Should businesses ask for numbers during checkout?

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Whether businesses should ask for phone numbers during checkout is a complex question with arguments for and against it, balancing business needs with customer privacy and user experience.

Why Businesses Ask for Phone Numbers:
Businesses typically ask for phone numbers during checkout for several reasons:

Delivery and Order Updates: This is often the primary and most legitimate reason. For physical goods, carriers frequently need a phone number to contact the customer regarding delivery issues, missed deliveries, or to arrange specific delivery times. SMS notifications for order status (e.g., "Your order has shipped," "Out for delivery") are also a common and valued service.
Customer Service and Support: If there's an issue with an order (e.g., payment problem, item out of stock, address clarification), having a phone number allows the business to quickly contact the customer to resolve the problem, preventing delays or cancellations.
Fraud Prevention: A phone number can act as an additional data point for verifying a customer's identity and reducing fraudulent transactions. It adds an extra layer of authentication beyond just a credit card and email.
Loyalty Programs and Marketing: Many businesses use phone finland phone number list numbers to link to loyalty programs, track purchase history, and offer personalized promotions or discounts. They may also use it for SMS marketing campaigns (though this usually requires explicit opt-in).
Account Recovery: If a customer forgets their password or loses access to their account, a phone number can be used for verification during the account recovery process.
Feedback and Relationship Building: Some businesses might use phone numbers to conduct customer surveys or gather feedback, especially for high-value purchases or after a support interaction.
Downsides for Customers and Businesses:
While there are benefits, asking for phone numbers can also create friction and negative perceptions:

Privacy Concerns: This is the biggest hesitation for customers. Many are wary of providing their phone number due to fears of:
Unwanted Marketing Calls/Texts (Spam): Customers worry about being bombarded with telemarketing calls, robocalls, or unsolicited promotional SMS messages.
Data Selling/Sharing: Concerns that their number might be sold to third-party data brokers or other companies, leading to even more spam.