[woodsstalker]

I just returned from my weekly run to WalMart. Interesting turn of events. Normally I use my ATM Debit Card at check out but a few weeks ago I decided that when I was heavy on "Pantry Items" I would start paying by cash, as I did today. But, today, paying by cash, the cashier asked for my phone number - which they have never done when using the ATM card.

The interesting point was that when I provided a phone number, she looked at me and said "Army National Guard"? I told her yeah that we were having a picnic this week end. Apparently they have everyone's phone number on WalMart's computer system now and, looks like they are tracking purchases.

So, why would they be doing that?

 

[Watcher]

Why did you give her your phone number?!

They might just be doing it for market research, but i would be quite indignant if a cashier asked for my number. (assuming she wasn't just interested in getting to know you better )

 

[Chin]

They want to put you on a mailing list.

NEVER give your phone number and/or your ZIP code when paying. I have had cashiers have to call a manger because I would not provide this info at one store or another.

 

[Crash2]

Just give a bogus phone number and zipcode.

 

[hank2222]

give them jam jam-1-time and weather in maimi the number is 526 -5261 put your local prefix on the front of the out part .. ..or that used to be the number down there back in the early 90s time frame . ..as for the ziplock code ..use another town zip..

 

[RedWoods]

I surely would not give someone my phone number. If given even the slightest crap I would just leave my items and walk out! I have been asked for my zipcode at Harbor Freight and have given it because it gives them little info.

If I wasn't really ****ed off I would ask to speak to a manager. If they didn't make me happy and give up on such a intrusive practice I would email,write and complain to corporate headquarters.

You are the customer they entice into the store with advertising,not a slave to their whims. The store management should have that made very clear to them.

Red

 

[EddieApoc]

Haha I always give them the police stations phone number. I think the zipcode is just to figure out where they want to build stores. They obviously couldn't put you on the mailing list with just your zip code.

 

[querulous]

The interesting point was that when I provided a phone number, she looked at me and said "Army National Guard"? I told her yeah that we were having a picnic this week end. Apparently they have everyone's phone number on WalMart's computer system now and, looks like they are tracking purchases.

So, why would they be doing that?

interesting. i never give my phone number and i always give fake zips if they're being really persistent. that's information they don't need to know; information that can only be used against you (like you said, for tracking purchases in a database, for aggressive marketing/advertising, etc).

 

[Discordish]

I could care less about handing out my Zipcode but I never would give them my Phone #. Like stated above, unless the cashier was cute and just asking for her own use : - Then they dont get any of my personal info.

 

[Bobcat59]

I'd tell the person at the register to give me his/her phone number first. If that's personal info that they wouldn't want to give out why would they think I would want to?

 

[EddieApoc]

I'd tell the person at the register to give me his/her phone number first. If that's personal info that they wouldn't want to give out why would they think I would want to?

Hahah thats great. I'm definitely doing that next time. :thumb:

 

[OhioMan]

When they say Zip code

I say: 90210

When the say phone number

I say: 555-1212

 

[tadbitangelny]

Just give a bogus phone number and zipcode.

I agree with this philosophy I was once asked my phone number and told the clerk at JC Penny it's 555-555-5555 I don't think she was immpressed but then again I didn't care.

 

[punkwaffen]

They are mining for valid information. If asked for your number, tell them them no. They get upset, but thats the situation. I do not need to give my phone number for any reason.

 

[Crash2]

We should remember that the low paid part time cashier who must ask for this info is just as annoyed with it. Don't punish them, it's the management or worse, corporate management who demands your info. Complain to corporate.

 

[pearlselby]

I paid cash the other day at Walmart. No questions. I will go tomorrow and see what happens.

 

[Silver Survivor]

One the grocery stores I shop at issues a discount card that requires you to give your name and address, I played along and they sent me lots of really good coupons, plus I get a good discount everytime I shop there.

I just got a couple more coupons in the mail today, spend $30 get $3.00 off...what the heck, it's 10% off, I'll take it.

 

[sniperfx]

I was asked at lowes for my phone number and i politely declined. She said we have to ask everyone...-

 

[uncleben03]

Only give a number to the cashier if she's hot.

 

[pearlselby]

DJwayne,

Those cards are being tracked. I quit using mine at Kroger. I just pay cash and tell them I do not have a card. The card did save me a lot of money, but, my privacy is worth more.