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

[TheDisneyGirl02]

No, I never give my number if they ask.

The reason I don't give it is because the minute you actually give them your number, you have just voided the no-call list for them and all their affiliates. Since you gave them your number, they can call you as much as they want.

My number is in the phone book. If they want it so badly, they can look it up. But they can't place any marketing calls because they are bound by the no call list.

All of the retailers that I know of who ask for phone numbers do so to send out coupons. The phone number isn't used for calling, it's used to track the address so that coupons can be sent to your house. I know for a fact that were I used to work that when we collected phone numbers it was only used for coupons and not for marketing calls. I know this because I made many purchases (and gave my home number each time) and never received a marketing call. The only calls that I received were politcal and charities wanting donations and they are both exempt from the Do Not Call List.

The collection of zip codes can be very valuable to businesses too because it can tell if the marketing techniques are hitting the proper people and where the organization should be advertising.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

All of the retailers that I know of who ask for phone numbers do so to send out coupons. The phone number isn't used for calling, it's used to track the address so that coupons can be sent to your house. I know for a fact that were I used to work that when we collected phone numbers it was only used for coupons and not for marketing calls. I know this because I made many purchases (and gave my home number each time) and never received a marketing call. The only calls that I received were politcal and charities wanting donations and they are both exempt from the Do Not Call List.

The collection of zip codes can be very valuable to businesses too because it can tell if the marketing techniques are hitting the proper people and where the organization should be advertising.

Even if they only want it for coupons, I will still not give them my number because at that point I have given them permission to call me. They may not have a marketing program going at that time, but what if 6 months down the road? And this is not just for that particular store, but you have now given permission to be contacted by corporate and their affiliates.

Nope - if they need my number they can let their fingers do the walking.

I have enough calls from political and charitable factions. I get at least 4 "we will have a truck in your area" calls a day.

I certainly am not going to grant permission to businesses to call me, no matter how remote it is that they would actually call.

 

[SiAmCrAzY]

I do, mostly out of peer pressure though. When I am in a hurry I do resent the fact that I have to give them so much information just to buy a basic item. In the end it is easier for me to give them my zip code, Phone #, email address and just be done with it. If you refuse they act like they can no longer proceed with the transaction . Victoria's secret is one of the worst they ask for your phone # and your email. Really I am buying underwear, not trying to finance a car So far I have NEVER received a phone call. I do however get coupons in the mail for free items! I can understand tracking purchases for returns or coupons, but I am curious if they use the information they collect for anything else.

 

[MushyMushy]

All of the retailers that I know of who ask for phone numbers do so to send out coupons. The phone number isn't used for calling, it's used to track the address so that coupons can be sent to your house. I know for a fact that were I used to work that when we collected phone numbers it was only used for coupons and not for marketing calls. I know this because I made many purchases (and gave my home number each time) and never received a marketing call. The only calls that I received were politcal and charities wanting donations and they are both exempt from the Do Not Call List.

The collection of zip codes can be very valuable to businesses too because it can tell if the marketing techniques are hitting the proper people and where the organization should be advertising.

That's what the cashier told me at Toys R Us, but we still got a phone call days later.

 

[shortbun]

I have an old cell phone number that I give out.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Even if they only want it for coupons, I will still not give them my number because at that point I have given them permission to call me. They may not have a marketing program going at that time, but what if 6 months down the road? And this is not just for that particular store, but you have now given permission to be contacted by corporate and their affiliates.

Nope - if they need my number they can let their fingers do the walking.

Except, they don't have your name. Pointless to walk their fingers through anything.

As for the 'someday possible maybe' marketing call, nine simple words: "Please put me on your do not call list".

I have enough calls from political and charitable factions. I get at least 4 "we will have a truck in your area" calls a day.

I know political calls are exempt from the DNC list, but wasn't aware they have trucks in any area for any reason. I wasn't aware charities are exempt, though.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have an old cell phone number that I give out.

"Old" as in you still have the phone and number but don't use them any longer? Or "old" as in a number no longer assigned to you?

If it's the latter - and not picking on the quoted poster - why do people feel it's acceptable to inconvenience the CURRENT owner of one's former phone number? Those numbers don't simply go into some black hole, never to be seen again. They get reassigned to newer customers.

Why is it acceptable to lie to the store to avoid inconveniencing oneself, but fine to give the store somebody else's active number?