I don't like it when grocery stores are constantly asking for donations

[Tidybuoy]

It bugs me when every time I get to the register the clerk is asking me if I want to make a donation to some cause. I believe in charity but I don't like being asked. I prefer to be anonymous.

That said, the other day I was asked by a clerk if I wanted to donate to their charity and I replied "I will if you will" and the clerk looked at me completely stumped. She didn't understand and said huh? I said get your wallet and I'll match whatever you donate. She then said they were not allowed to do that. I said "huh" and left.

Am I being rude? This caught me at a bad time and wasn't feeling it.

[tadd]

Yes. Its not like the employee has any control. You do what you are told on the job.

BTDT years ago working for walden books. They were the first with a membership club. We were required to tell. If a secret shopper came thru and didn't get asked, you could be fired.

[drkshdw]

If it's not begging for a charity, it's begging to be put on their email list. Or signing up for rewards. Or asking if you have their store card. Or asking about what you're going to do with whatever you're buying. I'm over it all. Scan my crap, take my money and let me go.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Tidybuoy

It bugs me when every time I get to the register the clerk is asking me if I want to make a donation to some cause. I believe in charity but I don't like being asked. I prefer to be anonymous.

That said, the other day I was asked by a clerk if I wanted to donate to their charity and I replied "I will if you will" and the clerk looked at me completely stumped. She didn't understand and said huh? I said get your wallet and I'll match whatever you donate. She then said they were not allowed to do that. I said "huh" and left.

Am I being rude? This caught me at a bad time and wasn't feeling it.

what a jackass.

[69porsche]

There's a polite way of refusing it....when asked...."Not today Thank you!....that's all that has to be said, no backlash at the cashier or any explanation....those four words that's all

[Evans, Marv]

Too many business organizations assuming you should donate to whatever. Things like this get the public burned out on being generous and donating when a serious need comes around. And yes, just a simple declination is fine.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

what a jackass.

I totally agree with the OP, I donate to charities but the ones I chose not random ones that I'm being shamed into donating in public at the register.

Plus as was posted the supermarket doesn't give a fark about the charity they just want to data mine the phone number you just put in to get discounts.

Also agree the complaining to the cashier is pointless, like complaining about gas prices to the guy working at the gas station.

[matthewb0051]

I spent 22 years in the Army and 1 year working in the fed gvt. I'm over the combined federal campaign. Its just a diversion for people to not work while on the clock and heaven forbid if you don't give.

No you are right. Our local Safeway always has some donation to the hungry on the CC swipe machine. They just don't tell you who the $$ is going to other than "the hungry".

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I totally agree with the OP, I donate to charities but the ones I chose not random ones that I'm being shamed into donating in public by a keypad at the register.

Plus as was posted the supermarket doesn't give a fark about the charity they just want to data mine the phone number you just put in to get discounts.

Also agree the complaining to the cashier is pointless, like complaining about gas prices to the guy working at the gas station.

That makes 2 dicks on this thread then.

Seriously, the cashier is doing their job, nothing more. If you have an issue with the practice, be polite and say no, remember politeness? and ask where you can find the manager to complain. He'll refer you to corporate.

Why are there so many bitter dicks in the world? What is wrong with your life that you feel you need to take it out on someone just doing their job?

[Bugsinrugs]

When asked....Would you like to donate to prostate cancer, I respond No....I prefer to donate to the fight against prostate cancer . I get the funny look.

[Gretch]

Why are there so many virtue signaling, self preening, fools?

[vash]

i would not have gone after the cashier. that cant be a fun job..and add having to pander for some charity. bleech.

i just say "no thanks". i suspect the cashier doesn't give it any more thought..it's gone the second the next person steps up. zero guilt.

move on.

if it is a hot-ass cashier, i lie. "oh i just donated earlier today, so thanks"

[widebody911]

Donating to one of these point-of-sale charities is personal data equivalent of a girl in a bar at closing time saying "OMG, I am soooo drunk, and I need a ride home"

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Gretch

Why are there so many virtue signaling, self preening, fools?

someone's been triggered. Here's what you need to do, go to your safe space, spend a few moments decompressing, take a deep breath, it will be ok, really, and then craft an explanation about how it's appropriate to be rude to someone who is doing their job and has no control of the situation you are upset about. And a TINY situation that has no impact on your life, at all.

Millennials, sheesh, it's always all about them. ME, ME, ME. All about me and my feelings, such a self-centered, self-important lot you are. Time to grow up I think.

[legion]

In general, I don't do it. I will toss money in the Salvation Army bucket, but they aren't going to harass me for the rest of the year because they don't know who I am. I also know people inside the Salvation Army and am familiar with that organization.

One of my biggest problems with this is that I have no chance to vet the charity at a cash register and it is often not clear where your money will really go. It is not uncommon for charities with seemingly noncontroversial aims to in turn make donations to charities with clear political ideologies. I can cite several examples of this. Susan G. Komen makes large donations to Planned Parenthood. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is not affiliated with local Humane Societies and is really a front group for PETA. It is also not uncommon for charities to pay their executives and staffs lavish salaries (and benefits, and travel) and spend very little on their actual cause. It's too easy for a seemingly innocuous request to actually fund something that I vehemently oppose.

[URY914]

I just fart when they ask.

[ckelly78z]

Harbor Freight is the one I have a problem with, they will not proceed without a phone # and name, ask if you a member, ask if you are on the flyer mailing list.....just let me pay cash and walk out, I don't want to be accosted every time I need a screwdriver.

[speedster911]

The cashier, the person that eventually answers the phone after 10 minutes of frustrating VM questions you when you try and resolve an internet issue, a clerk at a store that cannot locate an item although their website states they have ten in stock...... the list goes on and on. These folks tend to be the lowest paid in the organization and we would like to think that what we say can affect change - But it will not.

I fight myself like heck to not get mad because usually common sence is lacking. I ask myself if this was my mom or my daughter how would I react. Like Matt stated, just be polite - a no thankyou response is sufficient.

[Rick Lee]

It's worse here. After you get dunned at checkout, there are almost always some kids waiting for you as you exit the door. It's Girl Scouts selling cookies, young boys in coat and tie, asking for donations for their Glee Club and on and on. It's always kids. I have donated a lot in the last year to causes I care about, but I get irritated about being asked twice as I try to get home from grocery shopping. And there there are the panhandlers at most big intersections around here.

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

what a jackass.

Except if she had coughed up a $50, I would have matched it.....jackass!