Re: WalMart search..

[Robbie Honerkamp <robbie@opus.shorty.com>]

Thus spake Glenn Everette (gje@mindspring.net):

> On Mon, 29 Mar 1999, Baron Chandler wrote:
> 
> > On a similar note, I've noticed several places that ask you to leave any
> > and all packs at the desk. They don't say anything about ladies' purses.
> > I have a soft briefcase that I oft bring with me because it has stuff I need
> > when I am in the store. They'll rue the day the bitch at me for not leaving
> > it at the desk. 
> 
> That's illegal. Nor can they make you. I usually ask them for proof of
> liability insurance. I offer to let them search what I brought in as I
> leave the store if they want--which is legal. 

As long as you're voluntarily letting them search your bag. Of course,
they can just deny entrance to their store to people who don't agree 
to leave their bag at the register. It'd be interesting to argue 
sexual discrimination- as Baron mentioned, women don't have to leave
their purses.

I'll never forget going to Oxford Books in the Peachtree Battle shopping
center with Michael Cameron one night. He had his laptop (Powerbook 540C,
a rather expensive model at the time) with him. The lady at the counter
asked him to leave it and he told her no. I've wanted to make store 
clerks sign a form taking responsibility for the package before I leave it 
with them- why would I trust someone I've never met before with my
$3000 laptop? 
 
> The exit search I'm OK with. It's leaving my stuff at someplace before
> entering that doesn't have a proper package check proceedure. If I leave
> something I want a designated store ticket or something. Junkmans Daughter
> is the only GA store that does this properly. Otherwise, I leave store. 

The exit search only really bothers me when I have a lot of stuff, I'm
in a hurry, or I have to wait for the privlege of having a stranger
root around in my bags. Best Buy and CompUSA do this. At BestBuy I usually
look concerned and say "I didn't think the cashier was _that_ bad. Geez-
if you're having this much trouble with dishonest employees maybe I
ought to shop elsewhere". At CompUSA I usually ignore them and walk out.
 
> This has irked me for long time. 

Stores get away with this because people let them do it and don't challenge
them. 

Robbie