Friday, February 12, 2010

Yet another rant about Price Chopper

Before I begin my rant, I must admit that grocery shopping with a toddler is a trying experience to say the least. I typically avoid taking Gavin with me if at all possible. I pretty much need to psyche myself up for the whole event. This evening, Gavin was in a pretty good mood so I decided to go for it.

It all started out fine. Friday evenings seem to be a pretty good time to go shopping as most people have more exciting lives than I do and are out having dinner or seeing movies. Ya know, things I used to be able to do before having a child. Oh well, who says making your weekly meal plan and grocery shopping isn't just a sweet way to spend Friday night?

Gavin and I have a new game at the store- I tell him what everything is, he repeats it and then puts the groceries in the cart. He was a trooper for the most part- until we got to the checkout line.  He had run out of patience by then and it didn't help that we got the dumbest checker on planet Earth. I had a full cart and she seemed insanely overwhelmed by it. The worst part was- no bagger. And, this is where my rant really begins.

What is it with grocery stores not bagging your groceries? What happened to the days when they not only bagged your groceries but then asked you if you needed help out? I find it appalling that I spent $218 and had to watch the checker practically throw my stuff through the scanner and watch it all back up while I swiped my Advantage card and put in my debit card. Then, I madly run to the end of the aisle and start trying to load my bags. Meanwhile, Gavin begins to go ape-shit. One would think at this point, the checker would say, "Here, let me do that." But no, Sergeant Dumbass just stares at me and then asks me to sign the receipt. She finally decides to load the last bag and says, "I hope I didn't squish your brie." Well, maybe it's not a good idea to place the gallon of milk on top of it. Seriously...

I really don't have a point to this rant. I am concerned that common sense is lacking in this country even in the simplest of situations, such as grocery stores bagging groceries. I have adapted to their needs- I bring my own bags and use their customer loyalty card. Is my expectation of good customer service unrealistic? I don't think so.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I dont think that you are excessive in your complaint on customer service! It sucks these days, people dont see to care. I am always complaining about that...

Price chopper should change their name. it just sounds hokey...gotta get gavers baggn your groceries for ya!

Emily said...

I do have to say Price Chopper won me over with their fabulous lobster. But I'm guessing they schedule their not-so-stellar employees on non-busy Friday nights.

Michele said...

How I can not comment on this post. :-) Jenny... apparently Price Chopper doesn't have employees named Brian and Michele Fish working for them. I can't tell you how many times Brian is not getting his real job done because he is helping the customers first. See... another WONDERFUL reason for you to move back here in a little over 2 years. We'll take care of you!! And better yet... I'll watch your kids so you can go shopping alone... and vice versa. Uggh. I think you need to take your writing skills and send a lovely note to Price Choppers.

Missy said...

I love it, Jenny. Sometimes you just have to vent to feel better. I'm totally with you; for $200 you should have a bagger, or some help bagging without worries of squished brie!

Dielle said...

So tell us how you really feel, LOL. It sounds like you were describing Walmart. I do shop there some, but it makes me kind of crazy, even when my kids are super well-behaved. Part of the problem is that you get what you pay for, when it comes to employees. And theirs are the lowest common denominator. So they have no expectation or ability to solve problems or even act with common sense. I came home ranting from there last week.

On the other hand, Fred Meyer has excellent customer service, on every level I've encountered. Checking out of there is vastly easier, even if I have cranky toddlers and a screaming baby. And honestly, with their coupons, clearance prices (on non-perishables) and customer rewards card, it's just about the same price as Walmart, but vastly more enjoyable and better quality.