Do you give your phone number out to stores that ask?

[MushyMushy]

I'm starting to feel like a phone number nazi. Whenever I go to a store that asks for my number before they check me out, I *politely* tell them "Sorry, I don't give my number out" and at times it'll send the cashier into a tizzy.

Am I the only one?

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I do the same. Seems to really confuse people!

 

[AKL_Megs]

I'm starting to feel like a phone number nazi. Whenever I go to a store that asks for my number before they check me out, I *politely* tell them "Sorry, I don't give my number out" and at times it'll send the cashier into a tizzy.

Am I the only one?

I don't either. Why do they need it? Seriously.

If they "insist", I usually give them my DH's old cell phone number from our previous provider, and if they insist and are RUDE, I give them something like, "555-1515"

 

[Shyvioletisme]

hmm. I don't think I've ever been asked for my phone number at a store I get asked for my email address to get sent coupons and I gladly give that out...but never been asked about my phone number...sometimes a zip code, but I don't mind giving that out either.

 

[tazdev3225]

I do. My DD worked at a store that asked for it. The reasoning is that they can send circulars, coupons and other offers to your house that way. If it's a store that I don't frequent often I just say it's unlisted and have no problems with the cashiers. They are just doing their job.

 

[npmommie]

No I never give out my phone number, sometimes depending on my mood, I give a fake one, if the cashier is pushy about it.

 

[liamsaunt]

I get asked for my number all the time but have never had a cashier be confused or upset when I say no. They want your number so they can add you to their mailing lists for catalogs and coupons. I do most of my shopping online so get enough much junk mail as it is, I don't want any more!

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

no

 

[Philagoofy]

Only if he is really good looking.

 

[DisneySaver28]

I usually decline as well (unless it's a store that has my number on file with my rewards card or something like that). Like a PP, if they cashier gets nasty about it, I'll give them a obviously fake 555-5555 type number. I'll say 5-5-5-fifty five-fifty-five, and the cashier will enter it without second guessing.

 

[DizBelle]

Yes but we give out our home land line number which we don't use. The only reason we have it is DSL and alarm. We don't answer that line (unless the alarm went off and it is most likely the alarm company).

 

[luvmy3]

I'll give them an 800 number

 

[caborst]

Some stores also use your phone number for returns. If you do not have your receipt but have given your phone number, your purchase price can be retrieved that way.

 

[Darsa]

Heck no, I'm another who'll politely decline to give my phone number.

I have been confounded before, though, by people who get all offended when the clerk asks them for their ZIP CODE. What, exactly, do people think the cashier's gonna do with their zip code???

 

[LuvLDM]

No, never and it irritates me when they ask.

 

[allison443]

I'll be the rebel and say I do give my phone number at Bath and Body Works, because they send me great coupons!
Also at Lowes/Home Depot because of what another poster said, for returns.

My phone number is listed anyway.

 

[Imzadi]

I don't either. Why do they need it? Seriously.

If they "insist", I usually give them my DH's old cell phone number from our previous provider, and if they insist and are RUDE, I give them something like, "555-1515"

Yes, I give them A number. It just doesn't happen to be a working one. Easier than going through the hassle. Same with zip code. I may give them one from where I used to live. Stores really don't need this info. People have bought, sold, traded & bartered for millennia without this info. I have a right to shop without being "followed" after with sales ads & coupons I didn't agree to. When I leave the store, the transaction ENDS.

I do the same when shopping online. If I'm giving an email address and they are sending confirmation of the transaction, if there is a problem with the order, they can certainly send another email about it. They don't need my number to call me.

 

[Took]

I do the same. Seems to really confuse people!

I always answer "No" to the phone and email requests. Period. They have no right to ask, imho.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I give it at CVS because I never have my card. Ditto for Borders discount club.
Supermarkets don't ask.
Most of the rest of my shopping is online. Probably I have given those businesses my phone number, in the normal course of ordering.

I figure, my phone is for MY convenience. I choose not to answer it, most of the time.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, I give them A number. It just doesn't happen to be a working one. Easier than going through the hassle. Same with zip code. I may give them one from where I used to live.

Respectfully, you don't have ANY idea if that's a working number or not. What's the point of inconveniencing a stranger who, through NO fault of their own, has been assigned your old phone number? Just refuse to give ANY number to the store that asks.