Why do I have to give B&Q my postcode just to get an overcharge refunded??

wobbley

If you don't want to give your postcode just tell them you don't have one - you live on a boat/in a caravan/under a bridge - works for me in Maplin where they always ask your postcode.

Nick_C

If its cash transaction, tell them you don't live in the UK, but you are happy to give them your zip code - 90210.

Catherine_Johnson_2

I can't see the point of making a fuss over not giving a postcode. It's not as if it's 'personal' information. It actually belongs to the Royal Mail, they own the copyright on postcodes.

marleyboy

Just give them your postcode, or even make one up if its worrying you that much, it would make me dubious as to your reluctance to comply, especially with their "willingness" to comply to your refund

Pound

Catherine_Johnson wrote: »

I can't see the point of making a fuss over not giving a postcode. It's not as if it's 'personal' information. It actually belongs to the Royal Mail, they own the copyright on postcodes.

And I suppose your name isn't personal information either, it's just letters of the alphabet arranged in a certain order?

gregg1

Catherine_Johnson wrote: »

I can't see the point of making a fuss over not giving a postcode. It's not as if it's 'personal' information. It actually belongs to the Royal Mail, they own the copyright on postcodes.

because it is not needed. I have nothing at all to hide but I do get fed up with having to give over personal details when having refunds etc in shops. Everywhere you go you are required to give out more and more personal information for the simplest of things. it is getting ridiculous and as I said, it is not necessary.

williham

The thing about a postcode is it doesn't even locate you, just a few houses on your street. Who really cares?

The_Pedant

.... because they then ask for your house number. That, tied with the information that is obtained from a chip & pin card transaction would identify me. I therefore consider the combination to be 'personal information'.

As mentioned, I did ask why the postcode was needed and a valid reason could not be given.

In line with the Data Protect Act, by not providing them with the postcode, I was enforcing my right to prevent them from storing my personal details without a description of how they were going to use said information.

As neither a reason or description of use could be given, and I did not deem that the information was necessary to provide the refund (which it clearly is not) I declined their invitation to provide.

UK2010

The_Pedant wrote: »

.... because they then ask for your house number. That, tied with the information that is obtained from a chip & pin card transaction would identify me. I therefore consider the combination to be 'personal information'.

As mentioned, I did ask why the postcode was needed and a valid reason could not be given.

In line with the Data Protect Act, by not providing them with the postcode, I was enforcing my right to prevent them from storing my personal details without a description of how they were going to use said information.

As neither a reason or description of use could be given, and I did not deem that the information was necessary to provide the refund (which it clearly is not) I declined their invitation to provide.

Can I ask you then? If you were to run your own business, would you be proactive or reactive? This given that staff integrity is impossible to establish from any interview process. I have experience in this with staff needing staff needing 5 years references without a 1 day gap and a criminal record check and I'll edit to say this is an official criminal record check via disclosure Scotland. I'm really not sure what more the "check your staff brigade" want????? And I bet you their business's don't have such strick checks?

UKTigerlily

The_Pedant wrote: »

I should add that the supervisor said after the 14th Feb (I think he said), they will not give any refund without it. In my case, they didn't know the store one so put in head office.

I might just plump for the easy option in future...

"Can I have your postcode?"
- SW1A 2AA
"House number?"
- 10

So, if I can do that much, why can't the dodgy staff too?

I don't think someone has thought their system through properly

They can but then if they get investigated & their refunds checked it'll come up that it either doesn't exist or the person at that address never got a refund from the company