#16: When in doubt, ask.
This really saves a lot of headaches. Yes, sometimes signs are a little unclear. If you're not entirely sure what they mean, ask an employee. We get just as pissed at the company for their stupid signs as you do, and we would rather you ask and find out before you get to the register as opposed to not asking, then bitching about it when you're paying and causing a scene and slowing everything down. Make sure to ask about coupons, too, if you're unsure about them.
#17: I need your name and address to return something. Don't be shocked.
This never fails to amaze me. I've been returning stuff for my mom since I was ten (she's too lazy to do it herself), and they have always needed a name, phone number, and address. Some just ask for it and put it into the computer, while others have you write it all out, but it's still needed. This is partly for tracking purposes to make sure someone's not repeatedly screwing us over, and the worst possible thing we can do is send you coupons (God forbid!). I frequently have people shocked that I ask for this information, and they even go so far as to demand to know why I need it. You can't tell me that a person who is 45 years old has never returned anything before in their life and doesn't know that you need to give this information.
#18: I also need your card.
I've had people get pissed at me because I wouldn't give them cash back for a debit purchase when they returned something. A few companies will do that, but most require that a purchase made with a card must go back on a card. Some are lenient, allowing any old card to be used, but others require it go back on that same card. Don't be shocked about this - it's common sense, really. I've known that since before I was a cashier. And no, we can't put it on your card without swiping the damn thing, or at least typing the number in, if your strip's demagnetized or broken. I always look at the reciept and ask, "Will that be back on your Visa?" (or whatever card they paid with.) People frequently say yes, stand there for a minute, and then, "Oh, do you need my card?" We don't magically know the number, and many stores don't really have systems that are that intelligent.
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retail blows...
enough said lol.
+mspin
I seem to recall this haivng already been posted.
We didn't have to give an address and phone number when we went to exchange something at Kohl's...
~C
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Exchanging and returning aren't quite the same thing. My company's computers actually skip the name and address prompt if it's an even exchange - if you just needed a different size or wanted a different color. Some companies may not do that, but everyone I've been to does (WalMart, Target, Gordman's, Lane Bryant, and, of course, my own, The Children's Place).
I don't need drugs - I have genetics.
"and the worst possible thing we can do is send you coupons (God forbid!)."
Or, you could..
Sell my address and phone number to 3rd parties, who can then plague me with advertisements, phone calls during dinner, or even worse, phone calls and texts on my cell phone, which I have to pay for.
I know it's not your fault, but it sucks. I just give a fake address and phone number anyways.
http://progressiveu.org/blog/leslieq
Check it out...it's a work in progress.
Hm. Most stores have privacy policies that forbid us from sending information to third parties.
For example, my store has a Rewards program where we send you big coupons based on how much you spend with us, what types of shoes you buy, etc. etc. To get the card, you need to fill out your name and address (which are only used to send you coupons), optional things are phone number (which are only used to look you up if you lose your card), birthday (so we can send you a birthday card and a $10 coupon), and e-mail address (which enters you into a contest to win a $100 gift card. You get NO e-mails from us unless you win or elect to receive your coupons via e-mail).
After your information for a return or rewards application is entered into our secure system, it's shredded. We don't sell any information, and I know that for a fact.
As for returns, we don't type anything in; we have to have a valid ID to scan into our system or you don't get to return or exchange your merchandise. So you'd have a hell of a time giving us fake information.
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You are the Voice of the Childwen of the Revowution! [Toulouse, Moulin Rouge]
I've returned tons of stuff, given my real address and phone number, and never once has anybody sent me anything that wasn't a coupon (which, really, what's the problem with that?), and nobody's ever called me. Ever. Not once.
I don't need drugs - I have genetics.