WalMart Shoplifting

[Bird]

I've had the same problem, Jim, with small items, and of course just do the same as you; hold them in my hand.

Chris, I can't recall ever accidentally shoplifting anything; however, I've many times called a cashier's attention to mistakes they've made in my favor. Since I call it to their attention if they make a mistake in their favor, I have to tell them when they make one in my favor, too.

A little over a year ago, just before Christmas 2006, I bought several strings of outdoor lights at our local Walmart. When I got home, I discovered I had one more string than was charged on the receipt (the cashier handled all of them and bagged them, but apparently one didn't get rung up). Later that day, I decided I needed about 3 more strings, so I went back to Walmart, got 3 and told the cashier to ring up 4 because of the earlier mistake. She did so, but I think she thought I was crazy.

The most recent error I thought was rather interesting. My wife wanted me to take our dog's quilt to a laundromat and wash it because our washing machine is a small one. The laundromat has change machines, including one clearly labelled to change a $20 bill and clearly shows that it will give you three $5 bills and 20 quarters. So I put a $20 bill in it, and it shelled out 80 quarters. So I wind up with $15 worth of quarters in my pocket and they're a bit heavy. I had to go to Walmart for something, so I went to the bank in the Walmart and asked a young fellow there (probably late 20s or early 30s) if he could use a bunch of quarters. I lined them all up on the counter; 15 stacks of one dollar each; i.e., 4 quarters in each of 14 stacks, and 3 quarters, 2 dimes, and a nickel in the 15th stack. Now his name plate showed his name and "Management Team". He counted the stacks, opened his cash drawer and handed me a $20 bill and a $5 bill. I said, "Whoa, that's not right." He said, "Well, you had fifteen dollars, didn't you?" I said, "Yes", and held out the two bills he had given me. He stared at them a few seconds, and then a light come on somewhere and he took the $20 and gave me a $10.

 

[Podunkadunk]

Bird,
Does that guy still work there and what's the address?

 

[Soundguy]

I'd say the string of lamps and the soda incedent are fairly close enough to count.

soundguy

I've had the same problem, Jim, with small items, and of course just do the same as you; hold them in my hand.

Chris, I can't recall ever accidentally shoplifting anything; however, I've many times called a cashier's attention to mistakes they've made in my favor. Since I call it to their attention if they make a mistake in their favor, I have to tell them when they make one in my favor, too.

A little over a year ago, just before Christmas 2006, I bought several strings of outdoor lights at our local Walmart. When I got home, I discovered I had one more string than was charged on the receipt (the cashier handled all of them and bagged them, but apparently one didn't get rung up). Later that day, I decided I needed about 3 more strings, so I went back to Walmart, got 3 and told the cashier to ring up 4 because of the earlier mistake. She did so, but I think she thought I was crazy.

The most recent error I thought was rather interesting. My wife wanted me to take our dog's quilt to a laundromat and wash it because our washing machine is a small one. The laundromat has change machines, including one clearly labelled to change a $20 bill and clearly shows that it will give you three $5 bills and 20 quarters. So I put a $20 bill in it, and it shelled out 80 quarters. So I wind up with $15 worth of quarters in my pocket and they're a bit heavy. I had to go to Walmart for something, so I went to the bank in the Walmart and asked a young fellow there (probably late 20s or early 30s) if he could use a bunch of quarters. I lined them all up on the counter; 15 stacks of one dollar each; i.e., 4 quarters in each of 14 stacks, and 3 quarters, 2 dimes, and a nickel in the 15th stack. Now his name plate showed his name and "Management Team". He counted the stacks, opened his cash drawer and handed me a $20 bill and a $5 bill. I said, "Whoa, that's not right." He said, "Well, you had fifteen dollars, didn't you?" I said, "Yes", and held out the two bills he had given me. He stared at them a few seconds, and then a light come on somewhere and he took the $20 and gave me a $10.

 

[Chuck52]

I've corrected errors stores have made in my favor, but lots more when they were against me! I like to think it's because they make more that way!

The last problem I had with Walmart was when my wife bought a couple of bathroom throw rugs of two different sizes. When she got home with them, they were both the same smaller size, even though one was in a bag marked as the larger size. So, since I was going to town, I took the wrong-sized rug in to exchange it. When I took it in, a nice little lady tagged it for me and said to go get the correct item, take it to Customer Service, and they'd fix everything. Of course, there were none of the larger size rugs available, so I went to Customer Service just to get the big $2 difference in price returned. The girl behind the counter listened to my story and refunded the whole price. I told her I was just due $2, and that really confused her, so she called her supervisor. I went through the whole spiel again, though it didn't seem as if the supervisor was paying much attention, and when she left after conferring with the original clerk, I was given an additional $2. I tried to give back the original money I had been handed, but the girl said that was mine. At that point I gave up and left the store with my small rug plus the purchase price plus $2. I decided they were paying me for my lost time.

Chuck

 

[Bird]

I decided they were paying me for my lost time.

Chuck, you just might be right. Not long ago I bought 3 cans of coffee at Walmart and noticed on the receipt that they were rung up at a higher price than the one posted. So I went to Customer Service where the lady issued a refund (credit on my credit card) for the difference in price plus $3. I told her that was too much and she said their policy was refund plus $1 per item that was overcharged. I don't know whether that was just our one store's policy or if it's company wide, nor do I know whether they still do that.

 

[Chuck52]

Well Bird, maybe that's what was happening. I know that the supremarket that gets most of our business does it that way. I recently bought a marinated pork tenderloin there because it was marked at about half price. I didn't pay enough attention at the checkout, and later found I had paid full price. When I took the receipt to the customer service counter, they found out that the price marked was not correct, but then gave me a full refund on the price anyway, so I got it for free. I have gotten refunds before at Walmart, but not full refunds like that.

Chuck

 

[dmccarty]

Its not theft if you did not INTEND to deprive the owner of their property. Pretty sure it has to be concealed to be shoplifting but it depends on the state.

I'll stop splitting hairs or is it hares?

Yesterday I get home and there is a grocery bag on the counter with a bulk plastic bag of sugar. I like to use Turbinado sugar with my coffee and a local food coop has it for $1 per pound in the bulk bins. The supermarket is $2.50 a pound so we get it at the coop. The wifey had gone to the coop and bought a few things including the sugar but when she got home she noticed that the sugar had not been wrung up.

She is going to take the sugar back to get charged so we can pay.

It will cost more to drive back to the store than the sugar is worth.

While I was at the regular supermarket I noticed a lady parking in the Handicap spot. Not sign on the rearview mirror. I'm eyeballing her. She puts up the sign and walks in the store with no problem. Body language said she knew she was playing the system. But we have hashed this one out before as well.

Later,
Dan

 

[Soundguy]

At least if she had the sign she was technically legal. On the flip side.. she may have a medical condition that only effects her at certain times.. like leg or joint problems that come and go.. perhaps she could walk fine one day and not the next.. or walk fine for 30 min. then not the next. if so.. she may still be righfully entitled to the parking plaque and spot.. I got no problem with it as long as they got the plaque.. whether they need it every day.. or just 1 day.. etc.

soundguy

 

[Bird]

At least if she had the sign she was technically legal

Chris, I don't know all the state laws, but in Texas . . . the sign is issued for a specific person, not a specific vehicle. I used to have one in my car, but only for use when my Mother was in the car because it was issued in her name. My sister had that same sign in her car before I did. Of course, Mother was restricted to a wheelchair at the time. And in Texas, it would be illegal for me to park in a handicapped space, even with the sign hanging on the rear view mirror, unless the person to whom the sign was issued was in the car at the time. I'd be inclined to think that law's about the same in other states. At least it seems the right way to do it to me.

 

[texbaylea]

Chris, I don't know all the state laws, but in Texas . . . the sign is issued for a specific person, not a specific vehicle. I used to have one in my car, but only for use when my Mother was in the car because it was issued in her name. My sister had that same sign in her car before I did. Of course, Mother was restricted to a wheelchair at the time. And in Texas, it would be illegal for me to park in a handicapped space, even with the sign hanging on the rear view mirror, unless the person to whom the sign was issued was in the car at the time. I'd be inclined to think that law's about the same in other states. At least it seems the right way to do it to me.

The only thing that those of us that legitimately have handicapped placards can do is to report apparent violators.

Handicapped Parking Fraud - Handicapped Parking Violators - Help Make a Difference

They do send the reports to DMVs nationwide. Like the elderly relative prescribing chicken soup for any and all ailments - can't hurt, might help!

 

[MrJimi]

With all the FAT, LAZY people we have here in Florida, all it takes is $4.00 per year and your good to go to P off the normal folks.
There are way too many people abusing this system as it is
Now go figure..
I am against it totally If you can walk normal and all of these ( SYSTEM SUCKERS ) are very able to walk.. We should fine them for abusing a good thing for the people that really need it.........
Put your foot down NOW!!!!!
Jim

 

[ToadHill]

I had an uncle who was questioned one time about parking in a handicap zone. The guy said he didn't look handicapped to him. Uncle asked he guy if he'd like to pay his doctor bills for the nest month. He died way too young, "You can't judge a book by it's cover."

 

[texbaylea]

I had an uncle who was questioned one time about parking in a handicap zone. The guy said he didn't look handicapped to him. Uncle asked he guy if he'd like to pay his doctor bills for the nest month. He died way too young, "You can't judge a book by it's cover."

That's why I don't confront any I see parking in the handicapped slots. I let this group report to my DMV who may do something about it and who has the resources to determine if they are legit.

Vernon

 

[dmccarty]

Like I said we have hashed this one before.

I have a bad back. Not as bad as some I know but I'm in pain/discomfort all of the time. Mostly just a dull ache. Its just the back letting me know that, Hey!, I'm here. I'm a pain. Dont forget it. But some days it edges up for whatever reason. My last trip to the bone cracker was because I unbuckled my seat belt. Which I do at least six times a day. I do know looks can be deceiving. But you should see me get out of the truck after sitting for 30 minutes. Or get out of a chair. I walk bent over like an 100 year old rice picker for a few minutes. It aint pretty. And I ain't old.

The lady was walking just fine when she climbed out of her vehicle. And she sure was ok getting groceries. Saw her all over the store. She had no problem walking and standing on her feet. I thought the reason for the parking spots was to help people with mobility issues get access to sotres. If she was fine that day she should have left the spot open for someone that needed it. I have seen plenty of people in that store who can barely stand up but they don't have a sticker. Tain't now way this women needed a handicap space. She showed no pain when she got out of the SUV. She did not have any mobility issues at all. She knew she was playing the system. Most people in my town will see you and make eye contact. She saw me looking at her, put down her eyes, and scurried into the store ASAP.

Later,
Dan

 

[WTA]

Not all people that are handicapped look like it on the outside. My wife has MS and you wouldn't know it from looking at her. Her symptoms come and go and when it's in it's extreme she has been paralyzed. Sometimes she just has no feeling anywhere but can walk on her own. That can't be easy not being able to feel your feet.

I don't like seeing a lot of people using handicapped stickers either, especially when it's someone I know is fine other than they don't know how to push away from the dinner table. I know 3 people that have stickers just because they eat way too much. It's a handicap in this state I guess.

BTW, my wife doesn't have a handicap sticker. I keep telling her to get one but she doesn't want it. Next time she gets to the point where she can't walk up steps by herself I'm dragging her into the doctors office to get the form signed.

I'd like to see more spots by the door for pregnant women than handicapps myself. Call me old fashioned but on every base I ever lived on pregnant women always got head of the line priveleges and could park in officers parking spots whenever they wanted.

 

[Soundguy]

Well. that was my point.. if she was issued the plaque.. then she was legal. even if she could walk.. IE.. she may not be able to walk long/far/fast.. etc.. thus the plaque.

now if it was not her's.. that;'s another story..

soundguy

Chris, I don't know all the state laws, but in Texas . . . the sign is issued for a specific person, not a specific vehicle. I used to have one in my car, but only for use when my Mother was in the car because it was issued in her name. My sister had that same sign in her car before I did. Of course, Mother was restricted to a wheelchair at the time. And in Texas, it would be illegal for me to park in a handicapped space, even with the sign hanging on the rear view mirror, unless the person to whom the sign was issued was in the car at the time. I'd be inclined to think that law's about the same in other states. At least it seems the right way to do it to me.

 

[Soundguy]

While I certaintly see your point.. I've got better things to do than set around judging people. At the bare minimum.. if she had the plaqe.. legally.. past that. I'm not specifically interested in pursueing anything.. Like others have said.. not everyone that is handicapped looks like they are handicapped...

soundguy

Like I said we have hashed this one before.

I have a bad back. Not as bad as some I know but I'm in pain/discomfort all of the time. Mostly just a dull ache. Its just the back letting me know that, Hey!, I'm here. I'm a pain. Dont forget it. But some days it edges up for whatever reason. My last trip to the bone cracker was because I unbuckled my seat belt. Which I do at least six times a day. I do know looks can be deceiving. But you should see me get out of the truck after sitting for 30 minutes. Or get out of a chair. I walk bent over like an 100 year old rice picker for a few minutes. It aint pretty. And I ain't old.

The lady was walking just fine when she climbed out of her vehicle. And she sure was ok getting groceries. Saw her all over the store. She had no problem walking and standing on her feet. I thought the reason for the parking spots was to help people with mobility issues get access to sotres. If she was fine that day she should have left the spot open for someone that needed it. I have seen plenty of people in that store who can barely stand up but they don't have a sticker. Tain't now way this women needed a handicap space. She showed no pain when she got out of the SUV. She did not have any mobility issues at all. She knew she was playing the system. Most people in my town will see you and make eye contact. She saw me looking at her, put down her eyes, and scurried into the store ASAP.

Later,
Dan

 

[Inspector507]

The lady was walking just fine when she climbed out of her vehicle. And she sure was ok getting groceries. Saw her all over the store. She had no problem walking and standing on her feet. I thought the reason for the parking spots was to help people with mobility issues get access to sotres. If she was fine that day she should have left the spot open for someone that needed it. I have seen plenty of people in that store who can barely stand up but they don't have a sticker. Tain't now way this women needed a handicap space. She showed no pain when she got out of the SUV. She did not have any mobility issues at all. She knew she was playing the system. Most people in my town will see you and make eye contact. She saw me looking at her, put down her eyes, and scurried into the store ASAP.

Later,
Dan

Dan,
Not every person who has a handicap parking placard/plate has a mobilility issue that you can outwardly see. There are also people that have other medical issues where they qualify for one too. I know a guy who has had 3 heart attacks, 5 stents and a double bypass where half of it didn't work. He has a pretty bad burning in his chest if he walks too far or exerts himself too much. He has to catch his breath once he gets into the store, but going at a slow pace in the store he "looks normal". He qualifies for a handicapped placard but doesn't have one.
If you ever saw him get out of his truck, you'd never know he had any issues at all. But according to what you said, some people might look at him funny if he had a handicapped placard because he wasn't "showing" a moblility problem.

Oh yeah........Why does he not have one of those placards? I guess I just never took the time to fill it out yet.
Being handicapped or disabled does not always show on the outside.

 

[rox]

DM- You are right about people abusing handicapped parkig privilages. This is a true story happend about 15 years ago. My son is invited to see a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game and he comes home and tells me that the "Smith" family uses thier granpa's car with his disabled plates for all the baseball games that way they get a good parking place close up. The 'Smith" family was very active in our church, the dad sang in something called the Bell Canto (?) orchestra/choir. Mrs Smith was a nurse teaching nursing at a local technical college, all 4 of thier children went to the same Lutheran school as our kids. The mom was a nurse for goodness sake! The dad owned his own business and they were very well off. So I know for a fact that people really do scam the system. In Milwaukee the police ran a crackdown on "handicapped" parked cars near city hall. Seems like parking was a big issue and the handicapped spots were always full and the cops noticed. I still remember 70% of the public they stopped were using the handicapped sticker illegally. 70%! A whole bundh fo them actually worked for the city. They were jsut taking granma's handicapped tag and hanging it on their rearview mirror and taking the handicapped spots.

So yes you can't always tell about a person's handicapp by looking at them, but open your eyes folks there IS a whole lot of cheaters out there.

 

[Podunkadunk]

I guess I'll join in on the hijack:

NEVER judge a book by it's cover. That old adage applies to people with handicapped tags/stickers.

Case in point, my ex-wife. In '94 at the age of 24 years old, she got into a horrific auto accident. Among other more life threatening injuries, she sustained a broken femur and fractured hip. They put a titanium rod and several pins in her leg. That rod caused her considerable pain for years to come and I'm sure it still does. Also, she didn't walk the same as she used to and running was out of the question. Besides losing a finger (completely) and the use of another on the same hand, she looks totally normal to this day.

She has a handicapped permit and you should see some of the looks we/she would get sometimes.

People abuse the permit, but I'm not going to call anyone out on it...it's not my place to do so.

Podunk