PSA: Walmart Receipt Checking

[Mermaid02]

I can't believe all the fuss and whining over showing receipts! Just hold it for the extra 10 seconds it takes to walk to the door and show the little old lady/man if they ask. I think some of you just like to puff up their chests and get angry about stuff.

I think the OP was annoyed because the checker ASKED her if she needed it and the OP (thinking she wouldn't be returning detergent said "no") Frankly, the cashier should be encouraging EVERYONE to take their receipts in case they are asked for it. Not a huge deal, but very annoying.

 

[Jennasis]

I think the OP was annoyed because the checker ASKED her if she needed it and the OP (thinking she wouldn't be returning detergent said "no") Frankly, the cashier should be encouraging EVERYONE to take their receipts in case they are asked for it. Not a huge deal, but very annoying.

According to the OP, the cashier didn't ASK her anything. She went to hand her the receipt and the OP told her to toss it.

 

[Mermaid02]

According to the OP, the cashier didn't ASK her anything. She went to hand her the receipt and the OP told her to toss it.

Oh, I misread that!

 

[Zerosinthecloset]

Our WalMart checks receipts to check the time stamp and mark them with a colored marker. When I asked why they keep doing it they explained that people will come back in the store hours later and fill their cart with what they previously purchased and just walk out, show the previous receipt, and leave the store. It's a minor annoyance, but not enough to stop me from shopping there.

 

[cornflake]

I think the OP was annoyed because the checker ASKED her if she needed it and the OP (thinking she wouldn't be returning detergent said "no") Frankly, the cashier should be encouraging EVERYONE to take their receipts in case they are asked for it. Not a huge deal, but very annoying.

And that it turned into a lengthy ordeal with a manager, etc., when she should have been able to point to the cashier and have the cashier verify she'd just been sold the detergent, one would think.

I can't believe all the fuss and whining over showing receipts! Just hold it for the extra 10 seconds it takes to walk to the door and show the little old lady/man if they ask. I think some of you just like to puff up their chests and get angry about stuff.

At Target and the occasional other places I've seen it happen, it's a totally random thing. I don't generally have the receipt in my hand, I put it away at the register. Hence, to stop, shift bags if I have them, get my wallet, find the receipt, etc., is not 10 seconds.

As well, it's purposeless. They have no reason to stop people unless they suspect them of shoplifting, they can't stop people, actual shoplifters won't stop because they don't have receipts so what exactly is the point? It's for the store's show, not for my anything, certainly not my convenience.

I don't have a lot of patience for bad security. Same as checking IDs in random buildings, it's meaningless and inane - it's show security that conveys no level of security at all. Actual security, I have no problem with - bad security, that pretends to be real, I do and I'm not inclined to play along.

 

[jba2]

I'm surprised the OP was detained. Shoplifting/theft does not occur until the person has exited the store (that's the case where I live) with unpaid items. In Ontario, one can't be accused of theft until they've left the store. I would think the OP has a case for defamation of character and wrongful detention.

 

[SUSIEQ]

I don't understand why its so hard to hang on to a receipt until you are out of the store. That is your proof of purchase without that you have nothing but your word. There is normally garbage cans outside the store where a receipt can easily be tossed in when you are outside the store.

Exactly!

 

[njmom47]

At our local Walmart, sometimes there isn't anyone there, and sometimes there is someone standing there who smiles and lets you just walk out, and sometimes they do check receipts. I always make sure I get my receipt.

 

[Revulkcor]

My Walmart always checks your receipt. :/ I guess it's to help prevent theft.

 

[luvsJack]

We have two Super Walmarts, one on each side of town. One is in an area that tends to have more theft, they check receipts any time you have an item that is not bagged. The other Walmart rarely checks them, but they will start this time of year.

 

[deegack]

I don't shop at walmart but with one exception I won't shop at stores where I have to show my receipt for bagged items. There is a kmart near me that I refuse to shop at because they are militant to the point of going through bags to verify purchases after showing a receipt. Having worked retail for years I know there are less instrusive ways to catch shoplifter but you need to train you staff to do it. I use to have to tell the manager what I saw them take (color size etc) before they would stop someone.

Like a pp said I put my recipe away when I get it. It's habit and makes sure I can log it in my budget. So to show it would require I stop find my wallet in my bag, find the receipt etc. This takes much more than a couple seconds especially if I am carrying bags.

My exception is Costco because I agree to show the receipt as part of my membership agreement.

 

[Jennasis]

Nonsense. HOLD the receipt in your hand for the 10 second walk to the door THEN put it away.

 

[cornflake]

Nonsense. HOLD the receipt in your hand for the 10 second walk to the door THEN put it away.

Why? Why should I inconvenience myself for the store's useless, random, for-show stops?

 

[AndreaDM]

I bought a toaster oven the other day that didn't fit into a bag, I was asked to show my receipt, so yes it does happen. Wasn't a big deal.

 

[Nolcrest]

Was the detergent in a bag? If not, I can understand them asking for a receipt, otherwise it just looks like you picked it up.

 

[kamik86]

Was the detergent in a bag? If not, I can understand them asking for a receipt, otherwise it just looks like you picked it up.

I could understand asking but taking 20 min to find it? Really they couldn't do this faster? Or just take the cashiers word that she rung the person out?

The only store that always checks receipts I shop at is BJs and that is because nothing is bagged and their are sometimes high priced items. So the time that I bought a 500 computer they made sure to check that the computer matched the one on the receipt. Other things they just do a check of a few items and let you through.

However the cashiers tell everyone to keep the receipt out for the person at the door. So you know not to throw it away when you pass the trash can.

 

[Bob NC]

I could understand asking but taking 20 min to find it? Really they couldn't do this faster? Or just take the cashiers word that she rung the person out?

Usually in a situation like this I bet you would find that the 20 minutes was actually 2 minutes.

 

[Squirlz]

Usually in a situation like this I bet you would find that the 20 minutes was actually 2 minutes.

Less than that if it had been me. I'd say "no thank you" and keep walking. You can't be "detained" unless you do so voluntarily.

 

[Jennasis]

Why? Why should I inconvenience myself for the store's useless, random, for-show stops?

If THAT'S inconveniencing yourself then I'm simply

 

[englishteacha]

Our Walmart checks receipts from Black Friday through Christmas. I have no idea what it's supposed to do, because they don't actually LOOK in the bags. They look at the receipt, mark it with a highlighter or hole punch it, and send you on your way.