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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think eating products before you pay for them at the till is uncouth?

730 replies

lastfanjoinparis · 04/04/2015 21:46

OH and I disagree. He thinks eating a packet of crisps then handing the empty packet over at checkout to scan is perfectly acceptable but I think this is a no-no.

Where do you guys sit on this matter?

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 04/04/2015 21:47

I think it's uncouth.

ChipDip · 04/04/2015 21:48

Uncouth, you can't be that greedy to wait till you get to the counter to pay.

Hobby2014 · 04/04/2015 21:48

I wouldn't do that.
However I have been known to give ds a toy in his pushchair and remove the tag to then handover to pay at the till.

mrsmeerkat · 04/04/2015 21:48

I agree.. It is a no no but I have had to do it once with toddler but it's not something I like to do.

GlitterTwinkleToes · 04/04/2015 21:49

Depends on the situation really. Twice I've taken my DD shopping and she's ran out of milk and screaming for more greedy bugger and I've opened up and fed her the ready made variety. She was quiet, I was more calm and the cashier wasn't bothered at all about it.

MumSnotBU · 04/04/2015 21:49

Uncouth is a great word. Uncannily underused.

TheCowThatLaughs · 04/04/2015 21:49

Unless he's a diabetic with low blood sugar, he should be able to wait

ishallnamehimsquishy · 04/04/2015 21:49

YANBU.

This could be interesting though, so I may get out my (already purchased) popcorn. Grin

Only1scoop · 04/04/2015 21:50

Lacking in general manners and sets a dreadful example to dc.

I used to always ask why other dc were allowed to do this as a child.

KatieScarlettreregged · 04/04/2015 21:51

Only ok for placating a small child.
Otherwise it's bleargh.
Rationally I know my reaction is daft but that is what I think when I see it.

UncertainSmile · 04/04/2015 21:52

I've never done it with crisps, but I think I did it with a fresh cream cake in Sainsburys once.

lomega · 04/04/2015 21:52

I think it's a bit gross, unless there's a massive queue and you're diabetic or something and wolf a chocolate bar down in an emergency (had this happen once when I was working in retail - lady hadn't kept her blood sugars up and collapsed, I ran to see if she was ok and she said she felt faint and needed sugars - so I grabbed a Mars bar for her and my manager said she could pay for it once she'd eaten it and come to enough. I digress)

Anyway YANBU. Unless there is a good reason no it's not really right. What's wrong with quickly grabbing your snack to eat as you're going around, paying for it first, and then getting the rest if you're that hungry?! Smacks of greedy impatience to me and of course there are the few individuals who commit theft by consumption and dont pay for what they've eaten! I used to work at a supermarket and we had a pick and mix bar/display, the amount of people who'd help themselves to sweets and eat them without paying was disgusting!

tametempo · 04/04/2015 21:52

YANBU. I'm surprised so many people do this, actually. It just seems so... yes, uncouth.

Cookiecake · 04/04/2015 21:52

I wouldn't do it myself but i let my son eat French bread and fruit pouches when he was younger. I don't think I'd let him now though, he's five and he can wait really. I don't shop in store though anymore so don't really spend hours in the supermarket any more. I would be embarrassed to hand over an empty bag of crisps as an adult.

Salmotrutta · 04/04/2015 21:52

I wouldn't do it and never even considered doing it when the DC were small.

which was back in Ye Olden Days

maras2 · 04/04/2015 21:53

Un fucking couth Shock That is downright disgusting.Kids may get away with it < not mine > but an adult ? FFS.Teach him some manners.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 04/04/2015 21:53

I don't like it. There's just no need for it. Pure greed and need for instant gratification. Why should people step over greasy crumbs and staff have to clean up after people who just won't wait?

Don't get me started on the people who scoff and leave the packets with no intention of paying either. Just piggish.

Dancingqueen17 · 04/04/2015 21:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LittleMissRayofHope · 04/04/2015 21:54

I have been known to open a bottle of water as I shop, and hand over a half empty bottle. Somehow food feels worse to me. I wouldn't eat anything and then pay for it.

I also add this was pre children.
I also have given dc a toy before and then paid but happy children mean happy mummy!!

PurpleSwift · 04/04/2015 21:54

Unless it's an emergency, I agree. My oh tried to wait whilst having a hypo once. He happened to pass out, hitting his head off the conveyer belt giving himself concussion and requiring a trip to hospital....
I think it's best to make children wait but we all have those days where we'd give almost anything for 5 minutes peace.

daffsandtulips · 04/04/2015 21:55

YABU. No of course it isn't.

ThursdayLast · 04/04/2015 21:57

I don't know...what you're describing (perhaps the way you're describing it?) sounds a bit immature, but I have more than once opened a bottle of water in the supermarket before paying.

Sometimes I really am just that thirsty. I did it just last week to share with toddler DS.

I would consider outright theft of the crisps as 'uncouth'

StickledPink · 04/04/2015 21:58

No I don't like it. In fact I hate it.

It's greedy and ill mannered. I would never feed my DC in the trolley. They've been brought up to know that would never happen and wouldn't expect it either. We get home once we've left the supermarket. We wash our hands. We eat our food properly in an appropriate place.

Some might think I'm over the top but that's me.

poocatcherchampion · 04/04/2015 21:58

Horrible!

ThursdayLast · 04/04/2015 21:59

I love eating a pasty as I walk down the street too Wink