As many of your probably know by now I work retail, specifically Victoria’s Secret. I have been working there for almost two years and I absolutely love it, it really isn’t like what most people expect because most all of us have went or are going to college and we function like one big happy (and sometimes dysfunctional) family. I actually just came from work to search for an interesting article when I came across one called, “Can Stores Really ask you for That?” out of curiosity I couldn’t help but read it and I decided that it would be the topic of discussion.
The article by Liz Pulliman Weston from MSN Money sites three major complaints against retail stores, seeing as how I work retail I thought it would be interesting to address both sides of the issue. The first point that she brings up is the right to check receipts. Now if you sign a contract with Sam’s for example then they have the right to check your receipt when you leave the store, other retails without the contract though do not have this right. In the last five years or so I don’t really ever remember my receipt being checked unless I set off the alarms on accident walking out the door. Maybe that’s just me but I have been several places in the US and it doesn’t seem to be as common a process as the writer thinks it is. What I wonder though is why it’s such a big deal, if you honestly purchased something and someone asked to see your receipt what does it matter after all the retailers are just trying to protect their merchandise.
The authors next grumble is about checking ID when using a credit card. Personally I think that anyone who throws a fit about this one isn’t entirely in their right mind. I say this for two reasons. Firstly is that have had my credit card information stolen and used as well as one of my old bosses and my grandmother so I know just how common this particular theft is. If someone would have checked the ID for the people wrongfully using the cards then they would have caught a lot sooner, but instead they managed to max them all out. The other reason is that at work I see a lot of people come in and try to use other peoples cards and even more people who thank me for checking for their ID. Yes I realize that if their card is signed it isn’t necessary to check, but really how hard is it to fake someone’s signature on those awful electronic things? If your looking for more credit card information and your rights check out this site.
The other compliant I am also guilty of to a certain extent. We often ask for phone numbers or email to increase our marketing base. We do not sell the information though instead we just send them coupons for goodies (everyone loves free panties right) I do agree that a store should not ask for a social security number unless they are looking up some sort of credit account (which we also do) but that number should then always be returned to the customer. Like the previous things though I’m not sure why this is such a big deal, especially since this particular part is voluntary, if your not interested just say no thank you and move on.
All in all I think that the retail persons and customers should be able to come to a happy medium but I know that not everyone will always be satisfied, I encourage you though to check out the national retail foundation as well as your favorite stores to find out more.
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Is there laws that exist that protect the consumer? I understand the whole asking for the ID, Lord knows we have enough identity theft these days. I know that with every single time I get asked for my ID I thank that employee for doing so. I don't care if it's at Wal-mart or the gas station down the road. Identity theft is rampant today and you can never be too sure.
ReplyDeleteThe receipt thing seems redundant in that if you have already purchased items you are essentially doing double the work. If people are going to steal they aren't going to make it that obvious (hopefully).