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Title: Calm Man Successfully Buys TV And Denies Walmart Receipt Checkers
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URL Source: http://consumerist.com/2011/03/calm ... -walmart-receipt-checkers.html
Published: Mar 11, 2011
Author: Ben Popken
Post Date: 2011-03-11 07:50:55 by Kamala
Keywords: None
Views: 336
Comments: 31
Short URL: con.st/10016481 legends of receipt checking Calm Man Successfully Buys TV And Denies Walmart Receipt Checkers By Ben Popken on March 7, 2011 3:00 PM 0 views (Joe Shlabotnik) Rick is the Gandhi of receipt-check deniers. He writes in with a story of how he bought a 37 inch TV from Walmart and was able to successfully say no to the receipt checker blocking his way with his body. Rick did this by calmly and reasonably explaining his position to the assistant manager who showed up and by ignoring everyone around him who was trying to provoke him. Sometimes the quietest voice speaks the loudest. Rick writes: “After work I stopped by the Walmart to pick up a TV for my girlfriend. After circling the whole store in search of the bathroom before realizing it was right next to the entrance, I made my way back to the Electronics section and picked out a TV quickly. I wanted a midsize Vizio, so I chose the 37" 1080p Eco model. I purchased the TV with my debit card at one of the rear registers about 20 feet away, and walked to the front of the store carrying the box in both hands. I made it through the first set of doors into the front atrium of the store, but before reaching the outer doors I heard a man say "Sir?" I turned and faced Tony, the receipt checker. Tony: May I see your receipt? Me: No thanks! Tony: Oh, ok. I turned and continued walking towards to automatic doors. Tony called again, so I turned back. Tony: No, I need to see your receipt. Me: No thank you! Tony: What do you mean? Me: I mean no thanks; I'm walking to my car with my purchase. Tony: Well, I need to see your receipt. Me: I just purchased this TV in the back of the store. I don't need to show you a receipt. Tony: Yes, you need to show me your receipt. Me: Actually, state law dictates that once I pay for something, I don't need to show ownership of it. I just paid for this TV, the receipt is in my pocket, but my hands are full, and I don't feel like getting it out. I'm going to leave now, thank you. At this point Tony has positioned himself between me and the door. As I step towards the door he places his hand on the box in my hands and lightly pushes back, preventing me from moving. Me: You cannot prevent me from leaving the store with my purchase. Please move out of the way. Tony: I can't just let you leave the store with a TV without checking your receipt. At this point a woman, who has been standing with her family near some vending machine starts throwing snide comments at me such as "Just show him the receipt; it's not that hard" and "god, you don't have to be such a prick about it." This continues on for the rest of my "stay" here, but I choose to ignore her. Me: Are you unlawfully detaining me? Tony: I just want to need to see your receipt before you leave. Me: I have paid for this, I have the receipt, but as I have said, state law protects my right to not need to prove ownership of something I have purchased. You cannot physically prevent me from leaving the store. I am now going to leave the store. I try and step around Tony, but he again pushes on the box in my hands to prevent me from moving anywhere. Me: Are you illegally detaining me? Tony: Yeah, if that's what you want to call it. (Realizing he just said something bad) Listen, Walmart policy says that I need to check your receipt. Me: Then Walmart's policy is in violation of Virginia state law. They should have informed you that you don'tneed to see a receipt. Tony: (Misunderstanding me) How could they have told me already that you'd bought this? Me: No, when Walmart trained you, they should have informed you that you can't force people to show their receipts. You can only ask. Tony: I'm just a first-class worker, I don't know about any of that. Now I am starting to fill like the prick the woman near us keeps calling me. This atrium has two exterior doors on opposite sides, so I turn around ready to walk towards the other door to leave, but another receipt checker has walked up at this time. I can't remember her name, so I'll refer to her as S, since I believe that's what her name started with. S asks me what's going on, and I explain that I'd like to take my purchase to my car, but Tony is demanding me to show a receipt. S agrees with Tony that I need to show my receipt for "purchases like this". I give her the same explanation I gave Tony, that by state law, I don't need to prove ownership of something I just purchased. Me: You are welcome to check the security tapes to verify that I just purchased this TV at one of the registers in the back, but I don't need to prove ownership. S: You need to show your receipt before you leave the store. Me: According to state law, I don't. S: Well I'm sorry, sir, but that's Walmart policy. Me: Then Walmart's policy is in violation of state law. S: It's not that hard to show a receipt. Me: No, it's not hard at all, but state law says I don't have to. I'm going to leave the store now. S: No, the store manager is coming. Me: When is the store manager coming? S: The assistant store manager... Me: When is the assistant store manager coming? S: Yeah, she'll be right here. Me: Ok. I finally put the box on the floor. (Woman: "Now just take four fingers, put them in your pocket, take out the receipt..." I'm mentally yelling at her, but completely ignore her externally.) After waiting (what felt like) 2 minutes the assistant store manager appeared around the corner. S walked towards her, and I waved at the store manager to show I wasn't threatening nor uncomfortable with her arrival (in fact I welcomed it.) S pointed towards me and walked somewhere else, but Tony stayed behind me the whole time. I can't remember the assistant store manager's name, either, so I'll refer to her as M. M: Hello, sir, how are you today? Me: I'm doing fine, but I'd like to leave the store with my purchase. M: Well, what's the problem? Me: Tony, here, says I can't leave unless I show my receipt. M: Do you have your receipt? Me: Yes, but I just purchased the TV in the back of the store and had my hands full with the box, so I didn't want to take it out. Tony physically prevented me from leaving the store. Now I'm refusing to show me receipt for the principle of the matter. State law dictates that I do not need to prove ownership of something I have purchased, meaning I do not need to show a receipt. M: Hmm. (She thinks for a bit.) Where did you buy the TV? Me: In the back of the store. M: (Thinks a bit more.) There are two registers in the back. Me: *sigh* I purchased the TV at the register closest to the front of the store. There was a man checking out with his family at the register nearest the rear of the store. I paid for the TV with my debit card, and then picked up the TV myself. The cashier asked if I was going to carry it, and I said "yes, it's light." I then walked to the front of the store. M: (Thinks a bit more, taken aback at the detailed report.) Ok, sir, it is your choice to leave the store with your purchase. Me: Thank you. I pick up the box, turn around, and tell Tony to "have a good night" as I exit the store. The thing is, I bear no ill will towards the Walmart employees. They were simply not educated as to their role and lawful restrictions. I thought Walmart would have fixed this issue after all of the heat they've gotten about it over the years, but clearly this store didn't get an internal memo. The situation could have definitely gotten worse. I'm almost glad the second checker arrived, as I don't know what Tony would have done had I tried to exit the store through the other door. (He is an older gentleman, so I don't think he would have tried to tackle me, but if he had actually placed a hand on me or otherwise gotten more physical, I would have been placed in a very awkward position.) I don't think an email to a Walmart executive will do anything. I'm open to any advice on how to inform this store's management about the situation, so that they can properly train their employees. I feel badly about my interaction with Tony and M, since the honestly believed they were doing their jobs. I feel like I should stop by and give them gift cards for performing admirably in the tough situation Walmart has put them in, but that might be received poorly. ” RELATED Best Buy Receipt Checker: 'I Do What I Do For Your Own Good' Cop Records Himself Detained At Walmart Receipt Check Cop Threatens To Arrest Guy For Refusing To Show Receipt At Best Buy How We Ended Up Running Away From Walmart Receipt Checkers The Police Have Apparently Deputized This Sam's Club Receipt Checker Walmart Asks You To Please Have Your Receipt Ready Undercover IKEA Receipt Checker Detained Me, Manager Threatened Jail Wait On Line To Show Your Costco Receipt Or You Will Be Assaulted More About: legends of receipt checking,walmart,receipts,unlawful detention,retail,receipt checking,law
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#1. To: Kamala (#0)
That's happened to me. Both times that I recall I didn't see the point of having a long drawn-out conversation on my rights. "Greeters" are not worth that effort. Both times I said "No you can't", and left. Lucky for them they didn't escalate things, but I wish they had. Personally I think that was because I am over 6' and 250 lbs, and I'm told that I get this look in my eyes when I'm pissed off. .
Click for Privacy and Preparedness files
ruin everything, including sig lines.
#2. To: Kamala (#0)
WalMart is a huge target. If you go into BestBuy, they don't check your receipt unless a magnet attached to the inside of the product inside the retail box has not been demagnatized and sets off the alarm as you exit the store. WalMart uses the same sensors, but has a habit of demanding to see a receipt, even if the alarm is not set up. I know a man who is a supervisor in their loss prevention, and he tells me it is a normal occurrence for thieves to prance right in, load up a 50" television, and walk right out of the store with it. They catch this on recorded video all the time, after the fact. It would be interesting to see this go to court. I think a judge would rule in favor of the vendor (e.g., WalMart).
U.S. Constitution - Article IV, Section 4: NO BORDERS + NO LAWS = NO COUNTRY
#3. To: PSUSA (#1)
================================================== The strongest (and most lethal) man I've ever met was about 5' 8" and weighed in at 155. He could easily wrestle two men over 6' 5" down to the ground in less than 30 seconds with simple wrist attacks. The pain is excruciating. I'm not saying I can do that, I'm just saying I was one of the ones he regularly took down at the beginning of Tae Kwon Do classes. This guy was 55 at the time, and just as friendly and kind as could be. A Baptist preacher in fact. One wouldn't know by looking at him he could break a 2"x6" board with a shin kick at 7' off the ground or break three stacked cinder blocks with his old, ugly forehead.
Personally I think that was because I am over 6' and 250 lbs, and I'm told that I get this look in my eyes when I'm pissed off.
U.S. Constitution - Article IV, Section 4: NO BORDERS + NO LAWS = NO COUNTRY
#4. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#3) (Edited)
I believe you. It's not the size that is important. It's training and knowledge. Mannerisms seem to play a big role too, if it's not an act. One wouldn't know by looking at him he could break a 2"x6" board with a shin kick at 7' off the ground or break three stacked cinder blocks with his old, ugly forehead. I saw a friend I had in high school break a bat over his own head. He also cracked a door jamb between double doors with his head. That was solid thick wood too. But he had no training, just a thick skull. .
Click for Privacy and Preparedness files
ruin everything, including sig lines.
#5. To: Kamala (#0)
You always get stupid busybody cunts like that when a person is trying to assert themselves in public. Note: they never stick their nose in to help you out, only to make fun of you.
At this point a woman, who has been standing with her family near some vending machine starts throwing snide comments at me such as "Just show him the receipt; it's not that hard" and "god, you don't have to be such a prick about it." This continues on for the rest of my "stay" here, but I choose to ignore her.
Solutions for Ireland. Say NO to the IMF/World bank. Default on our debt. Print our own debt free currency. Nationalise the trillion euros worth of gas and oil off our west coast. Take back our fishing (200 billion worth). Get our farmers growing again. Done deal if our politicians had the backbone. ~ Jim Corr
#6. To: Kamala (#0)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Ben Franklin
#7. To: PSUSA (#1)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Ben Franklin
#8. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#2)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Ben Franklin
#9. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#3)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Ben Franklin
#10. To: irishthatcherite (#5)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Ben Franklin
#11. To: PSUSA (#4)
=================================== LoL Sounds like me. I have found over the years that discretion is definitely the better part of valor. Plus, fighting stings like a bitch. ;>)
But he had no training, just a thick skull.
U.S. Constitution - Article IV, Section 4: NO BORDERS + NO LAWS = NO COUNTRY
#12. To: Kamala (#0)
For some reason I've never been checked.
"If ever this vast country is brought under a single government, it will be one of the most extensive corruption, indifferent and incapable of a wholesome care over so wide a spread of surface. This will not be borne, and you will have to choose between reform and revolution. If I know the spirit of this country, the one or the other is inevitable." - Thomas Jefferson
#13. To: Kamala (#0)
I routinely walk past the receipt checkers at Fry's. Once while standing in line at Walmart the person in front of me had a previous purchase with her. The checker asked to check her bag. The gal at first declined saying they would check it at the door. When pushed, she complied. I spoke up and said the checker was violating her rights. Since it was her bag they had no right to search it without a warrant or reasonable suspicion she had stolen something. The searchee agreed with me but complied anyway which is probably what I would have done.
The Pentagon announced TODAY the formation of a new 500-man elite fighting unit called the United States Redneck Special Forces (USRSF) These boys will be dropped off in Afghanistan and have been given only the following facts about terrorists: 1. The season opened today. 2. There is no limit. 3. They taste just like chicken. 4. They don't like beer, pickups, country music or Jesus .... 5. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt. The Pentagon expects the problem in Afghanistan to be over by Friday.
#14. To: Kamala, PSUSA (#0)
O.K., but what was the point? This just seems aholish to me. There is a very easy way to avoid receipt checking. Don't shop where niggers shop. They can't question just niggers, and they can't question just customers of Wal-Marts in nigger areas. It's not the store's fault really.
If the Jews are bloodsuckers, anti-racism is the anti-coagulant.
#15. To: HAPPY2BME-4UM (#3)
================================================== The strongest (and most lethal) man I've ever met was about 5' 8" and weighed in at 155. He could easily wrestle two men over 6' 5" down to the ground in less than 30 seconds with simple wrist attacks. The pain is excruciating. I'm not saying I can do that, I'm just saying I was one of the ones he regularly took down at the beginning of Tae Kwon Do classes. This guy was 55 at the time, and just as friendly and kind as could be. A Baptist preacher in fact. One wouldn't know by looking at him he could break a 2"x6" board with a shin kick at 7' off the ground or break three stacked cinder blocks with his old, ugly forehead. I recall a Chinese student at a local university who was no one to mess with. He was 5'10" and weighed about 135. One of the school football team linemen (6'6" and about 250 to 270), who later became a Deputy Shefiff, once commented I wouldn't take on Wayne unless I had at least ten feet of space, a cocked .357 in one hand and a night stick in the other - and then it would be about even. Wayne who was generally very mild got upset with some loudmouth at the local cruise one night - the guy called him a filthy chink and then rolled up his window. After Wayne stuck his hand through the window and grabbed the guy by the collar he was, for some strange reason, surprisingly apologetic about his social faux pas.
Personally I think that was because I am over 6' and 250 lbs, and I'm told that I get this look in my eyes when I'm pissed off.
#16. To: Prefrontal Vortex (#14)
It's not like I haven't been called an asshole before. Sometimes it was even justified. And I've always had a "problem" with "authority". The last time I went into a chinamart was in when I was driving a truck and chinamart was the only place I could shop, because they allow trucks on their lot. That was about 3 years ago. So it's not like I make it a habit of shopping there. I did it because I had to. I don't appreciate having to prove to anyone that I am not a thief. .
This just seems aholish to me.
Click for Privacy and Preparedness files
ruin everything, including sig lines.
#17. To: Kamala (#0)
Since WalMart is private property they are probably within their rights to demand a receipt. Also, the law mentioned by the man is most likely aimed at law enforcement, not retailers. WalMart was wrong to detain him though.
Malls, stores, restaurants, etc do many things to restrict your rights. They can do that because private property tights trump some individual rights.
Malls may ban photography or guns, stores demand receipts, and restaurants refuse service unless clothed.
#18. To: Kamala (#0)
I always show them the receipt. I know it makes you feel like a criminal, but I don't feel like arguing over it, not worth it in my opinion.
God is always good!
#19. To: RickyJ (#18)
STOP SHOPPING AT WALMART!
I always show them the receipt. I know it makes you feel like a criminal, but I don't feel like arguing over it, not worth it in my opinion.
#20. To: Eric Stratton (#6)
i was gonna be a smartass & just say 'BAA-AA-AA!'but i will instead ask. surely you understand this guy's point.its easier to comply perhaps. but that comes with a price.of compromise.essentially the corp is threatening to use the state.so, do not submit!
it's no big thing to show a receipt, and I do it all the time
"if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 12:31—13:13
"I don't know where Bin Laden is. I truly am not that concerned about him"
George W, Bush, 3/13/02 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020313-8.html
#21. To: Kamala (#0)
i love this kind of story, thx for the post. it"s also nice to see someone stand on principle & then take the time to document it to show others how to do it too.
"if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 12:31—13:13
"I don't know where Bin Laden is. I truly am not that concerned about him"
George W, Bush, 3/13/02 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020313-8.html
#22. To: Artisan (#20)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Ben Franklin
#23. To: irishthatcherite (#5)
absolutely. years ago in traffic court i refused to waive my rights to allow a phony judge 'commissioner' to hear my case. they were forced to send me upstairs to a superior court judge w/ transcriber. it was funny, but the other defendants were annoyed
stupid busybody
"if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 12:31—13:13
"I don't know where Bin Laden is. I truly am not that concerned about him"
George W, Bush, 3/13/02 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020313-8.html
#24. To: Armadillo (#17)
no. if they have cause to think youre a thief, let them call the cops. the shopper was 100% right. if walmart had the right, then they would have every legal right to detain him for refusal. but they dont, & they know it.
"if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 12:31—13:13
"I don't know where Bin Laden is. I truly am not that concerned about him"
George W, Bush, 3/13/02 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020313-8.html
#25. To: Eric Stratton (#22)
yeah but i bet if the wife comes along... wifes generally hate 'scenes', lol. dont they? hell, i could have conflict 10 times per day if i wanted with various idiots & morons. i guess thats why they say wives civilize men.
constantly bucks things like this
"if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 12:31—13:13
"I don't know where Bin Laden is. I truly am not that concerned about him"
George W, Bush, 3/13/02 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020313-8.html
#26. To: Artisan (#25)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Ben Franklin
#27. To: RickyJ (#18)
If stores can curb theft by requiring shoppers to show proof of purchase you won't have to pay for goods taken by thieves.
#28. To: Tatarewicz (#27)
if everyone is treated as a criminal terr'ist with no just cause Murika will remain safe & secure. or so they say. Exact same reasoning you're using here.
"if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 12:31—13:13
"I don't know where Bin Laden is. I truly am not that concerned about him"
George W, Bush, 3/13/02 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020313-8.html
#29. To: Eric Stratton, KAMALA (#26)
freerepublic has this thread too, with almost 400 replies. as i mightve guessed, it appears that the majority oppose the stubborn shopper & suggest he just SHUT UP & SUBMIT.
"if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 12:31—13:13
"I don't know where Bin Laden is. I truly am not that concerned about him"
George W, Bush, 3/13/02 http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020313-8.html
#30. To: Artisan (#29)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Ben Franklin
#31. To: Artisan (#28)
My thought was that it's better to comply with the store's rules rather than have them apply to the legislature to have another law that gives the store the right to demand a receipt while a customer is on their property.
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