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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To get anoyed with charity bag packers at checkouts.

107 replies

Geekster · 05/02/2013 13:55

I know I sound horrible from the above, but I get fed up of all these charities wanting to pack my bags for me. I would rather do it myself thanks so everything doesn't end up squashed. I usually ask them not to do it now. Don't get me wrong I know charities are struggling these days and they are usually for local ones like the scout hut or kids rugby club. And I always put some money in their bucket but it drives me mad sometimes.

OP posts:
Trills · 05/02/2013 13:59

YABU to be annoyed with them offering.

YANBU if they are being pushy.

Y might BU if you think they are being pushy but they're actually being perfectly polite and it's your reaction that makes you unhappy.

CunfuddledAlways · 05/02/2013 14:00

i don't mind really as i set out my shopping as it would be pack (all light stuff at the end) saying that if i really dont want them to pack e.g. if i'm in a rush or something i will say so but will try and put spare change into the bucket...i often think its nice to see how many people are trying to support the charity too

JollyRedGiant · 05/02/2013 14:03

I always refuse. But I always put something in the bucket. Unless they stand there giving me nasty looks throughout the packing process.

I don't give money to teenagers wanting to go on jollies to Peru though. Where they will spend 2 days helping the disadvantaged then 9 days hiking up a mountain on the trip of a lifetime.

paperclips · 05/02/2013 14:07

I always politely decline but give them a little donation anyway. I pack my bags my way. I have a system. And i need to be able to find the chocolate biscuits when i get home [;)]
.

paperclips · 05/02/2013 14:08

smiley went wrong there i meant Wink

WorriedMummy73 · 05/02/2013 14:11

I can cope with them, as I've yet to come across pushy ones. It's charity muggers on the streets that get me going. I used to get collared a lot when I had a pushchair cos I couldn't run away quick enough! They are EVERYWHERE in my local town centre, indoors and out. If I want to give to charity, I do it by text or online. I won't sign up to monthly payments as I'm never sure the money will be there. Leave me alone!

SamuelWestsMistress · 05/02/2013 14:13

It drives me nuts. I've given more to the charities that have stands at the exit than I ever have to bag packers. I even happily put money into the buckets on the tills. Yanbu, I really disapprove of them and find it all a bit pushy.

Husband however thinks they are great because he gets flappy and panicked when trying to pack!

haggisaggis · 05/02/2013 14:13

Based on my bag packing experience at Christmas you are not alone. DD an I stood at the checkout in Tescos for 2 hours and are lucky if 4 people allowed us to pack their bags during that time. Most did give donations though. (on the other hand, I am delighted if someone offers to pack my bags!)

McNewPants2013 · 05/02/2013 14:14

I dislike bag packers, I have a system that makes it easier. Plus I use my own bags so I have certain bags for certain things.

andubelievedthat · 05/02/2013 14:14

i always pack my own but give the change and thank them for offering, though in"big Q" moments, i have wondered if all these fine young people have been CRB checked ? >mind does tend to wander .....

skullcandy · 05/02/2013 14:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

atthewelles · 05/02/2013 14:18

I don't mind as long as they're upfront regarding what they're collecting for. I think any supermarket allowing charity bag packing should:

Have to have a bucket or wear t-shirts with the cause clearly visible for shoppers to read.

Make it clear if they're collecting for a 3rd world charity or to fund a school trip for kids to travel to that part of the world to help/develop themselves. There is a big difference between the two for many shoppers.

Ensure that some check outs are left packer free for shoppers who don't want to/cannot afford to contribute but feel embarassed to say 'no'.

atthewelles · 05/02/2013 14:18

Sorry, mant the bagpackers should have to have a bucket etc

ENormaSnob · 05/02/2013 14:19

Yanbu

I find it very irritating tbh.

weegiemum · 05/02/2013 14:24

I pretty much pay them NOT to pack my bags. I have a system (which makes it much easier for me at home) and they just slam it all in anyhow!
Mind you I really annoyed a woman once who said "we're collecting for disabled children" and I said that's great, I've got one, how much do I get

chocoluvva · 05/02/2013 14:33

Me too, weegiemum. Once I offered to show a bag-packing scout how to stack the tins in first, put heavy things at the bottom etc!!!! Filthy looks from several scouts :o

andubelievedthat · 05/02/2013 14:36

oh for fucks sake >read the post and THINK skullcandy, you will i swear get it,(eventually)

LovesGSD · 05/02/2013 14:43

I always seem to get them when I get rid of all the change in my purse, never on the weeks my purse is bulging. I usually get them to help but only because I feel bad saying no lol. There was one time tho the boy was too busy chatting to his pal and only packed 2/3 things at the end so I never gave them anything Hmm.

specialsubject · 05/02/2013 14:47

YANBU. This stunt is a polite 'no thank you' and no donation. I only sponsor constructive things; litter picking, tidying up messy places, decorating little old ladies' houses, that kind of thing. (or I give directly to the charity concerned)

I never sponsor walks, runs, swims and DEFINITELY not for 'charity trips abroad'.

Yermina · 05/02/2013 14:49

It pisses me off that kids from the local private schools do it to raise money for a trip to Africa to help build a school.

I think, if your parents can fork out £14K a year for your education, they can put their hands in their pockets and pay your airfare and accommodation for your trip, instead of expecting pensioners to fork out for a service they don't need.

fromparistoberlin · 05/02/2013 14:50

FFS

tell them you will do it

give them 20p anyway

wannabedomesticgoddess · 05/02/2013 14:53

I dont get why they would need a CRB check either.

I am to polite to refuse. So I accept and then scream inside my own head because they ruin my system.

TheOriginalLadyFT · 05/02/2013 14:57

Oh dear yermina more private school angst and bitterness Hmm

firesidechat · 05/02/2013 15:00

YABU

I can be a right grumpy bag somentimes, but I love the bag packers. They are usually very polite, young people fundraising for a good cause.

They don't always pack the way I would though.

DreamsTurnToGoldDust · 05/02/2013 15:11

FFS, just say no thanks, christ on a bike, these are young people giving up their time and getting off their asses to do something.