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Ring On Pineapple Express
The following post is the second in the “Pandering For Posts” blog series.
Stocking up on last-minute groceries for an end-of-summer soiree? Whether buying a few extra brats for the barbeque or more bubbly for the boat, you may want to mind your manners as you hurriedly rush through the express checkout lanes this weekend. This means you, Marjo...
A self-described "mother, wife and CEO of the household" in Holland, Michigan, Marjo Petroelje asks:
Post Panderer: Is it right to go through the Express (10 items or less) check out lane when you have 15 items? 25? 30? Thots?
8:28 AM Jul 29th via TweetDeck in reply to ProfessorDinoThanks for asking, Marjo. (May I call you Marjo?) Personally, I think that if the express lanes aren't all that occupied and you have a few extra items, then what the hey?To be sure, I reached out to a handful of grocers in the area for their take on proper express-lane etiquette. A couple were kind enough to respond:
@PlumMarket: We don't have a policy about express lanes, but you can usually go to the Guest Relations Counter when you have fewer items.
12:11 PM Aug 25th via web in reply to ProfessorDino@WholeFoods: Each of our stores have their own express lane setups; ck w/ the Customer Service desk at yours if you're uncertain. Thx!
12:30 PM Aug 25th via CoTweet in reply to ProfessorDinoAt least one other grocer promised to respond via email and I will update this post if they ever get around to it. As for a few other opinions around the web:Quite simply, if the sign says "Express Lane: 10 Items or Less," that's what it means. There are no hidden meanings to be sought. Don't try to be philosophical.
"Supermarket Checkout Lane Etiquette," The Zealous Water Buffalo, June 2, 2010Obey the express lane item limit. Express lanes are created for people who have a certain amount of items, such as a little snack or a little handful of groceries. This limit may be set between 6 to 15 (on average), depending on the store. Cashiers will probably look down at customers who have more than the limit and try to use the express lane to get out quicker.
"How to Practice Supermarket Checkout Etiquette," WikiHow, Last edited: August 26, 2010ABC News aired a 2009 exposé on "Cutting the Express Lane" though I am thus far unable to locate it online. But enough critical authority already. Marjo, you asked whether it's okay to skirt the system. Based on the above responses, grocers appear to be reasonable about it, as they must figure we police ourselves. Then again, there are those such as the above bloggers that abhor anything over 10 or 12 items. Again, I think it's subjective and just depends on store conditions. Clearly you will raise the ire of fellow shoppers if you merrily stroll up with a brimming basket of goods. Unless the express cashier sees you with a full cart and motions you over anyway, it's probably best to wait your turn in the regular lanes.Also, here are some tips on finding your way to the parking lot faster:- Look for manned open lanes that may be empty. Remember that many express lanes are really automated self-checkout kiosks, which may amass long lines all their own. Seems silly to get behind a dozen other people when there may be an open cashier just down yonder.
- Skip the supermarket altogether. Yes, I too belong to a warehouse club like any red-blooded, God-fearing capitalist but no way will I get in and out of a CostCo in under an hour if I just want a jar of pickles. It tends to be a tad costly, but convenience stores, pharmacies and even gas stations are great for grabbing and going. I did this the other day with school supplies for my daughter, realizing I'd neglected to buy her 3" x 5" index cards for her first-grade class. That was a very specific item on her teacher's recommended list and I knew I could get them cheaper from an office supply chain, but that meant a farther drive. Sometimes bucking up and paying the extra buck is worth avoiding the hassle and may even out cost-wise when you consider the price of gas these days.
- Shop once a year. Sounds crazy, but in the fantasy world I live in, I would rent a 24-foot truck and go crazy at CostCo in a single day. Buy everything by the pallet. They might even let you drive a forklift. It also helps to have a big basement and an icebox the size of a Volkswagen. As for perishables, settle on the one grocer that works for you and take advantage of the end caps at the front of the store. They typically keep thinks like milk, eggs, breads and juices right by the front entrance. See, they're thinking of you, Marjo!
Of course, if you're anything like my wife, you bake your own bread, keep a well-stocked pantry and take advantage of free online shipping. And get into gardening if you aren't already a green thumb. It's surprisingly easy, rewarding and you never feel guilty about leaving your coupons on the kitchen counter when you pick tomatoes out back.I hope this helps, Marjo. Thanks for the idea for this post; it was a good one. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and if you do find yourself in need of fresh pineapple juice before the 5 o'clock rush, I hope you feel more prepared. Better yet, buy an island in the tropics. Then you'll never run out of fresh pineapples. -
Dino Baskovic's Blog
Corporate shirt. PR flack. Web guy. Blogger. Beverage enthusiast. Hubby. Daddy. Diggity. Giggity.
