked why and the cashier told me that the company monitors where people come from and if there are enough people traveling from certain zip codes, they'll put a store in.

Sure enough, I wound up with a Tuesday morning about 4 miles from where I used to live about 4 years later.

Guess I have gotten a lot of stores opened in the state capital then

If there was a store in the state capital, then probably not.  But if you don't have a store and WANT a closer store, what's the downside?  Personally, I wanted a Tuesday Morning closer to where I lived.

[NoNamePerson]

Apr 18, 2014 14:51:01 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Apr 18, 2014 13:42:40 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Guess I have gotten a lot of stores opened in the state capital then

If there was a store in the state capital, then probably not.  But if you don't have a store and WANT a closer store, what's the downside?  Personally, I wanted a Tuesday Morning closer to where I lived.

I'm waiting on a Saks Fifth Avenue but don't think it's gonna happen      Although several years ago I contacted  Whole Foods via email and suggested that they should consider my city. Low and behold we are finally getting one.