How do you react to someone who crowds you at the grocery store check out?

Question

I grocery shop at Walmart, and they don't usually load your bags into your cart, so I have to do it myself, which means that I have to move away from the register in order to do so. Quite a few times, the person behind me has moved up to stand in front of, or place their basket in front of the register and the little place where you write your checks out, leaving me no place to stand and pay for my groceries. One time, I had to balance my checkbook on my knee because some woman moved up to stand right in front of the register. She saw me struggling to write out my check, but she still kept standing there. I have been quite so far, but I really think that this is so rude and I feel like I need to react in some way to these people, to get them to understand that they are being rude and inconsiderate of the person in front of them. How would you react to this kind of person?

jhmsi.....whatever your name is: Thanks for the advice, but I live in TIMBUCKTOO, and thats the closest grocery store. I am not about to drive an hour and twenty minutes to go to Target or something.

Answer 1

Famous lines:
"Did you ever watch Star Wars or Star Trek? It's about space, and I need some here. Would you please give me some room?"
"Do you know what they say when you check into a motel? 'Room please.' II'd like some please while I load my basket."
"You know I am going to feel terrible if I can't write my check on that counter and you have to pay for my purchases as well."
"Excuse me clerk, I need some room to complete this transaction. Would you mind asking the line to step back or should I talk to the manager?"
"Have you happened to read what Dr. J. Cool wrote the other night on the 'Net? He said personal boundaries can be psychological as well as physical. Each person has the right to set their own. I'm setting one now by asking you to step back a foot so I can complete my purchase. Thank you. You should really read him. He is so smart...good looking too."
Shalom
Dr. Joe Cool

Answer 2

I'm the kind of person that has no problem asking people to remove themselves from my space, which I consider to be my arms length all the way around me. If you don't want to be that direct you might consider taking care of your checkbook before starting to load your cart.
Also, I'd ask the front in supervisor or manager why the cashiers are not putting your bags in your cart. I've been to several Walmart stores in different states and never have I had to pit my groceries in my own cart after checking out. The cashiers always do it while I'm writing my check, sliding my check card or writing the amount in my check book.

Answer 3

Don't you hate when that happens?! I do for sure! So what I started doing is putting the cart right where I was standing (in front of the register) Then I walked around the cart and pushed it forward so that I now would be standing in front of the register. But I have looked that person straight in the eyes and said (quite sharply) EXCUSE ME... and held up my wallet so to show that I still needed to stand there to pay. But the cart routine seems to work best. Happy shopping!

Answer 4

Its pretty simple...stay there at the counter until the cashier has rung up all of your items (You should be doing this to make sure the correct prices are coming up anyways.) You can load the bags into the cart after you have paid for you items. I usually use a debit card and I have noticed the next person in line crowding right up to me while I am entering my pin number. I find that if I stop what I am doing and just stare at them that eventually they get the point and allow me my space. You waited your turn in line to be waited on by the cashier, don't allow the next person in line to rush you...take all the time you need.

Answer 5

Ask them to move back, that you need room to finish your transaction. If they can't move back because the person behind them is already closing in. Have them nose their cart slightly out of line to give you a couple of feet. If they won't move ask the girl at the register to call the manager. Be kind but ask for respect in this area. One comment lately when I'm at Wal-Mart and I'm in front of the 150+ plus types of milk searching for the one I need, I have had people come up and say excuse me, so I move thinking that they've made their selection and just want to reach in to get their milk. Imagine my reaction when they get in front of me and begin to do the same searching I was doing! This happened a few times before I said, "I'll excuse you if you already know what you want and just want to reach in and get it. If not, I was here first and you'll have to wait until I've finished my selection.

Answer 6

It might not be right, but, I would react rudely to people that are rude to me. I know if you are rude back to people they get even more inconsiderate and sometimes an argue will come about and being rude back to someone won't accomplish anything, I would say excuse me first and if that doesn't work, then I would get rude back, I can't let people push me around or they would continue and neither should you. I am very opinionated and don't take things from people and, I know that its not right, but, I am only human!

Answer 7

You answered your own question pretty much, do what I do and ask them if they want to pay your bill so bad that they are in the way. That usually gets them to back up a bit. IF they look at you like you are crazy when you say that, just respond with well since you are standing right where I need to write my check and couldn't wait for me to pay I figured you were offering, and say it loud enough for everyone to hear.. That makes their faces turn beat red and they back off... Or just look at them and push your way back to where you were standing, and politly say excuse me but I am still trying to finish my purchase here as you are gently pushing them out of your way. I also will say to someone do I know you that you feel it necessary to stand so close to me? And again say it loud enough for others to hear so they get the point... What you want to do is emberess them enough to maybe be more respectful of your privacy when trying to pay. Good Luck

Answer 8

relies upon on the save hours. I used to pass procuring whilst the save opened. It opened at 7 and that i might get there fairly after. there will be no crowd at that element. the main significant project with doing this is the beef and different products are actually not yet stocked. So in case you're in seek of a roast case in point there could no longer be any out yet. yet once you prefer to purely fly with the aid of whilst a save first opens is the terrific time.

Answer 9

they may not realize what they are doing. some cultures don't have the same boundary issues that americans do... and then again, some people are just rude.

i would simply say "excuse me", and ask them to move their cart because you need to stand there. most folks will comply as long as you're not nasty about it. if they don't comply, don't stoop to their level (although it might be a bit fun to act a little crazy and get loud... LOL) just write them off for being mean people and get on with your day

Answer 10

Next time tell the person it is the law that I have the right to privacy when I am conducting business, and you are not giving it to me. Please move back, and until you do, I will not write my check out.

jhmjsi: I do not believe she asked for your opinion about whether she should shop at Walmart or not. Shut up