Walmart question - yeah, yeah I'm now a poor...

[Finance85]

Well, I'm not really a poor. I'm doing well in my semi-retirement, but old age has me reverting back to childhood fears of worrying about running out of money. Back to the post.

I put off grocery shopping last week, needed a few essentials, and had a busy schedule, so I decided to go to Walmart around 9:00 Friday night. To my surprise, it wasn't very crowded at all. I ended up getting about a half full cart of groceries. There were two full service check out lanes, so I took that method so /i could get out faster. When I was leaving the store, the guy near the door asked to see my receipt. He could clearly see (if he was paying any attention at all, that I came from the full service lane. I've had this happen every once in awhile, and I really don't shop Walmart all that often.

I don't know why, but somehow this just hit me wrong this particular time. I started to hand him my receipt, then just changed my mind. It just struck me wrong since there were almost no customers, and I had just come from the full service line. So I said no, and pointed to where I just came from. I guess he thought I was going to make a big deal of it, which I wasn't, and said "ok, no problem".

Anyway, it really bothered me. I just felt like I was being accused of stealing. Walmart has loss prevention people looking at cameras the entire time you are in the store. Why do they have people checking receipts?

 

[Bonerfarts1]

Walmart has an idiot proof policy (since they only hire idiots) of checking everyone with a cart, doesn't matter what lane they checked out at. You are right that if common sense holds then he should have seen how and when you checked out, but Walmart cannot have common sense policies. The less Walmart management relies on their employees to think the better their business runs.

 

[Tenacious E_rivals41982]

Well, I'm not really a poor. I'm doing well in my semi-retirement, but old age has me reverting back to childhood fears of worrying about running out of money. Back to the post.

I put off grocery shopping last week, needed a few essentials, and had a busy schedule, so I decided to go to Walmart around 9:00 Friday night. To my surprise, it wasn't very crowded at all. I ended up getting about a half full cart of groceries. There were two full service check out lanes, so I took that method so /i could get out faster. When I was leaving the store, the guy near the door asked to see my receipt. He could clearly see (if he was paying any attention at all, that I came from the full service lane. I've had this happen every once in awhile, and I really don't shop Walmart all that often.

I don't know why, but somehow this just hit me wrong this particular time. I started to hand him my receipt, then just changed my mind. It just struck me wrong since there were almost no customers, and I had just come from the full service line. So I said no, and pointed to where I just came from. I guess he thought I was going to make a big deal of it, which I wasn't, and said "ok, no problem".

Anyway, it really bothered me. I just felt like I was being accused of stealing. Walmart has loss prevention people looking at cameras the entire time you are in the store. Why do they have people checking receipts?

Maybe they don't trust their cashiers.

 

[Moral]

They are mostly just there for deterrence I assume. I always just ignore them and the lady acts like I am a criminal for that.

 

[Bonerfarts1]

This is the same take as when I hear people have bad service experience at McDonalds or other fast food places, the problem isn't the buisnesses but it is your expectations. Why is anyone expecting good service from any of these establishments?

 

[stillh8unlv]

Pretty sure they only check non bagged items like a jug of laundry detergent, gallon of milk, big bag of dog food, etc.

I'm assuming if it's not in a bag, the thought is, it could be getting lifted.

They can't be reviewing every bag and every item.

 

[PW Herman]

Well, I'm not really a poor. I'm doing well in my semi-retirement, but old age has me reverting back to childhood fears of worrying about running out of money. Back to the post.

I put off grocery shopping last week, needed a few essentials, and had a busy schedule, so I decided to go to Walmart around 9:00 Friday night. To my surprise, it wasn't very crowded at all. I ended up getting about a half full cart of groceries. There were two full service check out lanes, so I took that method so /i could get out faster. When I was leaving the store, the guy near the door asked to see my receipt. He could clearly see (if he was paying any attention at all, that I came from the full service lane. I've had this happen every once in awhile, and I really don't shop Walmart all that often.

I don't know why, but somehow this just hit me wrong this particular time. I started to hand him my receipt, then just changed my mind. It just struck me wrong since there were almost no customers, and I had just come from the full service line. So I said no, and pointed to where I just came from. I guess he thought I was going to make a big deal of it, which I wasn't, and said "ok, no problem".

Anyway, it really bothered me. I just felt like I was being accused of stealing. Walmart has loss prevention people looking at cameras the entire time you are in the store. Why do they have people checking receipts?

Geez. Seems extreme but maybe they caught you in a bad moment. It takes two seconds and doesn't seem like something I'd dig my feet in for.

Don't go to Sam's Club or Costco. You're not walking out without some kind of verification. Sam's has added automation but Costco checks everyone.

 

[CaptainObvious]

Never stop at Walmart, they have no right to check your bags. Sams and Costco are different, since you agree to be searched in your membership agreement.

 

[Bierhalter]

Pretty sure they only check non bagged items like a jug of laundry detergent, gallon of milk, big bag of dog food, etc.

I'm assuming if it's not in a bag, the thought is, it could be getting lifted.

They can't be reviewing every bag and every item.

I think if it sticks out they're pretty much obligated to check. I got checked for having wiper blades sticking out of a bag.

I hate socializing so the fact that no two greeters are the same annoys me. My local store alone runs the gamut from too friendly to looking at you silently with suspicion.

 

[PW Herman]

Never stop at Walmart, they have no right to check your bags. Sams and Costco are different, since you agree to be searched in your membership agreement.

I wouldn't say never. May not be a deal breaker for some but if Walmart is one of your only options.

Store Policy: While you aren't legally forced to stop, it is store policy. If you refuse, Walmart management has the legal right to ban (trespass) you from the store. [1, 2]

 

[JWolf74]

Another reason not to step foot in WM. I haven't been in one in probably ten years.

 

[m.knox]

Well, I'm not really a poor. I'm doing well in my semi-retirement, but old age has me reverting back to childhood fears of worrying about running out of money. Back to the post.

I put off grocery shopping last week, needed a few essentials, and had a busy schedule, so I decided to go to Walmart around 9:00 Friday night. To my surprise, it wasn't very crowded at all. I ended up getting about a half full cart of groceries. There were two full service check out lanes, so I took that method so /i could get out faster. When I was leaving the store, the guy near the door asked to see my receipt. He could clearly see (if he was paying any attention at all, that I came from the full service lane. I've had this happen every once in awhile, and I really don't shop Walmart all that often.

I don't know why, but somehow this just hit me wrong this particular time. I started to hand him my receipt, then just changed my mind. It just struck me wrong since there were almost no customers, and I had just come from the full service line. So I said no, and pointed to where I just came from. I guess he thought I was going to make a big deal of it, which I wasn't, and said "ok, no problem".

Anyway, it really bothered me. I just felt like I was being accused of stealing. Walmart has loss prevention people looking at cameras the entire time you are in the store. Why do they have people checking receipts?

The guy is just doing his job......

 

[JayDeeSC]

I used to get annoyed by it, but (1) that person has a job to do and I show them respect, and (2) us white folks have typically always gotten the benefit of the doubt when shopping. I've used it as a chance to teach my kids that some people get treated that way all the time.

 

[Aardvark86]

Well, I'm not really a poor. I'm doing well in my semi-retirement, but old age has me reverting back to childhood fears of worrying about running out of money. Back to the post.

I put off grocery shopping last week, needed a few essentials, and had a busy schedule, so I decided to go to Walmart around 9:00 Friday night. To my surprise, it wasn't very crowded at all. I ended up getting about a half full cart of groceries. There were two full service check out lanes, so I took that method so /i could get out faster. When I was leaving the store, the guy near the door asked to see my receipt. He could clearly see (if he was paying any attention at all, that I came from the full service lane. I've had this happen every once in awhile, and I really don't shop Walmart all that often.

I don't know why, but somehow this just hit me wrong this particular time. I started to hand him my receipt, then just changed my mind. It just struck me wrong since there were almost no customers, and I had just come from the full service line. So I said no, and pointed to where I just came from. I guess he thought I was going to make a big deal of it, which I wasn't, and said "ok, no problem".

Anyway, it really bothered me. I just felt like I was being accused of stealing. Walmart has loss prevention people looking at cameras the entire time you are in the store. Why do they have people checking receipts?

You and my wife would get along well

a- because they suffer a lot of “inventory shrinkage”

more generally re wmt, yeah, it’s not exactly an inspiring shopping experience. But like most major actors in us economic history, it’s a great illustration of the importance of distribution efficiency in a diversified continent sized territory. Does it cannibalize some local small town business? You bet. Does it give small town populations access to a materially broader range of goods and services? You bet.

 

[Moogy]

Well, I'm not really a poor. I'm doing well in my semi-retirement, but old age has me reverting back to childhood fears of worrying about running out of money. Back to the post.

I put off grocery shopping last week, needed a few essentials, and had a busy schedule, so I decided to go to Walmart around 9:00 Friday night. To my surprise, it wasn't very crowded at all. I ended up getting about a half full cart of groceries. There were two full service check out lanes, so I took that method so /i could get out faster. When I was leaving the store, the guy near the door asked to see my receipt. He could clearly see (if he was paying any attention at all, that I came from the full service lane. I've had this happen every once in awhile, and I really don't shop Walmart all that often.

I don't know why, but somehow this just hit me wrong this particular time. I started to hand him my receipt, then just changed my mind. It just struck me wrong since there were almost no customers, and I had just come from the full service line. So I said no, and pointed to where I just came from. I guess he thought I was going to make a big deal of it, which I wasn't, and said "ok, no problem".

Anyway, it really bothered me. I just felt like I was being accused of stealing. Walmart has loss prevention people looking at cameras the entire time you are in the store. Why do they have people checking receipts?

This seems like a question you should be able to answer on your own ... if you had a company, and theft was an issue (as a component of shrinkage), would you not take reasonable precautions to deter it?

Shrinkage (the loss of inventory due to theft, administrative errors, or damage) typically accounts for 1% to 2% of Walmart’s total sales. Because Walmart operates on very thin profit margins (around 3% to 4%), these losses can consume up to $0.30 to $0.50 for every dollar of profit the company makes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Also, to anyone who doesn't understand the legal rights and obligations ...

No, you are not legally required to stop and show your receipt at Walmart. [1, 2]
However, because Walmart is private property, they have the legal right to ask. Knowing how the rules and your rights work can help you navigate the situation: [1, 2]

• Voluntary compliance: You do not have to stop unless an employee has "probable cause" or reasonable suspicion that you are shoplifting. [1, 2]
• The "Shopkeeper’s Privilege": Under state laws, merchants are protected by the Shopkeeper's Privilege, which allows them to briefly detain you only if they have a reasonable belief that you are stealing merchandise. [1, 2, 3]
• Consequences for refusing: If you simply walk past without stopping, the store cannot physically block you or forcibly take your bags unless they suspect a crime. However, store management has the right to revoke your permission to shop there and can ban you from the premises (issue a trespass notice). [1, 2, 3, 4]

Personally, why make it an issue? These folks have a job to do and if you haven't stolen anything, it's a quick and painless check. If you're in a Wal-Mart, your soul has already been crushed, so you're not retaining/regaining any dignity in standing up to the poor receipt checker. This seems like an outlet for the wienies who want to give cops a hard time, like you see in all those butthead videos, but are too cowardly to do so.

 

[jedhawk77]

This seems like an outlet for the wienies who want to give cops a hard time, like you see in all those butthead videos, but are too cowardly to do so.

These are the types of subjects we discussed on HROT prior to the crazy political back and forth personal attacks. Personally I would rather see more of this than post after post about politics

 

[AFM22]

I guess if they want to check my cart they can check it.

I'm usually not buying a full cart of anything at walmart, though.

 

[Moogy]

I will also note that the main issue that exists at retail stores is customer-based ... folks who don't put their carts in a corral or back at the front of the store. Now, those people should be publicly executed. Slowly. Smashed repeatedly by people ramming shopping carts into their person. I even once saw a physically capable man, who was parked two spots from a corral, leave his cart in a space, on a slope, pointed in the direction of another car. And this was at a Target, where you expect people to be more reasonable than the dregs you typically find at a Wal-Mart. Death isn't enough of a punishment for folks like that.

But I'm not bitter.

 

[DailyBuck7]

Well, I'm not really a poor. I'm doing well in my semi-retirement, but old age has me reverting back to childhood fears of worrying about running out of money. Back to the post.

I put off grocery shopping last week, needed a few essentials, and had a busy schedule, so I decided to go to Walmart around 9:00 Friday night. To my surprise, it wasn't very crowded at all. I ended up getting about a half full cart of groceries. There were two full service check out lanes, so I took that method so /i could get out faster. When I was leaving the store, the guy near the door asked to see my receipt. He could clearly see (if he was paying any attention at all, that I came from the full service lane. I've had this happen every once in awhile, and I really don't shop Walmart all that often.

I don't know why, but somehow this just hit me wrong this particular time. I started to hand him my receipt, then just changed my mind. It just struck me wrong since there were almost no customers, and I had just come from the full service line. So I said no, and pointed to where I just came from. I guess he thought I was going to make a big deal of it, which I wasn't, and said "ok, no problem".

Anyway, it really bothered me. I just felt like I was being accused of stealing. Walmart has loss prevention people looking at cameras the entire time you are in the store. Why do they have people checking receipts?

if they don't stop everybody, someone will claim discrimination. also, just imagine that a substantial portion of the Walmart customers knew walking into the store that the security was loose. the place would be looted in no time.

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

Wife orders online for pick up. reason is to avoid the carnival atmosphere inside.

People use to go to target and happily pay a little more because it wasn’t Walmart.

with Walmart delivery and curbside pickup you can now pay Walmart prices without the Walmart experience. Target has to be feeling that pain.

 

[AFM22]

I will also note that the main issue that exists at retail stores is customer-based ... folks who don't put their carts in a corral or back at the front of the store. Now, those people should be publicly executed. Slowly. Smashed repeatedly by people ramming shopping carts into their person. I even once saw a physically capable man, who was parked two spots from a corral, leave his cart in a space, on a slope, pointed in the direction of another car. Death isn't enough of a punishment for folks like that.

But I'm not bitter.

 

[Moogy]

You strike me as a cart leaver.

 

[AFM22]

You strike me as a cart leaver.

View attachment 1318541

I'm not. But I'm not going to type out fantasies of unusual punishments.

 

[Anon1750875978]

A minor inconvenience that shouldn't bother anyone.
JMO

 

[LafayetteBear]

Geez. Seems extreme but maybe they caught you in a bad moment. It takes two seconds and doesn't seem like something I'd dig my feet in for.

Don't go to Sam's Club or Costco. You're not walking out without some kind of verification. Sam's has added automation but Costco checks everyone.

I was also thinking of Costco when I read the OP. But the different here is that Costco checks EVERYONE'S receipt, and it appears that this particular Walmart just checked selected receipts. Getting picked out for that appears to be what rankled the OP. Just another one of those micro-aggressions you have to deal with from time to time.

 

[stillh8unlv]

I used to get annoyed by it, but (1) that person has a job to do and I show them respect, and (2) us white folks have typically always gotten the benefit of the doubt when shopping. I've used it as a chance to teach my kids that some people get treated that way all the time.

I made the mistake of stopping at an East St Louis Walmart on a work trip once, the amount of cameras on the walls were insane along with armed guards and a plethora of detectors by the door ways.

If I took my kids there not sure what I'd teach them that wouldn't come off as racist.

 

[Finance85]

I used to get annoyed by it, but (1) that person has a job to do and I show them respect, and (2) us white folks have typically always gotten the benefit of the doubt when shopping. I've used it as a chance to teach my kids that some people get treated that way all the time.

Who are "us" white folks?

 

[Moogy]

I'm not. But I'm not going to type out fantasies of unusual punishments.

If you don't type out these types of fantasies of unusual punishments, next thing you know, someone from your group of friends will get busted for being a crackbaby, and you'll start dating the types of girls that end up, on camera, effing a ***** that's adhered to a tree.

 

[baltimorened]

Walmart has an idiot proof policy (since they only hire idiots) of checking everyone with a cart, doesn't matter what lane they checked out at. You are right that if common sense holds then he should have seen how and when you checked out, but Walmart cannot have common sense policies. The less Walmart management relies on their employees to think the better their business runs.

I like Walmart...they have just about everything and normally at a lower price. I don't buy produce at most, but the one closest to me has a great product/fruit section. Why would you pay more for the same or similar products just to spite Walmart...

 

[AFM22]

If you don't type out these types of fantasies of unusual punishments, next thing you know, someone from your group of friends will get busted for being a crackbaby, and you'll start dating the types of girls that end up, on camera, effing a ***** that's adhered to a tree.

Happens to the best of us.

 

[r_desihawk]

 

[JayDeeSC]

Who are "us" white folks?

Don't worry about it. Something tells me you are not capable of a nuanced discussion.

 

[Jonathan Assbutt Jr.]

Don't worry about it. Something tells me you are not capable of a nuanced discussion.

Finance85 isn't an idiot...

And no, the bag checkers never bothered me. Wal-mart deals with a lot of theft. It is what it is.

 

[Aardvark86]

Finance85 isn't an idiot...

And no, the bag checkers never bothered me. Wal-mart deals with a lot of theft. It is what it is.

yep. as the cop says at the end of christmas vacation, it's 'pretty low' to be getting up into the face of some poor greeter.

 

[Torbee]

Well, I'm not really a poor. I'm doing well in my semi-retirement, but old age has me reverting back to childhood fears of worrying about running out of money. Back to the post.

I put off grocery shopping last week, needed a few essentials, and had a busy schedule, so I decided to go to Walmart around 9:00 Friday night. To my surprise, it wasn't very crowded at all. I ended up getting about a half full cart of groceries. There were two full service check out lanes, so I took that method so /i could get out faster. When I was leaving the store, the guy near the door asked to see my receipt. He could clearly see (if he was paying any attention at all, that I came from the full service lane. I've had this happen every once in awhile, and I really don't shop Walmart all that often.

I don't know why, but somehow this just hit me wrong this particular time. I started to hand him my receipt, then just changed my mind. It just struck me wrong since there were almost no customers, and I had just come from the full service line. So I said no, and pointed to where I just came from. I guess he thought I was going to make a big deal of it, which I wasn't, and said "ok, no problem".

Anyway, it really bothered me. I just felt like I was being accused of stealing. Walmart has loss prevention people looking at cameras the entire time you are in the store. Why do they have people checking receipts?

If you really want to save money on groceries and you don't have kids to feed, I recommend Aldi. It takes some extra time to figure out what is good stuff and what is crap, but my gosh is sooooooooo much cheaper.

Now that we are empty nesters, we do a ton of our shopping there and I'm guessing we save at least $200 a month by not shopping at Hy_Vee.

 

[Moogy]

If you really want to save money on groceries and you don't have kids to feed, I recommend Aldi. It takes some extra time to figure out what is good stuff and what is crap, but my gosh is sooooooooo much cheaper.

Now that we are empty nesters, we do a ton of our shopping there and I'm guessing we save at least $200 a month by not shopping at Hy_Vee.

 

[bagdropper]

Some info for WM self checkouters.

They use cell phones to track register scanning in real time. Granted, there's multiple registers and they can't be watching everybody at the same time if they're busy.

But if you're checking you're items out and you see a nearby employee looking at their phone - they're actually keeping track of someone's scans (maybe you) while watching them.

 

[jedhawk77]

If you really want to save money on groceries and you don't have kids to feed, I recommend Aldi. It takes some extra time to figure out what is good stuff and what is crap, but my gosh is sooooooooo much cheaper.

Now that we are empty nesters, we do a ton of our shopping there and I'm guessing we save at least $200 a month by not shopping at Hy_Vee.

Aldi is great. It takes a bit of getting used to in regards to having your quarter for your cart, no bags(grab yourself some boxes), etc. It's been my preferred grocery store for years now. My MIL at one point had to remind me, as I was notorious about driving across town to pick up a handful of items, 'sometimes your time is not worth the savings.' And that was true. But for most items, including lots of staples many like to 'have on hand' it is the best.

 

[Gibbs_dontbanmetom]

I also find it very annoying. If you want me to self check out then you shouldn’t need to stop me and check my cart. If you want to check my cart, have someone check out my items.
As was mentioned earlier, it is someone’s job, doesn’t mean I agree with it. I’m also willing to bet they need to check an x number of carts each hour or shift or whatever. I’d also be willing to bet most of the people they stop are normal looking white people because they will be the most understanding. Which is pointless because they are the ones that most likely aren’t stealing. So, the whole system is stupid and pointless. They are most likely paying an employee to stereotype and not solve any sort of store “shrinkage” issue.

 

[Gibbs_dontbanmetom]

If you really want to save money on groceries and you don't have kids to feed, I recommend Aldi. It takes some extra time to figure out what is good stuff and what is crap, but my gosh is sooooooooo much cheaper.

Now that we are empty nesters, we do a ton of our shopping there and I'm guessing we save at least $200 a month by not shopping at Hy_Vee.

Probably depends on what you are eating and buying. The wife and I have price shopped at multiple different grocery stores. If you plan to get all your groceries at one place, you’re going to pay relatively the same amount of money. If you want to get groceries at multiple different stores, you’ll save some money but who has the time and or energy to do that.