Dear Tractor Supply:

[TBROCKS]

Why is it that EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I buy something, you ask for my zip code. Every time. It’s very, very annoying.

I really don’t want to provide any personal information to your cashier, even my zip code, because frankly, it’s none of their damn business what postal code I live in.

Is it for demographics? Get your demographics of who’s shopping in your store and where they’re from some other way. Print a survey on the receipt and give me a buck coupon for submitting it, I don’t know.

Is it a security thing? I am using a debit card, with a PIN. The PIN is the security factor that the card is in fact, mine. No OTHER store asks for my zip code when I put in a PIN.

So what’s up with this, and please stop it, because if you continue to annoy me over this, I have other choices on where to buy my fly spray and chicken supplies.

Have a nice day, come again!

[OveroHunter]

Crap… I asked them about that once and I’m not sure I’m remembering correctly, but I’m pretty sure it’s demographics because you can refuse to give it to them.

[Bluey]

Some times, it is a security question, if you pay with other than cash.
Either the zip code or phone #.

That is what I was told and also that you don’t have to answer.

[arabhorse2]

Just give them another zip code if it irks you so much. Seriously, it’s only a problem if you make it one.

Southern States always asks for my phone number. I guess I should be miffed about that, too.

[PeanutButterPony]

I give them a different one and I don’t give them my real phone number either.

[IndysMom]

When stores ask me for my phone number, I give them my old land line-now disconnected-phone number.

[GoForAGallop]

…it’s for demographics.

So that they can decide where to build new stores.

It worked nicely in my area…everyone would drive 45 minutes south to get to one, gave the northern zip codes, and within two years, there was one up north.

Echoing the poster who says “it’s only an issue if you make it one.” Give them a fake one if it truly freaks you out that much, otherwise try pumping the brakes on the paranoia a bit…

[GaitedGloryRider]

I always figured it was for demographics too. Maybe zip codes of customers at current locations is one bit of information they use to decide where to build new locations? I don’t know…could be possible. I always give them my correct zip. It’s not like they can bombard my mailbox with junk fliers just off my zip alone.

[GaitedGloryRider]

[QUOTE=GoForAGallop;8157448]
…it’s for demographics.

So that they can decide where to build new stores.

It worked nicely in my area…everyone would drive 45 minutes south to get to one, gave the northern zip codes, and within two years, there was one up north.

Echoing the poster who says “it’s only an issue if you make it one.” Give them a fake one if it truly freaks you out that much, otherwise try pumping the brakes on the paranoia a bit…[/QUOTE]

We posted at the same time :lol: I’m glad to know that’s what they use the info for.

Zip codes aren’t very personal especially in rural areas where one can encompass a pretty large area. It takes less time to rattle off my zip to the cashier than it does to say “no thank you I don’t want to give you information”.

[GoForAGallop]

[QUOTE=GaitedGloryRider;8157470]
We posted at the same time :lol: I’m glad to know that’s what they use the info for.

Zip codes aren’t very personal especially in rural areas where one can encompass a pretty large area. It takes less time to rattle off my zip to the cashier than it does to say “no thank you I don’t want to give you information”.[/QUOTE]

Like you said, there’s literally nothing they can do with that information to personally “harm” you. Unless you’re really, really, really against a Tractor Supply being built closer to you, I guess?

If people are freaked out about giving a zip code for demographics, I sure as heck hope they don’t have grocery store cards. :lol: THAT’S some real tracking.

[TBROCKS]

[QUOTE=arabhorse2;8157437]
Just give them another zip code if it irks you so much. Seriously, it’s only a problem if you make it one.

Southern States always asks for my phone number. I guess I should be miffed about that, too.[/QUOTE]

You free to skip over the thread if reading it “miffs” you so much.

[rhinestone_cowgirl]

They usually ask for personal info when you’re buying feed or chemicals so they can contact you in the event of a recall/contamination issue.

[NoSuchPerson]

[QUOTE=GoForAGallop;8157448]
…it’s for demographics.

So that they can decide where to build new stores.

It worked nicely in my area…everyone would drive 45 minutes south to get to one, gave the northern zip codes, and within two years, there was one up north.

Echoing the poster who says “it’s only an issue if you make it one.” Give them a fake one if it truly freaks you out that much, otherwise try pumping the brakes on the paranoia a bit…[/QUOTE]

This. I used to work at Tractor Supply and it’s just so they can see where their shoppers are coming from. They recently built a new store in a more urban area here (not their norm) because so many people from that part of town were driving out to the closest rural/suburban store to shop.

And all you have to do is say “No” when they ask for your zip code. I assure you that the cashier doesn’t care even one tiny bit whether you give it to her or not.

[TBROCKS]

[QUOTE=GoForAGallop;8157482]
Like you said, there’s literally nothing they can do with that information to personally “harm” you. Unless you’re really, really, really against a Tractor Supply being built closer to you, I guess?

If people are freaked out about giving a zip code for demographics, I sure as heck hope they don’t have grocery store cards. :lol: THAT’S some real tracking.[/QUOTE]

The store is quite near my house. There’s actually 3 of them all pretty convenient to me. Doubt they’re thinking of putting in a 4th.
It’s annoying to be asked for it. Same as being asked to produce a “loyalty card” for getting a sale price on something. Just take my money and give me my stuff.

[GoForAGallop]

[QUOTE=TBROCKS;8157496]
The store is quite near my house. There’s actually 3 of them all pretty convenient to me. Doubt they’re thinking of putting in a 4th.
It’s good that so many people here robotically follow the commands of store cashiers. Guess I’m just a rebel.
It’s annoying to be asked for it. Same as being asked to produce a “loyalty card” for getting a sale price on something. Just take my money and give me my stuff.[/QUOTE]

Great, but they have no idea that YOU live nearby. Folks from 45 minutes south could be coming. I’m assuming you don’t walk around with a sign on your chest saying “It only took me five minutes to get here!”

There’s a difference between “robotically following” and knowing what actually matters or not. :lol:

Hope you live a completely cash free, ghost-like existence, 'cause everyone from your grocery store card, gas card, credit card, and local tack shop are tracking purchases. Tractor Supply asking for your zip code is not the thing I’d pick to be paranoid about. Say “I’d rather not” and be done with it. The $8/hr cashier doesn’t care.

[GaitedGloryRider]

Not robotic…I routinely decline store credit card offers and phone number requests. And no way in hell I’ll fill out the online surveys for a chance to with the shopping sprees or gift cards. Those really are just a grab for all your personal info!

But my zip code? Yeah they can have it. I’d love a store closer to me. My options for TSC are 45 minutes one way or 50 minutes another way.

[TBROCKS]

[QUOTE=GoForAGallop;8157514]
Great, but they have no idea that YOU live nearby. Folks from 45 minutes south could be coming. I’m assuming you don’t walk around with a sign on your chest saying “It only took me five minutes to get here!”

There’s a difference between “robotically following” and knowing what actually matters or not. :lol:

Hope you live a completely cash free, ghost-like existence, 'cause everyone from your grocery store card, gas card, credit card, and local tack shop are tracking purchases. Tractor Supply asking for your zip code is not the thing I’d pick to be paranoid about. Say “I’d rather not” and be done with it. The $8/hr cashier doesn’t care.[/QUOTE]

:lol:
Hey I get it now! No one ever said “would you like to provide your zip code?” I’ve usually got my bags in hand and started shuffling toward the door when she says “I need your zip code”.

[bluebird44]

I don’t mind giving a zip code, but all the stores that ask for a phone number or email address, I just smile and say, “I’d prefer not to give that.” It’s never a problem.

[GypsyQ]

If it’s a store I had to travel to, I give them a different zip. I don’t want them getting the idea that we need more stores in my area.

Southern States asks for a phone # because that is how they look up customers’ Farm Plan accounts. I just reply with, “I don’t have an account.”

[BEARCAT]

I agree that I don’t like the way they ask as it is a bit forceful. I too would prefer if they phrased it different, instead of “what is your zip code.”
I just tell them “here” and let them figure it out. (And yes, I live 5 minutes away from a brand new TSC.)