January 29, 2008
Can someone explain to me why, when I'm buying chocolate at a Godiva storefront in the mall, they need my phone number?
Seriously. That is absolutely freaking ridiculous.
Why does everyone ask for your phone number nowadays?
I don't mind giving out my zip code; that I can understand, and it still affords me privacy. But my phone number?
I returned something the other day–a Christmas gift from my in-laws (for my daughter). I had a gift receipt, it was on their credit card…yet the store wanted my phone number.
They said it was required for any return. But with a receipt?
I used to work in retail, and handled returns at a very busy Wal-mart-like store. There were plenty of people who tried to return things they hadn't bought, or had bought years ago, or had used or worn or whatever. I can totally understand why phone numbers/addresses were required for suspicious or serial returners, and especially ones without receipts.
But with a gift receipt?
Or to buy chocolate, which, by the way, was gone after I'd taken two steps out of the Godiva store?
No way.
I refuse to give my phone number. If I have to for a return, I make one up.
You?
January 29th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
They ask for it at Toys R Us, too, and it pisses me off every time. What are they going to do, call and check up on the toys?
I give them our old number.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Yes, this annoys me, too. It’s totally pointless, imo. Like Jenny said, they ask for it at Toys R Us and I also give them our old phone number … from a different state!
January 29th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
At TRU, though, it’s easy to say, “No,” politely and be done with it. They, at least, admit they are doing it to better target their advertising. (They should better target their toy selection, but that’s another story)
I ask people WHY they need my phone number, and if the answer’s satisfactory, I give it. If it’s not, I walk out. If they want my money, they can respect my privacy (and hatred of the phone).
January 29th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
That’s crazy! I guess I haven’t done enough shopping in person lately since I haven’t run across this. I’d be giving out an old phone number, too. Or making one up. *g*
January 29th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Yeah, I make up phone numbers too. I HATE that!
January 30th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I will politely say no. If they insist I’ll often say that I don’t have a phone.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:07 am
chocoholics anonymous?