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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Being asked for surname, initial and title in shops

58 replies

youbuggerz · 01/07/2014 12:09

This is fast becoming my pet hate. i asked in Joules yesterday why and she said its because they like to see where their customers are coming from? Why do they need my name though?. Ive said no in White company and the lady got really huffy.

Do any of you guys say no?

OP posts:
MrsVamos · 01/07/2014 12:11

Yes.

Like to see where customers are coming from ?

You should have said "Venus".

SarahAndFuck · 01/07/2014 12:11

I've been asked for my postcode but not my name or title.

If I ever am asked for my title I'm going to say 'Queen'.

eurochick · 01/07/2014 12:12

I often say no. Unless it's a shop I particularly like and they want to send me special offers.

MrsWinnibago · 01/07/2014 12:13

I always say no. Some of them look Hmm but none have argued. I won't offer them ANY information. They're bloody info scroungers and it's all for their own research.

Idontseeanyicegiants · 01/07/2014 12:17

I saying, DH says either Dr or The Honourable. He is neither by the way. It makes for interesting junk mail..

Idontseeanyicegiants · 01/07/2014 12:19

Ahem. I say No.

pointythings · 01/07/2014 12:19

I haven't been asked, but I would say no. And tell them - sweetly - that I'm trying to cut down on junk mail.

BeanyIsPregnant · 01/07/2014 12:21

I've never been asked.. I clearly shop in the wrong places!

Original poster
youbuggerz · 01/07/2014 12:22

Mrsvamos Thats so funny- i should have said that shouldn't i? Thats brilliant, I will next time.

I am going to say "I don't want any junk mail".

I've just tweeted Joules to ask them and complain a bit.

OP posts:
Oldraver · 01/07/2014 12:31

I stupidly gave Monsoon my email as I dont mind hearing about special offers getting money off vouchers

I didnt realsie they would send at least one a DAY

MrsVamos · 01/07/2014 12:33

Awww, bless you !

I thought 'Queen' was good too.

You could also of course just make things up "Lady What Lunches" or whatever ! Follow up with a made up postcode and walk away while they panic because it doesn't come up on their system !

I get frustrated that they ask in shops, if you are interested, surely YOU would ask, or get online and join a mailing list ?

softlysoftly · 01/07/2014 12:35

I hate it! Personal biggest hatred for Mamas and Papas as their line is "so you can get a refund if needed".

No actually I can have a refund regardless you gits.

offtoseethewizard64 · 01/07/2014 12:37

I've only been asked for that info by certain shops if I have taken something back for a refund. I always assumed that was a way of preventing staff fraud.

Cavort · 01/07/2014 12:39

Mothercare keep asking for my email address every time I go in, which is less and less as their blatant info gathering for marketing purposes pisses me right off. They say it's so they can email a copy of the receipt in case you lose it. Anyone with half a brain can see it's actually so they can regularly spam your inbox. If I am ever in a situation where I need to give (what I think is unnecessary) info out I generally make some up.

ShineSmile · 01/07/2014 12:42

I always say no. Get enough junk mail as it is!

Lizzardface · 01/07/2014 12:44

Yadnbu!! Very off putting. What ever happened to privacy?

Original poster
youbuggerz · 01/07/2014 12:45

I've had that response in Mothercare too. But Ive got my bloody receipt ......and watch me, putting it into my purse.

OP posts:
Original poster
youbuggerz · 01/07/2014 12:48

Lizzardface, I know, I never used to be asked this in shops! I thought under data protection rules, they had to tell you where your data was going.

OP posts:
Rosa · 01/07/2014 12:53

No thank you - no need really as I live abroad
.- But you have a uk bank card

  • Thats because i have a Uk bank account-
  • well you must have a Uk address
  • That is none of your business ....... If i haddn't had the dds with me i would have said worse...

Now if i am with dh or the dds I speak loudly in a foreign language at the tills to avoid this.

ShineSmile · 01/07/2014 12:54

It is also annoying having to give your address in front of everyone! Surely it's not even safe ...

BumpNGrind · 01/07/2014 12:59

I have a friend who says that her name is Pocahontas. It's always really interesting to gauge the assistants reaction because they can never tell if she's fibbing or has a really unusual name.

CornChips · 01/07/2014 12:59

I once said 'Contessa de [name of my street] ' then stood over them to make sure they got the spelling right.

RedToothBrush · 01/07/2014 13:38

If they ask you for personal details they are technically obliged BY LAW to tell you the exact purpose of why they are collecting your details and whether they share that information, and if they do share for what purpose. They are no allowed to use it for purposes other than those they state. However very few companies seem to be aware of this. (Hello Lloyds Bank who should really know better.).

I have also had issues with Mothercare. I find them particularly aggressive. They do not give you unprompted information about why they want your details which they should.

Mothercare definitely aren't the only ones doing it. Being put on the spot like that, you tend to feel like you HAVE to give details though. If they question why you don't want to give details in a pushy or huffy way its technically illegal as it would fall under aggressive practices for trading standards because it is applying undue pressure and not accepting your refusal.

TBH I intend to complain about it more as its becoming so much more common.

DH was actually very disappointed last time we went into Mothercare as they didn't ask him for details and he was ready to launch into a rant on data protection and the law, asking for the manager, and generally being a massive pain in the ass after my last experience there!

AgaPanthers · 01/07/2014 13:43

Evans (bike shop) always ask for postcode. Really fucks me off.

ConcreteElephant · 01/07/2014 13:58

It's backfired for them with me as I pretty much avoid going in there anymore. I can't be doing with it. You can't give a polite 'no thank you' response either as it turns into the Spanish Inquisition and the atmosphere gets frosty...