Sensible people have the number to a local escort service memorized for just such occasions.

Give them a fax number, so whoever calls gets a loud whine in the ear. And memo to Walter -- listing an escort service as your home number -- with anyone -- is not that great an idea.

Already hating Best Buy, my response would have been "Fine. Give me my money back."

Fake phone number. That's all it takes. You can even make it obvious. My area code is 594 so I add 9999 to it. Easy.

Maybe you could give them the number to the local Circut City?

I have some experience with this between Fry's, Best Buy, and Target.

The key line is, "are you arresting me?" If the answer is no, walk away. If the answer is yes, call the police and have them arrested for false arrest. That particular law is especially effective in California...

-Gene

If they won't take "no," (the closest BB to my house has given up on this), then "555-1234" and a random address.

"Why, yes, I just moved."

Back in the old days of Radio Shack, when they pulled this nonsense, I used to give them a fake number and the home address of the head of Tandy Corporation.

Daleb7, ain't no way they're getting my name, much less my phone number.

I gave up the fight and now just rattle off some fake number. Sometimes if I rattle it off too fast, they don't get it all and ask me to repeat it. I've already forgotten it, so I have to make up a new one. This confuses both of us, but what are they going to do, call the number to verify?

I did have to stop in a Radio Shack last week, and it was the first time in many years that the cashier didn't grill me for my phone, address, name, rank, and serial number. She did try a lot of upselling though (cell phones & batteries).

Give them a 900 number

Now, maybe I am dating myself here...but, when confronted with this situation and you just want to get your stuff and get out of there, give them this phone number...

8675-309

I encourage everyone everywhere to use one zip code for the purpose of turning their shopping demographics data warehouse into a useless pile of magnetic dreck. Please feel free to use the very real and very easy to use zip code of 95678.

My Question to Best Buy is this- wouldnt it just be easier to do good work at a righteous price than to spend millions finding out what people want to buy and where they are coming from? I mean, its much simpler dontcha think?

Oh, and lets talk about the body cavity search you get on the way out after you buy something, theres dignity for ya, eh?

I'll be delighted to give you my personal phone number when you give me Best Buy's CEO's phone number.

64999 - IRS in KC

Or 90210

Our BB stopped asking for phone numbers. Now they ask - every single time - if I want a subscription to Sports Illustrated or Entertainment Weekly. It's gotten to the point (I go to BB every Tuesday) where I get to the cashier and just say NO before he/she can ask me.

I give my phone number to them freely and I've never had them call me nor send me junk mail.

I swear one of these days, you'll need two pieces of ID to spend cash.

Dave, by that time there won't BE any cash.

I used to work at a Radio Shack, back around '94, which I believe was supposed to be the height of their intrusiveness policy. However, the policy as it was explained to me at the time was to ask for the info, but if the customer said "No", we were to immediately accept that. I have a feeling that if RS employees were ever being ruder than that about getting the info, it was pretty much on their own volition - I was certainly never told not to take no for an answer. Quite the opposite.

Qwinn

At Wally World, I write out checks.
Not only do they have my personal information, they can immediately get their money and they know what I have purchased.

I don't need to ask them why. I already KNOW. What gripes me is the internet and spyware. I can be rude and nasty to someone I see, but how do you get rid of parasites like that?

I decline to give my phone number, but I'm usually polite about it - the clerk didn't make the policy, after all.

But when the clerk gives me attitude about it, then it's war. Want to really start an ice age? Ask for the clerk's number. "It's for my records. Trust me, I won't call you."

Idiots.

I encourage everyone everywhere to use one zip code for the purpose of turning their shopping demographics data warehouse into a useless pile of magnetic dreck. Please feel free to use the very real and very easy to use zip code of 95678.

Great. Now I'm going to be getting everyone else's "targeted marketing" junk mail to MY zip code (yes, it is 95678) thanks to Varifrank!

Thanks, Jerkweed! Next time give one from UC-Berkeley or San Francisco State University...

Grrr....

Tip of the hat to "Hatless," on reminding me of the laugh of the 20th Century: why the heck did Radio Shack ever need to take down my phone number and address when I bought batteries? I never even got a catalogue - which would have at least explained why I had to spend 5 minutes at the counter for a package of AAs. Weird at best.

For stores or for websites, I'll give zip code or area code, gender (they can usually guess this in stores), and year of birth. They can do legitimate things with aggregate demographic data (decide what to stock where, etc). Anything else is just being nosy, and I'll refuse or lie (depending on my energy level).

I've noticed that in a lot of stores if I refuse to give a phone number, the employee will type (111) 111-1111 or something similar.

Hm. Only time I've had to deal with this is at Big-5 Sporting Goods. They ask for ID if you buy certain kinds of ammo, which is legit, but then they ask for my zip code... my usual response is 98666. Most of the time, they realize it's not a real zip, but they type it in anyways.

I can understand them wanting to send their direct-mail to people who shop there, and they get points for not getting intrusive, but all they really have to know is my age (for ammo), and that my money is good.... and that's all I give them.

Other handy things to know: The SSN of one Richard Milhous Nixon is 567-68-0515. I do not suggest you give it to banks, employers, and other institutions that have a legitimate need for it... but nosy retailers building marketing databases are fair game.

We need to start a campaign to buy thousands of dollars worth of electronics and then walk out when they ask for our telephone numbers. Once management sees hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost sales, maybe they'll see the light.

Giving incorrect answers is much more effective. It will cost the company significant amounts of money to discover that they're being lied to.

Hell, I'm sure most people here are smart enough to make up a user name and email address at web registrations.

...hey witness protection program people. I manage a (Not BEST BUY)consumer electronics store. We send out discount coupons only at Christmas, do not sell our precious and hard-to-acquire list to anyone, and record your warranty in the system for you so when your stupid ass loses your receipt and has a problem in 9 months...we have a record of it by your *&^*ing phone number so you will shut the hell up about when you think you bought it and how you never had a problem at some other chain. Next thing you know, they'll call you to jury duty when you register to vote.

Hey, Gordon, here's a free clue: we don't want your help.

When I have a problem with something I bought (which is damn rare because I check the reviews to make sure it's not a POS before buying), I contact the manufacturer, not the retailer.

I'll make a deal with you- you can have my phone number when I get the direct number to your desk, or your home number.

Two words: "It's unlisted". Works every time.

In the incredibly rare instances an item is defective in 30 to 90 days *and* the item cost enough to make trying to get a refund worth the time and effort *and* I lose the receipt for the item, I know better than to bother the store for a refund / replacement / store credit.

Buying a pack of batteries and paying for them with cash shouldn't require an interrogation.

This must be "get pissed at Best Buy" week, because Kim du Toit has a lively discussion going on here.

I once was forced to show photo ID to get my money back for an item that I HAD PAID CASH FOR at a Petco.

Question: "Can we have your home phone number, please?"
My answer: "No." or "No, thanks, I prefer to be anonymous." I've never had a bit of trouble.
The usual response these days is very positive. I haven't noticed that Best Buy was all that pushy.

Years ago, I had a couple of people at Radio Shack said something like, "We really need to have a phone number." I always gave the polite answer like, "That's not going to happen." I was friendly but very firm, and the other side let it go. I suspect most cashiers had a number they used to key in that says, "I asked; they didn't tell."

I always gave a mangled version of my number to those foolish enough to ask, and yes I have like some of you had to repeat back a different number when they asked for it again. Zip code's, eh first 3 numbers are correct. Last time they did ask me at best buy if i wanted a "free subscription", thanks Ill pass, but nice try!

*Comming Soon* I.R fingerprinting with every purchase. Bastards.

C'mon, is giving out your phone number really that big a deal? No one has asked me since RadioShack stopped, but I always gave it out then, and I never got more than a couple of telemarketing calls then.

I understand it seems intrusive and is almost completely unecessary (although I like Gordon's explanation). Like Will said (but with the opposite conclusion), "life's too short for that crap." Just give 'em your number. Or don't, if that's what makes your nipples hard.

This will probably not get read since I got to this post late ... but

I wonder why Best Buy doesn't just buy this data from Visa/MC/AMEX. They have not only all of your address information, but a detailed history of everything you've ever purchased, not just from Best Buy, but also from Circuit City, and at what price you paid.

And if you read the fine print on your Visa statement, there's not much you can do about keeping this information private.

Which is why I use cash as much as possible. Nobody's business which movies I bought or what brand of washing machine I use.

Best Buy is the store that recently had a man arrested for paying with two dollar bills.

A tale of customer service, justice and currency as funny as a $2 bill

We have a distribution center nearby but no retail stores. Sounds like we're better off without it.

Best Buy (cursed be their name) has pissed me off far too many times, so I've gone on a one man crusade, actively chastising any and all that admit within my hearing distance to shopping at Best Buy (cbtn).

I've also found something very interesting since I stopped shopping at BB (cbtn): my discretionary spending has gone way, way down. No longer do I pick up CDs and DVDs on a whim and it has been at least a year since I purchased a PC game. Now, I'm forced to plan my DVD purchases in advance and thus am far more discerning in what gets my hard-earned dollars. It's actually quite liberating.

And remember, kids, Best Buy (cbtn) is the retail institution whose clerks are so braindead that they had a Baltimore-area consumer arrested for trying to pass "counterfeit" $2 bills.

Forget 'em, use Amazon and, when in a dire time crunch, Circuit City (if you must).

Yes, Matt, it is. There is NO reason EVER for a retailer to have this information. If you pay by card or check, they have your name. That's ALL they need. My standard procedure is always the same in these circumstances. I refuse to provide the information. The clerk/model/actor/waiter or whatever says that I "have to" give it. I say I do not. If he says one more word, I say clearly "this is a simple sales procedure. If you cannot do it, then BRING ME SOMEONE WHO CAN. I'LL WAIT." It works.

I act like I'm deaf. Cupping my ear, saying "what What WHat WHAT" at ever increasing volume. Then I ask them what the hell would I need a phone for? They almost never believe me but this little pantomime amuses the hell out me.

For Scott in CA, I am a retailer and i won't take your check or your credit card without ID. For your protection. It's called Identity Theft. Aside from that, you need to give your info when you return for a refund to make sure you were actually present, preventing fraud on the cashier's part. Other than that, don't give your info. If you say "No" and someone has a problem with that, see a supervisor. Just remember- that sixteen year-old kid is just doing what they are asked to do in return for probably less money an hour than what you probably spend in a day at Starbucks. So get over it, and try and by civil in your quest for ultimate privacy.

Scott - You may feel that there are no reasons for you to give out your phone number. Fine. I think Gordon gave several good reasons.

I'm having trouble coming up with reasons why I shouldn't give them my number. I don't think they're using this number for anything evil, my number is already publicly listed, and I don't get many telemarketer calls.

How many of you that refuse to give out your number use the discount card at the grocery store? I had to give them my phone number to get that. I guess I could have lied, but why?

I think ya'll are just paranoid and getting stressed out for no good reason.

Sandy Dee - I have no problem showing my ID when I write a check, which is almost never anymore since I use my debit card pretty much everywhere. A legit request for an ID is not a problem. But I see no reason that I must give a phone number to "prove" I was at the store. Look at the receipt! Almost all these big stores have receipts with the date and time, and often with a name or code of the clerk. That's ALL they need. I have never been refused a refund because I didn't give a phone number. To me, it is simply a matter of privacy. My phone number has nothing to do with the transaction being done. Nothing. I'm not some fanatic privacy freak. I shop online all the time, and I assume everything webpage I look at is tracked. I use Spykiller to do what I can to clean up the computer. But I'm just like a lot of other Americans who are tired of being asked for unnecessary personal information to do simple retail transactions.

As a marketing analyst (not a Best Buy), I find this discussion interesting and thought I'd stir the pot even more...

As for not giving out your phone number, it's kind of pointless...

If you've ever paid taxes, filled out a census report, bought a home or car, practically any company can purchase your name, address, phone number, income, home value, family status whether you own a dog or cat (if licensed), your job title and a variety of other info. It's all public record.

The idea in theory is a good one. Use data to better give the customer what they want and be more effective in marketing so as to drive down costs and prices. Unless, what the customer wants is to be left the hell alone. :-)

How ironic that Barry H, marketing analyst and apparent proponent of all-things-public, won't post an accurate email address when commenting here. Guess the theory goes out the window when it applies to you, huh?!

The specific gripe I have about having to offer up my phone number in the cashier's line is that I am in the cashier's line. Whether or not my phone number is any of the store's business, it definitely isn't the business of the stranger(s) behind me in line.

What about those electronic signature machines? You know, you pay with a credit card, sometimes instead of signing the actual receipt, they make you sign on this computer pen that digitally prints your signature.

What is the purpose of that? Once, I refused to sign it and insisted on signing with a regular pen on the actual receipt. They wouldn't let me, so I walked away.

Big Brother did not die. Orwell did. I tend not to go to web pages that ask info. Sometines I give bogus info, cant hide my IP address but can hide my name, age, income etc.

TheKid - I don't see that as hypocrisy. Phone numbers and email addresses are very different. I hate spam and I get tons of it. I don't mind telemarketers (I just hang up) and I don't hear from many. I'd much rather give Best Buy my phone number than my email address.

I don't know how everyone who's worried about hiding their IP address manages to enjoy life. There just isn't enough time to worry about this stuff.

In the same vein, I typically type in fictitious information on those damned news web sites that want to know sex (but don't offer "yes" as an option) and date of birth. I usually tell them I am a female born in 2004.

One site rejected me when I told it I was a male born in 1898 - "invalid answer", it said.

One thing missing from this discussion is the fact that the DO NOT CALL legislation allows retailers to call those it has "Built a relationship with". You bought something, they have a relationship, they have your phone number, they can legally call you even though you are on the don not call list.
Second thing, I always find "NO" works. It worked at Radio Shack, it works at Best Buy, it works at Sears.
Third, I love caller ID. Not a name or number I recognize? The answering machine picks up. I have even set it to answer on TWO rings so that it costs the caller the minimum charge for a completed call.
Lastly? I love the single zip code idea. 95678 sounds great to me!

It seems some people have trouble understanding something as simple as "it's none of your damned business."

I work with classified information on a regular basis. Besides having the proper clearance, I have to have a need to know before getting access to the info.

When it comes to giving out personal info, the business doesn't have a need to know. If they don't like that, then I'll gladly take my business (and money) elsewhere, never to return.

There's another issue with these intrusive check out procedures - they often take a lot of time. Especially when the lines are long, they're wasting a lot of people's time filling out answers to questions they don't need to know in the first place.

Just as I don't take crap from a machine, I don't do business with companies that piss me off.

I give'm this number: 382-5633.

One of the many phrases that can be spelled out on the phone pad with those numbers is FUCK OFF.

They'll probably never know, but it makes me giggle. :)

What really annoys me is what frank mentioned above; getting the third degree after I've already paid and am walking out the door. My stand on that is, It's my shit, I paid for it and i don't have to frickin' prove to you I own it. Especially not when I just came from a register not 10 feet from the door and the asshat standing there watched me pay for what's in my bag.

In response to Sydney, and the electronic signature,

http://www.zug.com/pranks/credit_card/

I hate the "marketing" inquisition at the checkout. I've been saying "no" and "you can't have it" for years. Radio Shack was the worse for years in that regard.

They don't "need it", they just "want" it for their petty convenience. I don't patrinize supermarkets and drugstores that only give the "Red Tag" price to their card-holders either. They really should be required to provide "Anon" cards if you have to have the card for the advertised discount. I've left stuff right at the counter rather than pay the over-inflated non-card price. Nothing they have can't be purchased from some non-invasive vendor at a near- comparible price.

"Leave me alone and give me my change."

BB hasn't asked me for any personal info (although they do try to sell subscriptions. But the other day I bought a USB cable there, that was it. And my receibt was three and a half feet long! What's up with that?

As for not giving out your phone number, it's kind of pointless...

No, it's not. Companies can not purchase the financial information in my case, as I have filled out the little form with the bank that says they can not re-sell my personal information. If they want to dig through public records to get my address, that's fine, but census data is not released in anything buy aggregate form, by law. Nor is the IRS allowed to release my tax information to anyone but other government agencies.

Privacy should not be a luxury.

But I'm not giving them my personal information when they scan my preferred shopper card. They are either getting obsolete information (only one Jewel checker had ever seen my 30 year old card before; it isn't even in their training literature) or the information for the person who dropped a card in the parmking lot.

What's the point of all this privacy? Is it avoiding inconvenience (telemarketers), the principle of it, or something bigger like avoiding identity theft, fraud, etc.?

I'm curious. I shred my bills and don't give out my SS# to just anybody, but I really don't understand the unwillingness to give out a phone number.

What's the point of all this privacy? Is it avoiding inconvenience (telemarketers), the principle of it, or something bigger like avoiding identity theft, fraud, etc.?

All of the above.

I grew up in a family who's income was far enough above the average that we got calls (note plural) from telemarketers every damn night.

We finally said 'screw it, cellphones for everyone', disconnected the landline, and had dinner without being interrupted for the first time in years.

This is a fantastic site!

This is a fantastic site!

I rarely shop at Best Buy anymore, mainly because the big box is obselete. I can get a better selection, better service, and usually better prices at a specialty store.

Music? itunes
Video Games? EB or Gamestop
Random wires? Radio Shack (at least I can get in and out in less than an hour)

And for the love of god, chill out about the phone number thing. I just answer with a simple "no" when they ask. The only reason people respond is out of habit or politeness...the same reason most people talk to telemarketers instead of slamming down the phone. They have to realize that a good percentage of the info they get is phony anyways.

If you blow your stack and are willing to drive out of your way to avoid being asked a harmless two-second question, I think you're the one with issues, not the store...

Just FYI - ID for checks and other types of transactions are NOT useful in stopping fraud. I just spent a full year dealing with banks, stores, etc... where a cashier copied down the account number from the bottom of one of my checks, ordered new checks with her real name and address (which matched her ID) and then proceeded to spend several thousands of dollars during a three day span before I or the bank noticed. When she was finally caught she confessed that this was the 15th time she had done this in the past year. Banks look at nothing but the account number.

I always use ZIP 90210 when I have to provide a ZIP code on websites (and lie about everything at those damned annoying registration pages).

As for discount cards at the grocery store--I entertained myself for a long time by signing up for a new one every time I went thru the checkout line. All they wanted was a phone number...any phone number. I presented cards listing my name as Chad Slabbody, A. Tad Dusty, Hugh G. Rection, etc. Worked like a charm.

When asked "Can I have your phone number/zip code/wahtever?" at the checkout, I just say no.

I just say that I live in Japan--which I do. Whenever I visit my family in the U.S. and get asked, if they insist, I give them my 10 or 13 digit Japanese phone number, which of course doesn't fit in their computer form.

I always just say No. Seems to work. Zip Code, I always give them one in Maine, just for fun. Except when using AMEX which seems to require your correct zip code. Half the time they enter the info wrong anyhow.

I also hate the line waiting to get out of the store after you have paid. Why don't they just put up a sign that says, WE SUSPECT YOU ALL OF SHOP LIFTING. Wal-mart, Sams, Best Buy, Target, all have someone stationed at the door to check your receipt and purchases. If the line is more then 3 people I just go around and walk out. Never been stopped or hassled yet. One more thing - anyone who shops at PetSmart notice that they are required to ask What kind of Dog, Cat, or bird you have when you checkout?
We now put on a bewildered look while lifting our 25 pound bag of dog food and say,"DOG??? We don't have a dog."

"111-1111. 1111 Privacy Street"

It makes them hate me more than Hell.

Give them the local number for your member of the House of Representatives.

Hey, Gordon!

What *($#)(# warranty.

Given your attitude, even Best Buy wouldn't hire you, fu**tard!

sharpshooter + rosignol= suck me off

hey pole-smokers...I pay for a 200 grand home in Montana on 20 acres talking to retards like you. Give your personal info to the escort services only if you like and see if I give a flying fuck if you live two more days on the planet. Pathetic Fuckbags. Please die early in life and stop existing. Thanks!

Gordon

...you two must be fucking liberals..........am I right????

Fuck you.

So, uh, when did the USA turn into Bizarroworld??

"Me not want to sell you things! Me want your phone number!"

Seriously: can a country get overrun by creeping insanity?

-A.R.Yngve
http://aryngve.blogspot.com

So, uh, when did the USA turn into Bizarroworld??

"Me not want to sell you things! Me want your phone number!"

Seriously: can a country get overrun by creeping insanity?

-A.R.Yngve
http://aryngve.blogspot.com

Gordon, your guesses about where I am on the political spectrum are about as far off base as your ideas about customer service, and if you thought for a bit about what kind of people would be getting calls from telemarketers every night, you wouldn't be quite so proud of those 20 acres in Montana.

Have a nice day, and remember- living well is the best revenge.

"I always gave it out then, and I never got more than a couple of telemarketing calls then."

pathetic

You just being a jackass, or you gonna explain that comment, Sam?

rosignol...

Please refer to any "suck my cock ROSIGNOL" or "GO FUCK YOUR UNCLE ROSIGNOL" postings on this blog for clean, healthy opinions of mine dedicated to you!

Please continue to be the "dark knight" of your dungeons-n-dragons club in _____(place your state here).

God Bless Your Hit Points Fuck-Nut!

Gordon

heh.

That'd be Washington State, Mr. Frost. I'll be stopping by your place the next time in Helena.

Have a nice day.

Rosignol....

Just as I suspected. Small internet!! Didn't I give you this link to begin with? LOL. Why don't you send me a regular email instead of just fucking with these people??? Hope to see you soon! I use 867-5309 at the grocery store for my phone number on those stupid cards, in case you are wondering.....heh heh. Sure do like to argue, though.