# Walmart receipt checker foiled! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 14, 2011, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607 "2011-03-14T01:22:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Shmendrik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Shmendrik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shmendrik)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2011, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/101 "2011-03-15T05:11:54Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > That is fucking awesome. I’d love to see a more detailed study of this. It may be that he doesn’t really change minds to the opposite of what he thinks though. Maybe once **DtC** shows up, people are embarrassed to agree with him and others who would ordinarily stay silent post just to poke him. Dammit. I’ve never really been bothered by receipt checking, possibly because the big box stores I frequent rarely do it, but reading this thread I find myself agreeing with **Dio**. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Bird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Little\_Bird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Bird)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2011, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/102 "2011-03-15T14:50:14Z")
I agree with **Dio**. When I am at a store and they want my phone number, zip code, email address, check my receipt, whatever, I just give them a big winning smile and say “No thanks”. Then I continue on my way, usually without them giving a fuss. I see no reason to comply with their policy of invading my privacy, and if they do make a fuss I simply don’t shop there anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Barchetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2011, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/103 "2011-03-24T08:55:24Z")
> [@Shmendrik](#): > > Dammit. I’ve never really been bothered by receipt checking, possibly because the big box stores I frequent rarely do it, but reading this thread I find myself agreeing with **Dio**. As the author of one of the linked threads, so do I. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2011, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/104 "2011-03-24T12:27:33Z")
Doesn’t make that much difference one way or another to me. And it provides a job for someone, which right now can be a big deal. With a huge line, I’ve been known to blow through the receipt checkers (if someone takes time to follow me out, I’m perfectly capable of acting spacey and apologizing…“oh, yeah…I’m sorry.”) But if I have to stop for 15 seconds, it isn’t a huge deal. ---
**Author:** ![Claverhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Claverhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claverhouse)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2011, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/105 "2011-03-24T12:47:38Z")
> [@Silver\_Fire](#): > > Reasonably certain you can’t get toilet paper at Tiffany’s… Sure you can. It’s diamante encrusted. The rich live by different rules. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2011, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/106 "2011-03-24T14:48:49Z")
It’s amazing how many problems end up being solved with the phrase, “So now I avoid Wal-mart.” ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2011, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/107 "2011-03-24T15:26:52Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > It’s amazing how many problems end up being solved with the phrase, “So now I avoid Wal-mart.” I just thought that was worth repeating. If a place of business consistently causes more problems for me than it solves…I avoid it. I LOVE the selection and service at a particular quilt shop, for instance, but they CANNOT seem to keep my phone number off of their customer calling list. I’ve explained to them three times that I’m willing to be called when my machine is ready to be picked up, or they’ve received my special order, but I’m not interested in being on their robocall list. They apologize, and take me off their list. Until the next time I leave my number, even when I explain that I DON’T want to get on that list again. So now I shop at a different quilt shop. ---
**Author:** ![TravisFromOR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cc9497/32.png) [@TravisFromOR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TravisFromOR)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2011, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/108 "2011-03-24T18:27:11Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > It’s amazing how many problems end up being solved with the phrase, “So now I avoid Wal-mart.” No, no, no! You _need_ to go to Wal-Mart and lecture some peon about your rights. Then you need to post about it on the internet, so everybody can see just how cool you are! > [@](#): > > I’m such a big man! I foiled a receipt checker today! I\* foiled\* him! It was awesome! You should have been there! ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2011, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/109 "2011-03-25T17:27:32Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > What does their policy have to do with me? I’m not upset about their policy, I just don’t care about it. It doesn’t involve me. If theywant me to follow compant policy they can give me a paycheck. Otherwise, I’m going about my buisiness and ignoring them. (To pick an example of this ridiculous attitude at random) What you fail to understand is that when you are in their store, you are on _their property_ and are their guest. Their rules, therefore, go. Refusing to go along with their rules is like being a guest in someone else’s house and being an asshole to them because there’s “no state law against it”. Many people seem to think that Walmart exists to serve them, like it’s some kind of public service, and that they have a God-given right to do as they please in a Walmart store. No, Walmart is a private business and can operate however it sees fit, as long as it is not violating the law. (And asking to see receipts is not.) As others have said, if you don’t like how things operate on their property, don’t go onto their property. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Barchetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2011, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/110 "2011-03-25T17:31:03Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > (To pick an example of this ridiculous attitude at random) > > What you fail to understand is that when you are in their store, you are on _their property_ and are their guest. Their rules, therefore, go. Not if they can’t be legally enforced. If they started doing pat-downs, should I have to subject myself to those as well? > [@Colophon](#): > > No, Walmart is a private business and can operate however it sees fit, as long as it is not violating the law. (And asking to see receipts is not.) Did you not read the OP? They were requiring it! That is violating the law. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/111 "2011-03-25T17:36:34Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > …Walmart is a private business and can operate however it sees fit, as long as it is not violating the law. (And asking to see receipts is not.) As others have said, if you don’t like how things operate on their property, don’t go onto their property. You are correct, requesting to see a customer’s receipt is not a violation of law. However, demanding to see the receipt _and then blocking the customer’s egress until he complies_ is against the law. If they don’t like how I’m behaving on their property, they’re free to ban me from their store for life; “asshole customer” is not a [protected class.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_class) Generally they don’t ban you, despite refusing to submit to the receipt-check, because they want your business. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2011, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/112 "2011-03-25T17:39:10Z")
> [@Red\_Barchetta](#): > > Did you not read the OP? They were requiring it! That is violating the law. Yes, I read the OP, and, like any right-thinking person, quickly surmised that anybody who would refuse to take 10 seconds to show a till receipt in favour of creating a lengthy scene and then writing several hundred words about the incident on the internet, is a prize arse. Some people need to pick their battles more wisely. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Barchetta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2011, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/113 "2011-03-25T17:49:47Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > Some people need to pick their battles more wisely. Why do they need to? And who are you tell them what illegal rules they should needlessly conform to? Obviously it is more important for them to stand up for their rights than it was to be inconvenienced. Shame more people aren’t more proactive on illegal issues. ---
**Author:** ![TravisFromOR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cc9497/32.png) [@TravisFromOR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TravisFromOR)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2011, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/114 "2011-03-25T17:59:30Z")
… ---
**Author:** ![carm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@carm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carm)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2011, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/115 "2011-03-25T18:32:31Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > (To pick an example of this ridiculous attitude at random) > > What you fail to understand is that when you are in their store, you are on _their property_ and are their guest. Their rules, therefore, go. Refusing to go along with their rules is like being a guest in someone else’s house and being an asshole to them because there’s “no state law against it”. And I expect all women on my property to show me their breasts. You’d be surprised how many women are “assholes” just because “there’s no law against it”. Oh wait. . ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/116 "2011-03-26T00:58:08Z")
> [@carm](#): > > And I expect all women on my property to show me their breasts. > > You’d be surprised how many women are “assholes” just because “there’s no law against it”. > > Oh wait. . Yes, because the Wal Mart checker is demanding that women expose themselves before leaving the store. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Jolly\_Roger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/91b2a8/32.png) [@Jolly\_Roger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jolly_Roger)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/117 "2011-03-26T01:32:25Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > Poor put upon **Dio**. The whole world is against him. > > He must be a hoot in real life. I kinda agree with him. Its kind of demeaning. I’ve only said no about the reciepts twice at Wal-Mart, and I’m not a jerk about it. Well maybe the second time since I just walked in during my lunchbreak and I had to ask the checker “Really? You think I just stole this bag of stff and I came in to do it in uniform with my name all over my chest? Really?” I don’t like to be rude to anyone so I felt bad afterwards, though. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/118 "2011-03-26T01:40:23Z")
> [@Vihaga](#): > > /edit: I believe at Sam’s it’s a condition of your membership, which I suppose changes things. I’m not a member, so I don’t know. This is what I thought. Is that right? Is it part of the membership agreement? ---
**Author:** ![Ostrya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/35a633/32.png) [@Ostrya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ostrya)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/119 "2011-03-26T02:12:19Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > If they don’t like how I’m behaving on their property, they’re free to ban me from their store for life How about banning yourself? Instead of imposing yourself? You and red barchetta have a vision that businesses exist on your personal behalves. Do you two have an underlying resentment against businesses? If you feel strongly enough to snub store’s policy efforts, you should not be shopping there. Discourage friends and family to not do business there. Do you want to tweet about it? I know someone who can help you compose a tweet. (If you’d like.) By all means, flip them off. But not on their premises. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607/120 "2011-03-26T02:17:25Z")
Showing the receipt is an inconvenience; it means you can’t put your receipt back in your wallet with your card. Does it rate as bad as, for example, an earthquake, tsunami, an nuclear melt-down in the same week? No. But it is annoying. And it smacks of petty power games and the thin end of the wedge and changing the rules in the middle of the game. > [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I don’t like being treated like a criminal. I think it’s insulting and demeaning. > > I also hate “pay before you pump” for the same reason. I must defend ‘pay before you pump’. You can’t inadvertently put in more money than you happen to have on you. You can’t accidently drive off without paying. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-receipt-checker-foiled/574607.md?page=7)