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After having been 'victimized' by the Walmart security system, (we've all heard it beeping when we leave the store with our purchased goods) I'd finally had enough. I promised myself months ago I was not going to be stopped ever again to prove I paid for my merchandise. I don't steal and I don't appreciate having to PROVE myself honest before I can leave the store. I made my way out of the Mukwonago, Wisconsin Walmart last Sunday after ringing up a few items in the electronics department, one of which was a $34.00 DVD player in a box. As I approached the exit I thought to myself, here we go, the bell and whistle machine is going sound off, convict me of shoplifing and I'll be chased down by the greeter who will demand that I fumble for my receipt. What Tony the greeter didn't know was this customer was no longer willing to be treated like a lemming. Sure enough as I passed Walmart's Checkpoint Charlie the alarm sounded and Tony the greeter was in hot pursuit. 'Sir, sir, SIR' he said several times. I ignored his ranting and continued on my way. As I neared the second set of sliding doors Tony started yelling. 'I need to see your receipt!' 'Can I see your receipt?' I turned around looked him directly in the right eyeball and said, 'NO, you can't!' Making the foolish assumption that my answer would end this rediculous event I again went about the business of walking to my car, box and bag in hand, receipt in wallet. My ansering 'NO' to his request that I produce a receipt was an apparent insult. I can only assume Walmart has trained all of Wisconsin to comply with THEIR policy and I must have been the first person that ever refused to prove that I'd paid for my merchandise. Tony was now screaming at me, 'Stop, STOP!' I continued walking as a great number of Sunday afternoon shoppers stopped in their tracks to watch the Tony Show. I felt that I would tolerate his yelling 'stop' but then he crossed the line. Tony began yelling 'THIEF THIEF!' I spun on my feet and immediately admonished him. I'm not a thief Tony, I'm a man that has had it up to his throat with Walmart's faulty security system and poorly written policy. I'm NOT showing you a receipt and I'm NOT going to tolerate you calling me a thief. Leave me alone I said. Again, one more failed attempt to get the Walmart lion off my back. He then began yelling out to the assembling crowd, 'He's got electronics! He's not stopping!' Having previously worked in the field of retail loss prevention I am well aware of the fact that citizens often and without request, charge in (sometimes violently) to assist in apprehending shoplifters. This became a real concern for me as I looked about and saw several Walmart patrons taking more than a passive interest in me. Innocent though I was, the only thing the patrons heard was 'THIEF' and 'He's got electronics!' I knew then it was time to turn myself over to the Walmart Police Department, whomever they might be. I felt I was left with limited choices. I was going to walk back into the store of my own accord, be tackled by the Good Samaritan shoppers or be dragged back in by the soon charging team of the Walmart Militia men. Did I fail to mention that Tony had reentered the store quickly? Yes indeed. He was falling back to fortify troop support. I felt it was in my best interest to go back inside and throw myself at the mercy of the Walmart Court. As I entered of course EVERY eye was on me and, you guessed it, the security system announced my arrival. After some looking I found Tony and diplomatically but firmly insisted on speaking with the manager. I was not leaving until I did and Tony walked away, returning about five minutes later with a manager in tow. JP was his name, according the the tag dangling from his neck. I asked JP if we could discuss my concern in a private area and he shrugged his shoulders but agreed. I was marched to the other end of the store where we had to pass by yet another greeter and, of course, another security system. You know where this is going don't you? BEEP, BEEP - Criminal Alert - Criminal Alert! Shoplifter approaching...stop em, drop em and roll'em for his receipt! By this time my humility had been stripped to the point that all I had to offer was a sheepish look. The greeter at this set of doors gave me that deep stare that says, 'We got you, you shoplifting cad! Three Walmart cheers for JP!' Once inside JP's office I gave him a brief rundown of what had transpired. Without provocation he told me that he'd spoken to Tony and Tony admitted calling me a thief and said, 'he shouldn't have done that.' No kidding! I informed JP that I had no choice but to return to the store for several reasons and I articulated them in this order. 1. I had openly, loudly and very publicly been called a thief by his staff. 2. Walmart shoppers were eyeing me up for the kill. 3. Tony returned to the inside of the store quickly, my perception being that he was going to get reinforcements. 4. I feared that even if I did make a 'clean escape' from the parking lot I very well could have been stoped down the road by police and detained further. 5. My professional position is high profile and I'm very recognized in the community. Being tagged in public by Walmart staff as a thief (if the wrong person saw the incident) would potentially be very damaging to my career. I had absolutely no choice. Walmart won! My dignity removed, my options limited, I had to submit. Never mind that I paid for my merchandise. Forget that once an item is paid for the property is 100% the buyers property, Walmart still would not let me out the door without a fight. I informed him in no uncertain terms how very upset I was. I was forced by Walmart to now clear my name as best I could. Interrogate me, strip search me, do what you must in order to document that I was in fact NOT a thief. JP told me that their security system is often 'set off by credit cards in a wallet.' My response was, you're kidding me aren't you? You're stopping people when your secrity system sounds off and you KNOW that it malfunctions? 'Well' he said, 'it does catch shoplifters.' I asked him this question. Taking into account all the times your security system beeps, what percentage of shoppers are found to have merchandise they have not paid for. 'Forty percent' was his immediate retort. A figure that I am certain he fabricated but non-the-less I ran with it. So assuming Walmart stops 100 people and 40 of them have products in their cart that have not been paid for, 60 of those 100 people are honest people being harassed, humiliated and detained based solely on the fact that their security system is beeping. That's absolutely outrageous! After telling him that I though it was rediculous that credit cards were the cause of my setting off their system he directed me to walk through the security system without my merchandise. I complied and of course, no beeps. JP asked me to produce a receipt and inspected my purchse. 'Yup' he claimed, 'it's all there!' I was impressed with his ability to match words on a receipt with actual products. 'It had to be the DVD player' he said. 'The sensor must not have been deactivated.' He looked for the sensor on the outside of the box and in an apparent epiphany blurted, 'oh yeah, they put them on the inside of the box now. That can't be deactivated.' Walmart is selling products that are sold with sensors on the inside of the box. Without opening the box the cashier cannot deactivate the sensor and still Walmart sells products they KNOW will set off the security system. Why? It's quite simple. They are dumbing down the American shopper to the point that most people honestly believe they are obligated to stop when the machine is beeping. One of my coworkers actually told me they had 'no idea' they didn't have to stop when the alarm went off. They thought they'd 'get in trouble' if they didn't immediately comply with Walmart staff. This seemed an unbelievable statement to me but actually, Walmart makes CERTAIN you get in trouble if you don't stop! How did our society get this beaten down? After obtaining a security clearance from JP I felt as though I might qualify to work in Area 51. You know, hang out with the guys that take apart fallen UFOs and dissect deceased aliens and all that. But instead, I set my sights to the lofty goal of just getting off Walmart property. I was now very late for my daughter's birthday party. I was released with my merchandise but Walmart still owes me. I want what THEY stole from me. Dignity, reputation and time for starters. Just before leaving I asked JP if he was going to create some type of report outlining the incident. 'Yeah, if you want me to' he blurted. JP, if you're reading this, I don't care if you make a report but I think your corporate office will wish you had. I think it's in YOUR better interest to get YOUR version on paper because mine is, and it's going to be examined by an attorney. I found this web site, [redacted], while researching what it takes to sue the Walmart empire. From what I can tell, it's not easy. I like the fact that Walmart likes thinks they can intimidate when it comes to filing a legal claim. It makes the process much more challenging and you know what they say, if it were easy everyone would do it. I may not make a huge punitive dent in Walmart's wallet but when the dust settles they will know that THIS American is tired of their antics. I wonder if Walmart's policy is 'MADE IN CHINA!'
@Here We Go Again: Tut tut. That was a rhetorical question.
@ellen67: I don't know if your post is directed to me... But yes, I have read that post earlier. I also understand why the author is not encouraging sue-happy customers.
@Here we Go Again: But you do admit to having/being an ignorant ###, eh?
Ah, JazzCat23 beat me to it.
@ellen67: http://www.crimedoctor.com/faq-shoplifting.htm#Shoplifting_10
For your convenience:
Q) "A security alarm went off as I exited the store. Security stopped me and embarrassed me by asking for a receipt and searching through my bags. Can security legally do this?"
A) "This search must be voluntary unless probable cause exists to believe that a theft has occurred."
When I mentioned stores getting sued, it was because the store security (and not the police) was the one detaining/arresting the customer. Everyone has the right to notify the police - who, of course, acts in accordance with the law.
I don't like to push my values on others. As aforementioned, I don't know why some would be so opposed to those standing up for their own rights.
The Walmart I shop at in Silver City doesn't even wait for you to set off a beeper. They check your receipt regardless. Due to the fact our town is so small, there really isn't anywhere else to shop. That being said I HATE WALMART! I agree with the OP. Being treated like a criminal after spending over a hundred dollars every time I go in the stupid store is plain insulting. I dont really care about their shoplifters. That is their problem and it should not be discourteously made into mine! I think the next time I am asked to show my receipt I am going to refuse. When they call the police on me in the parking lot I am then going to sue them for slander. If I bought it, its mine. What the dissenter of the OP dont seem to have is a sense of dignity or pride. More and more people are willing to be treated like criminals and chattel. The idea of standing up for ones rights I am afraid was lost during the civil rights movement. Next thing you know paying customers will be required to shop naked and leave the store in single file!
I welcome anyone who can document proof that setting off an alarm is reasonable PC everywhere in USA that is. (Forgot to add the last part).
@pobarjenkins: I read that the greatest amount of inventory shrinkage is actually due to employee theft. Stores should spend more time keeping an eye on their own staff.
I know in some states (ie Virginia), the sounding off of an alarm is sufficient PC. Unless the OP tells us where his Walmart is located, I don't think anyone can make absolute statements on his detainment. However, most stores do not accuse without 200% certainty, for fear of the legal backlash. (We have all heard of stories where customers were able to successfully sue the company). People have been known to set off alarms and still walk out unassaulted.
My personal opinion is that alarms are NOT sufficient PC and I felt the OP was thusly justified in his complaint.
I welcome anyone who can document proof that setting off an alarm is reasonable PC.
Okay, so you don't have to show the receipt, but why not? Very simple thing to do IF you are not hiding something. Usually as I go by the greeter I wave the receipt in their general direction. I've gone through the door, the alarm has gone off and I have stopped, turned around and shown my receipt. Nothing embarassing or humilation about that. If the poster is so "professional" and well-known in the community, he should know how to spell ridiculous. I do agree that being called a thief by Tony was wrong, but really not worth all of the time wasted by not showing a receipt.
I'm not weighing in on the issue at hand, I just wanted to mention that a large amount of theft is either concealed or actually placed in store bags.
The jerk made is own mess, have you ever heard of the saying pick your battles! Why should he feel offended when it is policy of Walmart to often check patron's receipt. Is it sometimes somewhat inconvenient? Yes, if it is in your wallet or purse, take a second of your time, and cooperate.This an example of what happens if you don't. Asking for a receipt is not the equivalency of a pat down, or a cavity search. Your and his rationalization is poor. If doesn't like being asked to prove his purchase, then he need not shop there. It was his conceit, and lack of manners, that got the entire situation. This in no way is a legitimate complaint. The worker was doing his job, and the jerk didn't want to cooperate. His poor choices and not wanted to comply is why he lost his dignity. I think it is laughable how some people think they deserve respect and consideration, but refuse to give any to anyone they feel is beneath them. I am sure anyone that frequents Walmart has been stopped dozen or more times. Usually, the greeters are elderly or disabled people, so what, he had to give some old guy, that still has to work because of the state of the economy a hard time?! To me, this is like going to a retirement home and poking a sleeping elderly person while sleeping! He is a complete ###, and got called on his behavior. Like a sulking teenager that didn't get his way, he had a fit, and had the nerve to complain!
Can I also mention that at Wal-Mart, the greeter checks the receipt for the number of the cash and cashier that processed the sale. If they failed to remove or disable a security tag, it goes into a log that keeps track of how many times this happens. So many times and the cashier gets in trouble for not disabling security tags. So it's not JUST an assumption that you've stolen something--there's a real purpose behind it.
@slynn1: Goodness, your comments are certainly something! Some points I'd like to make in return:
1. Employees are bound by rules that may not always apply to consumers.
2. Costco members sign an agreement. They probably agreed to bag checks (though I can't say with certainty, as I am not a member).
3. Walmart has the right to protect itself, but they may not violate other people's rights in the process.
4. Everyone has different values. You may relinquish your right to deny checks, but I don't think bashing on those who choose to stand up is reasonable.
5. While I agree OP could have been more courteous to the greeter, I doubt it would make much of a difference. Tony did not realize customers can walk away without showing the receipt. Even with a "No thanks" I think Tony would have given chase anyway.
7. Ultimately, the OP was delayed due to the greeter's ignorance.
8. Ignoratio elenchi. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignoratio_elenchi)
@ellen67: I agree there are all kinds of rudeness in the world and it exists on both sides of the fence. I can also imagine some people taking advantage of their rights to be a condescending jerk. But in regards to why some choose not to show their receipts, I can think of a few reasonable explanations:
1. They are in too much of a hurry. At busier times, there is a long line and only one checker; customers who are finished with their business might not want to wait X minutes more.
2. They want to exercise their rights. Sure it is much more convenient to just show your receipt, but rights are something people fight for. "Oh it's just 2 seconds of your time" might turn into "It's just a pat down" or "It's just a cavity search*" (*exaggerated for effect).
3. They feel it is a complete waste of time and that this a filmsy excuse of 'loss prevention'.
4. They are insulted; having to show proof of puchase insinuates they are guilty.
I suspect the OP's previous experiences with bag checks were less than ideal, leading him to make an oath to never comply with this particular policy again.
There are people without jobs, school funding all over the country is being cut, people are loosing their homes, jobs, and people with mental issues are ignored, and forced to fend for themselves on the streets. Beloved pets are being euthanized at animal shelters because their families cannot afford to feed them. Tornados, floods, and natural disasters are increasing all over the world. Stories of people dying in the recent tornado, loosing their homes, not receiving medical care! With all the many horrible things going on in this world, you have a home, family, and a successful business, and you have the nerve to act like a spoiled elitists ###! Why don't you focus your attention and resources on helping those less fortunate then you, and "get a life", instead of creating drama in your life. If your so bored, that you have to create problems, why not find a more meaning to your life. Be thankful for all you have, and help those less fortunate then yourself. I am sure petty stupid drama you are creating wont seem that important anymore..
You created your own mess! Walmart treats their own employees like that. If you purchase something during your shift, and leave after closing, the employee has to show a receipt to security. You should have just shown your receipt, and saved yourself a lot of time and trouble. Places like Costco, wont let you leave the store without proving you paid for the merchandise. Walmart has the right to protect itself from theft. If you don't like the stores policies then don't shop there anymore. I could care less if they ask me for a receipt, because I don't shoplift, and have nothing to hide. Your arrogance, and lack of curtsy to the staff is what started your mess! If you had done what the employee requested, you would have been out of there in a minute. You are the reason you were late to your daughter's birthday. Why create drama when you don't need to make any? Feel sorry for the poor dude who works at Walmart, it treats it's employees like crap and pays them crap! You took the employees dignity by ignoring his requests, and walking away, treating him like he was nothing, that is how you felt about him, he was beneath your notice. Your an ###, and deserved what happened to you. Take a look at your own disrespectful spiteful behavior. Like some kid, who refused to follow the rules, you got called on your behavior. It doesn't seem like you learned anything by it. Treat people like you want to be treated, and you will notice that they will treat you a hell of a lot better. Treat people like crap, and expect the same in return. If your so wealthy, why shop at Walmart anyway? If you want the great prices, then you have to deal with showing your receipt, wow, that must been hard!
@ellen67: Nah, I'm not advising, merely informing. Many people don't realize that they have the right to not submit to bag checks. And then there are people like Tony who is aggressive in his ignorance. You are absolutely right - the store can most definitely ban the person afterwards. But they cannot stop him or her from leaving simply because they refused to show proof of purchase.
Everyone has rights, but it is up to the individual to decide whether to exercise them or not.
@ellen67: Everyone is already entitled to decline these receipt checks though. Walmart also have several loss prevention systems in place; furthermore, it should not be the customers' responsibility to ensure it.
I've seen greeters do less than a thorough job at checking the receipts against the purchased goods. (In fact, don't most spend less than 10 seconds on it?) I don't think Walmart's loss prevention hinges on the door checker.
I understand refusal to show a receipt might raise suspicion, but technically (read 'lawfully') that is not enough probable cause for detainment/arrest.
@Pobarjenkins: Some people might find bag/receipt checks insulting, bothersome, and violating.
@ellen67: "If you have done nothing wrong, it makes sense to be quick to prove it." I think it would make more sense for the accuser to prove I had done something wrong.
@Here We Go Again: "Just don't ### when you have to return it and they refuse because it sets off the alarm when you come back in." I don't see anything written about the OP returning the product?
While I understand you can refuse to show your receipt, I do not really understand why you would. Sometimes I actually offer my receipt to be checked by the people at the door.
People who refuse to simply show a receipt as proof of purchase are most likely hiding something.
Judging by some of the comments, apparently it is not well known that at places like Walmart, customers have a legal right to refuse bag/receipt checks. They CANNOT detain you unless they have reasonable grounds of suspecting you of shoplifting. ("Innocent until proven guilty").
And for people's curiosities: Taken from crimedoctor.com, satfisfaction of all of the following constitutes "reasonable grounds of shoplifting suspicion":
1.You must see the shoplifter approach your merchandise
2.You must see the shoplifter select your merchandise
3.You must see the shoplifter conceal or carry away or convert your merchandise
4.You must maintain continuous observation the shoplifter
5.You must see the shoplifter fail to pay for the merchandise
6.You must approach the shoplifter outside of the store
Tony was really out of line. Proclaiming you as a thief sounds like defamation.
"the staff knows me and even after seeing me at the express line buying a soda and magazine they still want proof of the purchase"
Because part-time cashiers remember every single person that buys soda and magazines. And even if they do vaguely remember you, that doesn't mean they know you well enough to be sure you wouldn't steal. People from all walks of life will commit theft.
I am not saying he is a bad guy. I think that the OP is being over senstitive, and that if he had shown his receipt the whole debacle would never had happened
so since when is a PAYING customer the bad guy for making a complaint I shop in walmart and the staff knows me and even after seeing me at the express line buying a soda and magazine they still want proof of the purchase its stupid and unnecessary especially in loopranes situation had he really not paid for electronics loos prevention wouldnt have even let him near the door so the fact that he was in the parking lot when a greeter starts calling him theif without any proof is disgusting and I agree humiliating
The easist thing would have been to show your reciept or not shop at Walmart, i find the uk equivalent is much the same the amount of the times the bleeper goes off is amazing and 9 x out of 10 nobody bats an eyelid as it happens so often. Just avoid Walmart in future and take your business somewhere else.
I think that it is unfortunate that the sensors are regularly malfunctioning. HOWEVER I do not think there is anything wrong with having to show a receipt. I do not think it is demeaning at all. Nor does it have to take long- all you have to do is leave the receipt within easy reach. Stores need to take measures to guard against shoplifters and these measures do not necessarily mean that the person is a shoplifter.