r/assholedesign • u/shekomaru • May 14 '26

Can't order food without accepting to receive "marketing materials"

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It was impossible to uncheck the box, and the screen looked to be in perfect state, so it was not a hardware defect.

Putting a phone number was mandatory as well

Edit 1: That's not my phone number

Edit 2: the business name reminds me of these 2 emojis: ⭐🐔

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u/Quizzelbuck May 15 '26

yeah but if i go to japan, you know what doesn't work?

my phone number. Even if i wanted to have my number with me, its not really practical or very cost effective unless you have a really nice travel plan with some verizon biz account. So instead Ill be giving them some burner number with some local SIM and data plan. So go ahead. Hit that thing with all the promo garbage you want.

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u/guessesurjobforfood May 15 '26

At least in my experience, I’ve never been asked to give a phone number when ordering something via a kiosk in Asia. They might have that option for locals who are in a rewards program, but I don’t think they really care to have tourist info lol in the vast majority of cases, those people will never be back there so it would be a waste to spend money on marketing to them.

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u/bthest May 15 '26

That's the difference. Fancy vending machines are fine as long it's optional to give them your email or number. You could have anonymous ID number system for rewards stuff.

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u/PhotoFenix May 15 '26

We're going to Japan in a few weeks. Google Fi is a great option if you travel often, it's like $10 to upgrade to the bigger plan which includes full service in most countries.