Retail customers want a reason to give up personal data
The retail business sometimes barrages its customers with requests for personal data such as location, shopping habits, contact information, and so on. It’s not for no reason – using this information allows businesses to develop a more complete understanding of their consumers in order to make changes and additions that satisfy customers more. However, that idea isn’t expressed so often when customers are being asked for their phone numbers and e-mail addresses. A recent article written by Erica Ogg highlights an interesting point for data sharing in all areas of business – people want a good reason to give you information. Ogg writes:
“Just like people used to be afraid of browser cookies and their implications for privacy and now accept them as standard, Shim, Placed’s founder and CEO, said he believes our attitudes toward our location data will undergo the same transition once people understand the inherent value of what they’re getting back in exchange for what they’re giving up.”
It is a salient point for a number of reasons, but in order to fully comprehend the situation, we must first address why customers and other people are hesitant to share information in general. There is always news coverage of identity theft, credit card fraud, and things of that nature – people have a general fear that sharing information will expose them to opportunities to be taken advantage of. Additionally, some people have experienced businesses bombarding their phones and e-mails with messages after having shared this information. These unpleasant experiences make it difficult for businesses with integrity to get information that can be helpful in improving business and customer satisfaction.
If you’re a retailer trying to get more personal data for mutual benefit, consider offering assurance that the information will not be used for spamming offers and alerts. Suggest that collecting information helps build towards a better business with better products that meet customer needs. As more people understand that this information is being used solely to improve customer experience, it will become easier to collect that information and take steps in the right direction.