big brother is watching

[rickjames]

Originally Posted by Dabbler

I don't think that they have a board up in there store that showes what you bought They arn't making this information public, it is for there use to serve you the customer better.

Why does a bank need you to have an account to change a $100 worth of loonies to a $100 bill ?
Why does a hotel need to know your name when you check in and prepay your stay?

Bank wants you to have an account because exchanging bills for different change is a service and they want compensation for that (i.e. membership fees).

As i understand it hotels need to keep accurate records of guests for insurance/security reasons.

My argument was not against providing personal information to a LFS, it was for HAVING to provide that information to a LFS.

[Dabbler]

I wasn't saying that you should Have to provide it. I am just trying to let people know why some stores want this information and what can be done with this information, and not only for the stores benefit but for you, the consumer.

It is just like my hotmail/msn account there is enuf info to be correct ....but you couldn't find me if you tried and if I want to be John Doe to certain business I will be.

[muck]

I always makeup a phone number or Postal code everytime some store asks for it..

[Chad]

I think its pretty cut and dry, you should be able to make a choice if you want to give out any personal information at your neighborhood joe blow store and know exactly what it will be used for and who else can access it.

I think its funny how easily we give people our identifying information without a second thought or questioning the reasons.

And in a time when we have massive corporations that also control multiple subsidiaries. Its completely plausible that your information could be used throughout the companies other subsidiaries to contact you or send you unsolicited information.

So, basicly......... ya.. big brother.. he's there... watching

[Dabbler]

And maybe a box is just a box

Maybe they just want to know your name and not the guy who wears the Hawiian shirts...to be a little more friendly to there customers, just like when you go to Safeway and use your debit card or credit card...they always say" Have a nice day Mr.Buller"

Just to let you know the john doe account is there if you want to use it, its been there for over 3 months and lots of people use it...no big deal

[mpishi]

Originally Posted by Dabbler

Just to let you know the john doe account is there if you want to use it, its been there for over 3 months and lots of people use it...no big deal

actually two employees did not know about, insisted i needed to set up an account in order to purchase something and the surly disinterested senior person had to do on the job training with both of them (side bar, both the young staff were trying to be helpful, the other guy, well, can't critique here)

and yes they may be interested in serving my best interests but when they have faithfully entered my personal information including credit card number in each of the nice screens on this microsoft product, who then guarantees the security of this information

and before someone says "shop somewhere else", i do and will continue to,
just wondered if other people had opinions on this type of customer service

[Samw]

I don't mind giving them my info as long as I get a discount like at Safeway.

[Ruth]

On the "shop somewhere else" I do too unless I am desparate. Enough said on that for me.