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In the Race
Now, here, you see, it takes all the blogging I can do to keep in the same place. If I want to get somewhere else, I must blog twice as fast as that! You see, I'm in the Red Queen's Race...
Phone Number, Zip Code, and now Intent?
By Janet Evans
Friday, May 9 2008, 08:25 PM
I don’t know how you feel about it, but when I venture out to a store and I am checking out, I would just like to purchase my item(s) and be on my way.
With the creation of the “check card” it has really made it a convenience to not have to carry large sums of money around for shopping purposes. It used to be people would never think of “charging” groceries or general items they purchased. And, at times, if you would write a check, you would be frowned at by those in line behind you, so I always had as much of mine written out as possible before I made it up to the store clerk.
Now it is commonplace to use a check card since it is being drawn directly from your account. The only problem I have with those cards is that sometimes I feel like I am the employee since I have to go through so many steps in using the store’s machinery.
In the past couple of years, when you go to a sales clerk, even if you are paying cash, you seem to get the third degree. “May I have your phone number?” What is your zip code?” “May I have your email address so you can receive sales ads?” “Would you like to save 10% today by opening up a charge account [that will charge you 28%APR] with our store?” “Do you have any coupons?” “Do you want to donate any money to [blah, blah, blah]?”
I once went into a Radio Shack to purchase some batteries, with cash, and they wanted my name, address and phone number to enter into their computer. For what? I was paying cash...for batteries. I wasn't applying for a job.
Now, “Helen,” from Maryland, had a new question asked of her while she was going through a self-checkout at Home Depot:
Read Helen’s short story on the Consumerist ç here
I know the phone number is used to locate your address, so the store will start mailing you flyers.
Your zip code is a marketing tool to see where a store may want to build in a new location.
But you know what?
I don’t want to answer those questions, or any of the other ones either.
And I feel sorry for the clerks who must ask them over and over all day long.
I wouldn't say that in Home Depot's case it's Big Brother at work.
I'd say it's the consumer being put to work, not only at Home Depot, but at all of these stores.
It was bad enough when all we had to be worried about while shopping was an overly aggressive, too helpful sales clerk.
Most (not all) people must find time in their busy schedules for shopping.
Products are expensive.
Shopping isn't much of a pleasure anymore.
Of course it's wonderful when you find what you want and you are happy about that.
But if you are like me, you don't want the annoyance of being asked all of these questions.
It's a big turn off, and I don't believe Helen is the first, nor will she be the last consumer who has decided not to shop at an establishment rather than be forced to answer unecessary questions.
You can bet I'm not answering them....
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