In a Topshop area inside a department store I was asked for my email address when buying goods, “so that we can send you a receipt”. I declined to give out my personal data and asked for a paper one instead. I was told that I could “have one this time, but next time you have to give an email address”. I was gobsmacked.
I’m pretty confident that nobody has to give up their personal data in exchange for being able to exercise their consumer rights by obtaining a proof of purchase. However, Topshop’s customer base is very young and most will be unlikely to know this, which makes this kind of cynical data harvesting all the more chilling. What do you think – is this out of line? MH, via email
The increasing offer/demand from retailers to email receipts is of those areas that divides consumers. Many, like you, hate the intrusion, while others are quite happy as it means they no longer have to search through a purse or wallet if there is a problem later. Our view is that it is OK as long as you can opt out of receiving any future marketing material (no one wants to be forever sent spam), and that a paper receipt is still offered if it is wanted. An email-only policy would be unacceptable.
Happily, a Topshop spokeswoman has confirmed that there is no obligation to provide an email address and the retailer will continue to offer printed receipts. “Topshop introduced e-receipts in November 2015 as a convenient way to receive proof of purchase,” she says. “The data is gathered for the purpose of providing the e-receipt and is not passed on to third parties for any marketing activity. E-receipt customers will not be contacted by Topshop for marketing purposes unless they explicitly opt in.”
If you come across a retailer insisting on email receipts, let us know at the usual email address below.
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