‘I totally ignore them,’ says Walmart shopper who refuses pickup policy — but they’d react differently at Costco

ALTHOUGH many people are not willing to show their receipt to any business that asks for it, one customer said he would kindly give it to a particular store.

Over the past year, major retailers like Walmart have increased security measures to protect their products as rampant thefts spread across the country.

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Many of these measures included more security inside stores, often through stationed officers, more cameras or locking items on shelves.

There’s a policy that leaves many shoppers frustrated because they say it detracts from their shopping experience: checking receipts.

Receipt checks are usually found after a customer has checked out and paid for their items using a self-checkout machine.

Retailers have defended the policy as a way to curb shoplifting as well as ensure shoppers don’t accidentally overpay for certain items.

However, customers have criticized the policy, claiming it increases the time it takes to leave a store, contradicting the idea that self-checkout is supposed to make it faster.

Many have taken to social media to express their frustrations, saying they are refusing to respond to requests for receipts.

A buyer revealed in Xthe social media platform formerly known as Twitter, which “completely ignores” Walmart employees when questioned.

However, they stressed that they will comply when shopping at Costco, as the retailer uses a membership model that requires customers to agree to receive checks when signing up.

“Costco is a club to join the club, you agree to the checks on the way out, but Walmart is not self checkout at Walmart. I either completely ignore them or hand over the receipt and keep walking,” the shopper said.

Many other shoppers also revealed that they specifically ignore receipt checks at Walmart.

“I don’t show mine. They ask me ‘Do you have your receipt?’ my answer is yes and I keep walking,” one customer said in a Facebook post.

“Now when they start making bags big enough to hold large items like tissues, etc., and mine isn’t in a bag, I don’t mind showing it.

“Not until then!”

Other Said they pretend be on the phone when passing employees to avoid being questioned.

There has been a lot of debate about whether it is legal for these retailers to require presentation of a receipt before leaving the store.

Camron Dowlatshahi, a Los Angeles attorney, told The US Sun that it depends on whether you’re still inside the store.

A Lawyer’s Top 5 Receipt Checking Tips

Los Angeles attorney Camron Dowlatshahi spoke with The US Sun about receipt checks and a customer’s rights and options when asked to show their receipt.

1. There has been a lot of debate surrounding the legality of a retailer asking to see your receipt, but if it’s in the store, it’s completely legal. “Apparently there is nothing illegal about this. You are still on the company premises and the reason for doing this is to avoid theft”, confirms Dowlatshahi.
2. However, if they’re kicking you out of the store, that changes things, Dowlatshahi said. “Location is important,” he explained. “If you’re outside the store, you’re in the parking lot and they come and start accusing you of stealing and that you have to show the receipt, I think it’s a little bit of a different situation because now you’re in your way.”
3. Although customers can say no to receipt checks, it can cause problems if you do so and the store suspects you of stealing. “You might say no, maybe it will create an unnecessary hassle for you because now you might have the police coming to your house and following up,” Dowlatshahi said.
4. If you’re being blocked from leaving a store because you refused a receipt check, you may have legal action – but the store must have detained you for a long time. “Let’s say it’s for hours, that’s certainly false imprisonment, and they didn’t have any impetus to do it,” Dowlatshahi explained. “If a client has been emotionally traumatized by being detained for false imprisonment, I would definitely encourage [them] process.”
5. “I would say, show your receipt,” he concluded. “It’s a very simple thing to do. If you haven’t stolen anything, it’s relatively simple to do,” the lawyer advised.

(According to Camron Dowlatshahifounding partner of Mills Sadat Dowlat LLP)

“Apparently there is nothing illegal about this. You are still on company premises and the reason to do this is to prevent theft,” Dowlatshahi said.

The lawyer stated that buyers can opt out of these receipt checks.

However, this may cause store employees to suspect you of shoplifting.

Although the policy can be a hassle, experts advise customers to comply with the security measure.