This practice is relatively common in the US as well, and it's never turned into scene if I refused. I've also been asked for (and refused without making a scene) my phone number and email address. I just say I'd prefer not to give it out, and they go on with the process. Obviously can't vouch for the UK, but I'd say at least try it once.
You are right of course, I doubt there would be a scene, only me embarrassing myself by probably dragging out some kind of justification of not wanting to hand over my details. Perhaps it's down to being schooled in implicit compliance, and it feels a little weird!
It drags you down though. Every supermarket you go to asks for your loyalty card - which I refused to opt-in to for years, but you still are confronted with the question everytime - it gets tiresome.
I do my shopping by proxy, through a partners' loyalty card, and I've been pretty surprised at how sophisticated these systems have become.
There's a desperate battle between outlets now for custom. Loyalty cards now lead to offers (coupons) on items from the weekly shop, and our shopping basket is quite anormal I'd say. We are actually recouping some worthwhile savings, for once. Rather than being offered some promotional discount on something I have no interest in. I feel a little wrong about it, but I no longer can resist the enticement.
> "I doubt there would be a scene, only me embarrassing myself by probably dragging out some kind of justification of not wanting to hand over my details. Perhaps it's down to being schooled in implicit compliance, and it feels a little weird!"
I've been asked and politely declined probably hundreds of times by now. It's never led to any further interaction beyond my simply smiling and saying "no thank you".
The cashiers don't question it, or stare, or even miss a beat. (sometimes a 'new' person will hesitate for a second; thrown off their muscle memory pattern). But surely they hear it from more people than just me.
And I find making a shopping list beforehand, based on what I've actually used since the last trip, is more effective than coupons or loyalty cards. The coupons did start getting more properly-targeted, but they also entice purchases I hadn't previously had on my list. Which calls into question the notion of having 'saved' any money.
Similarly when I would be 'saving' money on things that are only useful when I purchase its non-special-/non-coupon-priced complements (e.g. a coupon for hotdogs leading to a purchase of regular priced buns; or a coupon for peanut butter leading to a purchase of regular-priced jelly).
Not to single you out specifically, but you guys sound like a bunch of pansies. Make up a few fake people with names and addresses and use those. It's more fun to do so on the spot.
Ted Billson. There...use that. His email address is ted@bill.com if you get asked. ;)
His email address should really be ted.billson@example.com.
Another 'fuck you money' project: a set of domains with an open SMTP server that does nothing but flip the headers around and re-send the message back to the sender.
Be careful when doing this. Some systems require an email address and employees will make one up to get to the next screen. If that address is valid (or not bounced), someone can get control of your account with something as simple as a password reset.
