Do I HAVE to give my home address to shops when I return something?

[stillbobbysgirl]

When I return something to a shop under thier returns policy (28 days/receipt etc), they print me out a new receipt and ask for my name, address and signature.

I really don't want to do this and suspect it is for marketing purposes and nothing to do with legallity. In the shop this happened in today, I ask why I was obliged to do this, but girl in shop could not tell me.

What I usually do is write down a made up address, but can I refuse altogether and they still have to do the refund?

Dont know but that annoys me too so am watching with interest.

Also when in Mamas and Papas they take your postcode when you buy something. do you have to give it and why????

I never give it

In mothercare they had to call the manager over when I refused

I got my money back

I generally do this as I would think it gives the shop a trail to discourage:

'Friend' of bent assistant stealing top and buying one as well.

'Friend' bringing in extra top for cash refund from bent assistant.

(Or variations on that theme. )

I don't feel I've ever been marketed at by doing this.

I thought it was money laundering regulations..

buy something with dodgy cash, return it and get cash that is not dodgy.

I've had this when I've exchanged something as well - I find it very intrusive and not one assistant has ever been able to tell me why they need my details. Surely they realise that hardened shoplifters are just going to lie anyway? (Not suggesting that you are one OP!)

They don't take my personal details when I buy something with cash, why do they need it when I'm returning or exchanging something?

I've often wondered about this and usually give a false address

I always give a false address. And name, if I've paid cash.

Your sincerely,

Mrs O. Blimey,
47 Elephant Parade,
Piddleville,
Cheeseminster,
Essex.

If you scrawl badly enough you can write anything you like.

Its just that the managers don't trust the staff on the tills - it would be quite easy for them to get money out of the till saying it was for a refund, without anything to corroborate that. If you/they have at least had to give some details, it makes it harder for the shop staff to fiddle the till.

The managers probably also don't explain to their staff that's what its for, which is why they just look blank when you ask them

Yes this all figures actually. I suppose years ago every price ended in 99p so the staff HAD to put it through the till, this is the modern day equivilant perhaps?

No, you don't have to give your address if you don't want to.

Right. Next time I'm asked I'm going to refuse to give it to them. Will report back

Actually, you have all raised my consciousness here. I can't believe I roll over and do this , very unlike me. So I am also now going to make up something.
Thank you for reminding me of my duties!

If you buy or rent a TV you are obliged to give your name and address. That is for TV licensing purposes.

I hate this practice. I usually give in as for the last few years have had either a baby, toddler or both with me but I vow to stand my ground in future.

I get very jittery about personal data collection. I can't even buy a sodding coffee without being asked if I want loyalty card which inevitably collects data.

So I am deciding what to write in future :

Mrs Invisible
13 Nonexistant Lane
Nowhere Town
XX1 WHO

I always write micky mouse Florids .

You could say "I have just moved and i don't know my address yet"

Loyalty cards - "I have left it at home"

Chuggers - "I already donate"

A man at PC World refused to sell me a printer unless I told him my address! Despite my arguing, he wouldn't sell it, so I had to go to another shop.

I think asking for your address over a refund is so that they can check whether the refund actually occurred. As others have said, it's to try to prevent theft and fraud amongst their staff.