# What set of items could you buy that would make the cashier the most uncomfortable? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 14, 2018, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885 "2018-07-14T08:27:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2018, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/41 "2018-07-14T23:34:53Z")
Technically, I work at a “hypermarket”, meaning in addition to groceries we sell a lot of other stuff, like things you’d find at a drug store, hardware, clothing, etc. We sell devices for “massage” which yes, can be used for massage but also for, shall we say, pleasure-focused activities either with yourself or with a friend (or several). We also sell Trojan brand “hot spot” vibrating rings next to the condoms, lubes, pregnancy tests, anti-fungal creams, vaginal washes, douches, and other related items. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2018, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/42 "2018-07-14T23:42:31Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > 4 fried chickens and a Coke. Jake!! ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/43 "2018-07-15T00:05:31Z")
Pressure cooker, backpack, assorted nuts & bolts, fireworks? ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/44 "2018-07-15T00:39:09Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Technically, I work at a “hypermarket”, meaning in addition to groceries we sell a lot of other stuff, like things you’d find at a drug store, hardware, clothing, etc. > > We sell devices for “massage” which yes, can be used for massage but also for, shall we say, pleasure-focused activities either with yourself or with a friend (or several). We also sell Trojan brand “hot spot” vibrating rings next to the condoms, lubes, pregnancy tests, anti-fungal creams, vaginal washes, douches, and other related items. Ah, i see. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/45 "2018-07-15T01:36:22Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > In my first job, I was the market researcher on a brand of underarm deodorant. We were going to conduct a research study on potential new scents for our brand. The methodology featured little jars with samples of our prototypes, and other jars with samples of the leading competitors’ products – respondents would take a jar, uncap it, sniff the product sample, and rate it. > > In order to conduct this research, we needed about 10 sticks each of several specific fragrances of different competitors’ deodorants. I went to Phar-Mor (a now-defunct drugstore chain), since they tended to stock large quantities. Thus, I was in line at the cash register, with about 40 sticks of deodorant. > > As I waited in line to check out, a woman got in line behind me. She couldn’t help but notice the contents of my shopping cart. I turned around, and said, in a stage whisper, “I really sweat a lot.” 😃 I used to work at Phar-Mor. ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/46 "2018-07-15T03:17:21Z")
Three bottles of magnesium citrate and an extra-large colander. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/47 "2018-07-15T03:28:27Z")
Roach killer, a jumbo bottle of Sriracha sauce and a set of chopsticks. ---
**Author:** ![Ispolkom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e47774/32.png) [@Ispolkom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ispolkom)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/48 "2018-07-15T04:22:46Z")
> [@Tatterdemalion](#): > > A couple of years ago I was at the Costco on the Saturday before the Super Bowl. I saw a guy pushing a flat out of the store with a 65" tv and a bottle of Wild Turkey. > > I figured that guy had his weekend well planned. The first time I went to Price Club (predecessor to Costco) in the late 80s, the couple in front of me were buying a #10 can of Hersey’s Chocolate Syrup and half a gross of condoms. Another well-planned weekend. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/49 "2018-07-15T04:33:24Z")
> [@dogbutler](#): > > I used to work at Phar-Mor. I did relief work there a few times. They were not pleasant experiences, and I was not surprised that the chain went under. My vote goes for duct tape, summer sausage, and Vaseline or KY Jelly. 😃 My own personal strangest purchase that immediately comes to mind? Castor oil, epsom salts, and a bag of fun-sized candy bars. I told the uninterested teenage cashier that no, I didn’t have an eating disorder; the first two items were for my garden. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/50 "2018-07-15T14:36:36Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > Any set of items that total 6.66 (in any currency). Hard to accomplish though. I remember reading a true crime book awhile back about a hired killer who was deeply disturbed when his purchases totaled 6.66 and actually got into an argument with the cashier about it. Good way to be remembered :smack: ---
**Author:** ![yellow\_sausage\_bandit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yellow_sausage_bandit/32/394_2.png) [@yellow\_sausage\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellow_sausage_bandit)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/51 "2018-07-15T16:28:29Z")
cucumbers, condoms, vaseline, and… hemorrhoid cream ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/52 "2018-07-15T16:42:19Z")
I’ve had purchases totalling $7.11 at the correct store, but I don’t think I’ve ever had $6.66 ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/53 "2018-07-15T18:47:12Z")
I’ve had $66.66 and a bagger commented on it. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/54 "2018-07-15T20:54:39Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > [Obligatory XKCD cartoon.](https://xkcd.com/576/) Obligatory Simpsons link: [Homer buying fireworks.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc2d652_2hE) ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2018, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/55 "2018-07-15T21:17:04Z")
I don’t know about making the cashier uncomfortable, but I remember one time being very uncomfortable myself. I lived at the East-West Center on the U of Hawaii campus as housing staff back when I was a grad student. I had already lived in Thailand before, and another American who had lived in Thailand when I did, but like me had returned to the US, stopped in Hawaii for a visit on his way back to Thailand for a vacation. We were shooting the shit one night, and he brought up his concern about being able to find big-enough condoms in Thailand. (No, really, this isn’t a joke.) So I told him, “Well, Mike, if you’re really worried, maybe you should pick some up here before you go.” So we moved on to other topics and discovered we’d run out of beer close to midnight. There was a supermarket not far from campus that stayed open until 1am, so we went to get more beer. But Mike also picked up this giant package of condoms. So there we were in my regular grocery store, two guys buying two six-packs of beer and a big ol’ case of condoms at midnight. My friend was rather innocent and didn’t seem to notice my turning red. I got us out of there as fast as I could. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/56 "2018-07-16T13:21:31Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > Any set of items that total 6.66 (in any currency). I’ve had people grab something (anything) else from the counter when their purchases came to $6.66, and one woman refused the penny when her change came to $6.66. > [@DavidwithanR](#): > > I’ve had purchases totalling $7.11 at the correct store, but I don’t think I’ve ever had $6.66 Whenever purchases or change comes to $7.11, I always add “And that’s a different store.” If they come to $2.01, I say “Your total (change is $2.01. And maybe your area code.” ---
**Author:** ![CelticKnot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/celticknot/32/3392_2.png) [@CelticKnot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CelticKnot)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/57 "2018-07-16T15:08:22Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > Bags of candy, children’s toys, condoms, sleeping pills and duct tape might raise some eyebrows. Especially if you drive a scuzzy white fan. > > When I was in college, the town I lived in had laws forbidding the sale of non-food items on Sunday - because they weren’t “necessities”. We kind of liked to torture the cashiers over this - I had a friend who would try to buy tampons just so she could engage the cashier in conversation over why this purchase really was a necessity. > > I would do stuff like hit the kids toy section and try to purchase “My First Book About Jesus” or other religious themed toys. Then try to engage the cashier in a philosophical discussion over why she wouldn’t sell it to me because God. > > This started when we witnessed a cashier refuse to sell a can of Play-Doh. A mother was shopping with her child, she had the cart full of groceries and the kid was in the seat at the top of the cart, holding the Play-Doh can with delighted anticipation. The kid didn’t want to give it up and went into a full crying screaming meltdown after it was forcibly taken from him. We congratulated the cashier for doing the Lord’s work. > > Yeah, we were kind of being dicks, because the cashier was doing the “right” thing in the eyes of the law. But this was in the pre-computer era, so it wasn’t like the registers were programmed not to ring non-food items or to track purchases. And we sometimes got the stuff. One of the cashiers rang up one of the religious toys once without any hesitation - probably because she knew we were playing with her and making us actually spend money on that stupid thing was probably the most vengeful response Yeah, it’s not a bad thing at all to make a minimum-wage employee feel responsible for laws and management they have no control over. Pressuring someone who is probably barely getting by to break the law, and blaming them for God? Gee, won’t you feel better when you’ve lost your job because I deliberately tried to make you feel bad? Your assessment of your behavior isn’t harsh enough. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/58 "2018-07-16T15:56:10Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > I am a store cashier, so my real life top three list: > > 1. A dozen knives and a piece of carry on luggage. I thought “I hope you are not planning to take those knives on a plane.” > 2. Six boxes of rubber gloves and a dental mirror. I had a hard time keeping a straight face. > 3. The customer came in right after we opened, bought a corkscrew that came to $4.27, put a five dollar bill on the counter and walked out without change of receipt. I wondered about a person that desperate for a corkscrew at 10 o’clock in the morning. When I worked at Safeway I never really noticed what anyone bought; it was all just _stuff_. Scan it, toss it in a bag, repeat. The only things that ever really stood out were the random late-night customers buying just a couple of items: a group of kids would come in at like 1130 at night and buy nothing but a cart full of the cheapest toilet paper, or when a couple would come in around the same time at night and buy just strawberries, whipped cream, and condoms. Mostly it was just tired-looking adults buying formula/baby food and diapers. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/59 "2018-07-16T20:01:50Z")
For making the cahier uncomfortable? I would say a leaking bottle of baby oil first down the belt followed by 100 individual, unwrapped double edged razor blades. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885/60 "2018-07-16T20:59:39Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > For making the cahier uncomfortable? I would say a leaking bottle of baby oil first down the belt followed by 100 individual, unwrapped double edged razor blades. You’re a very mean person ;). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-set-of-items-could-you-buy-that-would-make-the-cashier-the-most-uncomfortable/817885.md?page=4)