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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to push back when shops ask for my details when I just want to pay?

131 replies

ISimplyDontBelieveIT · 30/11/2025 11:59

I popped into The White Company today to buy one small item and use the 20 percent off. I normally order online, but this was a cheap item and I didn’t want to pay delivery.

At the till the assistant asked if I was on their mailing list. I said yes (I am). She then asked for my postcode, which I gave, and then she asked me for my surname. My surname is foreign and long and I couldn't be bothered to spell it. I just wanted to pay for my item and leave. I asked why she needed my surname and she said it was to check if I was on their mailing list. That annoyed me as I had literally just confirmed that I was. Why should I go through this whole nonsense especially for such a tiny purchase?? I felt irritated but I know she was just following protocol so I stayed polite and gave her a short version of my surname. She obviously couldn’t find me and then asked if I wanted her to enter my details again. I said no, I just wanted to pay, which I did.

I left the shop feeling oddly irritated by the whole thing. I know a lot of shops do this and it's not a new thing, but it felt like far too much admin for a quick purchase. Would this have grated on anyone else? What’s the best way to shut this down right at the start?

OP posts:
Ihateslugs · 30/11/2025 12:05

I had this recently in Dunelm, I went to the checkout and was asked if I was on their mailing list. I simply said, very politely, that I wasn’t and I did not want to be on it. The conversation ended then and I just paid for my goods. I understand that they are required to ask all customers when they pay and I don’t want to make their job difficult. So I try to be polite and respectful of their job but I have no intention of adding to the mailings I already get!

I do unsubscribe to some mailings if I know I am unlikely to buy from them again.

LawdAMercy · 30/11/2025 12:05

I hate this too, also being asked for my email for a receipt. Also have long, foreign name and can’t be arsed to spell/explain I don’t want to give it. I hate that the onus is on the customer to push back.

RacingAcrossTheSofa · 30/11/2025 12:05

I just say “no thank you” when asked for any details. I’ve never seen it as push back as such, the shop assistant has always just said ok and continued the transaction.

PuppyMonkey · 30/11/2025 12:04

What would happen if you just said “no thanks, not interested” at the start and then just pay? Never been in The White Company.

Better than New Look when they try and claim you can’t have a receipt, it has to be emailed. I’m like you, I’ve got a weird first name and can’t be arsed spelling it, repeating it because they can’t believe what I’m saying, asking where it comes from etc etc.

Comedycook · 30/11/2025 12:03

No thank you, I'd just like to pay

Or if they ask for your email address say you don't have one...

JudgeBread · 30/11/2025 12:02

For future reference "no thank you" and a smile as soon as they ask is all you need to do to bypass this. Even if you're already on the mailing list.

It's usually a tracked statistic for shop assistants to sign people up to things, they get bollocked if they don't ask. Trust me, they don't want to do it either, I worked retail for years and my favourite customers were the ones who just declined immediately (and politely) so I could get on with checking them out! Especially Debenhams who punished you for not talking people into debt with their credit card.

Just swerve it with a smile in future, they'll be grateful and you can get on with your day!