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AIBU?

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Original poster

To have politely refused to give my post code to Pumpkin Patch today?

59 replies

TheScareyWail · 21/10/2011 19:19

Every time I make a purchase in Pumpkin Patch they ask me for my post code. It's taken until today for me to question why they do this. The cashier said that they have to take it for all transactions. She then asked me for my post code and I said "I think I'll refrain from giving it to you" she looked at me as if I was mad!

But she was able to put it through without my postcode.

So... Friends, comrades and fellow shoppers join me in my revolution! We must try to stop Retailers from brainwashing us into handing over our personal information!

OP posts:
backwardpossom · 21/10/2011 19:20

Really? This is what's getting you worked up on a Friday night?

redwineformethanks · 21/10/2011 19:23

Actually I agree with OP. It surprises me how many people think that we should hand over personal details, and get a bit funny if you prefer not to give them out to strangers

seaweedhead · 21/10/2011 19:23

Last time I was in there I simply asked why they needed it. She looked startled, ignored my question and asked if I wanted to give my email address for marketing - I said no. would still like to know why they need every customer's postcode Confused Personally I find it a bit rude of them to expect you to give personal information with no explanation.

CamperFan · 21/10/2011 19:23

YANBU, I hate giving out my address/postcode/email all the time and getting loads of marketing stuff.

worraliberty · 21/10/2011 19:24

I've never had a retailer ask me for my postcode unless the item is being delivered.

I've heard it does happen though

There's no way I'd give it to them though

SaffronCake · 21/10/2011 19:24

What is Pumpkin Patch and what was their reason for asking?

headfairy · 21/10/2011 19:24

Mamas and Papas do the same. I queried it one day and was given some guff about sending me amazing offers that might suit me. Er no thanks. I'll decide what suits me thanks.

colken · 21/10/2011 19:25

Asda went through a phase of asking for my post code. I always said no but did ask why they wanted to know. The answer was so that they could cater more for the majority area. A post code will tell them whether it's a more desirable area or not. In other words, is it worth trying to sell pheasants or stick to chicken.

I used to buy whole, skinned and boned, poached salmon there for parties. Do they sell it now? No; so I have to go to Waitrose where it costs a fortune. Obviously not enough people were buying it at Asda to justify their offering it.

backwardpossom · 21/10/2011 19:28

I guess I just don't really care enough. I think I have only been asked once for my postcode, but it didn't bother me in the slightest to give it.

Sandalwood · 21/10/2011 19:30

Brantano ask too. When I queried it she said that it was that they wanted to know how wide their customer base was... or something.

ScaredBear · 21/10/2011 19:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GuillotinedMaryLacey · 21/10/2011 19:33

I never give it. Places like Currys ask for it. If its not a tv related device and it's not being delivered then they don't need to know it and can naff off.

Andrewofgg · 21/10/2011 19:33

Give them a dud one.

SaffronCake · 21/10/2011 19:33

Colken I think that's about supermarkets cutting back thier ranges in general too.

These were a few things still on my hospital bag list after an unsuccessful trip to a massive Sainsburys recently... Johnsons baby top to toe wash in any portable size, gender neutral hats in newborn size, gender neutral sleepsuits in newborn size, newborn sized socks, avent bottle teats... OMG it was ridiculous. This is probably the largest supermarket in the entire county. The one saving grace was the manager gave me back my petrol money after I complained.

2wwmadness · 21/10/2011 19:33

Alot of it is due to customer base. So companies can plan where they would be best to expand and what to stock where. Does it really matter giving your postcode?

shesparkles · 21/10/2011 19:34

The post code wouldn't worry me as it applies to numerous addresses and doesn't single mine out. They're probably using it to suss out their geographic dermographic.

What DOES wind me up though is people's lack of knowledge as to what the data protection act applies to. A company was trying to get my DOB out of me the other day when THEY phoned ME, on my landline, to make an appointment for a boiler service. After me questioning him to the nth degree, he eventually admitted that it was company policy and data protection didn't apply.
Yes I was bored at the timeGrin

TheQueenOfDeDead · 21/10/2011 19:39

scared that might be true re mothercare. My mum tried, on my behalf, to return a nursing bra that had a broken strap to Mothercare. There was no receipt and the cashier was super rude and suggested that the bra was "at least a year old". Mum demanded to see the manager on the basis that the bra was all of three weeks old and on inputting my postcode they could tally the purchase to me. Actually very useful.

That being said I have no desire for my postcode to be used for general marketing shite and recently witnessed a very interesting conversation in Next when a woman tried to give her work address re a return at Next. they were adamant she had to provide a home address she was very firm and eventually they backed down. But made themselves look fools in the meantime.

GuillotinedMaryLacey · 21/10/2011 19:42

It's the rudeness and the lies that piss me off though. During one row when I bought a £50 vacuum cleaner they asked for it and I refused. I said fine, I'll get it elsewhere. Then they said ok but they needed it for the guarantee. But the receipt is the guarantee, says I. It's printed on the back. Well yes but what if you lose the receipt? I won't. Well don't think you can bring it back to us then when something goes wrong with it...

This said by the manager and in front of other customers. Pillock.

SuePurblybiltFromBitsofCorpses · 21/10/2011 19:43

Halfords wouldn't deliver to me as they said I wasn't on the electoral roll. The item was bought and paid for - I could collect - but their records said I was not registered to vote and so could not have delivery. They made me tell them the names of my two next door neighbours and then agreed to deliver.

I've also been questioned over a postcode that 'didn't exist' (different address) returning something to Argos.

GuillotinedMaryLacey · 21/10/2011 19:44

I took a faulty footmuff back to Mothercare after many months and with no receipt. They traced the purchase through my card number.

madmomma · 21/10/2011 19:44

This really pisses me off too. They always ask in Mamas and Papas and look massively affronted when I won't give it to them. Cheeky bastards!

ivykaty44 · 21/10/2011 19:46

I sat on a bench in a busy shopping street last week whilst waiting for my dd2. The man sat next to me gave all his bank detaisl to a charity worker as she wanted donations on a weekly basis and from his bank account....

I did wonder why a man int he street would think it was ok to give his bnk detaills to 2 complete strangers (me and the agency worker) in the street and if his bank would be happy about this type of behaviour?

I didn't take his details - but there are many that would think twice

GrendelsMum · 21/10/2011 19:48

I smile sweetly and say, 'no, that's okay thanks'. They are too baffled to ask further.

I have quizzed people on their use of Sensitive Personal Data before now [evil]

Mandy2003 · 21/10/2011 19:51

Oooh heck Sue at my previous address when I wasn't on the electoral roll I couldn't have named my neighbours!

I am pretty certain "chuggers" (charity muggers) discourage more donations to charity overall than they ever gain.

Karmann · 21/10/2011 19:59

2wwmadness - that's exactly what it's for. It amazes me how uppity people get about it when their house number or name is not asked for. I'm having to ask this question at work at the moment and I hate it (it's only for a month though.)

As another poster said, it does not single out a property - spare a thought for the cashier that is having to ask - we don't enjoy it and you will not be bombarded with mail!