Cashier Takes Service Too Far
Last week I talked a little bit about cashiers, the role of the cashier and how important excellent customer service is. With the good we get the ugly and today I have part 2 of the role of the cashier and customer care. Yesterday while standing in line at a local grocery store I was witness to a cashier having a bad day and a customer who wasn’t going to stand for her attitude.
My wife thought I was being nosey but I wasn’t the only one either as customers were watching and our own cashier was trying to listen in and find out what was going on. She was so entranced in the back and forth dealings with the cashier and the customer that she even took our coupons, removed the coupon amount then handed them back to us lol.
I told her that she might need those to balance her cash at the end of her shift. She laughed and lightly bopped herself at the top of her head with the palm of her hand. She said that she has her days. I said you and I are both too busy wondering what’s going on, that’s the problem. She didn’t disagree and was smiling from ear to ear. When she finished cashing me out I said to keep smiling and to remember that today is just another day.
The problem
Very briefly while standing in line I overheard the customer saying she didn’t want a product and the cashier was not so nice with her and told her to put it aside or put it back herself. Well the customer didn’t like her response and frankly neither did and the customer with a furious look (scared me) on her face asked to speak to a manager. Then you hear the cashier pick up the phone abruptly and with a stern voice ask the cashier manager to visit her cash. When the manager must have asked why she loudly winded that a customer wants to talk to her. Then she slammed the phone down.
The cash manager
We were all like a bunch of penguins lined up with our heads moving back and forth. I almost felt like asking the cashier to call a grocery boy to bring me up a bag of popcorn and a soda so I could watch this all go down. I know I’m having a laugh but I don’t often get to see these interactions between the customer and cashier. Normally it’s the cashier dealing with difficult people but in this case it was the customer dealing with a difficult cashier.
When the cash manager came down she asked what the problem was and the customer promptly explained the situation. The cashier spoke up said she wasn’t feeling well which was no excuse for her behaviour and that she wanted to go home. The manager calmly told her to take deep breaths and to go and have a break and that she would step in to finish up with her customers and then come and see her.
Well done, I was half expecting fireworks but the cash manager handled the very public situation as a leader should have without escalating the customer or the cashier. This is just another reason why it’s important for human resources to make sure they are putting people in leadership roles that are passionate about the people, their staff and their role. This could have easily gotten out of hand as blood was boiling but having a Ā manager easily defuse the situation by stepping in and releasing the cashier was the best option in my opinion.
Have you ever witnessed a cashier and customer show down? How was it handled? If you are a cashier how do you handle yourself when you are having a bad day?Ā
August grocery game recap
If you missed grocery game posts for this month just click on the links below and post your shops in the comment section. We are currently on week 3 for August so week 1 and 2 is posted below if you still have to post your shop.
- The grocery game challenge August 5-11,2013 #1- Skip the shopping cart and save
- The grocery game challenge August 12-18, 2013 #2- Grocery shopping for seniors
- The grocery game challenge August 19-@5, 2013 #3- The role of the cashier
Grocery saving tips
Free Money Saving DownloadsĀ is lists that were created to get us on track to work towards reaching our budgeting goals. Get organized with a freezer inventory, meal plan, shopping list, price comparison list and much moreall for FREE.Ā I want to see you save money in your budget.
Click, Save and Print. Itās that easy
- Let Your Coupons Expire And Save Money
- Welfare Food Challenge $26 Per Week In The Grocery Budget
- What A No-Shop Week Really Means
- Should You Buy It Now Or Buy It Later?
- Stock Up On Items When You Can
- The Cost Of Organic Food
- What Foods You Should Not Eat and Organic Gardening
- Knowing Your Prices Is The Key To Saving Money In The Grocery Budget
- Product Price Adjustments Donāt Miss The Savings
- Scanning Code of Practice In Canada (SCOP)
- How To Start Saving Money On Groceries In Canada?
- How Much Should My Grocery Budget Be?
- Top Ten Ways To Cut Your Grocery Budget
- Meal Planning For The Budget
- The Grocery Game Challenge and Our Grocery Budget
- Grocery Budget Saving Tips
- Food Shopping On A Budget
- How To Grocery Shop
- Grocery Store Self-Scanners
- Food and Vegetable Preparation
- Best Time To Grocery Shop
- Organic Food Costs
- Why Shopping Hungry Is Not A Smart Idea
- Are We Eating Too Much Food?
- Discount Days and Rewards Programs
- Getting Back On Track With Food Budgeting
- Why You Should Ignore Your Grocery Flyers
- The Low-GI Diet and Your Budget
- How To Track Grocery Expenses
- Comparing Prices With a Price Comparison List
- Why Too Much Salt Is Not Good For Us
- Shopping More Than Once Per Week
- Food Samples When Shopping
- Food Waste In Canada
Food food and more food
A grocery store ( I don’t want to say to protect the identity of the store above)
- Swiss Chard x 2 $1.97 each
- Collard Greens $1.97
- Lettuce $0.87
- Radish $1.47
- Peaches $0.97
- Milk $3.97
- 2 Downy Unstoppables PM Freshco $6.99 x 2- $3.00 coupon
Total out of pocket $22.01
Yearly grocery budget for two:Ā $2819.38
- Total Grocery Budget for the Month:Ā $235.00 or $78.33 week with one no-shop week per month or $58.75 for 4 weeks per month. (During the months with 5 weeks we just make it work)
- Total Budget For August:Ā $181.92 to compensate for previous overspends.
- Total Coupons Used this WeekĀ :Ā $3.00
- Total Discounts this Week:Ā $0
- Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week:Ā $0
- Total Rewards Points Used: $0
- Stockpile Budget:Ā $20.00Ā Used $15.88 (Nescafe coffee)
- Total Spent This Week: $22.01
- Total Spent So Far for August $182.35
- TotalĀ Over/UnderĀ spend this shop: Ā $0
- TotalĀ Over/Under spend for the month of Ā (August):Ā $ 0
- Total Left to Spend for the Month: $22.01-$21.58 (left to spend for month)= I went over $0.43 for the month!
- Total Coupons Used This Month:$2.75+$5.00+1.50=$3.00= $12.25
- Total to Carry Over Next Month:Ā $ 0.43 over spend
- Total Spent To Date This Year:Ā $206.95 (Jan)+ $160.77 (Feb) + (March)$169.62 + (April)$397.74+(May) $155.68 + (June) $216.01+ (July) $235.83 (August) $182.35=$1724.95 (does not include stockpile budget)
- RendezvousĀ Account:Ā $65.38Ā This is money saved if there is any leftover at the end of a month of grocery shopping for a date night for the wife and I.
Weekly Overview: This was supposed to be our no shop week however we did need a few bits so in we went. I will say that we did very well considering that we could have went overboard. This is a first for us. We had some sort of self-control. The overage will have to carry over to September.Ā
Canadian coupons found in August
Frequently Asked Questions
Grocery Game Challenge RULESā¦.. Read the rules first and if you have any questions email me or comment on this post with your question and someone will answer you as soon as possible.Ā
- Do I have to be Canadian to post my Grocery Shop?Ā No,Ā you donāt have to be Canadian to post your shops only to win a monthly prize. We have a few players from around the world.
- When does the Grocery Game Close each month?Ā The Grocery Game Challenge closes at midnight of the last Sunday of the last post for the month. You can post your shops all month-long.
- Does Your Grocery Budget Include Health and Beauty and Laundry?Ā Yes our Grocery Budget includes such items as shampoo, conditioner, laundry soap, fabric softener, dish soap etc. We donāt mindĀ stockpilingĀ items that wonāt be affected by expiry dates or have long expiry dates but not so much food any more. Itās just one way toĀ help cut your budget to save money.
- Where can I find Canadian Coupons?Ā Here are yourĀ latestĀ CouponĀ Match-upsĀ Ā of the week includingĀ Checkout 51Ā from 25 Newspaper Inserts around Canada compliments ofĀ Save Big Live BetterĀ that you can use to help you save money in the Grocery Game Challenge.
- What is an FPC?Ā An fpc is a free product coupon which means you can get a free product as described on the coupon.
- How Do I Know what stores accept coupons?Ā You can find all your store coupon policies here. If you are not sure itās always best to call the store and ask.
- How Do I Grocery Shop?–Ā I can tell you about grocery shopping and what we do in terms of shopping to save money and how it works for us. There are no wrong or right answers, just smart choices.
Over time you will gradually learn where you should and shouldnāt go in the grocery store or at least how to say no, Iām on a budget I āneed to buy this or that. You may also substitute items in order to stick to your budget to make it work. Nobody is perfect, heck we struggle with this part of our budget like many people do and this is why the grocery game challenge was created.
If you have just joinedĀ The Grocery Game ChallengeĀ get ready to dive deep into your grocery budget and learn just where you are spending, how much you are spending and what you are saving. You’ve made a wise decision.
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Dr. Sheba says
Week 33
Publix
2 loaves bread $3.15
Triscuits $3.59
canned peas $0.91
canned corn $0.91
Ice cream sandwiches $3.99
Corned beef $5.49
2 x cheddar cheese blocks $5.00
rice $2.99
total out of pocket $27.92
Walmart
Tator tots $4.48
2 x Hawaiian Punch $3.96
4 x totinos Pizza $5.44
Corn Dogs $5.88
Crackers $2.50
5 lb chicken legs $4.97
gallon milk $3.78
dole juice $2.68
ice cream $2.97
Triscuits $2.50
bbq sauce $3.48
honey mustard dressing $1.66
bag of potatoes $3.77
storage bags $2.48
coffee $4.98
2 x sardines $2.50
bread $2.78
3 lb rice $1.98
1 lb ground beef $4.48
toothpaste $2.50
bounty paper towels $5.97
hand soap $2.22
coffee filters $1.44
Total out of Pocket $82.00
Broward Meat
6 lb Grouper Steaks $31.48
20 oz water $1.49
Total out of pocket $32.97
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year:Ā $4000
Total Grocery Budget for august: $231.20
Total Coupons Used this Week:Ā $0.00
Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0.00
Total Spent This Week: $142.89
Total Spent for august: $233.32
Total Underspend this shop: -$85.09
Total Overspend for the month of august: -$2.12
Total Left to Spend for the Month: -$2.12
Total Coupons Used This Month: $0.00
Total to Carry Over Next Month: -$2.12
Total Spent To Date This Year:Ā $ $3,083.09
Weekly Overview: I didn’t eat out at all this week, but I also spent more on groceries. Lack of planning is always my problem. I’ve been so busy lately. I was $85 over my weekly budget!!! I must get this under control. I use grocery lists, so I gotta find out how to tweak it.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
HI Dr. Sheba,
I’m happy to see you back in action. Yes you went over but you didn’t do so bad so don’t get too excited about it. You have been working hard all year to get your grocery budget under control and I”m sure by now you know where you need to make some changes in your spending habits but it all boils down to planning and sticking with it. I know, we make mistakes with our grocery budget and the hardest part is trying to catch up. Just keep the faith. Cheers Mr.CBB
Juanita says
Our weekly budget is $100 making this month $400.
Safeway
$2.99 4lb oranges
$3 ice cream
$3.52 orange fruit bar
$9.70 total oop
Superstore
$2.50 jalapeno popper chips yummy!!!
$2.11×2-.75Cx2 coffee creamer
$1.25×4 cake mix
$3.38 raisins
$1.99-.50C special k crisps
$2.97-.75C margarine
$8.97 cheese brick
$26.41 total oop
$2.75 total coupons
Walmart
$2×2-$2Cx2 secret deo
$1.27 broccoli
$1.97 parch paper
$3.54 total oop
$4 total coupons
Sobeys
$9.99×3-$5instoreCx3 cheese brick
$3.99-fpc taco kit
$9.99-$4.99instoreC jalapeno cheddar burgers
$2.29×2-bogo sale Kaiser buns
$2.45 hot&spicy chicken
$2.61 bologna
$4.49×2-bogo sale pampers wipes tubs
$3.50×2-$1Cx2 iced tea
.91 tomatoes
$1.97-6- corn on the cob
$1.49×2 perogies
$5.31 4L milk
$48.19 total oop
$25.98 total coupons
Save on foods (stacking)
$2.80×3 8pk pop (like a orange creamsicle!!!!!)
$1.99 bulk candy for xmas stockings
$14.99×4 pampers size 1 &2
$10×2 pampers nb
$3.99-fpc spag sauce
$4.79 bounty napkins
$4.99×6 clear shampoo/conditioner
$3.99×2 dove body wash
$7.99×2 downy unstoppables
$3.99×2 febreeze
$4.98×4 glad candles
$2×2 Palmolive dish soap
$5.99 puffs 4pk
$2.50×4 smuckers jam
$6.49 Swiffer duster kit
$5.99×2 tide pods
$85.76 total oop
$147.46 total coupons!!!!!
$173.60 total weekly oop
$180.19 total weekly coupons
$382.56 total monthly oop
$347.79 total monthly coupons
Another big month for using coupons!! Even under budget too!! Happy Dance š
I’m trying to stack as much as possible at save on foods cause they will change their policy soon enough and really everyone else is taking advantage of it so I may as well get the good deals too.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Juanita
Ha, jalepeno popper chips gets you all excited lol.. what are they like? Holy you used a tonne of coupons this week, wow!!! I’m so happy to hear you are under budget… amazing. How do you plan out your shops? What is going on with the policy? How will the potentially change it? You get ballot 23 Cheers CBB
Jen P says
I shop for 2 adults and a 2 Ā½ year old boy. Our budget is $90/week or $360 for this month and includes laundry, health/beauty, etc.
Almond milk 2/$4.00
Mini eggs 4 x $1.09 ā 50% pink stickers – $2.20
Candy necklaces 4 x $.34 (6 in each pack! Great for loot bags!)
OEP taco kit 2 x $4.69 ā 2 x FPC
Royale 24 dbl rolls (PM Target) $7.99 – $5.00 coupon
Hummus (PM Metro) $2.69
Bread 2 x $1.65 ā 50% pink stickers – $.83 also got SCOP on one – $.83
Grapes (PM FB) $1.48
Romaine $.99
Bananas $1.75 – $1.69 coupon
Tresemme shampoo and conditioner 2 x $3.88 ā 2 x $1.50 coupons
Coupons $19.07
CD $4.10
SCOP $.83
OOP $19.48
Walmart
Ground turkey $5.77 ā FPC
Dark Chocolate almonds $1.00
Coupon $5.77
OOP $1.13
Metro
Lactantia milk $5.99 ā FPC
Coupon $5.99
OOP $0.00
RCSS
Almond milk 2/$7.00 ā 2 x $2.00 coupons
Almond milk $2.00
Nutrigrain bars (PM NF) 4 x $1.44 – $5.00 CO51
Margarine (PM NF) 2 x $.97
CD $.96
Coupons $4.00
CO51 $7.00 ($2.00 for using VISA)
OOP $4.74
Target
Glad garbage bags (raincheque) 4 x $1.99 ā 4 x $2.00
Coupons $8.00
OOP $1.05
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year : $4,680 ($90/week)
ā¢Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $450 (5 shopping weeks this month) – $66.85=$383.45 (I went over last month)
ā¢Total Coupons Used this Week : $42.83
ā¢Total Coupons Used This Month : $103.85
ā¢ Total Coupons Used this Year: $1332.85
ā¢ Total Checkout 51 rebates this week: $7.00
ā¢ Total Checkout 51 rebates this month: $14.00
ā¢ Total Checkout 51 rebates this year: $115.00
ā¢ Total Colleague Discount (CD) this week: $5.06
ā¢ Total Colleague Discount (CD) this month:$39.13
ā¢ Total Colleague Discount (CD) this year: $389.20
ā¢ Total SCOP this week: $.83
ā¢ Total SCOP this month: $.83
ā¢ Total SCOP this year: $4.24
ā¢Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
ā¢Total Spent This Week: $26.40
ā¢Total Spent So Far for August: $397.95
ā¢Total Over/Under spend this shop: N/A
ā¢Total Over/Under spent for the month of August: OVER $14.50
ā¢Total Left to Spend for the Month: N/A
ā¢Total to Carry over Next Month: I do not carry over to the next month.
ā¢Total Spent To Date This Year: $2836.93
ā¢Weekly overview: Well I went over for the month by $14.50. Iām getting better and catching up. I will get there soon! I have been trying to stockpile snacks and food to take to Adamās new daycare on September 3. I know from having my cousinās daughter all summer that they go through quite a bit of food so I try to help as much as I can.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey Jen
I don’t believe the candy necklaces are for loot bags. I believe you secretly nosh on them while watching the tele at night lol. Where did you get the milk FPC? I never get FPC’s any more. OMG I’m so proud of you.. $14.50 is hardly anything you did amazing Jen!!! I’m so proud of you. That’s nice of you to help out at Adam’s day care. I’m sure she appreciates all the help you can give her especially since you are an awesome shopper and you stockpile chocolate more than anyone I’ve ever known lol. You get ballot 22… Bring on Sept!
Jen P says
lol…candy necklaces aren’t my thing…chocolate is! lol….The milk FPC is from Lactantia’s contest last year. I just got the unfortunate news from my MIL that they’ve clamped down on the employee discount card use. I will no longer be able to use her card as of today š boohoo!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Haha sure I bet if I ask Ken he will tell us the truth lol… that sucks about the card…at least you got some great use out of it.
Wing-sze Blake says
i have encountered a whole lot of occasions with grumpy cashiers since i started couponing. some of them frown at the moment when i tell them i am going to price match or use coupons, even though i consider myself a very polite person. i always have a smile on my face especially when i know i am giving them more work to do. i apologize to them all the time. some of them just can’t understand that it is their company policy that accepts coupons and price matching, if they want to blame, they should blame their job and not me. however, so far i have done well enough that i have not freaked out on them (lucky them lol) why cant these grumpy ones understand that no matter how many coupons or price matching they have to do, they are still there for a 6 hour shift, it doesnt save them anything at all.
BUT having said that about the grumpy ones. there are a few cheerful ones that i love, they dont mind hitting more buttons on their machine, nor writing down all the price matching infos. they always keep a smile on their face and they even thank me for giving them the chance to do it lol. i just love these smiley cashiers. they make my shopping trip so much happier!
this is how i did at the last week of august:
August 26-31, 2013
Budget for 2 people + 3 pets: $250/month
Augustās spending: 80.89+50.93+36.16+68.88=236.86
Augustās budget left: 250-80.89-50.93-36.16-68.88=13.14under, yay!!
Augustās coupon used: 10.03+3+6.27+41.88+21.74=82.92
My shops for the last week: 9.20+19.04+40.64=68.88
Giant Tiger #1: $9.20
Crusty buns 1.97
Fudgee-o 1.73
Caesar dressing 1.57
Parmesan 4.97-1.00=3.97
Old el paso kits 2×4.27-2xFPC=FREE
Giant Tiger #2 total: $19.04
bread 2.17
maple syrup 6.97
peppers 1.97
Doritos 1.49-FPC=FREE
eggos 2.00-2.97=+0.97
Minutemaid OJ 2.99-FPC=FREE
VH steamers PM 2×2.98-2×2.00=1.96
Cream PM 2.98-0.75=2.23
Pops 2×2.00=4.00
Walmart total $40.64
Delissio pizza 3×3.97
Basa fillet 8.00
Corn 2.87
Reese 1.00
Eggs 2.68
Bok choy 1.48
Green onion 0.57
Brownies platters 2×6.00=12.00
HST 0.13
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey WIng!!
I was so happy to see your post and that you are back š Ya, we get a mix of grumpy cashiers and happy cashiers.You are right no matter what they are there for the full shift so they might as well just smile. You did great this month and you cam in under budget. Where did you get the FPC for Doritos? Good going this month…. I’m proud of you. Keep up the good work. Show me what you’ve got in Sept!you get ballot 21
Wing-sze Blake says
Sorry for replying late. the doritos FPC was from a facebook game giveaway! yes, i did pretty well last month, let’s see if i can keep it up this month! š
Christine Weadick says
I went to No Frills in Stratford for a shop this week as hubby has been fussing about the truck sitting too long without going anywhere. I had checked the online flyer so I knew what was on sale. I did some stocking up there too …good news bad news there. Then I got the minimum at Foodland to get me through to the new flyers.
No Frills, Aug. 24
2 bags frozen veggies @2.50- 5.00
2 containers yogurt @1.97- 3.94
1 box Bearpaws- 1.97
6 cans tomato soup @3/2.00- 4.00frozen
2 packs TP @5.77- 11.54, 2×1.00 coupons
2 Dawn dish soap @2.05- 4.10, 1.00WUB2 coupon
2 cans pineapple bits @1.47-2.94
3 frozen juice @1.17- 3.51
1 hot sauce- 2.97
2 frozen stir fry veggies @2.97- 5.94
3 lbs butter, PM to Food Basics@ 2.88- 8.64
1 pasta sauce- 1.77
4 IOGO Nomad yogurts PM to FB @.88- 3.52, 4x.75 coupons
2 packages pasta PM to FB @1.00- 2.00
2 4l milk @3.97- 7.94
1 case Nestea- 3.33, 2.00 coupon from box
1 NN honey- 3.97
1 bag rice- 2.97
1 block cheese- 3.77
1 OEP taco kit- 2.97
1 box crackers- 2.92
6 Powerade @1.37- 8.22
1 case ginger ale- 5.47
2 Tetley teabags 216 count @9.27- 18.54
2 tomato sauce @.67- 1.34
2 tomato paste@ 2/.88- .88
1 raisin bread- 3.00
1 bagels- 2.27
2 W/W bread @1.97- 3.94
1 bread crumbs- 1.79
1 pack ground pork- 5.23, 3% discount- 1.57 saved
bananas-.73
1 package cole slaw- 1.50
2 bunches green onions@.57- 1.14
1 bag peanuts- 1.27
2 Dove body wash PM to Sobeys@2.99– 5.98
1 Dove shampoo PM to Sobeys- 2.99
1 Dove conditioner PM to Sobeys- 2.99
Tax- 5.85
Total- $152.56, 8.00 in coupons
Foodland, Aug 26
1 pasta sauce- 1.79
1 pack beef liver-1.90
1 doz large eggs- 2.99
1 Royale TP- 4.44, 1.00 coupon
1 jug water- 5.49
tax- .58
Total- $16.19, 1.00 coupon
Total budget for year- $7800.00
Total budget for month- $600.00
Total coupons for week- 9.00
Total spent this week- $168.75
Total over/under for week- over $18.75
Total for month- $148.49+$157.62+$151.09+$168.95=$ 625.95
Total over/under for month- Over- $25.95
Left for month-$0.00
Total coupons for month- $4.00+$5.00+$7.75+$9.00=$25.75
Carry over to next month- $504.57+$25.95= $530.52
Total YTD- J$818.08+F$598.07+M$770.12+A$938.07+M$650.13+J$876.78+J$734.75+A$625.95=$6011.95
So, after such a good start I went over both for the week and the month. The good part is I did some stocking up so I’m hoping that is a big help Sept. I did need the TP as we were on our last package…. not good. So now I have 3 packs, hopefully there will be another good sale before we get that low again. After the price I had to pay for the smaller box of teabags last week I grabbed two bigger boxes this time at NF as it was a much better price!! I’m good there now too. The Dove products were a good price and needed here. Sensitive skin is a fact of life here so I do have to watch what I buy there. The drinkable yogurt was such a nice price with the coupons!!!! Bear Paws will be nice when the grandson comes to visit as he loves them….. I’m looking forward to the turkey in Oct. as we get so many yummy leftovers from it!!!! I got more of the ginger ale boxes that have the coupon inside to use when the price isn’t good on the pop, but once the cooler weather hits I’ll be looking for a sale on the cider mix too. Given the prices I’m thinking it will be worth my while to go to No Frills once or twice a month. Now I stock up big time when I get there as I never know when I can get back but as we are not making so many trips to London and hubby fusses about the truck sitting too long I have an excuse to go there more often…. I’m giving the truck a little run!!!! So long as he doesn’t want to come with me I’m good.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey Christine!
That pineapple seemed pricey for the can… great deal on the butter. Now is the time to start stocking up for Christmas baking. You did awesome this month.. you only went over $25… be proud of that accomplishment. Many people go over by much more so you did super great. I might try to get a turkey this year and cook it up too. HA… ya you have to give the truck a run. Let’s see what you can do in Sept.. can you believe the year is almost over again!! You get ballot 20
Christine Weadick says
Sounds like it was quite the show!!! That kind of like watching a train wreck!!! You see what’s happening but all you can do is stand there and watch!!! I can understand stopping to watch…I live in a small town and everybody knows everyone else’s business or thinks they do. I’ve never had an issue with a cashier being cranky with me directly. Even the other day when I had to do three transactions to get my laundry soap with coupons I wasn’t rude. I wasn’t happy about it and they knew it but that’s their job and I’m not going to bite them for it. I’ve worked retail in the past and I do understand how it works with management… The cashier supervisor did handle that well though……..
Canadianbudgetbinder says
We thought she handled it well and the cashier did continue to work, I think she felt bad but eventually the manager made her take a break.
Lindse @ Sense & Sensibility says
Wow, that sounds like it was quite the showdown! It sound like the manager really represented and was the voice of reason. It does say something about customer service, doesn’t it?
This is my first grocery game challenge so I can’t recall quite what to post but:
We spent $140 on groceries this week. We shopped the flyers and used coupons where we could. This is an experiment and we’ll try it again for the next couple weeks to see if that helps with cutting grocery prices.
Cheers!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
The rules to the grocery game challenge are on my home page and in every weeks grocery game post you will find the link. It’s easy just to read the rules as it makes the process much easier for you. I can’t wait to see your shops.
Mary F Campbell says
Lindse,
Here is the link for the GGC rules:
https://canadianbudgetbinder.com/the-grocery-game-monthly-challenge/
The suggested format for posting is the way that Mr CBB posts. I shop on both sides of the border and maintain several reserves for future grocery purchases. If that applies to you… have a look at how I did my post for the week. It is down below.
If I can help… let me know. š
I actually have a lot of fun working to stay on budget and learning from the other folks. I am sure you will too! š
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Thanks so much Mary for doing that, I was swamped this morning. I can always count on you..I know how lucky I am to have you in my life here, so thank you.
Mary F Campbell says
And pardon my manners Lindse, WELCOME to the Grocery Game Challenge! š
hollyatclubthrifty says
Yikes! Sounds like the cashier was having a bad day! I always stop and stare when something like that is going on too. I just can’t help myself!
kimateyesonthedollar says
I’ve never had a bad experience with a cashier at a grocery store, but have had the ones at Walmart not want to use my coupons because they don’t always ring up on the first try. You have to ask them to call a manager to key it in. The cashiers always look at you like they want to take your head off.
theoutliermodel says
That sounds like a great manager! I was a cashier for a few years while in university and usually, you hear about the crazy customer stories, not the crazy cashier stories! My worst customer ranted and raved so much that we sent her on her way with her item for free rather than have her disrupting the store continually.
Tammy R says
Wow, CBB. Sounds riveting! I think the cash manager handled it delightfully and probably retained a customer. I’ve been a cashier, and I have to say it is your job to suck it up and be polite. You are in customer service. If you’re not nice, you risk being written up and eventually losing your job. If you don’t like dealing with the public, and I can say that it is very challenging, find another job that better suits your personality.
Great Jollyhoombah (@Hoombah) says
CBB! I never witnessed a cashier and customer show down, but I sure did witness a manager/customer showdown at the coffee shop. The customer was screaming her fool, and by that I mean she was a nut, head off. The manager could easily have diffused the situation by walking away.The customer simply wanted to be left alone and freaked when the manager tapped her on the shoulder. It was poorly handled. That manager no longer works at the coffee shop. Thankfully, I have never seen that customer again either;)
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Ya I probably wouldn’t touch anyone ever.
Abigail says
I overheard one recently that slowed down our line (of course) and the manager had to be called over. The customer was unpleasant, but not painfully so. And the cashier was pretty nice about it. They set aside her order and started ours. But there was still back and forth and we had to snap the bagger out of it as she almost put our food in the lady’s cart. We had to say something three times before we heard us. I’m not sure I even figured out what the real problem was. But the cashier handed me all the coupons that printed, and the woman made some offhand remark about how some of those were hers but nevermind. I told her she could have them, but by then it was passive aggression of “No, no, it’s fine.” Until I just told the cashier to give them to her and walked away. That cashier earned her pay that day.
Our worst recent experience was at a fast food restaurant. They brought out the frozen item while the rest of the meal was still being made. As in, it’d be 5-10 at least before the actual order was done. It’s an annoying habit they have there. My husband asked her why, exactly, she made this first. She actually responded, “Because it’s easier for me.” Based on his look of astonishment I guess, she then offered to put it in the freezer, but by then he just didn’t want to deal with her.
I wasn’t there, so I emailed the restaurant when he came back with the tale. It’s only been a couple days, so I’m still waiting for a response.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
so you ordered a hot meal and got dessert first lol…. that’s interesting. I would have just waited if I were here OR ask you if that is something that you might desire and let you know your order will be delayed.
Shannon @ The Heavy Purse says
Sounds like a very good manager! I bet everyone was distracted watching the show. The cashier must have been having a real tough day since I think most of them have a bin they can stow the unwanted items for someone to put away later. We did good with our grocery budget this month. I find now that I’m bringing the girls more into the fold that I’m even more mindful of how I spend our money because I know they’re watching me. š
Mary F Campbell says
AUGUST – Week #4 of 4 – August 27-September 1, 2013
2013 GROCERY BUDGET / STOCKPILE BUDGET AND US RESERVE:
ā¢Total Grocery Budgeted For Year: $142.50 x 12 = $1,710.00 for 2 adults
ā¢Total Stockpile Budgeted For Year: $47.50 x 12 = $570.00 for 2 adults
ā¢Combined Grocery Budget for 2013: $190.00 x 12 = $2,280.00
==========================================================================
OUR āCANADIANā SHOPPING THIS WEEK:
Safeway ā Maple Ridge
1 4L Lucerne Skim Milk = $4.59
2 pkg Velveeta Cheese slices ($11.98-$6.98 Loyalty Card Svgs) = $5.00
1 loaf Garlic Bread 60% WW ($3.69-$1.19 Loyalty Card Svgs) = $2.50
1 Lucerne Cottage Cheese $4.22
1 Extra Lean Ground Beef ($6.27-$2.51 Loyalty Card Svgs) = $3.76
ā¢Total OOP: $20.07
ā¢ Grocery Budget OOP: $20.07 << $20 of Safeway gift cards used
& hubby chipped in the 7 cents
ā¢ Stockpile Budget OOP: $0.00
==========================================================================
OUR āUS RESERVEā SHOPPING THIS WEEK: NO SHOP WEEK
==========================================================================
2013 Y-T-D GROCERY SAVINGS:
ā¢Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions This Year:
J$40.04+F$44.48+M$98.35+A$50.00+M$3.00+J$0.00+Jy$55.55
+Au($36.66)= $302.10
ā¢Total Coupons Used This Year:
J$60.46+F$0.00+M$11.79+A$12.48+M$1.50+J$54.54+Jy$ 42.16= +Au($3.80)= $186.67
ā¢Total More Points Earned This Year:
J265+F248+M151+A26+M0+J59+Jy7+Au26= 782 Points
ā¢Total Air Miles Earned This Year:
J57+F10+M30+A83+M0+J161+Jy20+Au(1)= 362 Air Miles
==========================================================================
2013 Y-T-D GROCERY SPENDING:
ā¢Total Grocery OOP Spent So Far This Year:
J$217.50+F$198.39+M$72.90+A$215.04+M$70.12+J$49.97+Jy$114.23 +Au($12.00+9.96+$16.07+$5.98+$3.95+$25.98+$6.48+20.07= $100.49)= $1,038.64
ā¢Total YTD Grocery Budget So Far:
J$190.00+F$190.00+M$108.79+A$142.50+M$142.50+J$50.00+
Jy$114.36+Au($50.90+$25.98+2.67+20.07) = $1,037.77
ā¢Total Over/Under on the YTD Grocery Budget: $0.87 OVER
==========================================================================
2013 Y-T-D STOCKPILE SPENDING:
ā¢Total Stockpile OOP Spent So Far This Year:
J$0.00+Feb$0.00+M$81.21+A$77.55+M$17.45+J$82.86+Jy$79.24
+Au($0.00)= $338.31
ā¢Total YTD Stockpile Budget:
J$0.00+Feb$0.00+M$81.21+A$47.50+M$47.50+J$82.86+Jy$35.64+
Au$43.60 = $338.31
ā¢Total Over/Under on the YTD Stockpile Budget: $0.00 AVAILABLE
==========================================================================
2013 RE-STOCKING RESERVE:
ā¢Total 2014 Re-Stocking Budget:
J$0.00+Feb$0.00+M$0.00+A$0.00+M$0.00+J$0.00+Jy$17.50+Au $17.50 = $35.00 AVAILABLE
==========================================================================
2014 Y-T-D BORSCHT STOCKPILE RESERVE:
ā¢Total 2014 Borscht Stockpile Budget:
J$0.00+Feb$0.00+M$0.00+A$0.00+M$0.00+J$120.00+Jy$32.50+$30.50= $183.00 AVAILABLE
==========================================================================
ā¢ TOTAL FUNDS SPENT IN 2013: $1,376.95 <<$1,520
was budgeted for
Jan-Aug '2013
By adding cash repaid to us from others, bottle deposit refunds and a few spending money donations from hubby, we've managed to increase our available grocery funds to date by $74.95 and that translates into moving $218.00 into Canadian reserves ($183 Borscht $35 Freezer Re-stocking).
The US Grocery money has been accounted for in the Canadian budget already, even though we haven't spent it yet. So really, we have actually spent $1,376.95-101.23 = $1,275 on groceries, but as I am not balancing my US grocery budget on a year-to-date basis, it's easier to say it is spent when I transfer some funds from the Canadian budget.
Our US Hiding Spot Cash is actually money we had left over from our vacation in Portland, so it's not reflected in my Canadian budgeting at all.
==========================================================================
REMARKS FOR THE WEEK:
All I can say isā¦ thank goodness for my Safeway gift cards! My $20 worth of Safeway gift cards we used to take advantage of a sale on Extra Lean Ground Beef @ $2.99/lb so that combined with what I already had on hand, I can make meatballs, an Asian meatloaf, Roughneck chili and an Italian Skillet Pie this week. We needed milk and I couldnāt pass up 2 packages of cheese slices for $5.00. Hubby caught that his garlic bread was on sale so he slipped that into the cart even though it wasnāt on the list but at least it was only $2.50. This month has been extremely tough to stay on budget after doing the transfers to the reserves and the US grocery budget BUT imagine how happy I was to discover I had made an addition error last week AND I only went over by $0.87 this month! I feel pretty darned good about that!
==========================================================================
CLOSING GROCERY POSITIONS FOR AUGUST:
CANADIAN $ās
Groceries: ($0.87)
Stockpile: $0.00
2014 BORSCHT: $183.00
Safeway Gift card: $0.00
Cash Hiding Spot: $0.00
Re-Stocking Funds: $35.00
US $ās
Our Reserve: $101.23
US Cash Hiding Spot: $150.00
==========================================================================
The valid rain checks I hold are as follows:
Thrifty Foods:
4 China Lily Soya Sauce Refill bottles @$2.99 ea (Good until Nov 13th)
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Mary,
I’m going to try that China lily as soon as we run out of the massive jugs of Kikoman that we bought lol.. I’m intrigued to taste it now. Oh, so you did get the deal on the beef, good for you. It was worth it to use the card, eventually it would have been used so you might as well pick up a great deal when you can with it. Oh, finding errors sometimes is good and sometimes is not so good but the important part is that we find them and learn where we make our mistakes. I’m glad that worked out for you. Keep up the great work Mary. YOu get ballot 19 CBB
Mary F Campbell says
I am in the mood for soup these days… time to hit the pantry for some dried beans, canned tomatoes and chicken stock. Here’s a recipe I am going to make for my lunches this week. The wife might enjoy this plus it’s dead easy!
http://simpledailyrecipes.com/1322/simple-white-bean-soup-recipes/
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Thanks Mary, I’ll go check it out now….
Mary F Campbell says
Nice shopping Mr CBB! You are over $0.43 for August, I am over $0.87. This truly is follow the leader time! š Great month for both of us!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Ya we were pretty happy this month, however the other categories in our budget are wayyyy off lol
Juanita says
Wow that would have been a doozy to watch!!
sometimes when I go to the checkouts and have hassle with an item not ringing up correctly or with coupons…..I’ll hear the “are you ready to rumble?” in my head!!!!! Yep I’m gonna fight for it after all it is my money not theirs š
Also good shop and good month!!! I know going a tiny bit over is worth it when your buying veggies.
momoneymohouses says
Oh wow, I’ve never experienced anything quite like that as an on-looker but I was a cashier for many years and I do have many stories.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Ya, it doesn’t happen every day so it was quite the stop and stare moment… awful we are, aren’t we lol. We’re only human though.