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Today the bagger asked me if I needed help out to the parking lot. It wasn't the first time I've been asked. I find it mildly insulting because it implies I look helpless or disabled. I am convinced that I do not look helpless or disabled, and I certainly hope I am not deluding myself.
I asked her in a friendly tone if she asks everybody that and she waffled with the answer, saying only that she once got in trouble for failing to ask.
I would say I get asked that maybe one out of ten times I buy groceries at Ralph's, which is one of the large chains in Southern California. Sometimes I defuse the situation by saying with a little laugh, "No thanks - I'm old but not that old". I know there is no point in letting my irritation show to the cashier or bagger, as they are not really doing anything wrong and there is more than enough negativity in the world anyway.
Small potatoes, I know, and perhaps not worth making a thread about, but I am just curious whether other posters here have had the same experience and whether, like me, you find it insulting and irritating.
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I'm also in California and the baggers at Ralph's and Vons ask me ALL the time if I need help with my bags. They've been doing so for the last 30 years (I'm 60), so I don't think it has anything to do with age. It's just something their store manager tells them to do as part of customer service. Heck, they even ask my husband if he need help out to the car.
I usually purchase my foodstuffs at Stater Brothers, (a smaller San Bernardino based supermarket with 168 locations throughout SoCal, according to wikipedia). The first time I was asked if I needed any help with my groceries, I was initially amused and playfully remarked, "Nah. I'm not 'that' old." Upon reflection, I see it as a "badge of honor" in that I am perceived as being a "senior". I've only been asked once or twice since. No big deal.
What gets me every time is when the Costco 'bag packer' always asks me if I want a box! What the heck am I going to do with a box when I get to the car? Maybe because I've learned to never go into a Costco with a shopping cart. I only purchase what I can carry in my overloaded arms. Still difficult getting out of there without spending a minor fortune.
I don't get it- seriously? It's a box- not a guided missile....geez
In the town where I used to live the grocery store manager was very clear about why he had the bag boys and girls take the grocery bags out for the customers.
He wanted to make sure that his carts didn't disappear and that they remained in good condition by staying inside most of the time.
So on the surface it seemed as though it was just lovely customer service, but really it was an economic decision on the part of the store manager.
At the store I go, they offer to take everyone's groceries out. And I've been shopping there since I was 29 and they asked me then, too. That doesn't insult me at all.
What I DON'T like is that now that I'm in my 50s, there is a kid in the store who is maybe 17 who always calls me "Miss." What?!
What gets me every time is when the Costco 'bag packer' always asks me if I want a box! What the heck am I going to do with a box when I get to the car? Maybe because I've learned to never go into a Costco with a shopping cart. I only purchase what I can carry in my overloaded arms. Still difficult getting out of there without spending a minor fortune.
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I always get a cart and they ask me if I want a box too. They ask because if you want a box, they put all the smaller items in the box so you are carrying a box, not a lot of loose items, and you put the box with items into your car. Then when you get home, you carry the box with items into the house.
We save the Costco boxes. They come in handy for lots of stuff - like holding casserole dishes when going to a potluck or family dinner so they don't slide all over the back of the car and spill.
Actually, carrying a few bags of groceries is probably good exercise.
Although you'd think for the prices they charge at Whole Foods, someone would offer. Sounds like it's just we hardy souls in the Northeast who never get offers of help with groceries.
I remember being asked that all the time years ago in SoCal...I think it was just a courtesy & I never felt insulted...manners & courtesy are good things..they barely exist now.
I remember that particular courtesy diminishing in SoCal in the 90's...I remember having huge amounts at Costco in cardboard boxes, in blistering heat, could have used some help, no offers.
Where I now live in WA there are a number of older people who look like they could really use the help, especially in the rain & I never hear anyone offer to help them.
Where we live, they don't really ask. But you can ask for help if needed and they'll provide it.
At least here there are baggers! When we were in NJ, ShopRite and Pathmark didn't have baggers, so you had to bag your own groceries or wait for the cashier to do it. Most people bagged themselves.
Interesting thread and I'm surprised at how many people feel 'insulted' when asked if they'd like help out. We don't have baggers but we DO offer carry out service. Only problem is finding someone to do it! Sometimes it'll be a cart pusher called in from outside or even a front end manager but all they have to do is ask and we'll help them out. Nobody is allowed to accept tips either. I don't ask all my customers but I'm pretty good at sizing them up and I will ask if they have a lot of heavy/big items. Most of the time they say "No thanks" but sometimes they are grateful for the help. The only store in town, that I know of, who asks ALL customers is Safeway and they always have.
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