to think checkout assistants only ask if you need help packing if you dont!

[bedraggledmumoftwo]

and that if you are clearly struggling with a screaming baby and screaming toddler they should offer help, rather than piling it all through at speed and sitting there tutting if you continue packing rather than paying immediately or don't magically pack everything instantly when they are finished!

I am sure I have often been asked when on my own, but never if I might actually say yes!

I shop Asda, Sainsburys., Tesco and Aldi. With the exception of Aldi, where it's like an Olympic sport trying to shove stuff in the trolley before the tiny edge by the till overflows, the assistant always asks if I need help.

Sounds like you've had some bad experiences though.

I had to go to M&S for some food this weekend when I wasn't very well.

It clearly showed because the shop assistant took one look at me and did my packing for me without asking.

She also glanced at me when putting the beer I was buying for my husband through. She clearly decided I did look old enough and didn't ask me my age however.

I said 'Don't worry I'm over 21'

She said 'Actually you have to look over 25 these days'.

I'm 30 but it was still depressing to have my delusions of my youthful good looks shattered

This was Morrison's. Maybe they don't have that policy either. I often shop in lidl but know what to expect there.

It's never been my experience, I must admit.

Then again, I've rarely come across as much tutting and scowling at checkouts that a lot of MNetters have.

I have in the past, asked them to slow down a bit and they've always done so.

Oh, Morrisons is where I mainly shop

Either your store is really bad, or mine's really good

A few years ago if you were unloading one end the checkout operator would ask if you would like help packing at that point. Now I notice that they sit there watching you until you have finished piling it up and THEN ask. No I DON'T need help NOW, I'm perfectly capable of packing NOW thank you. I queried this with Tesco but they didn't really see my point, just said that all the operators should ask if they can help. Maybe it's the only time they get a break

I assume i just had a lazy assistant then!

Now, if only there was a charity bag packer...

But the question is, how did you place the divider after your shopping?

in case you think I'm mad

On the ID note i got IDed for cigarettes at a Spar shop a couple of weeks ago whilst visiting the UK.

So pleased as punch (im 30 this year) i handed over my Jersey Driving License

Which they then refused as apparently its 'company policy' that you have to have a UK Driving License or UK passport to prove your age.

My arguement that i don't live in the UK therefore i don't have a UK License or Passport fell on deaf ears.

Oh and its only if you get a home delivery over here that they pack your bags for you.

They ask as a formality.

The few times I've said I would like help no one actually turned up to help.

I was in asda last Christmas after just coming out if hospital and was in lots of pain. Was asked if I needed any help packing which I said yes for a change and her responses was "oh well I've got a big queue and no one else to help. I'm sure you can do it" so why ask if you had no intention of helping me. Was very annoyed and went slow on purpose.

I was in Tesco last week doing a shop for 5 of us. Trolley piled high, the assistant just started packing as I loaded and even asked if I liked it packed in any special way. I was and then

Round here they give you one bag for an entire conveyer belt worth of shopping.

I suspect they showed Mary Poppins instead of a training video and said, "Look! It all fits. Everything (including hat stands) will go in one teeny bag.

Yet when I received my online order on Monday both my bottles of washing up liquid were double bagged. So 4 bags for 2 bottles of washing up liquid. Was Tesco own brand too, not even the posh stuff!