to expect not to have to pay 99p for a carrier bag at Tesco?

[Lubyloo]

Nipped into Tesco in my break today for a few bits and pieces. When I reached the checkout I realised that I didn't have a bag in my handbag. The checkout girl told me that they had run out of carrier bags and I would need to pay 99p for a bag for life. I asked if they had any on another checkout and was told that they hadn't. As I was leaving I could see people walking out with normal Tesco bags but had no time to do anything about it.

I normally always take my own bags and have no need for another bag for life. Would it be unreasonable and petty to complain or take it back for a refund?

Yes, YABU.

You now have a bag for life and it was only 99p.

Are you sure it was one of their bags for life? These are only 10p.

YANBU

I always carry a bag with me, but forgot one when in Asda the other day and they didn't have any, so gave away bags for life for free!

Trust Tesco to spin the customer for more money rather than losing out...

YANBU, I'm sure there was at least one carrier bag they could have found for you.

Mind you, if you only needed one bag couldn't you have just carried the items/put them in your handbag?

I own loads of eco bags, and I am worried that buying another one every time each of us forgets to take one out is more damaging to the environment than just using a carrier bag occasionally.

So YANBU.

Couldn't put them in my bag as only tiny handbag!

Know what you mean about buying more eco bags Millie. My in laws don't seem to understand the concept. They always buy new canvas type ones each time they go shopping then pass them on to us!

yes.

99p seems a bit steep. Perhaps they should offer as an alternative those American-style brown paper sacks for the unbagged?

Yes 99p must be a mistake just for a 'bag for life'

I always wonder why they don't switch to paper bags, too, Grimma. I've also noticed that Asda put Bags for Life through for free as a 'replacement' if they haven't got the normal ones. I can't decide if it's commendable or completely missing the point!

Perhaps it was a bag for life for people who believe in reincarnation.

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that paper bags aren't actually that great for the environment anyway, as they use a lot of energy to make them.

Here in South Australia we have banned plastic checkout bags completely. It has made me remember to take my canvas ones a bit more, but I do agree it's annoying when you forget, or when you're not actually planning to shop but walk past and think "I'll just pop in" and then remember you haven't got your bag with you.

Our canvas bags are $1 though which is about 50p so I don't begrudge buying one too much if I forget.

lol @ flatcapandpearls

Are bags for life supposed to be free to replace then? If they get worn or split?

2 of my bags broke in Sains the other day, before paying, (was doing that fast scan thing) and the checkout lady gave me 2 bags when I explained mine had broke, but she charged me!

The store I work in is always short on the big plastic bags. The abuse we get from customers when the choice is to use the small bags or buy a bag is not funny. The 99p bag for lifes are the nice Jute style bags. The plastic bag for lifes are only 9p.

Our Asda were also giving away their bag for lifes due to running out of normal carriers. Morrisons quite often give everyone a free one too. No idea what other supermarkets do in the event of bag shortage!

Yes Stretch, I've noticed that the supermarkets seem to have forgotten that too! Bag for life doesn't mean it'll last forever, it means they'll replace it when necessary! I hope you complained!

Nope, but I will do now I know! I thought they meant that they will last forever and I was just not using them properly or something...

YABU - other countries have been charging for ANY bags for years. Britain is far behind them.