# Why do some cashiers ask WHY you're buying something? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 16, 2003, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601 "2003-05-16T03:28:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/81 "2003-05-17T03:50:49Z")
“Pardon me, my deah, but we really should get the help to fetch us the condoms, don’t you think?” ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/82 "2003-05-17T04:13:02Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by stevephillips \* > \*\*I went into a nation wide chain book store once and asked if they had the book, “And the Band Played On.” (It’s a history of the AIDS epidemic.) > > The clerk said, “Isn’t that a homosexual book?” > > Me, "Well its about AIDS . . . " > > Clerk (interrupting), “We don’t sell those kinds of books here; we aren’t that kind of store.” > > Apparently she thought it was a how-to manual or something. > > I was so stunned that I couldn’t even think of something witty to say. I’m sure they had the book, but I wasn’t going to buy it from them at that point. \*\* Former manager of an independent bookstore checking in, absolutely horrified. A idiotic remark at a grocery store counter, a tactless question about a product - I’d probably let those pass. But this? Jesus! I wouldn’t be able to manage a witty comeback either, except (if she worked in my store) “you’re fired!” ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/83 "2003-05-17T04:28:29Z")
> [@](#): > > Really? I’ll take that bet. I’m sure there are several people here with more experience. 17 1/2 years. Do I win. Anyone want to give me some obnoxious personal questions to ask my customers? ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/84 "2003-05-17T04:46:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Guinastasia \* > \*\ ***gobear** , it wasn’t so much what you said, but HOW you said it. > > People who refer to employees as “the help” are usually the sucky customers. It just smacks of 1903 uppercrust who talk about “the help” as if they were another species. \*\* Again, fuck off. I tip extremely well, ($5 tip on a $21 Chinese delivery last night) and I am the sweetest customer you’ll ever meet. But I am nobody’s doormat. Ever. ---
**Author:** ![furr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7ab992/32.png) [@furr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furr)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/85 "2003-05-17T05:23:18Z")
there are just some items which customers are going to get funny looks over, recently i sent my partner out to buy a few things from our local supermarket. he rolled up to the counter with an extra large tub of vaseline and several pounds worth of steak. this kind of purchase is one example of where funny looks are just par for the course. that said rude comments/tone of voice are never ok. ---
**Author:** ![BadBaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/71c47a/32.png) [@BadBaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BadBaby)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/86 "2003-05-17T06:12:01Z")
Last time I went grocery shopping, the bagger expressed interest in the curry I was buying. It was clear she wasn’t sure what it was at all, other than a food item. I explained that it was a spicy sauce, of sorts. The look she gave me made it clear she thought I was not just a space alien, but a _pervert_ space alien. After a very awkward moment of silence, for some twisted reason, I told her it was especially good with roast puppy. Thank goodness I’ve known the cashier forever, I think his laughing at my little joke saved her a call to the ASPCA. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/87 "2003-05-17T16:03:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by danceswithcats \* > \*\*At the checkout, I presented the contraceptives, a can of Reddi-Whip™, chocolate jimmies, candy canes, and a small roll of electrical tape. > \*\* I think I was behind you in line that night! 😉 I was behind a guy at the grocery store one night who was buying masking tape, peanut butter, chocolate syrup, whipped cream…and condoms. I noticed the unusual assortment, wondered if he really just happened to need all those things or if he was gearing up for a night of serious fun. I had to suddenly study the selection of magazines or else I would have started laughing. When the cashier started scanning my things, she just looked down very intently. She looked back to see if he was gone, and then asked me if I had seen what he was buying. We both had a good chuckle over it. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/88 "2003-05-17T16:24:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gobear \* > \*\*Again, fuck off. I tip extremely well, ($5 tip on a $21 Chinese delivery last night) and I am the sweetest customer you’ll ever meet. But I am nobody’s doormat. Ever. \*\* Oh, well okay then. I didn’t realize that because you’re a decent tipper (your example is my standard tipping) that gives you the right to think of customer service employees as a lower life form (i.e. refering to them as “the help”). :rolleyes: You know, **gobear** , it’s really not nice to take out your manly insecurities on those unfortunate enough to be in a position of which they may have to wait on you. Being on the “right” side of the counter doens’t make you king of the universe. Again, get over yourself. Oh, and responding to every critical post with a “fuck off” isn’t very condusive to your position. :wally ---
**Author:** ![Marconi\_Schmeese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ea666f/32.png) [@Marconi\_Schmeese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marconi_Schmeese)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/89 "2003-05-17T16:31:25Z")
**Clipper** , I’ve always had the fear that something similar would happen to me when I went to pick up my assortment of anti-anxiety, anti-depressant and sleeping medications. I even had the nerve to ask the pharmacist one time if they wonder about people like me and are afraid to say anything to me because of the medications I was on. She said that over time you get used to it and don’t pay attention. Go figure. I’m still really sorry about your experience. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Enigma42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/87869e/32.png) [@Enigma42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enigma42)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/90 "2003-05-17T17:23:55Z")
A few years ago, I was checking out at the grocery store behind a young man buying large quantities of only three different items. He had 36 cucumbers, 6 bottles of baby oil and 3 boxes of condoms. When the cashier (a young pretty woman) started to ring him up, she did a bit of a double-take but them smiled and politely asked the standard question, “Did you find everything you needed tonight?” The fellow then spoke up (in a rather quiet voice) and said that no, he actually didn’t find enough of the right kind of condom and might they possibly have more boxes that hadn’t been shelved yet? The cashier called over another senior employee (I think asst. manager) to check. Upon arriving, he also did a double-take and then inquired about specifically which product the man needed. He then went off to see what they had in stock. Of course, all this took some time and the line was held up for a few minutes. Finally, the assistant manager came back with six more boxes of condoms and the man was rung up and on his way. After he left and I stepped forward to have my groceries rung up, the cashier simply said, “Wow, I think he bought _all_ of our cucumbers.” Aside from the initial startled looks, I never saw or heard anyone make any kind of rude comment the entire time the transaction was taking place. Actually, one of the most memorable elements of the story to me has always been how incredibly helpful and courteous everyone was! Of course, I’ve been on the receiving end of some amazing rudeness from cashiers myself. Most notably when my mother sent me to buy hemorrhoid cream for her in the middle of the night when I was 17. But, even in the face of the most unusual circumstances, sometimes it all goes smoothly and no-one gets hassled. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/91 "2003-05-17T17:28:51Z")
The guy could’ve been teaching a sex-ed class or something (when I was in high school we had to put condoms on banannas in class. A cucumber would do the trick too). I give the guy props for actually asking for help in that situation. I don’t know if I’d have the cajones to do the same. ---
**Author:** ![Sapphire\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f14d63/32.png) [@Sapphire\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapphire_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/92 "2003-05-17T18:08:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CRorex \* > \*\*I remember the time when I needed 2.5 lbs of latex for something… > Do you have ANY idea how many condoms make up 2.5 lbs of latex. > > Jesus christ. > > So when the cashier looked at me oddly I said the only thing I could think of. > > “My GF asked if her 3 sisters could join us for the weekend.” \*\* Erm, this might be a seriously stupid question, but…why didn’t you just buy boxes of latex gloves? You know, the kind that your proctologist uses? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/93 "2003-05-17T18:10:40Z")
> [@](#): > > And THIS is exactly why when my ex went to buy condoms he went ALONE. The last thing either of us wanted was a cashier making comments about said items. (I could see one going off on him for molestation or something, since I look considerably younger than I am, and he was a good bit older than me.) For a long ass time my husband (before we were married) wouldn’t buy condoms _at all_. He was just too embarassed. I guess he didn’t want anybody toknow that he actually had sex. Well, actually, he didn’t have sex because he wouldn’t buy the goddamned condoms! Finally, after much bitching and pushing and prodding, he went to the store and bought a box and some KY and nobody said anything and he realized nobody cared if he had sex. I shudder to think what would have happened if someone had said something. I’d probably still be a virgin. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/94 "2003-05-17T18:12:54Z")
All of a sudden I’m reminded of shopping experience I had several years ago. The gentleman in fromt of me on line was in his mid to late forties and wearing what had obiously been at one time someone elses hair. He was purchasing 3 items. A box of chocolates, a LARGE bottle of mouthwash and a 3 tape set of instructional videos on sex. The cashier was thoroughly professional. We did share a slight giggle. She said something like “I hope it all works out for him.” but he was already out of the building. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gobear \* > \*\*When you do service, you are not supposed to chit chat or be a pal to the customers, let alone a judge or critic. You are there to do a job, period. \*\* This to me implies that I could be replaced in my job by a vending machine. In 20 years of working in customer service I have acheived a degree of success by remembering that a customer was in a few weeks ago saying she was about to go to Texas to visit the grandbabies and asking how her trip was. If I weren’t allowed a small bit of interaction with the customers my job would be unbearably boring. I do however, agree that being judgemental or critical is inappropriate (at least while they’er still in the store - there’s always the Pit for that) ---
**Author:** ![Enigma42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/87869e/32.png) [@Enigma42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enigma42)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/95 "2003-05-17T18:25:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lezlers \* > \*\*The guy could’ve been teaching a sex-ed class or something (when I was in high school we had to put condoms on banannas in class. A cucumber would do the trick too). > > I give the guy props for actually asking for help in that situation. I don’t know if I’d have the cajones to do the same. \*\* Actually, my bet is on a fraternity initiation or something like that. The guy looked like he was only 18 or 19 years old and definitely seemed kinda nervous. Also, this particular grocery store was the closest one to the university. I figured he’d been given an embarrasing task that he had to perform as a form of light hazing for a club or frat. Of course, I don’t really have any idea for sure. But, I agree, he did well! If the intent of the task was to embarass him, he pulled through nicely by even asking for help. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/96 "2003-05-17T20:19:36Z")
One October I was buying a slip (of the ladies’ unmentionables variety) and a Dust Buster. I started it with the cashier – I said, “Kind of an odd combination, eh?” She came back immediately with “Nah, I just figured you were going to dress up as some postmodern French maid for Halloween.” It still cracks me up every time I think of it. ---
**Author:** ![Alias](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e4f/32.png) [@Alias](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alias)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/97 "2003-05-17T21:25:13Z")
And I thought I had a rude cashier when I was at a drug store recently. I bought a loofah and a buffing face sponge. When I got to the counter, the cashier kind of smirked and said “looks like you’re going to be exfoliating this weekend!” I wasn’t really offended by this statement, just baffled as to why she would say it when I DON’T EVEN KNOW HER. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/98 "2003-05-17T21:29:01Z")
Are you kidding me, **Alias?** Oversensitive much? How is that comment rude? I didn’t realize exfoliating was so hush hush… :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/99 "2003-05-17T22:38:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pepperlandgirl \* > \*\*For a long ass time my husband (before we were married) wouldn’t buy condoms _at all_. He was just too embarassed. I guess he didn’t want anybody toknow that he actually had sex. Well, actually, he didn’t have sex because he wouldn’t buy the goddamned condoms! > Finally, after much bitching and pushing and prodding, he went to the store and bought a box and some KY and nobody said anything and he realized nobody cared if he had sex. I shudder to think what would have happened if someone had said something. I’d probably still be a virgin. :rolleyes: \*\* [hijack]So…um…why didn’t you go ahead and get some yourself? I actually provided the condoms the first time, and I was QUITE embarassed buying them. Thankfully the cashier didn’t say anything. Then after that he provided them. Worked pretty well.[/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601/100 "2003-05-17T23:21:01Z")
Jesus, **gobear** , would you just CHILL? What the hell-overreact, much? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-cashiers-ask-why-youre-buying-something/175601.md?page=6)