# If someone in front of you in the express aisle had more than the maximum items.. what would you do? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 22, 2013, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896 "2013-10-22T01:55:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/61 "2013-10-23T11:59:35Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > “I’m so sorry I’ve inconvenienced you. How can I make this up to you?” Up north, where the “shut the fuck up” people live, the answer to your question tends to be, “blow me”.☹ ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/62 "2013-10-23T12:08:12Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > If anyone wants to complain about my 15 items, I generally offer an insincere smile and an “I’m so sorry I’ve inconvenienced you. How can I make this up to you?” Isn’t the obvious answer for you to get the fuck out of the express lane? ---
**Author:** ![Sparky812](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Sparky812](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparky812)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/63 "2013-10-23T12:14:34Z")
Usually, I couldn’t care less. I suppose, on one of THOSE days, I might suggest they learn to read, count, etc… I am quite adept at making people look foolish in public, so usually they will apologize and/or correct their behaviour. There are some people who prey on others either not paying attention or caring, so sometimes you need to let them know that they’re not getting anything by on you. The old “I saw what you did there!”, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/64 "2013-10-23T13:21:13Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Up north, where the “shut the fuck up” people live, the answer to your question tends to be, “blow me”.☹ I prefer “suck my dick” same sentiment, but it just feels better. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/65 "2013-10-23T13:36:54Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > I wouldn’t say anything. Unless I was behind them the whole time, how would I know that they didn’t speak to the cashier about if it was okay that they have too many items? I’ve heard cashiers with no line invite people with a few too many items to come to their registers often enough not to assume that the person’s just being a jerk. This. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/66 "2013-10-23T14:03:15Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > I prefer “suck my dick” same sentiment, but it just feels better. I was keepin it PG-13.😛 ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/67 "2013-10-23T14:11:56Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > I prefer “suck my dick” same sentiment, but it just feels better. “Suck it” also works. If you happen to have a banana or zucchini or other phallic shaped item in your 15 items, you can stick it QuickSilver’s face for emphasis. 🆒 8=:eek: ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/68 "2013-10-23T14:51:00Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Up north, where the “shut the fuck up” people live, the answer to your question tends to be, “blow me”.☹ > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Isn’t the obvious answer for you to get the fuck out of the express lane? > [@msmith537](#): > > “Suck it” also works. If you happen to have a banana or zucchini or other phallic shaped item in your 15 items, you can stick it QuickSilver’s face for emphasis. > > 🆒 > 8=:eek: One of the few advantages for a northerner - way north of all of you I might add - living in the south. Same thick skin but no longer any need for snow tires. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/69 "2013-10-23T15:17:14Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > I live south of the Mason Dixon line. We make the time for nicities like this. 😃 Up north we make time for niceties like _observing the rules of the store_. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/70 "2013-10-23T15:26:05Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Up north we make time for niceties like _observing the rules of the store_. I’m sorry to have inconvenienced you, **Dewey Finn**. How can I make it up to you? 😉 …c’mon, say it. you know you wanna. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/71 "2013-10-23T15:27:24Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Up north we make time for niceties like _observing the rules of the store_. Not from what I’ve read in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/72 "2013-10-23T15:32:58Z")
> [@Sparky812](#): > > Usually, I couldn’t care less. > > I suppose, on one of THOSE days, I might suggest they learn to read, count, etc… > I am quite adept at making people look foolish in public, so usually they will apologize and/or correct their behaviour. I’ve never seen anyone attempt to shame someone in the express lane, but I think that if I did, it would be the attempted shamer I thought looked foolish. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/73 "2013-10-23T16:03:19Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I’ve never seen anyone attempt to shame someone in the express lane, but I think that if I did, it would be the attempted shamer I thought looked foolish. I was behind a woman who didn’t have enough money to pay for the huge order that had just been rung up. So she carefully evaluated everything, then decided to have one small item deducted. She was _still_ nowhere close, so she carefully considered and picked out another small item… I was next in line and there were many behind me. I loudly asked the cashier how late they were open. She told me 10 pm. It was 6 pm. I then asked her if she thought I’d make it. Lots of laughs, including the cashier. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/74 "2013-10-23T16:05:50Z")
Fifteen Schmifteen, who counts anyway? Ridiculous to get in line behind someone then moan about how many items they have, or how they are paying or what that evil baby might be doing in the cart. Find another line or gaze at the tabloids. And if I have 18 items or more and someone is behind me with one or two items, I ALWAYS let them in ahead. Unless they give me a stern look and an eye roll then fuggedit ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/75 "2013-10-23T16:13:12Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I was behind a woman who didn’t have enough money to pay for the huge order that had just been rung up. So she carefully evaluated everything, then decided to have one small item deducted. She was _still_ nowhere close, so she carefully considered and picked out another small item… > > I was next in line and there were many behind me. > > I loudly asked the cashier how late they were open. She told me 10 pm. It was 6 pm. I then asked her if she thought I’d make it. Lots of laughs, including the cashier. I honestly doubt the woman was there trying to ruin your day. I don’t tend to make fun of people for not having enough money, even when they could have done a better job of figuring that out beforehand. For many (most?) people, that would be an utterly humiliating experience, to be mocked while trying to figure out how to afford the most food possible. I wasn’t there, obviously, but I didn’t read your story and think how witty you were. I read your story and felt its potential cruelty. ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/76 "2013-10-23T18:47:39Z")
> [@Helena330](#): > > Sometimes it’s an accident. One time my 75 year-old Mom got in one with probably thirty items. She hadn’t noticed the sign. The cashier made her load them back into her cart, probably taking longer than if she’d just rung up my Mom, and made her go into another line. My Mom was mortified. I was ready to kill that clerk-it was an honest mistake and she didn’t have to humiliate my Mom. When I did it and it was absolutely an accident. I shopped in the Albertsons near work where the express lanes were to the left and not the Albertsons near home where they were to the right, and my son was a tiny infant so I was brain addled and sleep deprived. After ringing up more than half of my giant order the clerk said very softly and sheepishly “Ma’am, I do just want to let you know this is the 12 Items or Less line.” I was beside myself. I asked him why he hadn’t stopped me from unloading my cart. He told me that store policy didn’t allow it. I apologized to the people on line behind me. It really was an accident. When I observe someone in the express lane with too many items I remember that time and give them the benefit of the doubt. Though recently I saw a woman with not a full cart but probably twenty-five items or so heading to the express. Her daughter said “But Mom, this says 15 or less. We have more than that.” She replied that she didn’t care, she was in a hurry. Way to parent, selfish lady at Giant. I didn’t stay in that line but I did give her the stinkeye. Not that she paid any attention to me. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/77 "2013-10-23T23:13:31Z")
> [@chela](#): > > Fifteen Schmifteen, who counts anyway? … Decent people. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/78 "2013-10-23T23:44:55Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I honestly doubt the woman was there trying to ruin your day. I don’t tend to make fun of people for not having enough money, even when they could have done a better job of figuring that out beforehand. For many (most?) people, that would be an utterly humiliating experience, to be mocked while trying to figure out how to afford the most food possible. > > I wasn’t there, obviously, but I didn’t read your story and think how witty you were. I read your story and felt its potential cruelty. Take my word for it, the situation shouted out for mockery. She was taking her time picking and choosing which non essentials to return. Absolutely no rush. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2013, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/79 "2013-10-24T00:00:35Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Take my word for it, the situation shouted out for mockery. She was taking her time picking and choosing which non essentials to return. Absolutely no rush. I’m sure you think so. I’m not sure I would think so. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2013, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896/80 "2013-10-24T05:50:23Z")
And I am pretty damn sure I wouldn’t have thought so. I was mortified the time it happened to me, and have felt sympathy the few times I have seen it happen to others. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-in-front-of-you-in-the-express-aisle-had-more-than-the-maximum-items-what-would-you-do/671896.md?page=5)