I thought it was funny to see this little essay on businesses that check receipts at the exit doors. I had a similar experience a while back. Honestly, I was kind of hoping I’d run into one of these situations so I could make a valiant little stand for consumers throughout the nation. This was the first time anyone had ever asked me. Anyway, so I was at Fry’s…
[Scene: I was buying some things for my home office [document trays, labeler, file folders, & other geekery]. I paid up, got my bag, and headed confidently towards the exit. As I approached the door, I saw a man with suit, tie, and badge, wielding a highlighter in his hand.]
Store Guy [approaching with a smile] Hello! I’ll just need to take a look at your receipt.
Mark [walking past, with bag in hand ] No, thanks! Have a good day, sir.
Store Guy [blank expression, then recovering] Excuse me!
M [slowing, turning] Yes?
SG [following, hand to ear] What was that?
M [paused at door] I’ve got my stuff. I’m heading out now.
SG [approaching, highlighter at the ready ] Excuse me?
M – I’m… leaving…
SG [standing face to face] You can’t leave without checking your receipt.
M [deftly wielding a keyword ] Are you detaining me?
SG [kerflummoxed] Ah, no… I just need to check your receipt.
M – No thanks.
SG – It’s store policy.
M – That’s Fry’s policy for everything?
SG – Yes, our store policy is to check every receipt.
M – Hm. [pause] No thanks, I’m going to head home. Have a good day, sir.
SG [blank stare]
[Mark exits.]
[Exeunt]
—
So I honestly felt bad about giving him a hard time. I try to go out of my way to be a Good Customer, and I hate to be the one to make this guy’s afternoon go sour. But darn it, someone has to stand up to these incursions, and I would gladly repeat it. Though perhaps not in the near future at the same store. What do you about it? Do you stop and let them check? Do you go on out the door?
Mark Larson 