Dont divulge your private info for simple purchases.

I went to Tiger Wheel & Tyre in Sandown (Cape Town) to have my wheels balanced. A somewhat surly young man produced a tablet and asked me to fill in my details which included my name, ID number 'phone number and email address which I considered unnecessary to perform the task in hand, ie balance my wheels. When I asked why I needed to provide this information, he said it was necessary for the system to generate an invoice. I explained that I had the cash and all I wanted was my wheels balancing and would not part with that info as to me, all that would happen is that I would be bombarded with promotional material on my computer and on my phone, which I didn't want. He then said it was company policy and there was nothing he could do about it. I said OK, then left. So TW&T lost a customer, probably for good. In addition to sending me unwanted promotional material it would not surprise me if my details were shared with or sold to companies that specialize in targeting individuals with similar forms of advertising material. Remember once they have your details, they know your age, name, gender, phone number and internet address, and who knows what else. There are companies out there who pay for such information. Beware! And use another tyre shop that doesn't intrude into your privacy.