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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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Yes, and always have. It's polite for them to ask, esp since they have baggers whose job it is to do that. Sometimes I say yes, even though I don't, since I think the guy may appreciate supplementing his meager wages with a tip.
You know, Home Depot will help you with big bags from the nursery. I'd forgotten that. I'd need that kind of help before I'd need help from the grocer.
Many stores here ask. I have begun to avoid one store because they can't take no for an answer--followed me out and grabbed the cart away from me. I feel that doing things for myself today helps to insure I can do them for myself tomorrow.
I have been asked, but then I AM disabled so I don't get offended. When I go to the car I carry on a lively discussion with the helper (and they're not always young) and we have a great time. When they've put my groceries in the car I make sure to give them a nice tip, which they're always surprised at...pleasant experience all around!
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?!
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.
I have no idea. All I know is that employees aren't allowed to accept them. Good customer service is simply expected and, I suppose, we are supposed to be 'good helpers' without expectation of being paid for it.
They usually ask. I think it's their job to do so. I normally decline, but if I am on crutches or have an injury of some sort, I gratefully accept the help.
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