Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

The Grocery Express Lane...15 Items or Less..

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » The DU Lounge Donate to DU
 
Roon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 08:45 PM
Original message
The Grocery Express Lane...15 Items or Less..
I did a little grocery shopping and was behind this lady in the express lane..She was carefully monitoring each item as it was rung up. She had a problem with the grapefruit,it was costing more. The clerk calls produce and asks. She had the wrong grapefruit,produce will send the one that was on sale. We wait and wait. Finally! Produce shows up with the cheaper grapefruit. The lady didn't like the way they looked and decided not to get any grapefruit at all. So produce re-stocks them.

Ring! Ring! Ring! Finally they empty her basket..but wait!! She has one more request! She needs four packs of cigarettes. The cigs are kept in a cage down by customer service and he sends a bagger down to get them....we wait and wait. (it's been about 12 minutes by this time)FINALLY!! She gets her smokes...she gets to total of her purchases....

Then she gets out her checkbook..................................
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
skygazer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 08:47 PM
Response to Original message
1. This is the same lady who if she's standing in line
And the line isn't moving extremely rapidly will yell bloody murder for another checker to be called because she's in a hurry.

I work in a grocery store. I've seen it all. :banghead:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Roon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 08:51 PM
Response to Reply #1
3. I witnessed that for the first time a couple of months ago!!
I was dumbfounded in shock. Next time I will be prepared, I will tell them that they are being rude.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Captain Hilts Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 09:59 AM
Response to Reply #1
12. Then she's not a 'lady'. nt
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
lunatica Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 03:18 PM
Response to Reply #1
85. Once a manager in a retail store told an impatient customer
That she (the manager) was quite willing to ring the customer up if everyone who was in line in front of her agreed that she could go to the head of the line. Even the crickets were silent after that.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hobbit709 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 08:50 PM
Response to Original message
2. I got stuck behind one that was in the 10 items or less cash only lane.
She had about 25 items, then whips out her checkbook. When the cashier pointed that out to her she got on her high horse and demanded to speak to the manager. He just gave her a look and pointed at his name tag and asked her what does this say-he was the manager, he was filling in. She got mad and stomped off, leaving everything behind. As she left I gave a big round of applause and the people behind me in line joined in. You could see her cringe.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Roon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 08:53 PM
Response to Reply #2
5. Some people are so clueless. eom
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
barb162 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 02:06 PM
Response to Reply #2
78. I'd have loved seeing something like that.
Maybe if that happened every time to the assholes they'd stop using the express lanes.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
S n o w b a l l Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 08:52 PM
Response to Original message
4. I always look at those check writers like what century are you in?
I shouldn't talk because I'm sure my Mom does it too, but it is so irritating. I admit, I'm in a hurry in everything I do and need to slow down and be more patient.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Roon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 08:54 PM
Response to Reply #4
6. My Grandmother did it once..my Grandfather told me about it
He witnessed the whole thing and about died of embarrassment since they were together. He laughs about it now.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
skygazer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 08:58 PM
Response to Reply #4
7. I don't mind them if they have the sense to begin writing
while their stuff is being rung up. But the ones who wait until the very end to even start irritate the snot out of me. I'll even say something if I can see they're going to write one - "You can begin filling out your check while I take care of this." ~sigh~
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
grace0418 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 12:03 PM
Response to Reply #7
17. The ones who wait also have to completely reconcile their checkbook before they
leave the checkout too. The entire transaction takes about ten minutes longer than it needs to take. :mad:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
blueamy66 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 09:44 AM
Response to Reply #7
58. My fiance has an issue with losing his debit card...
so a few times a year I have to write checks.

BUT, I fill in everything but the amount before I get near the front of the line.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Skittles Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Jan-30-10 09:43 PM
Response to Reply #4
8. I harrassed my mum about that
JAYSUS mum I said, join this century already!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
MiddleFingerMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 05:25 AM
Response to Reply #8
10. I hope your mum scheduled you for an ass-kicking, yes indeed!!
.
Or is that the kind of genetic thing that skips a generation?
.
.
I'm one of those people who loudly asks for a manager to open
up another register. I HATE the self-serve lanes, as to me they
symbolize another human being out of a job. Not, as they would
like you to believe, so that you can save another 4 cents per
week on your grocery bill, but so that their shareholders can
enjoy another 0.012% return on their investment (not that either
"rationalization" works for me).
.
So when I see a long line of people who already KNOW that the
self-serve option is there but, for WHATEVER reason, just will
not use it, and I see a coupla management types hanging around
"air-managing"... I get a li'l vociferous.
.
HEY!!! I GOT FREAKIN' EGGS THAT ARE GONNA FREAKIN' HATCH
BEFORE I CAN FREAKIN' GET OUTTA THIS FREAKIN' JOINT!!!

.
Not really. But I DO fantasize about having that kinda Brooklyn
chutzpah every now and then.
.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Pharlo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 10:41 AM
Response to Reply #4
16. I have the opposite reaction, actually,
I cringe whenever I see plastic come out. I can write out a check faster than most people can get a transaction done via plastic. I suppose it has to do with how quickly and legibly one can write. When I use an express lane, I make sure I have cash. Anything else is not 'express', it's 'everyone should wait for me to finish my transaction because I'm me' - plastic or check.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NV Whino Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 12:03 PM
Response to Reply #16
18. I'm going to agree with you here
Edited on Sun Jan-31-10 12:04 PM by NV Whino
I can write a check faster than the ridiculous Safeway machine can process plastic. Somehow I always have to run my card through twice... after I've put it away, of course. Who designs those damned things anyway.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Roon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 04:08 PM
Response to Reply #16
26. You can swipe your card before they are done checking out
then it will tally and go through within seconds after the last item is rung up.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jobycom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:06 AM
Response to Reply #16
39. No way.
You swipe the card as soon as they start ringing, then you have to hit one button when they're done. You'll easily have it finished before they've bagged your five items. A check has to wait on the checker to verify your license, then be run through the little check feeder. Even if you can finish it before they've bagged you, they still have to accept the check and process it. By that point, the credit card user has the bags in hand and is just waiting to be handed the receipt.

Now if the person waits until the transaction is over before yanking out the plastic, or can't figure out how to swipe on their own, that's a different story. But that same person would take longer to write a check, too.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Pharlo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:11 PM
Response to Reply #39
66. I have never been behind a person with plastic who
swipes the card as soon as they start ringing up the items. I seem to get stuck only behind people who wait until the end of the transaction is over before they swipe the card.

So, based upon my experience, it's quicker to just write a check.

I also live in a small rural community. There are a lot of small stores that don't swipe checks. The proprietor knows you and will accept the check because they know where to find you. Another advantage to a small rural communtiy is you can carry cash and not worry about being robbed. Probably because you know everybody and can call the police department with the culprits name.



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jobycom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 01:46 PM
Response to Reply #66
73. Know your audience.
:) I live in a midsize city, and almost everyone swipes their card. Now and then you'll get someone clearly not familiar with the process, but most people swipe as soon as they step up. Checks, on the other hand, are usually written by people who wait until the last bag is bagged. Then they begin searching for their checkbook, then they start writing, while chatting of course. And of course no one here will take a check with scanning and double checking and often verifying it through Telecheck or someone. A lot of people won't even take them anymore.

I know what you mean about small towns, though. Plastic works better in an impersonal setting, but you're probably right about towns where everyone knows you. :)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
insanity Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 01:08 PM
Response to Reply #16
69. disagree
You can run your card while the clerk is ringing you up. I'm done with everything but saying yes to the amount by the time the clerk has finished ringing up my items.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Gormy Cuss Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 01:13 PM
Response to Reply #4
20. As long as the stores still accept checks for payment, it's predictable
and should figure into the time one allots for standing in line. Getting made at people for using checks is like getting made at old people, or people who don't have a good grasp of English, or people counting out cash, people who thought they were buying the $1 item but it rings up at $5, etc. --- there WILL be people who aren't going to move through the line at full speed and planning for it is easier on one's blood pressure. Besides, there will be a day when the fretter is the one holding up the line. It happens to all of us eventually.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Digit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 11:50 PM
Response to Reply #20
36. Thanks Gormy
This senior thanks you for your thoughtful and mature post.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Gormy Cuss Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:21 AM
Response to Reply #36
43. And speaking of people who don't have a good grasp of English....
I meant MAD, not MADE, both times.

That would be MY screw-up on DU for the day.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
barb162 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 02:02 PM
Response to Reply #4
76. Did you ever notice how slowly they write out everything in that checkbook
You'd think they'd at least date and put the payee down as they're standing in line.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
AmyDeLune Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 04:55 AM
Response to Original message
9. What!?! No coupons?!?
They almost always have a handful of coupons-- for the wrong items or expired.

I still write checks on occasion (when I need a little delay to get some cash into checking) but I write in all that I can before I get to the check stand.

I'm a grocery store cashier, ah the "joy" of fussy customers...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Captain Hilts Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 09:59 AM
Response to Original message
11. 15 items or FEWER. nt
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
pokerfan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 11:59 PM
Response to Reply #11
38. Yeah, well...


I lost the Grammar Wars years ago...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
redqueen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 11:12 AM
Response to Reply #11
60. ...
:thumbsup:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 10:12 AM
Response to Original message
13. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
noamnety Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 10:27 AM
Response to Original message
14. heh.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
JTG of the PRB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 10:36 AM
Response to Original message
15. It always seems to me that the "Express" lane is anything but.
I usually take the self-checkout route when I have a small load. That whole "Express Lane" thing is just a trap.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 12:25 PM
Response to Reply #15
19. Yep. I pick based on the cashier...
I know which ones are faster and which ones are chatty. I have never found the express lanes to be all that helpful.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SoxFan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 10:45 PM
Response to Reply #19
32. But even they can't help you when a Lottery Ticket Assshat shows up
A dozen $2 scratch tickets, a couple of the $5 Aerosmith tickets, three Powerball tickets, a Tri-State Daily, oh, and can I redeem these old tickets from last summer?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 07:31 AM
Response to Reply #32
51. Those are only sold at customer service...
which I avoid at all cost! :)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
caitxrawks Donating Member (431 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 01:47 PM
Response to Original message
21. this is the kind of person i hated when i worked at walgreens.
OMG.

Fail.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dixiegrrrrl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 01:57 PM
Response to Original message
22. The "lady" is related to the woman
who picks items out of the cart one-at-a-time, s l o w l y .
stands there as they are all rung up and put in to bags, and loaded into the cart,
THEN opens her purse, rummages around in it for a minute, pulls out a wallet,
counts the bills IN the wallet, hands bills to clerk, then says, oh wait, I have a penny,
or a quarter, or whatever it is, opens change purse, counts change IN coin purse,
says "Never mind, I don't have the penny".
Takes the change and receipt, puts it in her wallet, puts wallet in purse,
and then FINALLY moves away from the counter..

I have not carried a purse for over 15 years, keep all cash in a pocket.
For some reason the little old purse lady drives me nutz.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
prole_for_peace Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 05:49 PM
Response to Reply #22
28. And the lady who does all you described but
Edited on Sun Jan-31-10 05:52 PM by prole_for_peace
except instead of using cash slowly reaches into her purse to get her checkbook, has to ask for a pen, slowly fills out the check, painstakinly tears the check out of the book, hands it to the cashier and then has to search in her purse for her license when the cashier asks to see it.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Odin2005 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 02:00 PM
Response to Original message
23. I hate people who take forever to pay for their stuff.
Edited on Sun Jan-31-10 02:01 PM by Odin2005
Inconsiderate jerks. Tend to be anal-retentive women in their 50s or 60s DRIVES ME CRAZY!!! I suprised she didn;t have a bunch of coupons and wasn't arguing with the manager about expired ones.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
demmiblue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:31 AM
Response to Reply #23
45. Perhaps you should chill out.
Oh and, perhaps you should give older people (men AND women) a break due to their decreased response time and difficulty adapting to new technology (check-outs are changing all the time). Is it really that hard to wait a couple of extra minutes before deeming people as "jerks"? I mean, really.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Odin2005 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-02-10 12:06 AM
Response to Reply #45
86. ACK, sorry, i wasn't refering to people that were slow because of age and.
...difficulty with new technology, I meant that most of the time-consuming perfectionists I have run to at the store are in that age group.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Mari333 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 08:57 AM
Response to Reply #23
56. hey!
thats my age, you whippersnapper. slap slap.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Odin2005 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-02-10 12:07 AM
Response to Reply #56
87. *Odin hides*
:yoiks: :evilgrin:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
elocs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 02:25 PM
Response to Original message
24. My talent is in picking the line that appears to be the fastest, but is in reality the slowest.
I get the person ahead of me that needs a price check. The ones with a fistful of coupons. The ones who have to write a check and start doing it after everything is scanned (I bet you rarely see anyone under 50, more likely 60 who will be writing a check) and then they have to balance their checkbook while everyone waits. Then there is the person (sorry, usually a woman) who when everything is checked out it suddenly occurs to her, "My God! I have to pay for this stuff" as she digs through a purse the size of a saddle bag to find her wallet.

The Express Lane. I was so happy the last time when I had few enough items to use it. There were 2 or 3 people ahead of me in line when I noticed that some of the regular lanes had no customers.

Yes, checkout lines. That's where I earn time off from Purgatory as well as learning some patience and have a laugh.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jobycom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:08 AM
Response to Reply #24
40. Never pick the shortest line. Ever.
The reason it's shorter is the same reason the lane with all the construction is shorter. Everyone else has already gotten out of the line because they can see the detour ahead.

the exception is if you've just seen the lane open up, of course.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
elocs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 07:58 AM
Response to Reply #40
55. I don't pick the shortest lane necessarily, only the one that "appears" to be the fastest.
Only after I have picked my lane something seems to happen to bog it down. Plus, whenever a new lane opens up (usually after I have been in my line for awhile) it's always past the point where I am able to switch. But when it comes to switching lanes unless I can get in first something usually happens to make it slower than my original line.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 11:50 AM
Response to Reply #40
63. Why?! WHY is this true?
Because it seems to be true! I have had people wave me over to a shorter line and I will refuse. I just witnessed this not long ago and the guy who took the bait ended up getting out of the lane again and going back to a longer line.

There has got to be some freaky reason this is true.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jobycom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 01:40 PM
Response to Reply #63
71. because people see how slow the checker or customer is, and move to another line.
This the slow line is the shortest.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Patiod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 03:54 PM
Response to Original message
25. The airport equivilent is the Old Guy with a big belt and change
in every pocket, who keeps having to go through the metal detector again and again, and KEEPS forgetting something lese metal on his person.

I NEVER get in line behind Old Guys.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Roon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 04:14 PM
Response to Reply #25
27. My mother was dating a professor who was also a mountain man
he wore a lighter version of his gear when he wasn't addressing school kids or teaching. He had TONS of metal on him when we went to pick up his niece. They wanded him, his keys and all his other paraphernalia were mostly metal. This was decades before 9-11 of course, but I still giggle about that man and our trip to the airport.

His name is Dick Morgan. He played the trapper in the movie "The Legend of Alfred Packer" He loved playing that part because he didn't have to act!!! Check it out sometime. :-)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SoxFan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 10:43 PM
Response to Reply #25
31. Or about three dozen Paul Tsongas buttons
There's a security screener at O'Hare who I suspect still talks about the chucklehead with the Tsongas buttons in his overcoat pocket.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
KamaAina Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 10:39 PM
Response to Original message
29. I almost didn't do it yesterday
turns out I had 14!

And usually it's me who gets stuck behind someone who quibbles over a 50-cent coupon, then writes a CHECK! Thanks for taking the karmic load off me! :-)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SoxFan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 10:41 PM
Response to Original message
30. The "She Needed Killin'" defense may apply in this case
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
krispos42 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 11:49 PM
Response to Reply #30
35. I always think of that "Bloom County" cartoon when I read stories like this.
The one that ends with the elderly lady being led off by an axe-carrying executioner for breaking up a box of butter sticks. The executioner, of course, had the store's logo on his hood.

:-)

"Hey, did you squeeze that Charmin?"
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
susanna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:26 AM
Response to Reply #35
44. I sooooo miss Bloom County.
I remember that particular episode vividly! Thanks for the memory. :)

Do you remember the old couple sitting on the porch swing, and at the end the old guy says, "yep, the country just shifted to the right again."

Opus and Bill the Cat ruled.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
krispos42 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:32 AM
Response to Reply #44
46. Oh, god, Berke would have had SUCH a field day with Dubya and the internet
Man, I miss it. I remember that cartoon, too.

I used to have 4 or 5 books, but I don't know where they are now. :-(
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
susanna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 02:32 AM
Response to Reply #46
49. Thankfully...it isn't just me.
I still have a few books (somewhere) and still miss them. :)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Lydia Leftcoast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 11:37 PM
Response to Original message
33. Fifteen (or even ten) items is too many for an "express" lane
One of the chains in Minneapolis (Lund's) has a "three items or fewer" (yes, they're even grammatically correct!) line.

If you've gone in for a carton of orange juice, you don't want to stand behind the person who has bought cereal, milk, detergent, a pound of hamburger, a bag of potato chips, a bag of onions, a frozen pizza, a six-pack of Coke, shampoo, and conditioner.

Besides, it's harder to cheat on a three-item limit than on a ten-item limit.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
krispos42 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 11:45 PM
Response to Original message
34. And this is why I go to the store after work.
At 12:30am, it's remarkably quiet and organized.


Still get the occasional checkwriter, but it's just easier overall.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Terra Alta Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-31-10 11:58 PM
Response to Original message
37. I work at Wally World
I have literally hundreds, if not thousands, of stories like this.

I hate when I get put on the "20 items or less" lane because many customers apparently can't read and/or count and come through with a huge buggy full of items. And we aren't allowed to turn them away!

Those with checks annoy me the most. Even after I tell them, "you don't have to fill the check out, the printer will do it for you" they go ahead and fill out the dang check!:banghead: And don't get me started on coupons... augggh!!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jobycom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:14 AM
Response to Original message
41. Chit-chatty checkers in the express drive me insane.
I got in a line last night with two people in front of me. One had a bottle of wine, the other about five items. The checker asked how they were doing. She asked if it was cold outside. She asked about the items they were buying. She asked if they wanted to little add-on things in the basket next to the register. She explained that she was supposed to ask that when both customers seemed a little annoyed. She apologized for the wait... Should have taken less than a minute on each, took me maybe five minutes.

Oh yeah, and guess what I was buying? An ice cream cake for my daughter's 11th birthday. It was melting as she chatted. Then she wanted to talk about the cake. Boy did it look yummy. Boy did she just want to take a bite of it. Boy was my daughter going to love it. Tell her happy birthday for me, okay? Would you like to buy a lint brush, stamps, ice, or a packet of gum with that? Meanwhile the cake was melting...

I smiled, and was friendly, but deep inside.... Oh boy, sometimes it's a good thing you can't go to jail for what you want to do.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LynneSin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:04 PM
Response to Reply #41
64. Chit-chatty checkers in ANY lane annoy the bejesus out of me
Thank gawd for self-checkout lanes.

Seriously, why must I fricking review every purchase I've made to the girl behind the counter ringing me up?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jobycom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 01:39 PM
Response to Reply #64
70. Yeah, true. I love self-checkout lanes, but they have their own issues.
Mostly idiots who have no concept of efficiency. I got behind one guy once who finished ringing everything up (well over the limit, too) and paying, so I moved up to his station, figuring he would leave. There was a long line behind me, and two stations for the line. The dude hadn't bagged anything. So while I stood there behind him, watching several people file through the other station and complete their orders, I watched Monk Dude lift each item, bag it, rebag it, put another item in the bag, redistribute the items for dog knows what purpose. There is a reason I don't carry a gun.

I don't mind people who just can't figure the machines out, because everyone has to learn them. But some people should just not try to check themselves.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Drunken Irishman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:19 AM
Response to Original message
42. I would have brutally murdered her.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hlthe2b Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:55 AM
Response to Original message
47. I think her twin must have been in front of me, except the clincher....
was when she started to jawbone the checker, who "seemingly didn't seem to be enjoying her job... (!)" She then starts to solicit her to become a Mary Kaye cosmetics salesperson, pulling out her business card and going through the dates when she could get with her to discuss possibilities.

I was so aghast at the damned nerve of this woman, I couldn't even get mad... I was just reveling in the ludicracy. :mad:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
wickerwoman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 02:10 AM
Response to Original message
48. The store I worked in cut back the work force to a skeleton crew
and I was literally doing five jobs at the same time (counting out cashiers so they could go home, manning the customer service desk, doing Western Union and lottery requests, answering the phones and opening up an extra check-out counter when the lines were long- and they were always long because the store cut back the number of checkers.)

Anyway, a typical day and the store is going insane. I have two cashiers who can't go home until I count out their tills, I'm doing a Western Union wire at the same time, transferring someone on the phone and all the lines are really long.

This guy comes over with a basket full of food, throws forty dollars at my chest (I couldn't catch it because my hands were literally full), says "there, I paid" and storms out of the store with the food. I was just shocked. I'd never seen anything so rude in my life. And in fact he hadn't paid because no one had rung up the items so all I could do was add the money to the customer service till (and get a citation because my total didn't match what the computer said I had rung up... my alternative was to just steal the money since he had already stolen the food).

Thanks asshole wherever you are! I should have called the cops, but I was too busy busting my ass in a situation not of my making.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 07:33 AM
Response to Reply #48
52. jerkhole!
I think someone here might have shot him for that!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hlthe2b Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 11:08 AM
Response to Reply #48
59. I empathize with you and the staff who are not able to change things
While the guy was rude and I would not have done what he did, I have on one occasion left an entire basket of groceries at the counter and left when i had waited and waited and waited and waited... At the same time, at least one manager was out smoking a cigarette and chit-chatting with staff, the check out counters were grossly understaffed and other staff continued to stock, rather than being brought up front to check out. This was the same store that had no one to collect shopping carts, making the lot a free-for-all for errant "run-ins".... At some point you just have to cut your losses and leave--I wasn't the only one, I should add.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
wickerwoman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 03:10 PM
Response to Reply #59
82. I've done that too.
But in that case, you aren't taking the item and not sticking some cashier with a citation for their till not adding up correctly. That's what really pissed me off. It wasn't *exactly* stealing because he was throwing money at me, but it was landing me in shit for something I had no control over. He should have just asked to see the manager and unloaded at them.

What pissed me off at this store was I was relatively young (about 19) and naive and took them adding more responsibility as a complement and was too shy to ask for a raise. So I ended up basically being a bookkeeper/customer service rep/swing cashier on a beginning cashier's salary. Then when I quit, suddenly they were throwing more money at me and saying I could choose whatever shift I wanted. But I was already too burned out doing five jobs for crap money and trying to study full-time too. I think a lot of companies throw away good employees in the same way.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
goldcanyonaz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 07:25 AM
Response to Original message
50. Life is about waiting, I have no problem affording people the same courtesy I want afforded to me.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 07:35 AM
Response to Reply #50
53. sounds noble and all but all anyone here is asking is
use the express lane AS an express lane...for those who should not have to wait when used properly.

Did Buddha EVER go to the grocery store? :)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Mudoria Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 07:44 AM
Response to Original message
54. One thing I've learned in the Express Line...
Edited on Mon Feb-01-10 07:44 AM by Mudoria
is that while reports show many of my fellow Americans are failures at geography, they are are also failures at the ability to count to 12 (my local Express Line limit).
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
blueamy66 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 09:43 AM
Response to Original message
57. I can so relate.
Anyone buying cigs should not be in an Express Lane. EVER!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Burma Jones Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 11:20 AM
Response to Original message
61. One of the things I like about Whole Foods is that they do not sell Cigs
Also, they have ample self-checkout lines.

I never venture into a Safeway. In addition to consistently higher prices, they are the worst about getting you out in a hurry

We have Harris Teeter and Giant, and both of those chains do a good job at moving their lines along.

If you go at the wrong time, it can be hell getting through the checkout line at Trader Joe's......but always worth the wait

Back when we lived in New York, we would make the trip to Stew Leonard's....While the checkout lines could be a very long wait, there was entertainment......

We also have a large number of Asian Grocery Stores and I have always been able to get through their checkout lickety split.....


You know, some things are cheaper at Whole Foods...like Fage Greek Yogurt and Kashi Strawberry Fields Cereal which constitute my breakfast.....

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
madinmaryland Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 11:38 AM
Response to Reply #61
62. Safeway has to be the worst at having ample checkout lines open.
On several occasions I was in an express line at the even rush hour with 12 people in front of me. They had one express line and one full-service line open.

:wtf:

HT, Giant, and even Food Lion are much better.

BTW, Stew Leonards in Danbury had to be the quickest to get out of. They would typically have every checkout line running on the weekends and at rush hour. The one in Norwalk was also pretty good.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LynneSin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:05 PM
Response to Reply #61
65. They also have a CEO who is a conservative nutjob too
:D
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Burma Jones Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 01:53 PM
Response to Reply #65
74. Yeah, that they do
That's why we spend most our food money at Trader Joe's......

If the local Costco wasn't a zoo, we'd probably go there too.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hlthe2b Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:52 PM
Response to Reply #61
68. Actually, just the opposite at my neighborhood Safeway...
Edited on Mon Feb-01-10 12:53 PM by hlthe2b
but Denver King's Soopers-- sheesh... I guess that's why the are dumping all their human staff for self-check outs, which pains me a great deal... I guess they've found out how to break the union... Sadly, i am now seeing some Safeways' bringing these in as well.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
A-Long-Little-Doggie Donating Member (895 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 12:34 PM
Response to Original message
67. I hate it when I am waved INTO the Express Lane.
My local Hannaford's does that sometimes when the regular lanes are busy but the Express Lane has no one in it. As soon as I start unloading my 30 or more items someone with the legal limit of items shows up behind me. No one has said anything to me yet, but the looks I get! I always go when they wave me over, but I really want to say that I would rather stay in the long line.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
graywarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 01:43 PM
Response to Original message
72. I could feel my blood pressure rise as I read your post.
You're lucky she didn't pay with change she had to dig out of the bottom of her purse.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
snooper2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 01:57 PM
Response to Original message
75. patience is a virtue
:)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
barb162 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 02:03 PM
Response to Original message
77. I'd say half the time or more when I am in the express lane, there's
someone in front with more items than "allowed" for that line.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
barb162 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 02:11 PM
Response to Original message
79. Here's another one; this idiot BEHIND me in the express lane
started raising her voice to me that I had too many items in my cart for the express lane. I was shocked as I had about 8 items. I finally said to her: COUNT THEM and tell me how I have too many items. I cannot believe some people I swear some of them have screws loose.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Phentex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 02:13 PM
Response to Original message
80. I AM NOW HEADING TO THE GROCERY STORE!...
I will pay with debit but I do have coupons and I need more than 15 items. I will allow anyone with fewer items than I have to go ahead of me. I am prepared to bump any cart violators and sing loudly next to those using cell phones.

Anybody need anything?

:hi:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Kali Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 02:20 PM
Response to Original message
81. here is me:
I have a pretty full cart but it's late or something and no regular lanes are open. Fast lane person says they will take me so I go there and start unloading. INVARIABLY some hyper ass will show up as we get started so I can't even allow them to go before me (which I gladly do, I'm rarely in THAT big of a hurry to pay for groceries, my life just isn't that important).

One reason I like to shop late at night is to avoid the crowds so I can be the asshole who leaves my loaded cart in the middle of the aisle and walk around the lane to grab something. Maneuvering that thing when it's loaded is a PITA. I do my main shopping every two weeks, drive 20 miles one way to get there, and have two male offspring still at home, so there is usually a load.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dugaresa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 03:13 PM
Response to Original message
83. patience, it is a virtue
every time i begin to think of griping, i think, "it could be me one day" and i would like to hope that someone behind me isn't making me feel bad.

i travel abroad and can not learn all the languages of each country, i try to adapt and do my best but i rely on the kindness and patience of others and am generally pleased.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
yellowcanine Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-01-10 03:15 PM
Response to Original message
84. That definitely was not my Mom. She wouldn't have bought the smokes.
Up to then she was right there though. Pennies cry real tears when she gets one in her clutches.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
sammytko Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-02-10 09:09 AM
Response to Original message
88. I love to shop at the air force commissary!
the lines move fast. Well I should say the LINE. There is only one line that feeds the check out stands. On busy days, the manager is there directing traffic and feeding them to the next available station.

Saturday was payday and both parkig lots were full. Lots of elderly people in their Cadillacs, but guess what - the lines moved quickly.

I love that they have 2 baggers at every station. Of course they work for tips, but its worth it.

Compared to Wally world, I saved 6 bucks on a 17lb bag of Iams dog food. That more than makes up for the tip.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
applegrove Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-02-10 09:51 PM
Response to Original message
89. I often shop on a saturday because all the cashes are open and there are no lineups.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Fri Apr 26th 2024, 03:37 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » The DU Lounge Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC