I haven't been going to the local IGA very often, but since my schedule is tighter now it seemed like a convenient alternative to Pathmark. But it doesn't save time if you frequently have to go back to get things fixed.
Today's fiasco--There was one checker on, the girl with one paralyzed arm. She really can't bag very well, so I bagged myself instead of watching as each thing rang up.
Since I record my spending in Quicken, and divide things by grocery, pet, nonfood and tax, I look at my receipts pretty carefully. As it turned out, she missed taking off some coupons, took another coupon off too many times, and one item rang up higher than the sale price. It wasn't easy to figure out as their receipt is very hard to read. I actually made up a spreadsheet to show the customer service person where the mistakes were.
The checker is one problem, the weird receipt is another, the final one is a store policy. Every other store around here gives you the item free if the price rings up wrong. Not the IGA. As a result, I ended up getting $2 back rather than $4.19. And that, after fooling around for 1/2 an hour trying to figure it out.
I've had problems there several times before, even though I don't go there very often. OTOH, I go to places like Pathmark, Target, Aldi, and Stop and Shop much more often and I can't remember the last time it happened.
I think it's worth my while to continue with Pathmark, even with the drive time. And, it's another example of why I don't feel guilty for shopping at chains rather than local businesses.
IGA rant--why should I go to locally owned stores when they always mess up?
October 26th, 2006 at 07:52 pm
October 26th, 2006 at 08:45 pm 1161895546
October 26th, 2006 at 10:01 pm 1161900115
Too bad you are having such problems there. Ours is a delightful experience, though not cheaper than the bigger stores unless they have a coupon book going. But they mark down meats daily and I can get some good deals there.
October 26th, 2006 at 10:03 pm 1161900194
I hate being one of those people with a magnifying glass with my grocery receipt, but when you work so hard to clip the coupons and buy what's on sale, it is so frustrating when they don't do it right!
Have you ever talked to their management? I sure would!
October 26th, 2006 at 10:19 pm 1161901141
The prices they charge are the main reason. Even if I have to drive 20 miles to Aldi's or BJ's, I save money. I'll stop and get milk or bread if I need to, but try not to.
It was a great place for him to work and save money for college, but not the best shopping experience.
October 27th, 2006 at 05:36 am 1161927397