Walked out of Academy Last Night

[rtschl]

I don't mind having to show an ID to purchase ammunition - even though it is obvious that I am of legal age. But instead of asking for my ID, the clerk asked for my birth date to to put into her terminal before she could make the sales transaction. I objected. I said I do not mind showing my ID but you do not need to collect my personal information for Academy to keep. She said it was fairly new in the last few weeks. I asked to speak to a manager. He said it was required. I said it is not required by law. He said it is an Academy requirement. I said I would buy my ammunition elsewhere.

My wife and son were with me. She knows it is a principle thing for me because I have been refusing to give my phone, zip, etc. to stores since Radio Shack was doing it in the 80's. I usually buy my ammo online, but it isn't going to be here in time for Saturday range training we're doing so I was just picking up two extra boxes.

[skeathley]

As a retired programmer, I can tell you why they do that. They probably don't store that date, as the system doesn't know who you are until you pay, sometimes not then. They do it for liability protection. You have to be over 18, and they want that verified by computer math, not some clerk. Otherwise, that clerk might let underage friends buy ammo. Yes, those friends could lie, but that lets the store off the hook. It's all about CYA.

I once asked a clerk at Cabelas if he couldn't tell I was way over 18, and he said, "yes, but my terminal can't."

This is the world we live in.

[K.Mooneyham]

Yeah, I recently had the same thing happen at Academy, though I did make the purchase. I didn't want to get mad at the cashier, but it did annoy me quite a bit. I figured it was for the marketing people to bean count. Next thing you know, they'll be creating targeted ads out of that info, they LOVE demographics stuff.

[KC5AV]

I don't mind having to show an ID to purchase ammunition - even though it is obvious that I am of legal age. But instead of asking for my ID, the clerk asked for my birth date to to put into her terminal before she could make the sales transaction.

If they don't ask for an ID, I'd just make up a date. When they ask for a zip code, I give 10101.

[ScottDLS]

I think they just have to enter it to complete the sale for age restricted merchandise. I don't think they store it. If you're young and they need to see ID then they'll copy it from the ID, but otherwise you could just make one up for them to put in.

[SewTexas]

they use the same software across the country. each state has different requirements but enough need a birth date that they've had to program for it, unfortunately they didn't "turn it off" for certain states. Like mentioned above, I'd give them a false date that will fit into the database.

[rtschl]

That was the whole kicker about it. They aren't verifying my age as she didn't request my ID. I even gave her my year of birth and stated that it is quite obvious I am of legal age to purchase ammunition. They're just asking for the birth date. So if a 17 year gives a birth date of a 18 year old they haven't eliminated any liability.

I wasn't angry with either the clerk or manager and I don't think I came across that way - just irritated. Academy has the right to have whatever policy they want to implement. I support their right to do so. I also have the right to buy elsewhere.

Google, Microsoft, Apple et.al know more about us than I would want anyone or company to know. I just don't know that I trust Academy enough to add them to that list of companies with my personal information.

[dlh]

Harbor Freight asks for my phone number even if I am paying cash. I decline and they proceed with the sale.

[function12]

They use to do the same thing back in the day at the grocery store. Like others have said, I am sure it is just the register doing the math to make sure you are of age.
But it is a free country and you can vote with your money anywhere you please.

[Flightmare]

My favorite is giving them the number to a state or federal prison instead of my own....hoping they'll dial the number one day.

[aero10]

I've had similar instances with age restricted items. If you show them your license, they're just going to enter in your birth date in the system. I've always taken them asking for a birth date vs your id is the clerk thinks your old enough but the system requires age verification.

[bblhd672]

My standard response is 4/1/69 when asked at a check out register for my birth date.

Use the same date for websites, etc that have no real need for my actual birth date.

[Abraham]

July 4th, 1776.

The more and more I hear about it's not me, it's not the manager, it's store policy, can all go to hades....

I'm not obligated by store policy.

[Liberty]

Only Brick and mortar store around that sells ammo cheap. I suppose there id Wallyworld but I can never find anyone with a key. Cabellas is expencive except for strange brands that I don't know. I will stick with Acadamy even though they can be a little quirky.

[txglock21]

My standard response is 4/1/69 when asked at a check out register for my birth date.

Use the same date for websites, etc that have no real need for my actual birth date.

My actual birthday is 4/16/68. I really don't care if they know it or not. Maybe they will send me a free box of ammo on my birthday.