Sampling the merchandise

[sunnyatlast]

Would you stand in the packaged/weighed/priced produce aisle and demand a sample of the cut fruit already weighed and priced in clear plastic, sealed boxes?

I'm shocked. Where I come from the response would be, "that takes a lot of unmitigated gall", to make the store personnel get a fork, open the box, give a sample, (listen to the customer proclaim for all to hear how TERRIBLE it is), and then take the box to the back room to either discard the contents, or re-package, weigh and price it.

I think it's disrespectful to the merchant. But I'm from the midwest. Haven't seen that before.

[wholman66]

Probably one of the folks who complain about grocery prices being so high and fill their pockets and purses with sugar, salt and pepper packs from restaurants, claiming they are free..

[redwitch]

I've never demanded it but have been offered samples before. Once because I mentioned I was curious about a fruit I'd seen but never tasted. Another time because the last time I had purchased that fruit it was inedible. Bought the strange fruit, refused the yucky stuff. I see nothing wrong in asking even though it is not something I've ever done but to demand is just rude.

[Cathy H]

do not sample the fruit of the Ki-Ki bird!

[mtdjed]

Well, you might want to go to Marion Markets and see how they work to get customers Then you go to Sams and Publics and they have taste stations. All of the supermarkets now seem to offer lunch meat samples. I might not expect a supermarket to cut up an orange for me but their practices are encouraging this type of thing. And I would suggest that many people might just sample a grape before paying $2.99/Lb.

[CassieInVa]

Well, I think sampling a grape is very different from having them open a weighed and sealed package of fruit. I still can't get over those that have the bakery open a package of rolls or similar because they only want one or two. Would never fly where I'm from up North, but seems the norm here.

[sunnyatlast]

Well, you might want to go to Marion Markets and see how they work to get customers Then you go to Sams and Publics and they have taste stations. All of the supermarkets now seem to offer lunch meat samples. I might not expect a supermarket to cut up an orange for me but their practices are encouraging this type of thing. And I would suggest that many people might just sample a grape before paying $2.99/Lb.

A sample tray of orange or grapefruit wedges or other food OFFERED by the vendor at Markets of Marion or Sams or Publix is completely different from a customer demanding Publix to open a sealed, weighed and priced package of sliced melon to sample and make it then unsellable as is.

Would you have them open a box of cereal, bag of potato chips, bottle of wine, beer or soda, or carton of ice cream to sample that, too?

[obxgal]

Some people just totally amaze me.

[CFrance]

A sample tray of orange or grapefruit wedges or other food OFFERED by the vendor at Markets of Marion or Sams or Publix is completely different from a customer demanding Publix to open a sealed, weighed and priced package of sliced melon to sample and make it then unsellable as is.

Would you have them open a box of cereal, bag of potato chips, bottle of wine, beer or soda, or carton of ice cream to sample that, too?
Don't give those people any ideas, sunny!

[sunnyatlast]

Don't give those people any ideas, sunny!

Well I think the stores need to say "no" to such rudeness and disrespect for the merchant's inventory costs and losses.

I didn't completely believe it when a bartender told me it's commonplace for some cheapskate Villagers to return open jars/bottles of ketchup, mayo, mustard etc. to Publix for refund, when they leave for the summer and clean out the fridge.

But now, I can believe it.

[Barefoot]

Well, I think sampling a grape is very different from having them open a weighed and sealed package of fruit. I still can't get over those that have the bakery open a package of rolls or similar because they only want one or two. Would never fly where I'm from up North, but seems the norm here.

A sample tray of orange or grapefruit wedges or other food OFFERED by the vendor at Markets of Marion or Sams or Publix is completely different from a customer demanding Publix to open a sealed, weighed and priced package of sliced melon to sample and make it then unsellable as is.
Would you have them open a box of cereal, bag of potato chips, bottle of wine, beer or soda, or carton of ice cream to sample that, too?

I've never heard of such behavior except in The Villages. :eek:
Perhaps we need a Village of Entitlement with a grocery store that dispenses free samples all day long.

[Carla B]

My daughter had a neighbor who bought flowering plants from Home Depot each year and then returned them when he got ready to go back to Quebec. This was in Florida but not in The Villages.

[geri317]

Some people living in the Villages think they are privileged in all things. I have seen it many times since I've lived here.

[CFrance]

Well I think the stores need to say "no" to such rudeness and disrespect for the merchant's inventory costs and losses.

I didn't completely believe it when a bartender told me it's commonplace for some cheapskate Villagers to return open jars/bottles of ketchup, mayo, mustard etc. to Publix for refund, when they leave for the summer and clean out the fridge.

But now, I can believe it.
Appallingly arrogant and disgusting. But Publix needs to put a stop to it.

[graciegirl]

I too was totally surprised by folks asking to repackage rolls or bread and certainly shocked by someone asking to taste packaged, sealed, fresh fruits.

Perhaps they moved from an area where they had shopped at small locally owned bakers or businesses who gave them a sample of things. I know when I buy deli meat Publix always, ALWAYS, offers a sample, which is very different than any place I have ever shopped, even my dear old Krogers from Cincinnati, Ohio. I just love Publix.

I could not, would not ever ask. But I have sampled a grape. I always have. I thought that is why they leave the grape bags open.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

My wife works in the produce dept of a supermarket. I can't believe some of the stories she tells me. Sometimes people will ask her to get something "out of the back" when there is a huge supply right in front of them. It seems as if they believe that the store keeps the good stuff in the back and hold it just for customers that ask for it. The goods that are kept out front on the shelves are simply not good enough for them.

Then there are the people who always reach to the back of a row of product because they think that the stuff in the back is fresher or better some how. They don't seem to realize that it's all put there at the same time and doesn't sit on the shelf for more than a few hours. The stuff in the back has been sitting for literally a few seconds more then the one in the front. It's an inconvenience to the people working when people do this because they have to go back and straighten out the mess that many of these people make. I tell my wife that when she's refilling the racks, she should put the older stuff in the back.

I was in a store a few days ago and decided to pick up one of those rotisserie chickens. There were fifteen or so chickens on the shelf and people were picking them up and putting them in their cart. Just before I got there, a woman parks her carts in such a manner as to make it difficult to get to the chickens. Then she starts picking them up one by one and inspecting them as if there were some kind of difference. Then after preventing me from picking one up for several minutes, she asks the guy behind the counter when the ones that were cooking would be ready. Finally, I move her cart out of the way and grabbed a chicken. She gave me a dirty look.

[kstew43]

I myself actually lift the chickens to decide, just so I dont get one filled with ....chicken fluid....that can spill all over my car.

I do try to put it into a bag, but I have to tell you, once that chicken juice leaks or spills in your car, it is a memory that you will SMELL forever.

I also take a grape or two, just to make sure they aren't seeded...and taste good. Grape prices have gotten high..

[memason]

Not sure why so many folks are bothered by this.... Lots of stores give samples, if you ask, Been that way every place I have ever lived.

I see a lot of rude behavior at the market, but it is usually directed at other shoppers; not the staff.

[TheVillageChicken]

From the Publix website:

"Our Publix associates in the produce section are just as passionate about fresh, delicious food as you. And they're happy to share tips, search in the back for an item, or let you sample something new."

So, when one asks for a sample, they are actually making the associate happy.

[TheVillageChicken]

I myself actually lift the chickens to decide, just so I dont get one filled with ....chicken fluid....that can spill all over my car.

I do try to put it into a bag, but I have to tell you, once that chicken juice leaks or spills in your car, it is a memory that you will SMELL forever.

I also take a grape or two, just to make sure they aren't seeded...and taste good. Grape prices have gotten high..


"Chicken fluid"....love it.

[graciegirl]

From the Publix website:

"Our Publix associates in the produce section are just as passionate about fresh, delicious food as you. And they're happy to share tips, search in the back for an item, or let you sample something new."

So, when one asks for a sample, they are actually making the associate happy.


Publix is VERY accommodating and endlessly helpful and the folks who work there all have the patience of saints. Thank you Publix people.

[CFrance]

Publix is VERY accommodating and endlessly helpful and the folks who work there all have the patience of saints. Thank you Publix people.
Yes! And all the more reason to act like a responsible consumer and not pull arrogant, cheap stunts such as returning half-used items or engaging in other actions that cause them to lose money.

[CFrance]

My wife works in the produce dept of a supermarket. I can't believe some of the stories she tells me. Sometimes people will ask her to get something "out of the back" when there is a huge supply right in front of them. It seems as if they believe that the store keeps the good stuff in the back and hold it just for customers that ask for it. The goods that are kept out front on the shelves are simply not good enough for them.

Then there are the people who always reach to the back of a row of product because they think that the stuff in the back is fresher or better some how. They don't seem to realize that it's all put there at the same time and doesn't sit on the shelf for more than a few hours. The stuff in the back has been sitting for literally a few seconds more then the one in the front. It's an inconvenience to the people working when people do this because they have to go back and straighten out the mess that many of these people make. I tell my wife that when she's refilling the racks, she should put the older stuff in the back.

I was in a store a few days ago and decided to pick up one of those rotisserie chickens. There were fifteen or so chickens on the shelf and people were picking them up and putting them in their cart. Just before I got there, a woman parks her carts in such a manner as to make it difficult to get to the chickens. Then she starts picking them up one by one and inspecting them as if there were some kind of difference. Then after preventing me from picking one up for several minutes, she asks the guy behind the counter when the ones that were cooking would be ready. Finally, I move her cart out of the way and grabbed a chicken. She gave me a dirty look.
I agree except for your second paragraph. I buy a lot of pre-washed leafy lettuce, and it spoils quickly. The bags in the back of the row have later Use By dates than the ones in the front. I'm the only one eating this lettuce, so it matters to me how long it will last. Same thing with yogurt and milk. I always go to the back of the row and find the ones with the farthest out Use By date, because I'm the only one consuming those items. If it's something we both eat or gets used up quickly, I just grab the first one in the row.

[sunnyatlast]

From the Publix website:

"Our Publix associates in the produce section are just as passionate about fresh, delicious food as you. And they're happy to share tips, search in the back for an item, or let you sample something new."

So, when one asks for a sample, they are actually making the associate happy.

Publix is VERY accommodating and endlessly helpful and the folks who work there all have the patience of saints. Thank you Publix people.

Actually, it was the haughty, overbearing tone of the "big woman", towering over the young man and talking down to him, that bothered me as much as the ruination of the sealed package weighed and labeled for a fixed price!

Plus, she made a show of what a big shot she was in the midst of that aisle very crowded with shoppers trying to pass thru.

And I'm going to say again, the store OFFERING a sample from their bulk, open containers is a whole lot different from customers demanding they open sealed, weighed, priced fresh-cut fruit in containers in the refrigerated bins, and now that opened container of food can't be sold like that!

[Deseylou]

It's called FIFO
First in, first out
I too reach for the ones in the back, if I'm paying its my business
Debbie

[Barefoot]

Publix is VERY accommodating and endlessly helpful and the folks who work there all have the patience of saints.

I love Publix. They never fail to amaze me with their wonderful staff, and offers to carry out groceries to your auto.
I agree with Gracie, they have the patience of Saints.

The bags in the back of the row have later Use By dates than the ones in the front .. same thing with yogurt and milk. I always go to the back of the row and find the ones with the farthest out Use By date.
Me too - I always check "use by dates" to get the freshest dairy.
I thought all women shoppers checked "best by" dates.
Not to be discriminatory, but I've noticed men are more likely to grab the first thing on the shelf. :faint:

[graciegirl]

I think...I heard this woman singing at our 466 Publix this morning....


have an eggroll mr goldstone - Bing Videos (http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=have+an+eggroll+mr+goldstone&FORM=VIRE15#view=detail&mid=2479BB9179CA16BB5E872479BB9179CA16BB5E87)

[Barefoot]

.... the store OFFERING a sample from their bulk, open containers is a whole lot different from customers demanding they open sealed, weighed, priced fresh-cut fruit in containers in the refrigerated bins, and now that opened container of food can't be sold like that!

:agree:

[bagboy]

I love Publix. They never fail to amaze me with their wonderful staff, and offers to carry out groceries to your auto.
I agree with Gracie, they have the patience of Saints.


Me too - I always check "use by dates" to get the freshest dairy.
I thought all women shoppers checked "best by" dates.
Not to be discriminatory, but I've noticed men are more likely to grab the first thing on the shelf. :faint:




I had a nice lady come up to me in the grocery to check the twisty tie on the loaf of bread I picked up. She explained that there are different colors for different days the bread is made, and she always tries to get the freshest loaf. I didn't have the heart to tell her I look at the date on the package.

[texasfal]

I was in Publix one time behind a woman in front of the prepared foods case. She told the clerk behind the counter that she didn't want the chicken fingers in the case, she wanted the fresh ones from the back. I saw the clerk take the fingers out of the case, take them in the back and place them in a different Bowl. When he brought the second bowl out, the lady was thrilled she was getting the "fresh" ones. I laughed all the way home.

[CFrance]

I love Publix. They never fail to amaze me with their wonderful staff, and offers to carry out groceries to your auto.
I agree with Gracie, they have the patience of Saints.


Me too - I always check "use by dates" to get the freshest dairy.
I thought all women shoppers checked "best by" dates.
Not to be discriminatory, but I've noticed men are more likely to grab the first thing on the shelf. :faint:



My husband has successfully completed the home-schooled course Grocery 101 and is now bringing home fresher bagged lettuce and milk!

[CassieInVa]

Lol. My husband is not the norm then. He insists on checking the dates on any fresh food, dairy, breads, eggs , etc. and will get after me and remind me if I take something from the front without checking the dates.

It's always interesting, because although the product is supposed to be rotated with the newest in the back – that is not always the case.

[Loudoll]

Monday - Blue
Tuesday - Green
Thursday - Red
Friday - White
Saturday - Yellow
I had to check that out on Snopes to see if it was an urban legend. Guess it's true about bread tie colors and the day the bread is delivered.

[CFrance]

Monday - Blue
Tuesday - Green
Thursday - Red
Friday - White
Saturday - Yellow
I had to check that out on Snopes to see if it was an urban legend. Guess it's true about bread tie colors and the day the bread is delivered.
That's interesting, because you could leave a loaf of brand name bread (not grocery store baked) in your fridge for months and it wouldn't mold. I've done it with Sara Lee Lite Whole Wheat.

There are so many preservatives in those breads on the bread aisle.

[kstew43]

I was in Publix one time behind a woman in front of the prepared foods case. She told the clerk behind the counter that she didn't want the chicken fingers in the case, she wanted the fresh ones from the back. I saw the clerk take the fingers out of the case, take them in the back and place them in a different Bowl. When he brought the second bowl out, the lady was thrilled she was getting the "fresh" ones. I laughed all the way home.

thats just wrong on so many levels.......

[Bonanza]

Would you stand in the packaged/weighed/priced produce aisle and demand a sample of the cut fruit already weighed and priced in clear plastic, sealed boxes?

I'm shocked. Where I come from the response would be, "that takes a lot of unmitigated gall", to make the store personnel get a fork, open the box, give a sample, (listen to the customer proclaim for all to hear how TERRIBLE it is), and then take the box to the back room to either discard the contents, or re-package, weigh and price it.

I think it's disrespectful to the merchant. But I'm from the midwest. Haven't seen that before.

I agree that this practice is unusual but it is something that Publix has always done. It is their policy.

Publix does not consider this gall. They tell their customers that they are happy to break open packages.

[sunnyatlast]

:ohdear: :ohdear:

[perrjojo]

And there are people who wonder why some of us love our pets so much. Animals are just not as complicated as people.