Does anyone "sample" the grape before they buy the bunch? (prices, best)

[sheriwx]

What if you just try a grape, then when you check out, tell the cashier "Please add the cost of one grape to my bill, I had to see if I wanted to buy them."

Then the cashier can decide whether one grape is stealing, or assign the grape a value to keep everyone honest.

[juggler]

For those of you that think sampling a grape is stealing, what happens if you buy the bunch, take it home, eat a couple of grapes, decide that they are disgusting, and take them back to the store for a refund?

You are returning a bunch of grapes that is two grapes short of what you paid for, yet you get a full refund. Isn't this stealing, or do you regurgitate the swallowed grapes back into the bag before you return it?

Sure the "merchandise" is defective, but does that mean you can get away with not returning ALL of it?

[itsajourney]

Unless the cashier has been "empowered" to make that decision, she must defer it to management--or risk losing her/his job.

[sheriwx]

I don't mind if they defer to management. I mean, this is honesty we're talking about, right? Honesty no matter the hassle..

[NightBazaar]

Originally Posted by sheriwx

What if you just try a grape, then when you check out, tell the cashier "Please add the cost of one grape to my bill, I had to see if I wanted to buy them."

Then the cashier can decide whether one grape is stealing, or assign the grape a value to keep everyone honest.

Most grapes I see are priced by the pound. How much does a single grape weigh? Not sure how you'd calculate the unit price since each individual grape would vary in size and weight. I guess it wouldn't matter though because once the grape has been eaten, the deed is done.

I guess they could "assign" a value of 1-cent per grape, but more likely they'd just laugh at anyone for asking to be charged for eating one because they wanted to see if it was tasty enough to buy. Either that, or look at the customer as being someone who's a bit on the odd side.

[janelle144]

What is the cost of one grape??? Well that all depends. If they lose people's business over not letting you sample one grape for crying out loud, it can run pretty darn high, maybe into the thousands of dollars. I really don't think they mind if it's done. These are the businesses that go under. No customer service. Many businesses have learned that from the past.

[NightBazaar]

Originally Posted by janelle144

What is the cost of one grape??? Well that all depends. If they lose people's business over not letting you sample one grape for crying out loud, it can run pretty darn high, maybe into the thousands of dollars. I really don't think they mind if it's done. These are the businesses that go under. No customer service. Many businesses have learned that from the past.

I completely agree with you. I was being humorous with my question about the cost of a single grape, because most stores aren't concerned about the "loss" of a grape if a customer samples one. It'd be a different matter if someone starts chomping down enough for a salad though. But, yes, it is a matter of customer service, and pretty much something expected by the markets as part of doing business.

I sort of agree with those who feel grapes may be contaminated by other people handling the produce or sneezing on them. That would be reason to avoid sampling them, but usually grapes exposed as such would be those laying loose in the bins. And I'm not saying that's uncommon. But we find many markets that put grape bunches into plastic bags with air slits in the sides and often a ziploc top.

Others have pointed out that it would be more of a concern if grapes have been sprayed with pesticides or fungicides. I'm not really sure how much spraying is actually done before harvest though. Some fruits, like apples, pears, etc., would be fruits you'd want to wash before eating. Cherries are also a fruit that is sprayed to prevent infestation of fruit flies. But strawberries or grapes? I don't know.

I don't like sampling produce like that, but my wife usually opens up a bag to sample a grape before buying. Sure, others could've done the same thing, but the odds are lower when you select a bag at random.

[oldhousegirl]

This has been fun to follow, I had no idea that people would feel so strongly one way or the other. I really do feel that it - the one grape taste - is likely absorbed as a cost of doing business.

[Ranrich]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

R-i-g-h-t... Consider it my contribution to the green movement.

If the grape is contaminated, I'll have a green movement.

I'm not particularly fussy as far as grapes are concerned (really), but the stores have repeatedly attempted to foist off sour grapes and "globe" grapes, which are an abomination on grapehood

Now that's funny!

[janelle144]

I tasted a cherry last night. I am happy to report that I am still alive and kicking. No after effects at all.

If we worried about all the germs in the store then don't touch the cart or anything else. I guess I could go around with clorox wipes and wipe down each item I buy but then I would be in the store all night.