Being asked for surname, initial and title in shops

[youbuggerz]

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?

Perhaps a flat no would be better.

If the assistants get funny then I'll make a complaint or say 'there is no need to get funny about it'.

FFS yy to mamas and papas with their bullshit 'refund' excuse.
Also sodding Jo Malone - if you want to send me things, please make it money off vouchers NOT some bloody photo album of wear I could use your products.
I used to meekly just give my details but now stand my ground and refuse. I hate feeling so petty but I just don't want to be bombarded with their crap. And that's what it's for.

Would it work to say airily "oh no, I don't do mailing lists" - with a beatific expression as if you are above all of that sort of thing and CERTAINLY don't need their discounts?!

Actually following that thread a couple of weeks back, the next time they ask for any details I'm just going to say "no thank you, I chose love" and smile at them.

Can we take your postcode?
No thank you, I chose love

Now I have to go to that pit of all evil known as Brantano's, just to guarantee being asked by somebody. They always want to know postcodes and email addresses

It's backfired for them with me as I pretty much avoid going in there anymore.

Likewise. I don't think they realise how much it pisses off customers.

Last time I was in White Stuff they said they used it to keep you "account" active so you keep getting catalogues etc.

I don't really mind to be honest but it can be annoying when you know you're already on their mailing list. I may just say no next time.

I've asked joules why on twitter. Silence.

Matalan and Iceland both ask for your 'card'.... Like a club card thing. Matalan get really pushy if you haven't got it and insist on your postcode before the transaction goes through!

Are all these places asking for your info when you buy stuff or just when you need to return it? I don't think I've been asked before apart for refunds.

I never give any details, unless I'm having something delivered.I just politely refuse.
I go in, I exchange goods for cash and that's the end of it as far as I'm concerned.

iloveham I've often been asked on purchase, though the practice seems to be dying out a little now.

Bravissimo refused to sell me a bra unless I provided details of name and address. I refused - got the same bra in John Lewis and have never visited Bravissimo since.

I say no too.

if Sweatty Betty ask you, do give it to them, because they give you a shiny pink card and 10% extra off sale goods and free exercise classes / running club. Hurrah for Sweatty Betty. YOu do get a few emails in return, but it's a fair trade.

I've only ever been asked for this by make-up companies like MAC and Urban Decay. In their cases, it's so they can store information on the products you buy and the shades (e.g. of foundation) so you can check next time if you forget or whatever, which I think is a good idea.

However, I wouldn't give it to a shop where there's no benefit for me.

We don't get this here in Chile, yet. They do ask for ID number but only if you have a loyalty card.

Sounds like a bloody nightmare when all you want and need is to buy something. I'll use Rosa's trick next time I'm in the UK.

at Contessa Name Of Road

My ex insisted to various marketeers he was called Isaac Hunt.

The word which comes to mind is NO.

Shops asking for your address when you get a refund is different, the receipt you fill in gets saved for the accountant, not for marketing.

Supposedly, it means the shop assistant can't sell you something, wait for you to leave, process a refund for the item and pocket the money you paid for it (the item would later be put down as stolen when someone noticed it was missing at a stock check).
Not that the shop assistant couldn't just make up an address anyway.

Can I have your first initial?

No, have my second, it's A.

Can I have your last name?

No, but you can have Lord Vaders.

Can I ask where you are from?

Yes.

So where are you from?

My mum.

Usually they give up and not bother putting details on. I can be a dick sometimes.

Smilesandpiles- excellent!!!!

I get that from White Stuff too, the 'keeping your account active' - that really doesn't wash with me.

I also get 'it's so we can target your offers more effectively' - to which I say how? You only sell clothes. It's not like they are a department store and notice that I only ever buy wool so stop sending me cheese grater vouchers...

I think for refunds the company likes to have your address and postcode etc as an audit trail which is useful in instances of fraud also because they can trace transcations and it makes things easier.You can refuse though.

I took out a magazine subscription in the name of my cat, with Professor as the title. They've obviously sold our data on as my poor cat is now being bombarded with junk mail.

I normally refuse to answer, but if I'm feeling particularly generous I tell them I'm The Honourable Dr Sefton Jellylegs III MP and give them the wrong postcode. I never give out my email, I tell them I haven't got one.