Why Does Radio Shack Ask You For Your Address Everytime I Try to Make A Purchase?

Every time I make a purchase at Radio Shack I find myself waiting in line for the cashier while everyone, no matter how mundane the purchase, is asked for their name and address.

I was never actually sure why this is necessary, so I decided to find out.

I thought of going to the local Radio Shack and asking the casher why Radio Shack insists this practice, but I figured he or she would be so busy typing other customer's names and personal addresses it would be an hour before I left the store.

I decided to write Radio Shack and email simply asking why do Radio Shack cashiers take everyone's name and address. I also added that this practice slows the checkout process and tends to annoy people in line.

It took a couple days but Radio Shack did respond with the following message:

Mr. _________,

Received August 31st

RadioShack has been collecting name and address information for many years. We use that for our mailer and certain purchases require it that have billing attached to it, such as cellular phones and extended warranties. It also helps us look up receipts when customers misplace them. We do not sell our mailing list to other companies. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused but it does help me resolve many customer issues in the long run.

Sincerely,

"Pat" _________

Good answer I suppose, but I still ask, is it really necessary for Radio Shack to take down the names and addresses of every customer? Sure, major purchases and cell phones I can understand. But wouldn't the simple question, "Do we already have your name and address in our system?" suffice?

The email states they need the information to send out mailers. OK, seriously, does anyone really want more junk mail? Is it really worth Radio Shack's time and money to send me a catalog for those few batteries I purchased?  Isn't there this thing called "The Internet" they might try using?

Even the issue of lost receipts I question. I mean, half the stuff in the store is the Radio Shack brand. Where else could I have bought it?

Actually, the practice of Radio Shack taking names and addresses really isn't so horrible for me. I'm not sure that it helps Radio Shack though.  If I can get the same product somewhere else close by, I'll go to a competitor.

My most recent visit to Radio Shack I told the cashier I already had my address in their system. She wound up asking me it anyway to ensure their records were updated. When I said I didn't want to give my address she gave me a bit of guilt with just a touch of attitude, so, weakling that I am, I gave her my address anyway.  Granted, It was the address I held a few years ago.....