Beauty

[dooBdoo]

Some related reading (full article at link):

Never Give Stores Your ZIP Code. Here's Why

Forbes.com, 6/19/2013: "...Why make such a big deal over five digits that only records that someone lives in the same area as many thousands of others? Because along with other information, the ZIP code may provide the final clue to figuring out your address, phone number and past purchasing details, if a sales clerk sees your name while swiping your credit card.

How does this work? In one of their brochures, direct marketing services company Harte-Hanks describes the GeoCapture service they offer retail businesses as follows: “Users simply capture name from the credit card swipe and request a customer’s ZIP code during the transaction. GeoCapture matches the collected information to a comprehensive consumer database to return an address.” In a promotional brochure, they claim accuracy rates as high as 100%.

Fair Isaac Corp., a company best known for its FICO credit scores, also offers a similar service which they say can boost direct marketing efforts by as much as 400%. “FICO Contact Builder

helps you overcome the common challenges of gathering contact information from shoppers -- such as complicating or jeopardizing the sales process by asking for an address or phone number, or complying with regulations,”

it says. “It requires minimal customer information captured at point-of-sale, just customer name or telephone number and the customer or store ZIP code...”

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Note the comment in bold. It sure does sound like a sneaky way to get around the customer knowing their info is being gathered in one big database and also to skirt that pesky business of "complying with regulations."

(link goes to: http://www.forbes.com/sites/adamtanner/2013/06/19/theres-a-billion-reasons-not-to-give-stores-your-...)

[curlywhitedog]

On 7/4/2014 Kind1too said:

On 7/4/2014 curlywhitedog said:

Although I've never given it a second thought, now that you mention it, sales clerks do ask for it all the time. I'm going to consider whether, going forward, I'm going to continue providing it.

What I hate is when returning an item I am forced to sign my name and give an address and a phone number, something I am loathe to do and seldom agree to. If I have a receipt for my purchase, the tags are still on the product and it hasn't been used then I say NO, I won't provide you with that info. Sales clerks are always surprised when I say no and they say it's store policy to which I always respond "but I don't work for the store" and I point to their refund policy which I am in compliance with, that the item is being returned within the suggested time limit, that the tags are still on, that the item has not been used and that I have a sales receipt...those rules are always hanging prominently by at the CS counter and as long as I comply with those rules I do not expect to be hassled for personal information.

There's just way too much intrusion in our lives, either by the government or by entitles that are not entitled to but want to collect personal data to use to their own advantage and I won't have it. I just won't.

Maria

I'd hate to be the clerk waiting on you. After all they are just doing what they are told. Why don't you write Jane Doe? You have no idea what these clerks have to go through. It does no good to complain to them. Or better yet, politely ask to see the store manager and file your complaint with them.

kind1too:

Please don't confuse my lack of compliance with a lack of manners. I spent my entire adult life in sales and although I didn't work retail, I have great respect for those who do. I cringe when I hear people being rude to sales personnel or wait staff...there's never any reason for that and I won't stoop to that level.

I may be firm but I am never rude or abusive.

Maria

[kittyloo]

The only time we ever ask for Id is if you are making a return without a receipt. Never heard of giving name etc. when returning with one.

[Alsee]

I'm in SoCal and can't remember ever being asked for my zip when using a credit card-

[blondie1001]

Walgreen's and CVS want too much information to obtain the card you must have to receive the sale prices. They are tracking your purchases and selling the info to who knows where. I won't shop at either store because of this.

[ritasNo1Fan]

California Burlington currently asks for zip currently. Guess they are not phased by pending law activity. I could give 94102 for all those clerks care.