Post by cabbagecabbage on Dec 11, 2016 22:05:06 GMT -5
You didn't overreact. You were treated poorly by a vigilante toy store employee. If nothing else, they will hopefully address this issue with this person. I'll third or fourth that anyone who has worked retail knows you're instructed on very tight regulations about suspected shoplifting.
Post by RoxMonster on Dec 11, 2016 22:08:20 GMT -5
I don't think you overreacted. I am not sure if I would have returned the item (honestly just out of pure laziness!) but I don't find that at all out of line.
Did the store do/say anything when you returned the item? I'm assuming they asked the reason for the return and you told them why.
Yes. The manager apologized, asked who did it, and when I said that I would have taken their plastic bag had I know they'd accuse me of stealing for using a reusable one he said, "oh, he said it was because you used your own bag?" He apologized again and called the employee over after I left.
I would've been embarrassed about being confronted (even though it sounds relatively benign) in another store and in front of my kid. I would've returned it and would probably contact the store to let them know what happened.
I don't even know where to post an intro here! I was on TK/TN/TB since 2003, mostly local boards. I was m_and_m.
"I speak without reservation from what I know and who I am. I do so with the understanding that all people should have the right to offer their voice to the chorus whether the result is harmony or dissonance. The worldsong is a colorless dirge without the differences that distinguish us, and it is that difference that should be celebrated not condemned." -Ani Difranco
Post by pantsparty on Dec 11, 2016 23:11:52 GMT -5
WTF? I would not have returned the item only to pay more. Loss prevention is a huge initiative in almost all retail stores. I've never been offended when asked to see my receipt.
WTF? I would not have returned the item only to pay more. Loss prevention is a huge initiative in almost all retail stores. I've never been offended when asked to see my receipt.
Then don't allow customers to use their own bags. Wtf. He followed her into another store. No. have better security IN YOUR OWN STORE.
You know, actually I think it may be illegal to question a customer outside the store premises. I skimmed, clearly. So actually, fuck that moron.
WTF? I would not have returned the item only to pay more. Loss prevention is a huge initiative in almost all retail stores. I've never been offended when asked to see my receipt.
No, she could have paid less getting it online. She wanted to support the store.
WTF? I would not have returned the item only to pay more. Loss prevention is a huge initiative in almost all retail stores. I've never been offended when asked to see my receipt.
No, she could have paid less getting it online. She wanted to support the store.Â
Post by themoneytree on Dec 11, 2016 23:46:47 GMT -5
This happened to me donkey's years ago and I was mortified. You didn't overreact. I would have been really embarrassed. I get the stores are trying to control shrinkage, but following you out of the store is way out of line.
You would.have been ok being chased our of the store? Down several storelengths in a busy mall at the holidays with your child in tow?
I don't know. I really feel for retail stores and the amount of scammers and thieves out there really gets me angry. And the fact that honest customers are the ones who pay for it (by inflated prices that cover the costs of the stolen goods.) I would have been fine to show my receipt and move on. I get that we don't all have the same reaction.
Post by sunshine608 on Dec 12, 2016 8:44:31 GMT -5
I don't think you overreacted at all and I would have done the exact same thing. Good for you! I have done something similar in the past.
If this is such an issue for the store then they shouldn't allow customer to use their own bags or they do like Sams/Costco/Best Buy and have someone checking EVERYBODY as they leave and not chasing "random" customers down outside the store.
You would.have been ok being chased our of the store? Down several storelengths in a busy mall at the holidays with your child in tow?
I don't know. I really feel for retail stores and the amount of scammers and thieves out there really gets me angry. And the fact that honest customers are the ones who pay for it (by inflated prices that cover the costs of the stolen goods.) I would have been fine to show my receipt and move on. I get that we don't all have the same reaction.
So it's okay for the honest customer to be singled out, chased out of the store, and accused of theft? As long as prices stay low low low? This is the most ridiculous response. Shrinkage is a part of doing business, and there are ways to address it that are far more appropriate.
Well I would've refused to show my receipt. Do you have a receipt? "I sure do! You have a great holiday! Byebye!" and turned on my heels. If he started again, THEN I'd march back into the store and return it, still without acknowledging his question. You don't own me, punk.
Listen, yes, the store is trying to prevent theft. BUT, this jack wagon FOLLOWED HER THROUGH THE MALL INTO ANOTHER STORE!!!!!!! That's not how that works. Once anyone leaves the doors of a retail store, the store employees cannot legally do anything. If it's that big of an issue, they could have someone standing at the doors with highlighter in hand (just as MANY other retailers do) checking receipts as customers exit. THAT is perfectly legal and sane. This employee was way out of line and I don't blame OP one bit for returning the item.
I was accused of shoplifting in a K-Mart in high school. It was embarrassing because they even called my parents. The security personnel was let go because he confronted me and my friend *before* we left the store (because one could put the item back at any point). So yeah, if you put the item in your bag and then walk around the store without paying, you aren't shoplifting (yet!). Seems a little awkward for the person to confront you in another store. I'd just be a little annoyed, show my receipt, and then move on with my day.
Post by imojoebunny on Dec 12, 2016 11:57:15 GMT -5
I worked at the mall during the Christmas when I was younger, this behavior was expressly forbidden, it was training 101 at every store I worked at (3 different ones). Even if you suspected a person of stealing, like you saw them put it in the bag and walk out, all you could do was notify a manager who would tell mall and/or store security, who would watch them to prevent further theft, but nothing more, unless it was on video and they stole a lot of stuff. I do get checked leaving Walmart often, but in the store. My DH won't shop there because of it because it. I don't blame you for returning the item.
Agree that you didn't overreact. I don't know if I would have had the presence of mind to give him a piece of my mind on the spot because I would have been so taken off guard, but going back to the store once you had thought about it is a perfectly acceptable response IMO.
I still don't even get what this employee thought he saw. If he saw you putting the item in your bag, surely he also saw you standing at the counter paying for it. It's not like you grabbed it off a shelf on your way out the door. There are acceptable ways to handle loss prevention. Leaving the store to apprehend you in public when you haven't behaved suspiciously isn't one of them.