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Wal-Mart decides not to accept plastic if you don't give marketing data. . .
Self ^
| 11/16/01
| Me
Posted on 11/16/2001 4:08:54 PM PST by Salgak
After a short day at work, I decided to take my family to the premiere of "Harry Potter". . . .and afterwards, my wife wanted to stop by the local Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. We get to the checkout, and since I didn't have my checkbook on me, I pulled out my faithful American Express card. The clerk rang my purchases up, then asked for my zip code. I asked her why it was needed, she said she didn't know. I then asked for a manager, and got one in a few minutes. She had no idea why it was requested, and as I wouldn't provide my sip code, she tried the store zip code. . .and the purchase was rejected, "wrong zip code".
We walked out of the store, leaving two carts full of merchandise behind us.
When we got home, I called AmEx: they hadn't even gotten a ping on the account today. Obviously, the culprit was Wal-Mart. Why do they need my Zip code ? The obvious, but unmentioned answer, is marketing demographics. Needless to say, I've filed a complaint against Wal-Mart with AmEx, and also talked with Wal-Mart Corporate Customer Service, who knew nothing about it either.
I thought I'd seen it all, but apparentely not: it appears that if you don't want to give them marketing data, then Wal-Mart doesn't want your credit or charge cards. . . .
TOPICS: Business/Economy; Editorial
KEYWORDS:
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1
posted on
11/16/2001 4:08:55 PM PST
by
Salgak
To: Salgak
Hats off to thee for walking out of that dunghill (Wal-Mart).
To: Salgak
Best Buy does it, Radio Shack does it, credit card or cash.
3
posted on
11/16/2001 4:14:20 PM PST
by
katze
To: Salgak
Their tactics are downright UN-American!
4
posted on
11/16/2001 4:14:28 PM PST
by
AriFan
To: Salgak
The only time I've seen this done is when there's consideration of opening a store in another location or deciding where to send mailings. They use the zip code information to see how far their actual customers are coming to the story. However, I can't recall any major businessness doing this. Of course, Radio Shack asks for everything but a DNA sample. Sears is not much better, IIRC.
To: BrucefromMtVernon
They probably don't know your zip code... I give them a different one each time with no problem. :-)
6
posted on
11/16/2001 4:14:50 PM PST
by
JSteff
To: Salgak
Good job. Sounds like an urban legend, but I don't doubt it.
To: Salgak
zip codes are used to help verify the validity of the card holder. To prevent fraud, the street address or the PO box (just the number) is checked along with the OTH do not match, it's an indication the transaction is fraudulent. This is more prevalent with mail order, but oit's a prudent practice for any merchant. It's the business that gets screwed on a fraudulent transaction, not AMEX or the cardholder. Get used to it.
8
posted on
11/16/2001 4:15:29 PM PST
by
halley
To: Salgak
The explanation I've gotten is that they use the information to determine where to put new stores. I get around it by giving my zip code at work.
To: newzjunkey
Circuit City is pretty bad about personal info too
To: Salgak
Did you like Harry Potter?
11
posted on
11/16/2001 4:16:15 PM PST
by
uvular
To: Salgak
Beside that, how was Harry Potter?
12
posted on
11/16/2001 4:16:54 PM PST
by
Cagey
To: Salgak
zip codes are used to help verify the validity of the card holder. To prevent fraud, the street address or the PO box (just the number) is checked along with the zip code. If Either do not match, it's an indication the transaction is fraudulent. This is more prevalent with mail order, but it's a prudent practice for any merchant. It's the business that gets screwed on a fraudulent transaction, not AMEX or the cardholder. Get used to it.
13
posted on
11/16/2001 4:17:13 PM PST
by
halley
To: Salgak
I have no idea really, but could it be a security measure.
I use an online payment service if I buy or sell something on ebay.
If the buyer's shipping address, does not match the zip and address of their credit card, the company notifies me, and asks if I want to accept payment from an unverified card (i.e. the shipping and billing address doesn't match.)
Maybe Walmart'and Amex share a database that check's your zip against your AMEX card info.
Seems like a great way to stop stolen credit cards from being used.
14
posted on
11/16/2001 4:17:20 PM PST
by
dawn53
To: Salgak
The zip code must match the billing address. Try ordering something online from a sophisticated merchant with a credit card and have it delivered to an address other than your billing one. You, of course, have the right to carry on in a silly manner in public. That's what's great about America.
To: Salgak
Use the system against em! I carry the Zip codes of some incredibly obscure areas in my wallet for just such purposes. Just think about the marketing data that shows I drove all the way from Talkeetna Alaska to New London Wisconsin to buy batteries, condoms, super glue, duct tape, and a bible!
Have fun with that stuff man!
16
posted on
11/16/2001 4:17:33 PM PST
by
blackdog
To: katze
Yeah, but I was just at Radio Shack yesterday, and when they asked, I said, "Hey, this is just a cash sale!" The clerk said, "Okay, your name is Johnny Cash."
He took my money... not the same system as at WalMart. Good thing too, as I am familiar with Johnny Cash's hit "Ring of Fire." (Verbal only, of course.)
To: Salgak
Do you ever use those coupon cards all the grocery stores have? It's the biggest marketing scam yet. To get a card, you have to fill out an application, name, address, phone, etc. They won't cash checks without them. Also, they are used to track all your purchases. They know everything you buy and all your purchasing habits. I don't know for sure, but I'll bet they also sell this information to others.
18
posted on
11/16/2001 4:18:16 PM PST
by
WIMom
To: Salgak
It some cases, the zip code can be used to verify your credit card. IOW if some thief steals your card, he has to know your zip code.
You left two carts over a zip code?
To: halley
It's the business that gets screwed on a fraudulent transaction, not AMEX or the cardholder. Get used to it.
Thanks for point that out. Some people think the UN is behind everything.
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