Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Never Give Stores Your ZIP Code. Here's Why
Forbes ^ | June 19, 2013 | Adam Tanner

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 ...


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: axiom; business; forbes; illegaltodemand; legallynotrequired; privacy; supremecourtruling; tinfoilbrigade; ulta; zipcode; zipcodes
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-79 next last
To: Altariel

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. :-)


21 posted on 06/27/2013 2:28:35 PM PDT by BwanaNdege ("To learn who rules over you simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize"- Voltaire)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: PeevedPatriot

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


22 posted on 06/27/2013 2:31:30 PM PDT by GRRRRR (He'll NEVER be my President, FUBO! Treason is the Reason! Impeach the Kenyan)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: DBrow

Home of the First Indian War.


23 posted on 06/27/2013 2:32:41 PM PDT by ConservativeStatement ("World Peace 1.20.09.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: yarddog

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.


24 posted on 06/27/2013 2:32:52 PM PDT by NEMDF
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Altariel

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.


25 posted on 06/27/2013 2:34:32 PM PDT by ProudFossil (" I never did give anyone hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell." Harry Truman)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Altariel

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.


26 posted on 06/27/2013 2:34:52 PM PDT by Patriot365
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Buckeye McFrog

Ha! I always do that and I’ve never been to California.


27 posted on 06/27/2013 2:34:58 PM PDT by gop4lyf (Are we no longer in that awkward time? Or is it still too early?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: ProudFossil

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.


28 posted on 06/27/2013 2:37:09 PM PDT by ProudFossil (" I never did give anyone hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell." Harry Truman)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: PeevedPatriot

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)


29 posted on 06/27/2013 2:37:27 PM PDT by Salgak (http://catalogoftehburningstoopid.blogspot.com 100% all-natural snark !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: PeevedPatriot

I always give the fax number for the pizza shop I worked at in college.


30 posted on 06/27/2013 2:39:07 PM PDT by Orangedog (An optimist is someone who tells you to 'cheer up' when things are going his way)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: DBrow

It’s one of the most beautiful, patriotic zip codes in the country. You’d never know it was in current day MA.


31 posted on 06/27/2013 2:39:35 PM PDT by GreatRoad (O < 0)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Orangedog

I use “90120”.


32 posted on 06/27/2013 2:40:05 PM PDT by dfwgator
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 30 | View Replies]

To: DFG

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.


33 posted on 06/27/2013 2:40:33 PM PDT by CedarDave
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: Altariel
I thought when you use a "debit card" as a credit card the zip code is used as a security measure. If a (physical) card is stolen, not having the associated zip code would not allow it to be used.

I don't recall being asked for it for debit card transactions where a PIN is provided.

Guess I was wrong about this.
34 posted on 06/27/2013 2:44:06 PM PDT by BattleFlag (The right to self defense, one without which none others matter)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Buckeye McFrog

“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.


35 posted on 06/27/2013 2:45:17 PM PDT by ThomasThomas (If you keep your crayons in the box you can't color.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: PeevedPatriot

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.


36 posted on 06/27/2013 2:49:26 PM PDT by jeffc (The U.S. media are our enemy)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: BwanaNdege

Heh. You silly people think the government-run PRISM program is more thorough than marketers chasing a dollar? Really?

TC


37 posted on 06/27/2013 2:59:47 PM PDT by Pentagon Leatherneck
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: smokingfrog
OK - I’ll give them a made up zip code next time.

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.

38 posted on 06/27/2013 3:02:06 PM PDT by Leaning Right
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Altariel

I still remember when Radio Shack wanted your complete mailing address for them to complete the transaction.


39 posted on 06/27/2013 3:04:10 PM PDT by rawhide
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Sacajaweau

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.


40 posted on 06/27/2013 3:06:38 PM PDT by Altariel ("Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-79 next last

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.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson