Posted on 06/27/2013 2:12:21 PM PDT by Altariel
Why do merchants sometimes ask us for our ZIP code when we buy something?
I recently visited the Mob Museum in Las Vegas, an interesting addition to Sin City’s attractions. I paid my admission with a credit card, prompting the museum ticket seller to ask me: “What’s your ZIP code?”
When I paused for a moment, she added: “It’s for marketing purposes.”
As much as I had heard good things about the museum, I was unlikely to return soon as I live far from Las Vegas, so I was not anxious to receive subsequent marketing. She said it was okay not to give the ZIP code, and then addressed me by name in wishing me a good visit.
Jo Anna Davis remembers one ZIP code request that did not end well. A California victim of domestic violence who works at a group to help other victims, she guards her privacy carefully. Over the years she became a loyal customer of Ulta, the beauty care company. On one occasion she purchased a skin care kit which caused an unpleasant reaction. She brought the kit back to the store for a refund, and the clerk asked for Davis’ ZIP code to process the transaction.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
OK - I’ll give them a made up zip code next time.
Pleeze....your zip code doesn’t give away your name. It’s a mood thing for me. It is indeed for marketing. It’s how we got a Staples in our area!! And it’s great.
I give stores the wrong zip code.
A couple of months ago, I bought a shop vac at Lowes. I paid for it with a debit card and she asked for my zip code.
I hesitated and she assured me they never give my private info out. I went ahead and gave it to her but I suspect I probably should have kept it tho they probably get all they want from my card anyway.
Another reason. Many gas stations ask for zip code when you use a credit card. Get the card number, get the zip, get free gas...
My address? Why it’s 1061 W. Addison Chicago, IL 60609. I wonder what the Cubs do with all those Radio Shack circulars.
I give the most patriotic ZIP in teh USA, 01776. It’s somewhere in Massachusetts.
Each time give them the zip code for the most rundown, ghetto-y, gang infested armpit part of town. Do it enough times and they’ll be stupid enough to build a store there.
Too late. All of the stores around here have my zip code.
I can understand why anyone wouldn’t want their name, address, and buying habits on a company database. Possibly one day this information could be misused.
But, for now, in return for a zip code, the stores are just sending coupons and special offers to customers for the things they like to buy.
I don’t consider myself an immature man, but one of the silliest things I do is give them the zipcode- ‘58008’ .. which every grade school boy who has played with a calculator knows is ‘boobs’ upside down... some times it’s the little chuckles that help us make it through.
I’m not buying that 100% hit rate. I know there’s over 100 people in my city with my name (and that’s from the phonebook, who knows how many unlisted), some of them are bound to live in my zip, so matching the two won’t necessarily get me.
I don’t get the people who have to make a scene about it. If you don’t want to give out your zip lie. I lie about my phone number almost everywhere. Takes less time, frustrates everyone less, lowers blood pressure.
I use zip codes to tell if my marketing efforts are working and to prioritize my limited advertising dollars. They also give me a rough idea of income levels of my customers when matched with census data. There is absolutely no way that I can breach privacy with a zip. It’s a harmless request.
I can however purchase significant amounts of your personal information from a credit bureau if you use a credit card.
the only way to protect your privacy from marketers is to pay cash.
Sudbury, MA. Then there is SCHENECTADY NY 12345. But I still like Adak, Alaska 99546 the best.
If only it were just the zip code. There’s a store near me that refuses the sale if you won’t provide your phone number.
I think if you give them the wrong zip code then they won’t approve your credit card. Now if you pay in cash that probably won’t be a problem giving out your wrong zip code, but if you are buying gas and give another zip code, they will decline the card saying that it is not the billing zip code.
I guy I know who lived in L.A. told me a whole lot of people always use 90210 cause they’re vain enough to want everyone to think they’re from Beverly Hills (even though they’re not)
Sudbury.
Around here they ask for area code. I give them the area code of a place I haven’t lived for 20 years.
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