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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed/embarrassed that my shopping bill was up for discussion in Tesco's

80 replies

ihatethecold · 15/11/2011 12:41

Whilst packing my shopping 2 men behind me in the queue were commenting that I must have a large family as I had loads of shopping going through the checkout.
I just rolled my as as you do.
Then the checkout lady said " I wouldn't want that bill"
I felt I had to justify why my shop was so exp.
Some weeks it is exp because everything runs out that costs a bomb like dishwasher machine stuff etc, I also got some Xmas prezzies for the kids.
I do agree that I spent a lot but I don't need it commenting on!
Moan over

OP posts:
picnicbasketcase · 15/11/2011 12:43

How much did you spend

Just kidding. It would annoy me too, it's no-one else's business. I sometimes notice when the person in front of me has spent loads but wouldn't ever comment on it.

wifey6 · 15/11/2011 12:45

I completely agree with you. That once happened to me...but we had a newborn so had a lot of baby care items etc!
You shouldn't have to justify yourself.
The check-out lady said 'ooo that's a lot'...
My reply....'paid your wages then!'....
I wasn't rude...I said it in a joking manner...

HeresTheThingBooyhoo · 15/11/2011 12:45

yes that would annoy me aswell. none of their business. and i am shocked at the staff getting involved in the conversation with the other customers!!

GleamingHeelsSparklyPartyDress · 15/11/2011 12:46

You do sound a little bit defensive, guess it was a slightly irritating, perhaps on-line shopping is for you - checkouts just aren't designed for private transactions

valiumredhead · 15/11/2011 12:46

It was jokey small talk. Unclench

I've been dying to use that expression since I read it on MN yesterday - thanks for the opportunity Grin

OneHandFlapping · 15/11/2011 12:47

It's just chit-chat. They have boring jobs,and just want to empathise with a customer with a big bill. I've had the same inumerable times, and don't mind in the least- it's just pleasantries.

It must've hit a nerve with you.

ChippingInNeedsSleep · 15/11/2011 12:47

Blimey - some people are so bloody touchy!

HeresTheThingBooyhoo · 15/11/2011 12:49

gleaming and valium would it have been ok if they had commented on what she was buying?
"ooh that doesn't look like enough fruit for a week?"

no it wouldn't because they have no idea how much fruit she has at home, how many people she is buying for, how long it is supposed to last. the same way they have no idea how many people this shopping is for (could be buying her mum's shopping aswell) or how long it has to last etc.

picnicbasketcase · 15/11/2011 12:51

I bet you'd be a bit Shock if she'd bought pantyliners and the shop assistant said 'Bit leaky?', or bought condoms and got the comment 'Oooh, having a dirty weekend?', or bought loo roll and was asked if she was going home for a nice relaxing poo.

Commenting on the content and price of other people's shopping is just unnecessary, isn't it.

valiumredhead · 15/11/2011 12:53

gleaming and valium would it have been ok if they had commented on what she was buying?
"ooh that doesn't look like enough fruit for a week?"

But she didn't.

OneHandFlapping · 15/11/2011 12:54

Nope, I've had that too eg "That's a lot of milk." Yes, the kids drink it like it's going out of fashion.

I've also had questions about what a certain product is like. I really don't mind. Tesco's is dehumanising. Chitchat with whoever is on the till makes me feel human again.

My shopping is hardly private. It sits in an open trolley where anyone can be judgey about it.

And why on earth would the checkout assistant not join in a conversation like that with other customers? Is there an invisible green baize door between the poor serf and the customers?

valiumredhead · 15/11/2011 12:56

In my world the conversation would've been "Wouldn't want that bill" and I would've replied " I know, outrageous at how prices have shot up." Smile, smile, bye.

This is one of those threads where I think I must live on a different planet Grin

HeresTheThingBooyhoo · 15/11/2011 12:56

who said they cant chit chat? chit chat about the weather, chit chat about your own fucking shopping bill if you must talk price but dont comment on mine.

Original poster
ihatethecold · 15/11/2011 12:57

PNBC that made me laugh!
I'm all for a conflab at the checkout but I must admit I was embarrassed more than anything!

OP posts:
ArtVandelay · 15/11/2011 12:58

I once bought a bread maker in Asda and the till lady started telling me she had to put hers in the loft after 3 months because it made her and her husband so fat. Great - I'm buying something that will make me obese Grin

I think they just say this stuff to break the ice. I love english till ladies, they are friendly and they often pack your bags. Here in Germany they glare at you and squash your lettuce and try and stiff you out of your loyalty points!

Are you having a bad day? I don't think they were criticising you - have a YABU and a hug.

JarethTheGoblinKing · 15/11/2011 12:59

People always stare at my shopping, it makes me laugh. It's because I will shop around and do things like buy just meat/tins/washing powder/beer in one shop, and things like fruit/veg/milk/cheese/chocolate in another. :)

picnicbasketcase · 15/11/2011 12:59

And the OP only said she felt 'annoyed', not livid or furious or incandescent or that she felt like going on a rampage around the store, scattering pensioners and knocking down displays. Annoyed is quite mild really.

AIBU is so funny sometimes. Makes everyone so fighty.

HeresTheThingBooyhoo · 15/11/2011 13:01

people's personal spending is just that. it's personal. you only have to look on MN to find a thread where someone is judging what their SIL/best friend/uncle is spending their money on. "AIBU to think she should be spending more money on her childrens' extra curricular activities than getting her nails done" people judge. perhaps OP felt she was being judged.

Lexie1970 · 15/11/2011 13:01

gosh that wouldn't irritate me.

Weird what some people get annoyed about. Food shopping is such a drag a little bit of chit chat passes the tiime...

Original poster
ihatethecold · 15/11/2011 13:01

No I'm not having a bad dayGrin
I've actually got a day off work!
I really CBa to put it away nowBiscuit
I will just sit on mn instead and get the kids to do when they get in!

OP posts:
wannabestressfree · 15/11/2011 13:02

My personal pet hate is when checkout ladies read or flick through my magazines when they are going through the till in an 'ooooooh look at that stylee'. I seriously have to bite my tongue. Hard.........

FunnysInTheGarden · 15/11/2011 13:02

Too defensive. Plus rule one is never ever justify yourself. Ever

CointreauVersial · 15/11/2011 13:04

I love chatting to the check-out staff, and will often have a brief exchange with the person behind me.

I wouldn't comment on anything personal in their trolley, but I have said things like "ooh, that looks nice" if I spot a tasty pudding, for example. But you can normally judge who's up for a spot of chat, and who isn't just by reading their body language.

Original poster
ihatethecold · 15/11/2011 13:05

I actually mumbled something about not having done a big shop in 6 weeks!!Blush

OP posts:
PaintYouByNumbers · 15/11/2011 13:08

I was buying those ready made cartons as part of my shopping the other day and the checkout girl stopped and had a conversation with me about them "ooh whoever invented these were a genius...soooo convienient when your out and about" I didn't mention the days when I am a tad forgetful and use them when I have sterilised the bottles but neglected to remember to boil the kettle