When paying for an item the cashier asks for zip/postal code or name & address
By saundyl
@saundyl (9783)
Canada
June 6, 2008 1:19pm CST
The other day i purchased some jeans at Wearhouse One. It struck me as odd that they are asking for the purhcaser's name and phone number on purchase. What if the jeans aren't for you? and are they assuming that you're going to bring them back? It rather offends me that they want to know contact information when I'm just buying a pair of jeans.
I know another shop asks for the zip/postal code. This one doesn't strike me as quite as odd or offensive because they say this is so we know what area people are shopping from so we can send out regular flyer's to the correct areas. They offer a reason. I shop at one of theses stores regularly and I'm at the point where I just tell the they don't need my postal code as they have it in there 20 times already.
Do stores in you area do this? Does it bug you? Do you get tired of giving the information? (i have a friend who gives a zip code from Hawaii and we live in Canada)
1 person likes this
4 responses
@optimisticgrl23 (397)
• United States
6 Jun 08
I used to work at a retail store that prompted the cashier to ask for the customers zip code if they used a credit card. The purpose was so that the company could collect demographic data to determine where all of the shoppers were from. It helps companies determine where the best locations are to open new stores based on how many current customers live in that area. If a customer used the same credit card on another purchase, the computer did not ask for a zip code since it had already associated one with that card. I think the theory is used for getting telephone numbers but I do not understand why they would need your name.
@GardenGerty (169489)
• United States
6 Jun 08
I think this is a much better explanation than what I could give.
I knew they wanted the demographics, but I was not sure what for exactly.
I knew they wanted the demographics, but I was not sure what for exactly.1 person likes this
@bowtieguy (5915)
• United States
7 Jun 08
have shopped at a few places that do this so they can send out promos, They also use this to help keep track on inventory and assisting customers whenever they come in for something. I guess it dosen't make sense to do this if you are shopping for someone else.
1 person likes this
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
7 Jun 08
The promos i understand but.. How does it help them in assisting customers because they dont ask your name or data until AFTER you've paid for the items I'd be a tad annoyed if they tried selling me more items after i had paid for what i had chosen!
Thanks for responding.
@GardenGerty (169489)
• United States
6 Jun 08
Sometimes they ask for those things, sometimes they ask for telephone numbers, sometimes e-mails.
It is a way to track the demographics of their shoppers. I think it is funny that she gives a way off zip code, though.
It is kind of like being in the Wal Mart and Sam's club computers.
It is a way to track the demographics of their shoppers. I think it is funny that she gives a way off zip code, though. It is kind of like being in the Wal Mart and Sam's club computers.1 person likes this
@twallace (2675)
• United States
6 Jun 08
I know the few times that i have had that happen like with Radio Shack they will send sales papers and other things in your name. To your address that is all. Nothing strange from that though. That's minor stuff that not a problem to give out.
1 person likes this
