Watch the cashier

[rob62521]

I honestly feel stupid admitting this, but two weeks ago when my DH and I went grocery shopping, I thought I was watching the cashier. However, because the people ahead of us were pokey in getting their carts and groceries out of the way, I didn't see the first few things scanned. When my hubby and I came home, we both put away groceries. Two days later when I was looking for the carrots, and couldn't find them, I started searching the fridge thinking he must have put them someplace else. No carrots. I then started looking for other things and there were three other items missing as well. I pulled out the receipt thinking maybe I lost my mind and forgot to buy them. No, they were on there as well as five small bags of chips...I don't buy the small bags of chips! I know I checked the area before we left to make sure we hadn't left any groceries. The only conclusion I could come to was she charged me for things I didn't buy and put the other things in a box or bag for herself. Since we had already left the store and it has been a couple of days since the shopping trip, it would have been my word against hers. I know I feel angry at myself for not watching closer.

[terry1156]

After that experience, if you ever decide to shop at that grocery store again, I would talk to the manager. I don't think I would try and get your money back, but what I would do is tell him something very strange may be going on and ask him/her to look into it further (especially if you can remember the cashier you used). If the manager thinks a cashier may be stealing, then they should monitor that cashier to see if it is true or not. Then hopefully it won't happen to someone else.

[cercis]

Most receipts will have a code that will let the manager know which cashier you used. Some stores will even have surveillance tapes. I'd complain to the manager, but make it sound like an honest mistake - "I think the chips from the people in front of me must have fallen over the divider and then they must have gotten one of my bags by mistake, because their chips were on top" (which could be what happened). Most managers will make it up to you and if they don't, then they'll have a discussion with the cashiers about being more careful.

[meaghanchan]

This sounds like an honest mistake-- It's possible some items were switched from the order in front of you as the cashier was ringing them in. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the cashier's stealing... That's a pretty big jump, and I don't think cashiers are likely to steal from their customers right under their noses. That's a good way to get yourself fired, if nothing else.

[mjrube94]

I was shopping yesterday for the kids' back-to-school clothes. We probably had about 30-40 separate articles of clothing. When I looked at the receipt after I got home, I noticed she rang up the same shirt twice! Then it happened again later in the receipt with another shirt! Totally honest mistake, and understandable given the pile of clothes and general activity in the area. I went back to the customer service desk and they credited my account without any problem. Always pays to check your receipts!

[akaivyleaf]

We're all human and are subject to mistakes. I wouldn't want to think that the cashier was stealing, but it is entirely possible. In this day and age, people who have jobs are Hungry. It might be easier for her to take food, than to take money- certainly both aren't right and neither should be condoned, but in this instance, if I honestly thought she was stealing I would pray for her and probably not complain this time, but be ever so much more careful the next time I shopped.

[Fern]

Wal-Mart is one of those stores where this can very easily happen becus they have those rotating carousels that hold those plastic bags they drop your purchases in. If you don't check carefully, you could easily walk out without taking all the bags.

[PRICEPLUS]

Very possibly an honest mistake. If you shop regularly at that shop then it pays to go back and bring it to the managers notice. Store credit is as good as cash if you shop there on a regular basis. Hey. it's your money!

[mom-from-missouri]

Some stores will take your blank check, and insert it into the register to fill in the amount. Always double check these. Don't sign the check until after have verified the amount. Last year a local employee was arrested for making out the checks for an extra $10, and pocketing it. He made it appear like the customer was writing it over the amount for cash back. The newspaper said he averaged several hundred a day doing this.

[Bluezy]

When a cashier is busy and under pressure to check customers out quickly, mistakes can be made. If the cashier is in dire straights or compulsive that she must steal carrots, then I would refer her for psychological help. However, this sounds like a mistake that happens.

[CRFSaver]

The thing that bugs me is the bagging they do. Dont just throw my stuff in a bag. I was a bag boy in high school. I had classes (don't laugh) on how to bag groceries. Thats what I miss about locally owned grocery stores...