In an age where personal data is as valuable as currency, Australian shoppers are finding themselves at the crossroads of convenience and privacy. A recent discussion on the Australia Reddit thread has brought to light a 'deceptive' new payment rule that's leaving customers more than just a little irritated – it's sparking a nationwide conversation about the ethics of data collection at the checkout.

'I only wanted a $5 pair of earrings,' began the tale of one shopper's experience at a popular costume jewellery store. What was expected to be a simple transaction turned into a surprising request for personal information. The sales assistant insisted on obtaining the customer's email address to complete the purchase, even for such a small item.

Shoppers frustrated by new store rules requiring email addresses to complete purchases. Credit: Unsplash

The shopper's confusion is understandable. After all, the transaction should be straightforward: select your item, pay, and go. However, when the cashier claimed that an email was necessary for a digital receipt, the customer pushed back, questioning the need for such information for a minor purchase. The shopper's persistence led to the offer of a paper receipt, which, in the end, wasn't provided either.

This incident has struck a chord with many Australians who are questioning the legality and morality of this practice. 'Is it just me, or does it feel super deceptive to make it seem like they need my email to complete a purchase? Is it even legal?' the original poster asked.

The overwhelming response from the Reddit community confirmed that this experience is not an isolated one. Many shared their own stories of similar encounters, with some offering creative solutions to avoid handing over their personal details. From using fake or temporary email addresses to outright denying ownership of any modern technology, customers are finding ways to protect their privacy.

But why are stores so insistent on collecting emails? Behind the scenes, it's all about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). As one former employee of a jewellery store revealed, email collection is a metric that companies track closely, and store managers are under pressure to meet these targets. This often puts sales assistants in an uncomfortable position, having to balance company policy with customer satisfaction.

The consequences of giving out an email can be more than just an inbox cluttered with promotional material. As savvy consumers pointed out, businesses might not always safeguard your data, leading to an onslaught of spam from unrelated third parties.

So, what can you do as a consumer to navigate this new shopping reality? Here are a few tips:

1. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the privacy laws in Australia. Businesses must have a clear purpose for collecting personal data and are required to protect it.

2. Be Prepared: Decide in advance whether you're willing to provide your email for purchases. If not, think about how you'll handle the situation at the register.

3. Use Alternatives: Consider setting up a secondary email address specifically for shopping or use temporary email services when necessary.

4. Speak Up: Don't be afraid to question the need for your email, and stand your ground if you're not comfortable sharing it.

5. Remember the Human Element: Sales assistants are often following orders and may not have the power to change company policies. Treat them with kindness, even if you disagree with the rules they're required to enforce.

Key Takeaways

• Many shoppers are irritated by a new rule in stores mandating the provision of an email address to complete purchases.
• Retail employees often insist on an email for a receipt, even for low-cost items, under company policy, which some customers perceive as deceptive.
• Consumers are reluctant to share their email addresses due to privacy concerns and the potential for subsequent spam, leading to the use of fake emails or refusal to provide the information.
• Discussions on a Reddit thread suggest that the collection of emails is tied to store key performance indicators (KPIs), and staff are pressured by management to collect this data.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of staying informed and protecting your personal information. We encourage our members to share their experiences and tips on how to handle these situations. Have you encountered this 'deceptive' payment rule? How did you respond? Let us know in the comments below – your insights could help fellow shoppers navigate this tricky issue with confidence and ease.

 

[Sherza]

When they ask me I give a false one anyway. Its of no use to them at all

 

[Catherines]

If I was buying something of low value I would have put it back on the counter, demanded my money back, and walked out. Too many scammers around these days to give out email addresses willy-nilly.

 

[Greg350]

When they ask me I give a false one anyway. Its of no use to them at all

They use them for marketing, you start to get emails from them advertising sales, new items, etc.

 

[MickyMouse24]

When they ask me I give a false one anyway. Its of no use to them at all

Thats sad bcause that fake email could belong to someone else who didnt ask to be on their register.

 

[StarTrekker]

I have 2 email addresses one for important stuff like family and the other for junk. When I get asked for my email, I give the the junk one. It gets emptied every week.

 

[Catherines]

I too have 2 addresses like you. One for only family & certain friends, the other a general/junk mail one.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Thats sad bcause that fake email could belong to someone else who didnt ask to be on their register.

So what!

 

[Veggiepatch]

The sales assistant is operating outside the guidelines of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. If this was requested by the store's management, they are in breach as well. As for the non supply of a receipt, be aware of the following:-

• Businesses must give consumers a receipt for anything that costs over $75, and for anything under $75 if asked for one.
• If asked, businesses must provide an itemised bill for a service.
• If a consumer requests a repair, replacement or refund, the business can ask for proof of purchase.

In addition:-

For anything under $75, the consumer can ask for a receipt, and the business must provide it within 7 days.

A receipt can be a:

• GST tax invoice
• cash register docket
• hand-written document
• a digital receipt.

The receipt must include:

• the business’s name
• the business’s ABN or ACN
• the product or service
• the date the product or service was supplied
• the price of the product or service.

Supplying an email address is not a pre requisite to enable a purchase from a business....EVER!

I have never been asked this question by a retailer, but if asked, I would say "I don't have one". Not EVERYBODY has an email address!

 

[Catherines]

My husband always asks for a receipt & gets one even for small items because he keeps track of our expenses on a spreadsheet (and he does a darned good job of it).

 

[rooboy33]

I refuse and just walk out

 

[magpie1]

Thats sad bcause that fake email could belong to someone else who didnt ask to be on their register.

Hey Mickey, what about you ( the customer )......what if you don't want to be on their register? If that's their way of marketing their store and its products, surely you have the right to refuse their invasive request to gaining that personal information.....ie Unsubscribe.

 

[freedy50]

My husband always asks for a receipt & gets one even for small items because he keeps track of our expenses on a spreadsheet (and he does a darned good job of it).

Hope you shred them all when you've finished with them?

 

[freedy50]

Chemist Warehouse always asks. I just say no and they print a receipt anyway. I think Bunnings does as well although I only use their self checkout.

 

[Catherines]

Hope you shred them all when you've finished with them?

Yes, we do. Spreadsheet is on computer, not hard copy as well as anything with our email address, home address (even on envelopes), bank account number, phone and mobile numbers or even bank’s name. In short, anything that might identify us in any way gets shredded. We also have monitored home security which will scream so loud outside the house that it would wake the dead. Hopefully with all this we’re adequately protected even from window breakage entry; we now have an ‘empty nest’ and I have taken over the smallest bedroom for my study while he uses the original study. Both studies have security sensors in them. Anytime we leave the house we turn on the security alarm which activates all areas.

 

[freedy50]

Yes, we do. Spreadsheet is on computer, not hard copy as well as anything with our email address, home address (even on envelopes), bank account number, phone and mobile numbers or even bank’s name. In short, anything that might identify us in any way gets shredded. We also have monitored home security which will scream so loud outside the house that it would wake the dead. Hopefully with all this we’re adequately protected even from window breakage entry; we now have an ‘empty nest’ and I have taken over the smallest bedroom for my study while he uses the original study. Both studies have security sensors in them. Anytime we leave the house we turn on the security alarm which activates all areas.

You're certainly covered.

 

[pascoevale]

Just don’t walk away and report the person and shop they don’t need your details

 

[pascoevale]

Yes, we do. Spreadsheet is on computer, not hard copy as well as anything with our email address, home address (even on envelopes), bank account number, phone and mobile numbers or even bank’s name. In short, anything that might identify us in any way gets shredded. We also have monitored home security which will scream so loud outside the house that it would wake the dead. Hopefully with all this we’re adequately protected even from window breakage entry; we now have an ‘empty nest’ and I have taken over the smallest bedroom for my study while he uses the original study. Both studies have security sensors in them. Anytime we leave the house we turn on the security alarm which activates all areas

 

[Towing]

The sales assistant is operating outside the guidelines of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. If this was requested by the store's management, they are in breach as well. As for the non supply of a receipt, be aware of the following:-

• Businesses must give consumers a receipt for anything that costs over $75, and for anything under $75 if asked for one.
• If asked, businesses must provide an itemised bill for a service.
• If a consumer requests a repair, replacement or refund, the business can ask for proof of purchase.

In addition:-

For anything under $75, the consumer can ask for a receipt, and the business must provide it within 7 days.

A receipt can be a:

• GST tax invoice
• cash register docket
• hand-written document
• a digital receipt.

The receipt must include:

• the business’s name
• the business’s ABN or ACN
• the product or service
• the date the product or service was supplied
• the price of the product or service.

Supplying an email address is not a pre requisite to enable a purchase from a business....EVER!

I have never been asked this question by a retailer, but if asked, I would say "I don't have one". Not EVERYBODY has an email address!

Ask if you are going to be given discount on every purchase you make, the 1st one and all future ones.