Ask a Grocery Clerk

I remember when I went to Kuwait over winter break all the baggers usually recieved a tip from the customers who asked for a carry out… I was kind of jealous. Also another intersting thing to note, is that the checkers got to sit while they scanned the groceries instead of standing for 4 to 8 hours a day (again, I was jealous).

I can’t even remember the last time someone took my bags out to the car. Not that I ever ask for help.

On military bases the baggers are required to bag all your groceries [every cashier has one] and then they have to take them to your car and unload them. It is understood that these baggers survive on tips, so it is bad form not to tip them or deny them the chance to take your groceries out to the car. [Kuwait reminded me of this]

If someone takes the groceries all the way to my car and helps unload or I have a $300 order [think Thanksgiving/holidays] I always offer a tip. Always. The least they can do is get a soda or a cocoa later, right?

Thanks, Paul. The reason I asked is – one of my daughter’s friends works at the military commissary and he was complaining about receiving a 50 cent tip. I thought that was generous, considering I never tip for supermarket carry-outs. But apparently, tipping is customary on military bases. Who knew?

I was wondering about this and had heard it to be what you just reiterated for me. Thanks.

I always feel bad for not tipping them…out in the heat, the rain, the cold, the ice, dealing with crappy people. They deserve whatever gets thrown their way. (good stuff I mean)

Hmmm. I feel like it would be unnecessary for me to ask for grocery carrying assistance, so I never do. There is nothing too heavy for me to lift from the basket to my car trunk.

HOWEVER, once at Sams, we purchased something rather large and bulky – a shelf unit for the garage – and did ask for assistance loading it into the car. But the man summoned to help us perform the task started complaining loudly to the staff member who called on him, so we figured out how to manage it ourselves and when he approached a minute or two later, I asked him to please stay away from us. I didn’t appreciate his negative energy. Seemed entirely unneccessary.

Not a grocery story, I know, but it’s all I’ve got.
Hope you have an awesome weekend!

Hey Mr. Sunshine. I have an award for you on my blog!

Mostly old people need the carry-out help right?

I think you can tip anyone any time it feels right.

Secretia

Good to know, but I would definitely feel bad about not tipping. Just putting that out there. I’d probably do the whole sneak it into the pocket trick.

I’m not sure I understand why you have to help people to their cars in the first place. If you’ve got someone who’s disabled or elderly, ok, but just in general? I saw one of the baggers at our store helping this 25-yr-old woman put her bags in her SUV. What, was she afraid of breaking a nail? And while he’s out there helping her, people are inside having to bag their own groceries. Ridiculous.

I rarely visit the store, as I have my groceries delivered on-line, but when I do, the cashiers are seated, and ask if you need help to bag up – I don’t generally, as I don’t do the the bulk of my shop in-store. My delivery guys are Saints, they lug it all right into my kitchen, I not only tip, I serve coffee!

Always offer to tip, and grocery workers–keep the tip a secret! With all the crap we deal with in grocery stores, we deserve a tip once in a while. Just don’t ASK for a tip.