Have you ever been shocked when you got to the cash register?
By writersedge
@writersedge (22563)
United States
March 30, 2010 7:01pm CST
A friend of mine and I went shopping. I thought the amount she had was starting to really mount up. But I didn't say anything. She and I spend different amounts on things and I thought she was keeping track. She got to the register and I'm not sure, but I think she almost fainted. Over 100 dollars. She felt she only had a few items. Well, unless you're at the dollar store, it doesn't take long to end up over $100 and she actually made more than a few items. She had about 20 items with an average cost of $5 an item. That plus most of the items were taxable. Tax is 8% here.
So have you ever shopped and had sticker shock at the register? I did and it was at the same place a few decades ago. I think that store should have a warning sign, "Caution, items add up to a lot of money quickly at this store." I've learned to really add at this store when I'm there, make a list and stick to one item per interest. It's easy to pick up 5 of something you like and that's $25 right there. Unless they're on sale, that can add up to a lot of $. Is there one story in your area that people can overspend very easily on?
3 people like this
7 responses
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
4 Apr 10
That happened to me when I bought my little toaster oven...right after the state sales tax went to 8.75% last summer. It was on sale for $50 marked down from $60. It rung up and the girl says "$60...(something)" I said, "It was on sale for $50" She said, "yes...it is for $50, but you have sales tax..." and she turned the screen to me and there it was .... $50 plus tax for a total of $60! Thought I'd pass out! Here I finally got to buy a little better quality and nicer looking one that I usually do and it was on sale and everything! Sure did burst my balloon!
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
5 Apr 10
That's pretty wild. I didn't know it had changed to over 8 here and I went to buy something on sale, had the tax figured for 7% and was surprised too. Don't you think they should put sales tax hikes in the newpaper or on the radio? Something somewhere?
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
7 Apr 10
Well at least he isn't getting thrown out of office for hiring a hooker for hundreds of dollars. The Gov. before this one took over did.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
5 Apr 10
It was all over the place here in california. Gov did it and it turned alot of people against him. This was just the first large ticket item I had bought since it went up so I had forgotten about it. Still...$10 tax on a silly little thing like a toaster oven? Fried me good!
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
31 Mar 10
Oh yes, about all the time, but the biggest shock was when the price was much lower than we thought it would be. A few years ago, I got this Kohls 10.00 gift card in the mail and an offer for an extra 15% if I signed up for a kohl credit card.
My daughter needed clothes, so I allowed her to pick some things out and she was conservative, picking out what was on sale. I thought the price would be at least 20.00, but with the gift card and the extra 15% off, it was only 1.18... Yes, that is not a typo, one dollar and eighteen cents. Both my daughter and I looked at each other with very wide eyes, and very happy to be able to buy her nice things without costing us a lot..
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
1 Apr 10
Yes, they are, but unfortunately after doing this a couple times, they no longer sent me gift cards..:(
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
1 Apr 10
Yes, it's hard to keep doing that. If the economy hadn't gone bad, I was going to give my family some really neat gift cards. But now I'm lucky to pay my bills.
@palonghorn (5479)
• United States
31 Mar 10
I can honestly say that I have not been shocked at the register. I usually make a shopping list before going out, and check sales. I stick to my list possibly only buying one or two extra items. It is easy to over spend if you don't keep up with what you are putting in the cart.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
31 Mar 10
That's very good! Most people don't go to this store with a list and I think that's the problem. Plus many of the items are organic and cost more than most people realize.
@savetheunlikely9 (390)
• United States
31 Mar 10
Yeah, I've been surprised a lot at the register. It's easy to keep putting those small items into the cart, and not even think about how much they will add up to.
In all honesty though, nearly all of what I buy is on sale, so it's not SO bad.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
31 Mar 10
Yes, that's true. Esp. since people are sooo used to the dollar stores now. Bars of soap, cards, little things do seem like they aren't much money, a little bag is all you end up with and it ends up being over $100. Thanks and take care.
@celticeagle (168256)
• Boise, Idaho
31 Mar 10
I think I did when I was younger but over the years I have learned to keep a rounded off figure in my head. When you have to watch every dime you learn to compensate. My mom taught me little tricks because I was so horrible at Math. Never liked it much.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
31 Mar 10
I'm thinking about teaching her some of those tricks, too. Turns out she has problems with math, too.
@celticeagle (168256)
• Boise, Idaho
31 Mar 10
Repetition helps too. Making yourself figure it right there in your head.
@celticeagle (168256)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Apr 10
Well, you did good! Can I rent you?
1 person likes this
@sunkernjs (219)
• Philippines
1 Apr 10
I usually experience this situation with my mom. So now in everything she puts in the cart I must check it first. Better check it first that blushing in front of the teller. Lol
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
1 Apr 10
It's a little harder when the person is your boss. Blushing in front of the teller-that's cute. Thanks and take care.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
31 Mar 10
Oh yes, very true, very, verry true.
1 person likes this
