Grocery guilt?

Question

Yesterday I went grocery shopping and one of the baggers helped me out with my groceries, even though I told him that I could take them out myself, that i didn't have anything to tip him with,ect. He said that it's a service which the grocery store provides and he didn't need a tip. He was very sweet, but I left feeling guilty. The reasons why I feel guilty is that a) I'm perfectly able-bodied and b) even if a tip's not expected, I would sort of feel better if I could tip him. Should I feel guilty?

I thanked him repeatedly, told him how nice he was.

Answer 1

No, you should not feel guilty. In fact, it annoys me when people insist on helping me when I tell them, no thank you, I'll get it myself. If I wanted help when it was offered, I'd say thank you. Where I live, I think it's store policy not to allow baggers to accept tips, but a few people do lure them out to their cars to tip them, which is nice. But definitely don't feel guilty!

Answer 2

It sounds to me like this particular grocery store has decided that helping customers out to their cars may give them a competitive edge.

Some grocery stores are doing the opposite - self-checkout stations (offering the option of LESS service).

It's all a part of market positioning, so there's no need for you to feel guilty at all.

Shortly after WinCo opened where I live, some of the other grocery stores (at which I have habitually shopped) suddenly were all about customer service when they hadn't been before.

Answer 3

I don't if it's store policy not to tip. I've been told by baggers that they would get in trouble.

Don't feel guilty. They're just doing a job and getting paid for it. I feel I am able to bag pretty well, but there were times when I was too sick or too tired to do it. I appreciate the service.

Answer 4

You are not obligated to tip, and you should not feel bad about it. I would feel bad IF he worked for tips, but I get the idea that the store is paying him to do this. Like he told you, this is a service the store provides to its customers..... basically they want to go the extra mile to make sure you keep coming back. If you feel bad about it, try to make sure you have a few dollar bills tucked away in your cup holder or something so when this sort of thing happens you will always have a dollar or two to tip people with.

Answer 5

I would not feel guilty. I recently moved from an area where there were no baggers to take your groceries out to a place where it is customary. I had the same delima and when I tried to tip, he told me no, that their wages were compensated when the store changed and went back to assisting customers to the car.

Just for future thought, ever since he refused my tip, I always tell them thanks, but no thanks, I am capable, but appreciate them asking. There are so many elderly/young mothers with children in tow, handicap, that need the assistance that I am not going to take their time to help me when someone else may need it.

Answer 6

I would feel guilty also but a simple Thank You is sufficient since he was fully aware that you were not able to tip. What a great service...I wish my grocery store offered this.

Answer 7

Don't feel guilty. He was just being thoughtful, although in the future, I would probably reserve the carrying out of bags strictly for the physically disabled. Even if it's not store policy, I would think that, yes, it would be a service provided just for that group, but he was probably not aware of that.

Answer 8

maybe he just wanted to walk you out ;-) has he shown interest in you before??? whether or not, don't worry about not giving a tip...i've had the same situation at stores that do provide that as a normal service, and i never tipped.

if you feel that bad, next time you go there, have a tip handy in your pocket or something, and at least try to give it to whoever carries out your bags. if they don't take it, you'll know they really mean it...and it could be store policy that they are not allowed to take tips.

Answer 9

No, I think a sincere thank you was all that was needed in this situation. First, it's part of his job, but also, more importantly, being helpful to someone is often as rewarding to the person helping as it is to the one being helped. Though small, these are the kind of interactions that can make a day feel pleasant. Monetary compensation can sometimes tarnish the gesture. Think of the last time you were helpful and how that felt.

Answer 10

the bagger was doing his job and he did what he was supposed to do. there are plenty of times that i get help out to my car with groceries and i am perfectly capable of doing it, but it is not the fact i am lazy i liked to be walked out to my car especially in the nite or in the day as there is less chance of being attacked. but usually i con my hubby into going grocery shopping with me and so i dont use the baggers. be glad for the convience and enjoy the protection...