The varied responses in monkeybabe 's post surprised me, and I like numbers, so I'm curious what the results of a poll will show. Is eating unpaid-for food in the store okay or not? (with the understanding that you will pay for it when you check out)
Choices: Of course, I do it frequently I try not to, but it's not a big deal It's not stealing but it's bad form No, it's stealing ETA last option: Special snackflake, just in case someone has something else to say
Post by The Foozzler on Jul 16, 2013 19:13:23 GMT -5
Not stealing at all if I break open the goldfish in the store and then pay. I think it is weirder to give him goldfish that I brought from home that I don't have a receipt for. I don't do it often, but I have no problem with it.
I try not to bring her to the grocery store if I have the option, but I have definitely opened up some bunnies in Target to avoid a meltdown. I don't think it's a big deal if you plan on paying for it.
Not stealing at all if I break open the goldfish in the store and then pay. I think it is weirder to give him goldfish that I brought from home that I don't have a receipt for. I don't do it often, but I have no problem with it.
I usually put snacks in a container, or they're things that obviously come from a large package--like Abby's fruit snacks.
I remember even as a child feeling very uncomfortable when my mom would open a snack for us with the argument of, "it's okay, we're going to pay for it." I felt like stapling that phrase to my forehead just so no one was thinking less of us.
Not stealing at all if I break open the goldfish in the store and then pay. I think it is weirder to give him goldfish that I brought from home that I don't have a receipt for. I don't do it often, but I have no problem with it.
I usually put snacks in a container, or they're things that obviously come from a large package--like Abby's fruit snacks.
I remember even as a child feeling very uncomfortable when my mom would open a snack for us with the argument of, "it's okay, we're going to pay for it." I felt like stapling that phrase to my forehead just so no one was thinking less of us.
I do pack snack containers, but when an angry toddler sees something yummy going into the cart, sometimes it is unavoidable. The store wide meltdown is not worth it. And I don't care if someone wants to side eye me. I have never forgotten to pay for a snack.
Like I said in the other thread, it is not stealing until you pass the point of sale.
I usually put snacks in a container, or they're things that obviously come from a large package--like Abby's fruit
I do pack snack containers, but when an angry toddler sees something yummy going into the cart, sometimes it is unavoidable. The store wide meltdown is not worth it. And I don't care if someone wants to side eye me. I have never forgotten to pay for a snack.
Like I said in the other thread, it is not stealing until you pass the point of sale.
Exactly this. I do not understand why this is a thing.
Post by monkeybabe on Jul 16, 2013 19:32:03 GMT -5
I did it for the first time today, because I wanted to avoid a meltdown in the store. I've seen lots of people do it and didn't realize it was such a big deal. I don't intend to do it in the future, mostly because I don't want to set the treat precedent, but I don't see anything wrong with it if you pay for it.
ETA: I'm starting to vaguely feel like you think I'm a criminal, Kat, lol.
I think it is terrible form. The "I never forget" crowd: what happens when your child throws the empty container on the ground without you noticing. I'm sure that happens more often than not IRL with stores. It doesn't take that long to go to customer service and buy the item before consuming and getting that paid sticker on said item.
You all need stores with kid's clubs. Every month they have a new item typically a snack that they scan your card and you get at the door.
I did it for the first time today, because I wanted to avoid a meltdown in the store. I've seen lots of people do it and didn't realize it was such a big deal. I don't intend to do it in the future, mostly because I don't want to set the treat precedent, but I don't see anything wrong with it if you pay for it.
ETA: I'm starting to vaguely feel like you think I'm a criminal, Kat, lol.
I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to come across that way. I was looking on this more as an intellectual discussion. We all have different perspectives on what's okay and not okay and I think it's interesting to toss around different arguments and not just say "here's what I think" but to put forth the logical arguments of why we think that way.
I think it is terrible form. The "I never forget" crowd: what happens when your child throws the empty container on the ground without you noticing. I'm sure that happens more often than not IRL with stores. It doesn't take that long to go to customer service and buy the item before consuming and getting that paid sticker on said item.
You all need stores with kid's clubs. Every month they have a new item typically a snack that they scan your card and you get at the door.
I don't know what to tell you. I can't imagine her throwing it on the ground and me both not noticing and forgetting she'd eaten it (b/c if I remembered, I could just go get an identical item and ask the cashier to ring it up twice). Maybe it would be different if I had 2 kids to keep up with, but I doubt it.
I'm sure it would pregnancy brain on top of mommy brain is a terrible thing.
I can easily see it happening. You are asking the meat guy which cut of whatever for this dinner and asking the best way to cook it. The pouch makes no noise as it hits the ground and you spend another hour in the store. Yep. You forgot.
I will say I have never done it and won't but we have lost many toys and pacis because they get dropped or put on a shelf. Two weeks ago we Kalvin placed his leapfrog toy on a shelf while he was in the cart. DH didn't realize it until check out. He looked everywhere couldn't find it. We got a call the next day on the 4th that they found it.
Post by Regina Philange on Jul 16, 2013 20:00:34 GMT -5
I haven't done this yet, but wouldn't think twice aboutit before this poll. I didn't think it was even frowned upon. I don't see the big deal. I don't notice other people doing it though either. And if they do, I really don't care. I'm just trying to get my groceries and get out so I don't even pay attention.
It is not stealing if you pay for it. I absolutely always pay, I am 100 percent sure I have never forgotten.
I do not see why anyone would have an issue remembering their kid ate a pouch a few minutes ago???
I would say if you think you may not remember then its probably best not to do it. But if you see absolutely no reason why you would forget they ate something, then I see no reason not to do it.
Post by spaghetticat on Jul 16, 2013 20:29:09 GMT -5
If she is eating a pouch, the cap is in my hand. And there is no way in hell I am spending hours in the store when she is with me.
I guess I am looking at this as another mommy wars type thing. I feel like the issue at hand is less the "stealing" than I would never let MY child do that.
And I brought homemade zucchini patties as a snack once. They are probably still smooshed into the floor at Walmart. I was trying to clean it up and I kid you not, some lady said, "Oh don't worry about it. This is Wal-Mart!"
Post by robinsparkles430 on Jul 16, 2013 20:35:15 GMT -5
One time I went grocery shopping and my blood sugar dropped. I did not have 5 minutes to purchase something or run out to my car to get something. I opened a bottle of juice and downed it. It was either that or pass out in the aisle. I just put the bottle in the cart and paid for it with the rest of my groceries.
People open and eat/ drink items in stores for different reasons and I don't think it's fair to judge or call it stealing because you don't know their reason or situation.
I think it is terrible form. The "I never forget" crowd: what happens when your child throws the empty container on the ground without you noticing. I'm sure that happens more often than not IRL with stores. It doesn't take that long to go to customer service and buy the item before consuming and getting that paid sticker on said item.
You all need stores with kid's clubs. Every month they have a new item typically a snack that they scan your card and you get at the door.
None of the grocery stores near me do paid stickers. Unless I was waving a receipt, how would the side eyeing people know if I already paid, intend to pay when I check out, or if I am planning to steal the goldfish?
Growing up the first thing my dad and I did when we got to the grocery store was get a bag of Cheetos puffs that we ate as we shopped. It was kind of our special thing! But, I definitely wouldn't do it now. Maybe when C is older? But it seems like it'd be more of a hassle and I don't want people to watch me stuff my face. I don't think twice about someone else doing it but I would judge myself, I think, and I'd feel totally awkward and insecure.
ETA: Here I was thinking you guys were talking about yourselves opening up a bag and eating it, lol. I think I would open something for C if he needed it... I do normally bring a snack with me though, something that is a sandwich bag and very obviously brought in.
I don't know what to tell you. I can't imagine her throwing it on the ground and me both not noticing and forgetting she'd eaten it (b/c if I remembered, I could just go get an identical item and ask the cashier to ring it up twice). Maybe it would be different if I had 2 kids to keep up with, but I doubt it.
I'm sure it would pregnancy brain on top of mommy brain is a terrible thing.
I can easily see it happening. You are asking the meat guy which cut of whatever for this dinner and asking the best way to cook it. The pouch makes no noise as it hits the ground and you spend another hour in the store. Yep. You forgot.
I will say I have never done it and won't but we have lost many toys and pacis because they get dropped or put on a shelf. Two weeks ago we Kalvin placed his leapfrog toy on a shelf while he was in the cart. DH didn't realize it until check out. He looked everywhere couldn't find it. We got a call the next day on the 4th that they found it.
An hour? Shoot me if I ever spend an hour in the grocery store!
I'm sure it would pregnancy brain on top of mommy brain is a terrible thing.
I can easily see it happening. You are asking the meat guy which cut of whatever for this dinner and asking the best way to cook it. The pouch makes no noise as it hits the ground and you spend another hour in the store. Yep. You forgot.
I will say I have never done it and won't but we have lost many toys and pacis because they get dropped or put on a shelf. Two weeks ago we Kalvin placed his leapfrog toy on a shelf while he was in the cart. DH didn't realize it until check out. He looked everywhere couldn't find it. We got a call the next day on the 4th that they found it.
An hour? Shoot me if I ever spend an hour in the grocery store!
Our trips consist of one parent, two kids and are an hour and a half. We go once a month. DH typically stops on his way home when we need milk.
Lol at all the mistaken stealing worry. I think I'm less likely to forget since its specifically on my mind. I've mistakenly stolen things on a few occasions because I put everything in the bottom of my stroller while shopping and sometimes miss small stuff at checkout. I feel bad, but I never notice until hours, if not days later.
Post by polarbearfans on Jul 16, 2013 22:23:28 GMT -5
I see people eat fruit all the time and that is stealing. That is sold by weight. Maybe some people have a little extra weight added but I doubt it. I see parents give apples or grapes to their kids or eat some themselves. I don't really judge people snacking on items that have a clear price.
I wasn't feeling well once and opened a drink and the cashier just could not understand why I wanted to pay for an empty bottle lol. Finally ingot him to run it out but he looked at me like I was crazy.
I never knew that this topic could be discussed so extensively.
I am just now reading this and am quite perplexed. Our grocery store actually encourages you to try things and gives the kids a snack and then tells us not to pay for it.
Lol at all the mistaken stealing worry. I think I'm less likely to forget since its specifically on my mind. I've mistakenly stolen things on a few occasions because I put everything in the bottom of my stroller while shopping and sometimes miss small stuff at checkout. I feel bad, but I never notice until hours, if not days later.
So you take them back to pay, right? Maybe your stroller isn't the best place to put stuff if you are stealing items. That costs the stores money and drives up the price for everyone. Stores have to make up that lost revenue somehow and in the end it hurts everyone. Yes, it is small, but those small items add up.