A couple years ago I went to my usual grocery store to purchase a few things. I was in a rush and at the time I didn’t implement nearly as many frugal ideas as I do today (Today I avoid going in for a “few things” and especially avoid being rushed). As I think back on that day I can’t even remember what had me so rushed, like I couldn’t spare a moment but I do remember the lesson I learned that day.
Because I felt hurried I paid little attention to the scanner and instead performed my end of the debit transaction while impatiently tapping my foot, ready to book it as soon as my bags were ready. My thoughts were in a million places as the cashier rang through each item in a ridiculously slow manner. I put my debit card away, retrieved my car keys and readied myself for a quick exit.
The cashier interrupted my crazed state of mind, announcing my total. My head jerked up, my stomach churned and knotted. I had way overspent. I glanced at my few small bags as my head attempted to justify the amount. I fumbled through the rest of my debit transaction as if someone had slapped me across the face. I was bewildered. No, I hadn’t used my calculator but I was sure I hadn’t spent that much.
All I could think was, “My husband is going to kill me,” as I fumbled back to my car. I placed my bags in the back and then retrieved the receipt for some peace of mind. My eyes scanned down the list of items, mentally affirming “yup, yup, yup … WHAT?” There they were, in the middle of my receipt. I had purchased two bags of dog food for $25 each. The only thing is …. I DON’T HAVE A DOG!
A fantastic relief washed over me as I walked back in the store to defend my position. This story would be much more exciting, and further prove my point, if I told you that they didn’t believe me and refused to give me a refund. However, I live in a small town and the store wasn’t all that busy at the moment so they quickly resolved the issue and credited my card for the correct amount.
Imagine this, what if I had gone home and not noticed the discrepency until the next day? How then would I prove I had not purchased those items? What are the chances the cashier would remember me and the lack of 2 huge bags of dog food.
My grocery shopping habits are much different today but the one lesson I learned that day is to pay attention at checkout. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those people, nit-picking every little thing, but I do know what the marked price of each item was and you better believe I’ll be sure it rings up that way.
Why I do what I do ~ Today I uttered the phrase, “The refrigerator door is not a ride,” and just shook my head. I could add that one to this post.
photo credit: sashafatcat
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I recently got charged $63+ for a small roast that should have been about $8 on sale. Don’t assume accuracy!!! Just wanted to add – if you’re at a smaller store where they take the total from the register and manually enter it into the credit/debit card machine, ALWAYS make sure that number is accurate.
I went to a thrift store and spent $18. When I glanced at my receipt, it showed $180.00. Then, to top it off, she processed it as a “refund” rather than a void. It took NINE days to get that money put back in my account, and wound up causing 2 bounced checks.
Kay’s last blog post..I want to be adopted…
@Kay – Wow! Thanks for the reminder about manually entering amounts into the credit machine. That must have been so maddening …
And another grocery store lesson I can’t seem to learn;
Always check the cart to make sure you got everything into your car before leaving!
Andrea’s last blog post..What’s the deal with mac ‘n cheese?
I always try to watch the scanner, although I have to admit it is a little harder now that I have two kids with me at times.
Trying to watch them and make sure their not getting into something and watching the scanner can be challenging.
I do, however, always glance over my receipt before I walk out the door just to make sure.
Amanda’s last blog post..The Hurrier I Go, the Behinder I Get
I used to go to a grocery store (the only one in the area where we used to live) that always forgot to put the sale prices in the computer. So, every week I had to check the receipt and then go to customer service for my refund. I complained, but nothing was ever changed. Luckily, we moved!
I am a stickler for checking the scanner. I can sense people behind me rolling their eyes, but I do not care. Every little error adds up, and groceries are the one expense I feel I can control if I’m really careful.
Country-Fried Mama’s last blog post..Maybe we’ll homeschool the kids after all
Thanks for the reminder. I will be sure to keep this in mind as I go grocery shopping this week.
Liz’s last blog post..A month as whirlwind
I always try to watch the scanner carefully, although at times I find it difficult if I have the kids and hubby with me. I have caught a lot of things that didn’t ring up right by watching the scanner and probably saved us A LOT of money!!! I’ve had problems with sale prices not ringing up right too.
Lisette
http://www.couponqueenofcorning.com/
Lisette’s last blog post..Tops Shopping 4/18/09