Mr Old Grumps

So, today I went to 'Tesco Xtra'.  I like Tesco Xtra.

Today though, I was less than impressed by the service I received there.

Being 'old' myself I really like the idea that these big companies are employing the 'over 50's'.  Apparently it's because the over 50's have a good work ethic and are more reliable!!!!

As my very old boss (he was probably the age I am now) in 1981 said, 'One should never assume'.  Never indeed.  'Mr Old Grumps' should certainly not be employed in a customer facing environment.

I know that 'Tesco checkout staff' have several questions that they are supposed to ask each new customer when at the checkout.  Someone actually told me that they have a button under their till that they press when they've asked the 'question'.  Mr Old Grumps probably pressed the button but didn't ask the question!

Not sure if Tesco have CCTV with sound, focused on all their tills but honestly - Mr Old Grumps didn't ask me any questions.

To be honest, it drives me mad the number of stupid questions Tesco employee's ask:

How are you today?
Would you like any help with your packing?
Have you got your own bags?
Etc etc etc.

.........But 'Mr Old Grumps' made me even more mad!

Having just heard on the news a couple of days ago that everyone is going to have to start paying 5p for a carrier bags, why then did 'Mr Old Grumps' have loads of them just lying around on his check out for me to pick up?  I probably could have packed my shopping into at least 30 Tesco carrier bags if I wanted to.

I actually like Tesco's 'bag policy'.  I always take my own bags but if I do happen to need one or two more bags, I just ask the check out people and they are usually happy to oblige.

Today I had wine (in my wine carrier) and a big bag for the rest of my shopping.  However, I'd also bought a sweater and a pair of boots (which I just put into a Tesco bag) and some place mats, a baking tray, birthday cards and magazines (which I put into another Tesco bag).  At no point did 'Mr Old Grumps' check how many bags I was using.

My bill at Tesco's this afternoon came to over £100 but at no point did 'Mr Old Grumps' actually talk to me.  The only thing he said to me was - 'That's £108.45'.

He didn't ask me for my club card, he didn't ask me for any vouchers, he didn't ask me how I wanted to pay - I had to offer him all these things myself.  In fact, to be honest I wondered if he was 'mute'?  though I was sure if Tesco were employing someone mute they would have had systems in place so that people would have known.  And anyway he wasn't mute because the lady in the queue behind me was obviously someone who was known to him and he was having a right old laugh with her.

...........And just to make matters worse - he handed me my receipt (without saying anything) - along with a another bit of paper that said, 'You've saved 2p today'.

Fabulous - I've saved 2p - Wonder how many trees have been cut down to tell me that?????

PS - I've just checked my receipt.  He's not added on my points for having two of my own bags.  Nor did I get any 'money off' vouchers (which I'm sure I would have got for spending more than £100).  Just as well I'm not a ranty old spinster isn't it?  Otherwise I'd be emailing Tesco Head Office now. LOL!