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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to find people that accept help from the cashier to pack their bags lazy??!

88 replies

FlossALump · 08/05/2007 16:47

When they certainly appear to be able bodied? Even when I was out with DS and my hand in a full cast I would always pack my own bags and tell them I could manage. I just don't see why they should have to multitask while I stand there doing diddly squat! Not to mention the fact I may not like how they pack the bags...

Perhaps I am just letting my foul mood get the better of me.

OP posts:
edam · 08/05/2007 16:49

I think you've answered your own question with that last line... I sometimes let them pack my bags. Useful if I have ds with me so I can keep an eye on him.

dustystar · 08/05/2007 16:49

Send them to Aldi - you can't even pack your bags at the till yourself there.

nailpolish · 08/05/2007 16:51

i like it when they help, although i would never expect them to do it all

would never stand and watch them pack

bobsmum · 08/05/2007 16:52

My trolley load would be piling up and kamikazying onto the floor if the cashier didn't start off my bags for me.

But then I pile my trolley high and make dd hold stuff on her knees in the kiddy seat.

If I just bought a bag of pasta and a cucumber then maybe I could see fit to pack myself.

Quootiepie · 08/05/2007 16:52

I have said yes to help once, I was holding DS who was fidgiting (sp?) and DH was off getting things he forgot, I did pack aswell but was nice to have some help - that's the only time though, I would feel embarrassed if I didn't really need it.

bobsmum · 08/05/2007 16:54

But what happens to your shopping while you're still loading onto the conveyor belt?

What about speeding up the queue for the people behind you?

I'd be mortified if people had to wait the whole time while I packed my bags back into the trolley by myself!

mumfor1standfinaltime · 08/05/2007 16:55

I find it quicker if I pack my own stuff! In tesco metro the cashier packed one of my bags - she put one thing in a carrier bag and I left it behind, I was trying to get as much as I could into one bag, but left the other there!

expatinscotland · 08/05/2007 16:55

I never notice and don't give a toss.

I prefer to pack my own, but that's just me.

misdee · 08/05/2007 16:56

no comment.

appear to be able bodied is no indicator, sorry.

lemonaid · 08/05/2007 16:56

If I have DS with me it's quicker if they help. I'm perfectly happy to do it myself but tend to assume it's more considerate to the people behind me to go for the quicker option and not delay them more than necessary rather than treat them to a virtuoso display of my not being lazy.

bobsmum · 08/05/2007 16:58

I must just be picky. If I was left to pack myself I would be packing fridge stuff together, then freezer, then toiletries, then bakery, then housewares and heaven forbig a toilet block should get in the same bag as a baguette!

I'd rather the cashier at least gave me a head start by chucking the lot in before I can start "filing". I'd be there all day!

Freckle · 08/05/2007 16:58

All cashiers seem to have been on the same training course, so that they have to ask you if you want help with your packing. They ask me if I'm alone, with relatively little shopping, or when I have one or more of the boys with me when it should be clear that we have more than enough hands to sort out our shopping.

They should reserve it for people who genuinely need it.

QueenofBleach · 08/05/2007 16:58

Always get them to start me off as run out of belt and have to jeep running back and forward, once trolley is unloaded then I take over.

bobsmum · 08/05/2007 16:59

I'm not a martyr - I can accept help when it's offered and it makes things go faster.

  • just wanted to kick another one off in time for tea.
dionnelorraine · 08/05/2007 17:00

I pack my own shopping but there was one or 2 occassions in the past when my dd was very young, I was on my own with a big old trolly full and I had to have help cos I was struggling to keep up and entertain my dd at the same time! So they offered their services. Which I was grateful for. Not lazy at all!

prettymum · 08/05/2007 17:00

i work in boots and i always pack items for customers as i find it easier to scan and stick item into bag

edam · 08/05/2007 17:10

Misdee's got a good point, just because someone appears able-bodied doesn't mean that they are.

Milliways · 08/05/2007 17:10

If it's building up let them help -otherwise everyone has to wait for you to finish packing so they can serve the next customer.

Original poster
FlossALump · 08/05/2007 17:14

Today I had a basket full, and the lady in front had a basket. The chap offered, and she said yes, then stood there grinning from ear to ear while he did it all, actually slowing the process down even more!! Oh, and then seeemed surprised when he asked her to pay and had to fumble around in her purse.

He asked me if I wanted help and I said no, and he said 'thats alright then!' in such a way to indicate he thought she was being a bit cheeky.

She was in her 40's, alone and had been carrying said basket around supermarket.

Can see some of the points here about speeding up the process and when you have large volumes of shopping but it wasn't the case today.

But yes it mostly is probably me. Have had a horrible day and keep bursting into tears so should probably shut me mouth.

OP posts:
MrsDiorKeanuReeves · 08/05/2007 17:14

Yes, I think you are being unreasonable. What does it matter if they have help? Sometimes I accept the offer, or ask the person on the till to get me started, if I have a massive trolley-load, otherwise it slows things down.

pointydog · 08/05/2007 17:15

The question's asked, the service is offered. Accepting doesn't make you lazy. You are using that service.

nightowl · 08/05/2007 17:15

does it really matter? its part of their job anyway, they are being paid for it. although i prefer to pack my own actually than to have 20 bags that should be 10.

but its hardly going to knacker them out or ruin their day packing a few bags.

i dont like being the one to answer the phone at work and get screamed at for things that arent my fault but it comes with the job unfortunately. in fact, i'd rather pack bags.

MrsDiorKeanuReeves · 08/05/2007 17:15

Maybe she was a bit cheeky...

Have a coffee and relax. Why has your day been horrible?

PeachyChocolateEClair · 08/05/2007 17:16

Dh always accepts help, even with a small trolley full (if he ahd the kids i'd understand but he never would have them without me there)

Course, if you have kids or lots then OK, but its when he has a bag and no more that I don't get it

Original poster
FlossALump · 08/05/2007 17:17

I have a 2 year old. I am pregnant and working too many hours it seems and I don't seem to be doing anything well atm.

OP posts: