May I See Your Receipt?
I was at the most famous of the big box stores this weekend. I realize I carry around a low grade anxiety. For example, at those (thankfully infrequent) times when I’ve been pulled over, I always have both hands on the wheel and my license and registration nearby.
So, when I go to this big box store, I always have the receipt in one hand when I go to leave, expecting that I’ll be asked to show it. Probably half the time I’m asked. Ok. No biggie. I understand that loss/theft prevention/control is a major undertaking these days. Retail stealing costs the US economy 15-20 billion dollars per year.
As I was getting ready to leave, I asked my accompanying companion if she had the receipt. She pulled it out of one of the plastic bags in our cart and said, “They won’t ask us.” In fact she said that several times. My response, “Yeah, but I want it…in case they do.” (We had bought several food items and settled up at the self checkout.)
Sure enough. The young woman at the exit asked. We produced it. She glanced at it rather quickly and after a quick look at our cart, she indicated we were free to go.
My companion says she’s never been asked to produce it. Her claim, of course, is that I must look somehow suspicious. Huh? Not sure I get that one. I wouldn’t think too many graying card carrying members of AARP go around pulling heists at the grocery (and other stuff) stores…but what do I know?
Again, I don’t really mind producing the receipt. I just hope I don’t give off some vibe of which I’m unaware.