Archives for 2012

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Kizzzbeth)

Do you have a grocery store that when you pass by your blood boils?  I do.

When Paul and I lived in Pennsylvania, I would get so worked up just driving past one of the grocery stores.

This store was easy for me to get to and had good prices. But after try, try, and try again, I cut my losses and drove across the street to another grocery store where I gathered my savings.

Try

The first weekend we moved into our apartment, I headed out to go grocery shopping. Finding this store, I stopped. After getting the items on my list, I proceeded to check out and wrote a check for the groceries.

When I handed the cashier my check, he handed it back saying he could not accept an out-of-state check. I explained that we just moved to town, and I did not have a local bank. With the store policy set, I had to pay by credit card. Though I am not opposed to credit, I had the money set aside for our move, and I really wanted to write the check.

Try

On my next visit, I made sure I brought my checks from the local bank. With apprehension, I proceeded to checkout after getting the items needed. At the time of payment, I wrote a check from our local bank. Once again, the cashier handed the check back refusing a starter check for payment.

By now I was getting irritated. I asked to speak to a manager. After I explained the situation, the manager suggested applying for a check writing card which would end the writing a check issue. So, once again I paid with credit. Then I filled out the card to get check writing privileges.

Try

During my third (and last) visit to this store, I ran in for a few items, and went to checkout. When I pulled out my checkbook, my heart began to race. After writing the check, I handed it to the cashier. Seeing that it was a local check, she asked if I had a check writing card on file. I indicated that I filled out the form on my previous visit. She called for verification before returning the check because the application had not been processed.

By this time, I was just tired of this store. Instead of paying with credit, I left my purchases. Yep! Right there in the checkout station, I walked out and never returned.

I got in my car, drove across the street to Giant (which was an affiliate of Bi-Lo) and became a loyal customer. They took my out-of-state check with no forms, questions, or comments. What a breath of fresh air!

Cut my Losses

After giving that store chance, after chance, after chance, I cut my losses. Companies that make shopping at their store difficult turn me off. As you can tell, this experience changed me. I feel like it just happened though the visits occurred over 14 years ago. Yeah! This experience frustrated me so much, I have yet to step inside that store (or any of its affiliates) since walking out and leaving my groceries behind at checkout.

In using time wisely, find a grocery store that fits your needs and become a loyal shopper. Knowing the staff, store policies, and store layout increases my productivity and shopping experience.

If you find a store that does not work with you, try, try, try, and then cut your losses. There are other grocery stores that would love your business, and welcome you as a loyal customer. Now to go calm back down . . . happy savings!

Question: Have you had a similar experience?