Do You Open/Consume Items from a Store before Paying?

Lniggardly on 15/01/2025 - 14:33
Last edited 16/01/2025 - 16:16 by 2 other users

So Bilalwentwild's family seems like they open icecreams and eat from supermarkets before they pay for the items.

Just want to check if this is normal/ok?

What stops someone doing this then if security guard sees they'll pay, and if no one sees, they put the opened icecream box back onto the shelves? Risk free theft?

I was always taught to pay for something before I open/eat/use etc. I know some stores specifically mention not to open until payment and a lot of places have a process in place for people that is in a hurry to pay and open then go back into the store as the security guard will have a sticker to indicate the item has already been paid for.

FYI, no other countries do this.

Do you pay before you open?

Poll Options

  • 752
    Pay before use
  • 15
    Use and dont pay
  • 112
    Use before pay
Food & Grocery

Comments

      • Jackson on 18/01/2025 - 11:05

        Unfortunately, common sense is lost on most people here. They only compute 1s and 0s

    • CaptainJack on 15/01/2025 - 15:21
      +11

      Isn't this why the supermarkets have free fruit for kids though?

      • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 16:22
        +7

        Yes, but were they adequately washed? Does it suit all children, every time? Toddlers can't eat most fruit on their own, but can suck on a baby food pouch.

      • barge-in hunter on 15/01/2025 - 16:45
        +4

        Not all supermarkets do

        For fun, next time you see a little kid eating fruit in a supermarket I want you to ask yourself "how do I know that they took that from the 'free fruit basket?'".

        • CaptainJack on 15/01/2025 - 19:16
          +2

          With the fruit it's all the same stuff. There's no advantage to taking the "not free" ones.

          But yes, when you see a parent giving their child a yoghurt, you certainly don't know if they will be honest and pay for it. Some will but some don't.

      • TEER3X on 16/01/2025 - 06:25
        +4

        Found the non parent

      • Cheap Gamer on 16/01/2025 - 09:05

        Fruit only makes kids scream louder. Can't say I blame them.

      • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 16:41
        +29

        Yep, just leave him at home alone for a couple of hours, I'm sure he'll survive.

      • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 16:44
        -4

        To inflict screaming tantrum misery on the max numbers at once?
        Have a wing-man to blame things on?

      • Orion au on 17/01/2025 - 16:41

        You didn't think about this before you posted, did you?

    • sammm on 16/01/2025 - 08:49

      i have a couple of times, put the chocolate i was going to buy in my bag walked out, half way home, then realised i didn't pay. I went back and told the shop i didn't pay for the item. they looked at me as if i was crazy.

      • markathome on 16/01/2025 - 23:58
        +1

        This was more cut-and-dry when you went through a checkout lane, but now days I feel if Woolworths is unhappy with my performance at the self-checkout, then they should hire better checkout clerks. Otherwise they're stuck with however good or bad I am at it and any mistakes I or their software makes along the way.

        I don't make many, but I'm not going to fall apart if something goes under the wrong category or is skipped. Again, if you want better scanning, ditch the self checkouts and bring back the clerks.

    • Cheap Gamer on 16/01/2025 - 09:01
      -1

      This is the only acceptable reason, and I'm sure the staff are totally supportive. Screaming kids in the checkout line make me want to cut myself, except I can't anymore because Coles removed all their knives. ;-)

      • OzzyBrak on 17/01/2025 - 19:28

        Unless you’ve been stacking those flybuys knife credits, those can be redeemed for a knife prize.

    • theguyrules on 16/01/2025 - 15:21
      +1

      Same here

    • hamroll on 16/01/2025 - 21:12
      +2

      Yeah I used to do this too, I think the younger they are, the more it’s needed, there came a time when I had to decide to put my foot down and told my son he needed to wait for us to pay for it first.

    • cunningdrew on 17/01/2025 - 13:04
      +1

      You're speaking like someone with a child, as opposed to a 20 odd year old with a righteous view on the world.

    • Muppet Detector on 17/01/2025 - 21:39
      -1

      I wonder how parents used to do the grocery shopping before they invented those single serve yoghurt thingies…

    • profounddominator on 27/01/2025 - 19:43

      https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19fdUZkcR4/

      Hope you're not like this

  • Aleigh123 on 15/01/2025 - 14:58
    +9

    I would never open something unless I'd purchased it. But I've also worked at a supermarket before and quite a lot of people will eat something in-store (usually a drink, small bar of chocolate, or a small snack for kids) and just give me the wrapper. As far as I know, the store doesn't care as long as they get their money. What's worse is when people grab something from the cooked chicken area (like fried chicken) and leave it half-eaten in the aisles.

  • Dollar General on 15/01/2025 - 15:00
    +25

    I like to try on the condoms for a perfect fit before I buy them

    • crentist on 15/01/2025 - 15:57
      +3

      Having trouble finding an XXS that delivers on the promise?

      • wetsandwich on 15/01/2025 - 16:04
        +1

        Got to be sure before purchasing a lifetime supply.

        • crentist on 15/01/2025 - 16:07
          +3

          I just got a pair of kids size latex gloves and cut the five fingers off. Works a treat.
          Not sure what to do with the second glove though

    • bobbified on 15/01/2025 - 18:15

      are you used to getting the regular ones that fall right off?

    • lunchbox99 on 17/01/2025 - 01:29

      Like Daniel Radcliffe on Extras where he is carrying around an unrolled condom https://www.tiktok.com/@randyarizona/video/72649552286618288…

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 15/01/2025 - 15:00
    +13

    WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY

  • pegaxs on 15/01/2025 - 15:05
    +2

    *a lot

    I don’t care so much about this if their intent is to pay for it, than I do about the shit (fropanity) kids who go straight to the self serve bag-&-weigh display and just grab a hand full of lollies to walk around and munch on because mum said “yeah, it’s ok, just grab some…”

    • Baysew on 15/01/2025 - 15:21
      +1

      Also: noone and countires

  • mskeggs on 15/01/2025 - 15:08
    +13

    Lots of people in this forum love policing and judging others without spending much time thinking about other people's motivations.

    • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 15:41

      FTFY
      Lots of people in this forum love policing and judging others without spending much time thinking about other people's motivations coming here for tribal judgement, village permission to be an arse and for universal validation.

      • Moi Too on 17/01/2025 - 11:43

        ^ +10

    • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 16:29
      -1

      OzBargain has been infected with Karenism. The landfill police is the worst offender.

  • Bruceflix on 15/01/2025 - 15:14
    +9

    I don't believe in the death penalty. Well, except for 2 reasons.

    For people that clap when the plane lands. And, for people that consume items in the store before paying.

    It's just weird.

  • pizzaforlunch on 15/01/2025 - 15:21
    +6

    I start drink my slurpee before i pay

    • WatchNerd on 16/01/2025 - 06:37
      +2

      Oh yeah, do you top back up after doing a lap around the store then pay?

  • Baysew on 15/01/2025 - 15:23
    +5

    So Bilal's family seems like they open icecreams and eat from supermarkets before they pay for the items.

    No they paid at Coles.

    • MS Paint on 15/01/2025 - 15:28

      This comment suggests they do what OP is asking about.

      • WeHaveRicePudding on 17/01/2025 - 07:06

        Whilst the assumption from the wife was doing the honest thing I don't think that gives any user on this forum the right to personally and publicly attack someone without giving the correct story in the first place.

        This post didn't need to mention names. It could have been a generic question that would have still got the same outcome without making another user feel like crap about their already crap situation which was that they paid twice and woolies wouldn't fix it.

  • jv on 15/01/2025 - 15:25
    +3

    Do You Open/Consume Items from a Store before Paying?

    I'm getting a bit tired of the condom posts lately…

    • Daabido on 15/01/2025 - 15:32
      +2

      1000 in 12 hours is a bit too much.

    • Bruceflix on 15/01/2025 - 15:32

      You win this one

  • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 15:26
    +5

    More poll options please
    Don't eat in supermarkets

    Eat before you shop,it's not a diner, DH

    • THICKnSLOW on 16/01/2025 - 07:36
      +1

      Shop at Costco for samples fine dining!

  • Daabido on 15/01/2025 - 15:31
    +2

    I feel safe knowing that OP is across international law regarding eating of items prior to purchase.

  • Sye on 15/01/2025 - 15:33
    +1

    Reminds me of the Holly's restaurants in Kmart. Yes I'm that old.

  • Fredfloresjr on 15/01/2025 - 15:37
    +1

    This is the rules at Kings Cross. Taste before pay.

  • Boioioioi on 15/01/2025 - 15:40
    +1

    Not generally, I think maybe once or twice when I was really thirsty I've grabbed a drink and had a few sips before paying at checkout

  • sticky8anana on 15/01/2025 - 15:46
    +2

    yes pay b4 use, but not always.. some local fruit shops let you try the stuff before buying so why not

  • crentist on 15/01/2025 - 16:11
    +3

    I sometimes do this with water bottles if I'm very thirsty. Food feels different due to mess and such but also, why not.

    In fact, I think eating in store might be a really good idea. The stores spend a lot of money planning out where to put groceries so we walk around longer than we need to and buy more crap we didn't need.
    If I'm feeling hungry and they're making sure I pass a bag of bacon cheese rolls on the way in, why not scarf it down before I reach the chips aisle.

    This would save a TON of money

    • Moi Too on 17/01/2025 - 11:49

      There's this thing called Self Control. I hear it's very big among non-robotic adults these days.

      • crentist on 17/01/2025 - 12:24

        Cool idea. Definitely not the core of the point I was making.
        Better tell the supermarkets and advertising industry that people cant be manipulated

        • Moi Too on 17/01/2025 - 12:35

          The rationale behind self-control is that you can't be manipulated if you exercise it. Brilliant idea, actually.

  • loulou1 on 15/01/2025 - 16:18
    +7

    I will admit that every single time I do the big grocery shop, I consume an iced coffee before I reach the checkout. As long as the consumed item was paid for before I left, I thought no theft has occurred.
    However, I just looked it up, https://www.qld.gov.au/law/crime-and-police/types-of-crime/s… and possibly I am a criminal after all, right up until the time that I do pay for it. From now on I might play it safe. Buy the iced coffee, then go back in to do my shopping.

    • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 16:25
      +6

      eating or drinking something in a shop without paying

      So eating at a restaurant is shoplifting till you pay the bill? C'mon, that's not what that means.

      • loulou1 on 15/01/2025 - 16:44

        Bullet points two and four are different, Bullet point four is for restaurants

        • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 16:47
          +5

          Notice (2) says without paying, not before paying 😉

          • loulou1 on 15/01/2025 - 17:09
            +3

            @wisdomtooth: Ok fantastic, I won’t lay awake at night wondering if the police are after me

            • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 17:13
              -3

              @loulou1: Tbs, I asked CGPT:

              In Queensland, consuming items in a supermarket before paying could potentially be considered shoplifting, depending on the circumstances. Under Queensland's criminal law, shoplifting involves dishonestly taking goods without intending to pay for them. If you consume an item before paying and there is no intent to pay, it would be considered shoplifting.

              However, if you consume the item and subsequently pay for it at checkout, it is generally not considered theft. That said, some supermarkets may have policies against consuming unpaid goods on their premises. To avoid misunderstandings, it’s advisable to pay for items before consuming them or seek permission from store staff.

              Yes, rest easy 😊

              • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 18:09
                -1

                @wisdomtooth: It's QLD.
                I'm guessing they 'cherry pick' who they charge.

              • OzzyBrak on 17/01/2025 - 22:00

                @wisdomtooth: We’re doomed when this is level of DYOR these days.

                Unauthorised dealing with shop goods
                (1)Any person who, with respect to goods in a shop of a value of $150 or less—
                (a)consumes them without the consent, express or implied, of the person in lawful possession of them;

                https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/2…

                • wisdomtooth on 18/01/2025 - 08:49

                  @OzzyBrak:

                  You're absolutely right—thank you for pointing that out. According to Queensland's Regulatory Offences Act 1985, consuming goods in a shop without the express or implied consent of the owner is considered "unauthorised dealing with shop goods," even if the intent is to pay later.

                  This makes it clear that consent is a critical factor. If you consume goods without the shop's permission, it could be an offence under this law, regardless of whether you intend to pay for them afterward.

                  I appreciate the clarification, and I will ensure greater precision when addressing legal queries in the future. Let me know if you'd like me to refine any earlier statements further.

                  • OzzyBrak on 18/01/2025 - 10:08

                    @wisdomtooth: Do yourself a favour and stop using genai. It’s all garbage.

    • xuqi on 16/01/2025 - 08:59

      You pay for yours eventually, I've seen plenty of others leave empty tins & bottles on Colesworth shelves.

    • lechuck123 on 16/01/2025 - 13:12
      +2

      Don't worry. I worked at Woolies in a store for many years, no-one at the store is going to care as long as you pay for it on your way out.

      Maybe if you look like you're high on meth, then a security guard might approach you. But as a normal person doing some shopping and drinking your iced coffee, really no-one gives af.

      This was in NSW, but even with real shoplifters we were always told we needed to wait until they left the store. Technically no crime had been committed by shoving razor blades down their pants.

      • wisdomtooth on 16/01/2025 - 16:35

        😵

      • Protractor on 17/01/2025 - 12:02

        WTF?
        After the shoplifters left you dished out tribal justice by way of thrusting razor blades down the front of their dacks?
        Christ on a bike.That is a deterrent.

        • lechuck123 on 19/01/2025 - 13:15

          They thought twice about coming about after the razor blade treatment.

          Just in case anyone was actually confused, it was the shoplifters that shoved things down their pants.

    • Loopholio on 16/01/2025 - 16:33

      I do love drinking iced coffee while I shop. The self service checkout doesn't like the light weight so I need assistance.

      Next time I'm going to buy the coffee then turn around and shop.

      • wisdomtooth on 16/01/2025 - 16:37
        +1

        I'm pretty sure the supermarket is more than happy for you to drink your coffee while you shop, so you… last longer, and buy more.

    • depecid on 17/01/2025 - 09:59

      Does this work for Liquorland too? Can you crack open a hard solo whilst browsing the shelves?

      • loulou1 on 17/01/2025 - 11:17

        I would be hard pressed to do that, in QLD out alcohol stores are not attached to our supermarkets

  • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 16:30

    no other countries do this.

    False.

    • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 16:54

      Educate us. Which countries do?

      • MS Paint on 15/01/2025 - 17:27
        +2

        I asked AI in which countries is the name Bilal popular.

        The results are….

        Pakistan
        Lebanon
        Algeria
        Morocco
        Saudi Arabia
        Egypt
        Turkey
        United Arab Emirates
        Afghanistan

        So I'm guessing it is acceptable practice in these countries*

        *Probably not

        • Bruceflix on 15/01/2025 - 17:37
          +1

          I believe in a lot of those countries shoplifters will be separated from their hands.

      • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 17:29

        Italy, India, Brazil, parts of the US, especially Massachusetts, Virginia, California… jurisdictions in which theft requires intent.

        • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 18:05

          Go Australia, you civilised beauty
          The USA situation is so the lawyers don't go hungry, same in India, except it's all around class structures.
          In Italy the Mafia makes the rules, in Brazil sort of similar.
          If I was a gambling man I'd say we will be (almost there) the equivalent of the worst of them as far as social norms, in no time. We might be the lucky country, but no-one wants to lift a finger or speak up to keep it that way.
          Politically we are being dragged towards USA at the speed of light.

          • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 18:13

            @Protractor: "being dragged"?? Australia has been US territory since WW2!! It's part of Roosevelt's loot of the British Empire!

  • OhMaJuck on 15/01/2025 - 16:57
    +4

    Generally, always pay first. However, with my 3-year-old, I would always open a pack of yogurt pouch for her to consume and pay at checkout.

    • Bruceflix on 15/01/2025 - 17:39
      -5

      You know shops actually have fruit bins for kids to eat healthy while parents shop?

      • CheapandUsed on 15/01/2025 - 17:54
        +2

        You know shops actually have fruit bins for kids to eat healthy while parents shop

        Aldi needs to get it together then!

        If a shop does offer free fruit I only let my kids have banana's… Who knows who has touched a Pear or Apple before your kid bites into it.

        • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 18:01

          Not to mention the pesticides!

        • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 18:06
          +1

          Aldi apple has been man handled by grubby customer fingers well before Little Johnny gets a chance to wrap his laughing gear around it.

          • wisdomtooth on 15/01/2025 - 18:08
            +1

            @Protractor: That's why one should always wash produce before putting it in the fridge.

            • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 18:14

              @wisdomtooth: Aint any nasties on Aussie fruit maaaaaaate!
              We are 100% clean and friggin' green.Safe as shouses. She'll be right.
              /s

        • Hangryuman on 16/01/2025 - 17:32

          ah - that explains why Coles World Square I seem to recall only seeing bananas in the free-for-kids bin - and I saw a kid the other day take one

          I felt like one, but my Sunday School training wouldn't let me … :-(

        • Moi Too on 17/01/2025 - 12:00

          Exactly! People who eat skinned fruit such as apples, pears, grapes etc, right off the stand are eating the muck that every other shopper has put on it while they were feeling for the freshest ones. People with herpetic whitlow shop for fruit too, folks……

          Also, the wax coating that's put over the insecticide when the fruit is growing in the field is also still there.

          How people can eat that without even thinking about it is beyond me!

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