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 ...
Our closest Harbor Freight store was over an hour’s drive away. After several years of GIVING my zip code, Harbor Freight decided to open a store here.
Not saying that I’ve bought enough on my own to get this done, but every bit helps.
Folks, there is only so much paranoia a person can hold, so I save mine for the essential stuff. :-)
Yeah, it’s the darn phone number requirement.
Was at Lowes.
Asked for phone number.
I declined, they said we must have it.
We went around for a bit.
I gave them my phone.
They entered it into the ‘puter.
Came up as a local restaurant.
More delays, supervisors et al couldn’t figure out the problem.
I looked at the ‘puter screen.
WRONG NUMBER entered, they switched two digits in the exchange...
I hate Lowes and Home Despot.
END
Home of the First Indian War.
I think Lowe’s once said they can track the transaction back with your zip code and/or phone #, so for example, if you have a return or exchange but no receipt, they can look it up again. I don’t know if this is true.... just something they told us once.
Our local Lowes asks for the zip code. She enters it into the register after the card has been swiped and I have assumed the software checks it against the actual record at the bank for verification. Several of the gas stations have the same thing. I doubt the marketing because they already have you shopping at that location. What difference does it make if you are 87104 or 87106? That is a difference of about 1/4 mile where I live. If I had 87450 (I do not know if there is such a one) then I live at some distance from the store so I guess they would not advertise in the local newspaper. Anyway here is to free enterprise.
Just give them 5 zeros for the zip code and 10 zeros for the phone number. If that is not enough then I walk out of the store and they can restock the shelves with what I left on the checkout counter.
Ha! I always do that and I’ve never been to California.
And besides, the IRS, NSA, EPA, and ??? already know where you are, how you are, what you are buying, where you are buying, when you are buying, what you didn’t buy, your mother-in-law’s maiden name, the license plate number on the car you drove today, your 3rd oldest kid’s GPA, the color of your Irish Setter dog, how many scorpions are living on your property, when the last time you went to the bathroom, how many shotgun shells you own, the make of your bbq grill, etc., etc., etc.
When they require a phone number give them this one:
202-456-1414
Thanks to the NSA, they have all the data on you they’ll ever need, so why not direct them to the source ??? (evil grin)
I always give the fax number for the pizza shop I worked at in college.
It’s one of the most beautiful, patriotic zip codes in the country. You’d never know it was in current day MA.
I use “90120”.
Self-serve gas pumps require it when purchasing with a credit card and before approval authorization. I suspect it’s to prevent stolen or lost cards from being used to purchase fuel.
“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”
I see to other possibilities..
They are smart and want the person to know that they are giving a bogus number.
They are stupid don’t know their zip code so they use the one on TV.
The point to remember here is that unless you want to be a jerk don’t take it out the the clerk, they didn’t choose to ask these question. Just lie, most churches will give you a pass on the 9th commandment on this one.
I wonder what they do if you tell them you don’t have a phone. I’m currently without one, but I’d still tell them ‘no’ if they asked for it.
Heh. You silly people think the government-run PRISM program is more thorough than marketers chasing a dollar? Really?
TC
May I suggest 99705? That's the zip code for North Pole, Alaska. It would be particularly effective if you just happen to have a white fluffy beard.
I still remember when Radio Shack wanted your complete mailing address for them to complete the transaction.
If it’s not a big deal to give it, it should be equally “not a big deal” for stores to accept your decision to decline.
And not lock a customer inside the store for refusing to provide it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.