Ethics

For the week ending 20 January 2007 / 1 Shevat 5767

Slowing Down the Express Line

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library
Question: The supermarket in which I shop has an express checkout counter for people purchasing six items or less so that they will not have to wait for a long time in the lines of heavy shoppers. I find it very frustrating when I wish to take advantage of this service and observe shoppers with many more than the stated limit taking unfair advantage to check out quickly at my expense. What is the right thing to do?

Answer: Your frustration is understandable but let us examine your options.

Reprimanding your fellow customer will most likely be an exercise in futility because he or she probably doesn't take seriously the sign limiting the service to six items. Calling this violation to the attention of the clerk at the express checkout counter will probably not achieve much either because she is in the middle of making up the bill for her current customer and has no time to listen to your complaint.

The only reasonable option is to let the supermarket manager know that his establishment will lose credibility if the limit announced at the express checkout counter is not adhered to, and that it is therefore important for him to enforce this rule by stressing to his clerks that they must turn away from that line anyone who exceeds the six-item limit.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at [email protected] and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Ethics

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.