This really brought back memories. I became a manager for a shoe store, despite being riddled with anxieties and panic attacks. We had a rewards program that would send out coupons and we were required to reach a certain percentage for signing new people up. I hated it and hated having to force my staff to do it but we had to. The only way I could force myself to do it was to just not ask. If you ask, "Would you like to sign up..." etc, you give them an option and they're more likely to say no, even if they actually do want coupons. And, like you said, the rejection made me really anxious.

I would just start the transaction with phrases like, "Would you rather receive coupons by email or text messages?" Or just say "Phone number?" (Or zipcode, email, whatever you use to sign them up). The majority of the time, they won't even ask what it's for. I tried to stay clear of yes or no questions. If that's too much, try asking if they have their rewards card with them. If they say they don't have one, then ask for an email, phone number, etc.

It felt obnoxious to have to do it, but it was just one more part of the job. Most people understand we only ask because we have to and I tried to remind myself that I never mind being asked that stuff when I'm a customer in someone else's store, so they probably don't really mind either.

Retail is a bitch and a half. I quit and went back to school 2 years ago and still have nightmares about Black Friday sales.