Is anyone else sick-to-death of the way you can't go into Safeway without getting hit up for some charity? The SF Chronicle recently had a couple of opinion-pieces about this, and after reading the comments, it looks like I'm not the only one who just wants to quickly pay for their beer and hot-dogs, and then go home.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dollarsandsense/detail?blogid=139&entry_id=49775
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dollarsandsense/detail?blogid=139&entry_id=49861
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96 comments:
I work for Safeway and have been called to the back to hear a verbal lashing about not meeting donation quotas. Yesterday after getting numerous donations, one customer told our Asst. Manager that I did NOT solicit a donation. I was called to her office and when I asked to have a Union Rep (my Right) present, she told me to "punch out and go home!"
I was SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY FOR INSUBORDINATION!
(Not soliciting donations from every customer.)
This should be illegal.
This is important to Safeway because Tax Writeoffs and PR Image can be as essential as Profits.
Good luck with that one.
Safeway coerces customers and tries to shame them to make a donation. We don't need a thug organization like this to help us give. As a matter of fact, we will shop for groceries elsewhere. We do encourage giving. First give privately to any place you feel like you can be a cheerful giver. And secondly, give your hard earned money to any other store, other than SAFEWAY WHO COERCES CUSTOMER DONATIONS. You can best show SAFEWAY that this is not acceptable behavior by shopping elsewhere. Also, talk to your friends about SAFEWAY'S PRACTICES. You will be shocked at how many others feel the same way.
The policy of asking for a donation is not a good one, for Safeway, or the the cause they are collecting for.
The point is that the cashier is required to ASK when I have already answered the question on their pin pad. I just got back from Safeway and this happened. The cashier raised his voice and went into a long explanation holding up the line even longer. Then, he circled the 800 number for the corporate office and told me I could call them. Perhaps the employees are tired of it too.
I will bring my food purchases, which average $600 a month, elsewhere. Safeway, you are losing out. A lot of customers won't say anything. They just won't shop there.
DO NOT SHOP AT SAFEWAY. Other markets in the area have better produce for lower prices. And they don't force their workers to guilt-trip customers into giving donations. Safeway is evil.
"Other markets in the area have better produce for lower prices."
Safeway has the lowest produce prices. Who around here beats them on price?
Oh concerned Anonymous about the "evil Safeway", shop elsewhere where you don't have to care about how much additional $1 will cost per $600 groceries. Disabled children was the last charity they were "pushing" as I recall.
Glad to have Safeway in the neighborhood, very convenient, good citizen corporation, "since we're neighbors let's be friends". Maybe you could picket outside their door, just ask the manager for permission prior.
I have to admit, I get pretty tired of being hit up for a donation whenever I go into Safeway.
Trader Joe's sometimes has cheaper produce prices than Safeway, but I can't think of any other place.
The Pacific Supermarket on Callan off Westborough consistently has better produce at lower prices than Safeway.
Any business that disciplines its employees for not harassing the customers to donate to charity is not a "good citizen corporation."
Ah, good point. The Asian grocery stores usually have cheap produce. Now if I could just not gag at the smell when I go into one.
$600 a month. You lightweight. I eat that much in one week.
Genius who posted the above, you've got nothing else except to grunt-out a personal attack?
Similar to Steve and others, I don't particularly like being asked to contribute to charities upon checking-out at Safeway either-- on the other hand, charities probably need whatever donations they can get, particularly during the current recession. And, asking improves the results.
Safeway seems to have made asking for these charity donations a Corporate priority, so that has become part of their "good neighbor" policy. And, if you have thought about this, you might appreciate the need, and may not mind giving-back a dollar or two-- this is a easy and cheap way to contribute to a variety of charities. "No thank you" or protest (take your business else where)probably won't affect the bottom line at Safeway.
This is not about Safeway's "corporate priority" and "good neighbor" policy. It's about forcing checkers to ask every customer for a donation and if they don't follow these orders to the letter, they are disciplined. That's bad working conditions and it makes Safeway a bad employer.
Safeway's involvement with charitable organizations is intended to be a good thing. It shows they're engaged with the communities they operate in.
That being said, Safeway does appear to have a history of "bullying" its employees into soliciting donations. Employees who balk at this or wish to consult with union reps (both are within their rights to do) have experienced retaliation.
I've also read that not all proceeds donated actually go to the charities in question and that Safeway has the option to exercise discretion as to distribution of money raised. For example, a portion of the funds may be used to "reward" the highest-donation checker.
I don't like Safeway due to personal preferences, but this really stinks.
The first person who commented in this thread should be on the phone to his/her union rep ASAP.
Thanks Anonymous 3:39PM, I've been pushed for time today and didn't read #1 carefully. Agreed, this is a union/management issue as some of you have suggested.
Safeway is also getting a huge tax deduction cause they are donating this money to make it look like a big corporate tax deduction.
Our resident genius Kathy Meeh, should have seen this.
I don't think we can do that. Currently Safeway does give a percentage of monies to certain charities (Schools, Churches, etc) when individuals sign-up on an annual basis, but outright donations solicited to the general public? Does that sound like a Safeway donation to you. Hope so, but don't think so.
Safeway takes all the cash donations and writes a check to the charities. So then Safeway takes the donation off the corportate tax return.
How do I know this. A friend of mine is a staff accountant for Safeway.
That's tax fraud. Safeway should be reported to the IRS.
Hum, maybe some confusion here. Those personal accounts where a percentage is donated to a charity is different because Safeway is taking money directly from their profits to give to these charities. On the other hand, collecting monies from the public for charities upon check-out (fund raising) does not come off the Safeway bottom line, except possibly (maybe, maybe not) for corporate time or incentives to process.
I suspect your friend who works in accounting is not the tax accountant (CPA Firm) for Safeway Corporation and may not understand that distinction as reported to the IRS. It is doubtful that a corporation as large as Safeway would choose to sully its reputation by what is being suggested here as an intentional accounting mistake (fraud) to drive down the corporate profit bottom line. SAFEWAY THE STOCK .
The overall Safeway corporate financial description seems to follow the general economy. "In Q3 2009 (ending 9-12-09), Safeway’s revenues were $9.5 billion, a decline of 7.0% over the previous year. Net income, at $128 million, fell by 35.5%. Safeway attributed declining performance to reduced consumer spending, an increase in bargain shopping, and produce price deflation (including fuel) as a result of the current economic environment."
Today the charity was "March of Dimes", NO pressure was exerted by the check-out clerk to donate, in fact I had to ask which charity? I donating $1 on the $36 spent, and by Club price adjustment saved $16. Safeway Linda Mar seems to be a clean, well-run store, glad its there. Not only does Safeway provide a needed service for this community, it also provides tax revenue, and jobs for members of our community.
Safeway Stooge
The person who explained it to me is very high up in the Accounting Dept.
Do you honestly think Safeway takes the money in coins and dollar bills and walks in and dumps in on the charities desk?
They get all the money and write a check to the charities. What name is on the check Safeway.
Tax accountant? In accounting did Safeway instruct your friend or others to commingle the discounted Safeway corporation charity money (off Safeway's bottom line) with the outside customer contributions to various charities? If the answer is no, the IRS reporting would be separate, and would have different reporting implications. Would the CPA Firm that handles Safeway's tax accounting allow the answer to be yes if doing such is illegal? Would Safeway direct the CPA Firm to perform an illegal act on their behalf, and would the CPA Firm then comply? I think the answer to all of these is no, and Safeway would not knowingly involve itself in such improprieties.
The check is signed by Safeway because Safeway collected the money on behalf of others (customers), some kind of account contract for collecting these monies would have been set-up in advanced with these charities.
Safeway has a reputation for good business practices, why would collecting monies for charity be any different? There must be some misunderstanding.
"Safeway has a reputation for good business practices." Not so. See the the first comment and the rest of this thread.
Still working at Safeway? You did a pretty good job defying their requirement, then in follow-up trashing them. Got other problems with them, or is this just you? Its a pretty lousy job market out there, so guess you're just courageous.
Inpatient Safeway Stooge
Ok you lost all credibility when you said they have a reputation for good business practies. They had that good reputation 30 years ago.
Well, you'll just have to figure it out Slaveway Worker. What's expressed here is the opinion of a disgruntled employee who doesn't follow employer rules, who now refers to himself as a "slave". And, this same person may in actuality be an interpolate rather than the first Anonymous.
There doesn't appear to be a whole lot of Safeway problems in the past 30 years of Safeway business practice-- nor, have you offered any thing other than "name calling". Other jobs exist, and unemployment is pretty good these days. Good luck!
Spouse asked the checker about this today. She said employees hate this. Safeway is taking a tax write-off on the backs of their customers' donations. They want news to report on this but they're afraid to say anything for fear of losing their jobs.
Whatever Safeway is doing is legal and acceptable IRS practice. Safeway has a ton specials and savings on items, and asking for these donations helps charities survive. Safeway is a private business, and asking for charitable donations is their choice just as is offering certain perks given to customers.
Maybe Safeway needs to spend more time educating employees and the public. Giving a $1.00 or greater donation to charity upon check-out probably won't affect shoppers financially and helps others who are less fortunate. Still don't like the Safeway business policy, okay, but to link that to some kind Corporate criminal activity is unfair and unjustified.
Also, since when do employees make-up their own rules of what they will and will not do in the normal course and function of employment. If you're the checker, think you've got a raw deal, talk to the union business manager. Oh, you probably did and the advisement was go back to work and do your job or quit.
Whether or not it's strictly legal, some people don't think it's right. It's not about employees making up their own rules. Some rules are offensive. Employees should not be required to ask customers for donations. As a customer, I strongly dislike this. I will shop elsewhere when I can.
You're free to shop elsewhere if you don't like it, and the employees are free to seek employment elsewhere if they don't like it. So what's the problem?
The problem is that an employer has an offensive business practice, which is being commented on in this thread. Do you have a problem with that?
Think other employer's don't have "offensive business practices"? That's why some people become self-employed, but then there's only offensive employees, vendors, partners, city, state, federal, legal and clients to deal with. Is asking for a donation for charity, yes or no really that offensive, or against your ethical code? Its a job its a job mostly good, and right here in Pacifica, lucky you.
THE CEOS AND OTHER EXECS OF MAJOR CHARITIES ARE GETTING RICH OFF OF THEM. DON'T BELIEVE IT CHECK OUT HOW MUCH THEY MAKE AND WHAT THEIR WORTH IS. ONLY 17 CENTS OR LESS FROM EACH DOLLAR ACTUALLY GOES TO THE CHARITY THE REST THEY CALL ADMINISTATIVE COSTS. AS FAR AS FINDING CURES NO WAY. THAT WOULD MEAN NO MORE ORGANIZATION AND THEIR MONEY TRAIN WOULD STOP.
Big letters Anonymous, so you say. Please prove your point with back-up information, otherwise its your hear-say. And, should your "hear-say" be correct and legal, the issue is larger than one corporation collecting charitable monies for another.
BTW, a few days ago I spend $150 at Safeway, and in the process the checker didn't ask for a charitable contribution.
Any unhappy folks actually expressing their annoyance with Safeway? Might be more productive to reach out to the (corporate) management and let them know of your concern.
I agree that it seems like every week is a new campaign, and I'd rather not be asked every time I am in the store, but I believe the intentions are positive and sincere, offering the community that Safeway operates in a mechanism to support charitable organizations.
http://www.safeway.com/IFL/Grocery/Comments#iframetop
Link to provide customer comment direct to Safeway.
As a former Safeway employee, some of these comments were very shocking.
SCOTTY- To say "employees are free to seek employment elsewhere if they don't like it. So what's the problem?" implies that all Safeway employees aren't struggling to make a living while having to tolerate mgmt. coercing them into extra tasks that ARE NOT in their job description. Have you been extraordinarily lucky in your employment or are you extraordinarily ignorant? Have you never been in a situation where all you want to do is YOUR JOB, and take your MINIMUM WAGE home? Nobody needs corporate practices that turn what should be an act of GENEROSITY into an ever-present fear that if you don't meet your donation goals, whether or not you tried your hardest, you will face shame or disciplinary action.
Charitable work should be VOLUNTARY. Anyone forced to panhandle for money naturally feels a degree of guilt in asking people who have already given their answer 1.) In the lobby by a courtesy clerk, or 2.) Selecting "Yes" or "No" on the pinpad. SCOTTY either needs a very serious reality check, or is - as I suspect - one of the greedy corporate suits that puts honest, hardworking employees into these awkward positions without a degree of guilt.
The comments from fellow Safeway employees are absolutely true. We are not only bullied by mgmt. into asking every customer for donations- 1.) When they first walk into the store, 2.) On the pin pad at checkout, and 3.) Vocally soliciting before the conclusion of the transaction- but customer service suffers because of the shift of attention from our customers to our donation earnings. Also at our store, if we don't make an announcement on the intercom every time someone makes a donation, we can be sent home. If we don't ask every customer, regardless of whether they came in twice already in the same day, we get sent home. If we don't meet our donation "goals", it's posted in red ink to make us feel shame, even if we tried our hardest to meet said unrealistic goals.
I could go on forever about how our courtesy clerks can't help us bag, help customers to their cars, or help customers find items because they are forced into standing at a table in the lobby collecting donations. About how people from the neighborhood come in every single day just to buy their food, and have to go through the donation gamut every time. About how mgmt. pages (extra loud) a 5 minute speech every hour about the importance of collecting donations, tying up the intercom so that we can't call for assistance, can't call for price checks, irking waiting customers that just want to buy their dinner and go home.
As another donation round comes up, less than two months after the Easter Seals donation round, I am NOT looking forward to all the anger and anxiety that surrounds what should be a selfless and generous type of event.
I am looking forward to the day when I will never have to harass another customer again to avoid mgmt. harassing me.
Again, if the job's so horrible, you should feel free to seek employment elsewhere. It's not like you're some kind of indentured servant.
Anonymous again. Only 17 on this post, which one are you? Must be a different store than the Linda Mar Safeway, as a customer this is not my experience. If you really think there's a problem why don't you complain to your union manager and/or change stores. Quitting probably isn't an option in this economic climate when jobs are scarce.
Lately no one has been asking me for donations, except 1x in swiping through the Safeway card the machine asked "donate...yes or no". Groceries have been bagged, same question "do you need help out?" I noticed someone seated at a card table near the soups, not standing, did not ask why they were seated there. No intercom announcements about donations period.
Linda Mar Safeway is friendly to customers, easy to shop, large variety of items, good pricing. Glad its a nearby store "since were neighbors let's be friends."
Another Linda Mar Safeway Customer here...
They just got finished with the Breast Cancer push and went to Prostate Cancer.
People at the folding card table as you come into the store calling out for you to buy their cookies or root beer floats for $1.
Swipe your card, machine asks "Do you want to donate?"
Cashier then asks, "Do you want to donate?"
One evening cashier (Marc) had a plastic donation cup taped to his shaved head. I'm not kidding about this.
Another bagger sits in a "cage" over by the service desk holding his cup out like a monkey. He has to collect $300 in order to be "released."
Now go into this same store after 7 pm on a Sunday evening and try to buy any produce and/or bread -- you'll wish that the employees were able to focus on restocking their shelves.
I haven't heard any intercom announcements at Linda Mar, but they are commonplace at the Sharon Heights location. I'll hear multiple donation announcements over the PA during a single 15-minute visit.
Go to Oceana Market for a calm shopping experience and better quality.
Forgot to mention that all the Linda Mar employees are currently wearing blue t-shirts relating to the donation push.
I confirm everything that Anonymous just said. I have experienced the same things. It's extremely annoying. And the pricing is bad.
Oh good for you Anonymous you came up with a new name. Is this an ad for Oceana, whereas you work for Safeway? Maybe you should consider changing jobs as Scotty suggested. Oceana Market probably has an application.
I am not the Anonymous that posted before. I did not come up with a new name. I do not work for Safeway. I am an unhappy Safeway customer, just as I labeled myself. I was agreeing with what Anonymous observed. You have assumed, and you have made an ass of yourself.
Okay, I'm an "ass" now while you hide, and you bad mouth the company that pays your salary and provides benefits for you. This should be the first clue and reason you might consider "growing up".
Also, you're not an "unhappy Safeway customer", you're an unhappy Safeway employee. So see if you can put-in for a store change, or find another job. With your attitude, most employers would want you gone.
I'm the one who posted the comments describing the antics at the Linda Mar Safeway. My wife also saw the "man in the cage" act on a separate visit and she came home laughing about how ridiculously over-the-top it was.
I wouldn't have any real problem with this except for the energy put into these efforts versus the state of their shelves come Sunday evenings. It's embarassing.
Kathy, you're a dumbass. I am not a Safeway employee. I have my own business. If you were a few IQ points lower, you'd be a vegetable.
Anon, then you and "Unhappy" must be twins, and that's the view from this Veggie. Advertising can be ridiculous, but got your attention, and that of your wife too. Giving to charities is not a horrible thing, if that's what was being promoted.
I didn't see what you saw, and most Veggies that I've polled don't care either way, because its not our business or personal concern; it a corporation policy or corporation branch choice, who cares? Apparently you and the other twin do, well okay. Most of the Safeway "good neighbor" policies I like and agree with.
Unhappy, notice I didn't use ignorant and angry words such as "ass" and "dumbass" with regard to you, which must make you much smarter than us Veggies. Now you or Anon, either/or (or one in the same) are "embarrassed" about stocking empty shelves on Sunday night. Could be a labor or trucking-off load issue, or when foot traffic within the store is not heavy (most likely). Being "embarrassed" sounds like an employee on a long coffee-break found by your boss at Starbucks-- but what do I know, I'm just a happy Veggie.
And, actually you got it right, I am a Veggie as in vegetarian, a better way to live.
May the Safeway employee on this comment post find peace with his job, or move on (as Scotty suggested). Its not easy learning to work for others, or following the corporate plan, or follow requirements set-by intermediate managers. Its a job, and there is no guarantee the next job will be better. That's the reason some of us are self-employed and run our own businesses, and with that comes all the risk and requirements of being a business, and that's not easy either.
http://sfist.com/2007/10/02/update_safeway.php
http://blog.galvincomm.com/my_weblog/2008/07/is-safeway-building-negative-buzz-with-charity-support-requests.html
I too am feeling pressured/guilt-tripped-and we don't have a lot of extra money -60K for family of 4 I was told not unkindly by a friend makes us possibly poverty level for the bay area (?!)-and yes, we live very simply but one thing we still have to buy is food-going to the other store is across town- a waste of gas. I don't like feeling coerced at a place not considered a luxury. I guess that is why they do it- because they know most of us will go there at some point- though there are other reasons the stores do this (see above links)- some not-so-selfless and charitable.
I've filled out the comment cards there- guess they can't just stick to the question on the digital display where you put your phone # or credit card in- nope- they have to embarrass you and pressure you and there is no algorithm that tells them you just gave the day before-even if you are just buying milk and bread and are counting out change (you obviously don't have a lot of cash)- they still ask. According to the articles- the employees are being pressured as well. I hope they don't lose me altogether and I end up more on gas to go to Lucky just so I don't have to dread feeling shamed or humiliated while just trying to get food. : (
We're in agreement $60,000 annual income for a family of 4 doesn't go very far in the SF Bay Area, its expensive to live here for sure. And, this city is finding more ways to add fees and taxes, rather than to develop what land is left that they didn't sell or give away to unproductive open space. Which means we all continue to drive more for work and services, while a contingent of our citizens and their outside friends rally against highway improvement of 1.3 miles to avert the traffic congestion. And, this is so illogical from an ecological standpoint alone since congested traffic causes pollution and wastes gasoline as well.
Maybe better for you to pay for gas, and drive to a grocery store where there are no specials, rather than "feel guilty" for not donating to a charity when that's optional. Otherwise, to save gas maybe shop on the way home from work.
Personally, I don't feel pressured to donate to charity at Safeway one way or another, but most of the time do donate something. After all, I also enjoy the benefit of Safeway specials.
Interesting how this article long gone keeps coming back. Maybe you're the same unhappy employee who works for Safeway, who fortunately for you has a job during this severe recession. If so, at least you can be thankful for some blessings from Safeway.
Why do you have to flak for Safeway? Are you being paid by them? Safeway "specials" aren't special at all. They're temporary reductions of inflated prices. Why do you accuse anyone who is critical of Safeway of being an unhappy employee? There are many people who are offended by Safeway's policy of requiring employees to ask for donations. Did you not hear what "Socks" said? S/he dreads feeling shamed or humiliated when trying to buy food on a limited budget. Just because you're holier-than-thou doesn't mean everybody else should be. I hate being asked for a donation when I'm just trying to get a few quick items.
No, I'm not "holier-than-thou" but I think donating to some charities I ordinary might not think of is not a bad thing but a good thing.
Safeway has a wide variety of items and services which makes grocery shopping more efficient for me personally. And most people can count, understand actual savings, and what is competitive pricing or not.
I'm happy Safeway is located in Linda Mar shopping center, convenient for me, and I'm glad they employ a variety of people including Pacificans. I'm glad they are a successful business in Pacifica and contribute to our city economy.
If this city had a better variety of stores and services it might be easier for you to shop elsewhere. Even so, you can.
@Kathy: No, I am not a Safeway employee-present or past. I don't really have any problem with them except that- I like the sales, and miss the people who have retired.
It is not that difficult for site owner can see the different IP addresses- or get statcounter for the site- then whoever is running this site can confirm or deny your speculation.
You say "interesting how this article keeps coming back.." perhaps that can be attributed to the fact that times haven't gotten any easier economically and the requests keep coming- rather than portray a post as some disgruntled person with an ax to grind. What was that saying ....sometimes a cigar is just a cigar?
Note that even people who don't have a lot DO donate- it is a documented fact that often less well off people end up giving more than our 'betters' -I don't know if they mean this proportionately, or in total- but we also give to their child's school- and/or helping out people who need rides to the Dr. or when we see them wandering up and down LM Blvd., or giving 'in kind', unwanted or duplicate gifts, clothing cast-offs to those worse off than ourselves or otherwise helping each other.
We're in that category where we are not-so bad off we are starving or homeless but bad off enough that we worry about a lot of small things, and by default we are excluded fromthe group of parents who do stuff together with or without their kids- 'do we have enough extra snacks to have a couple kids over for a playdate?' (the strange thing is, I always try to feed them after-school with whatever I have, but I think this perhaps a cultural thing, as it doesn't happen when my kid goes to 'play date' somewhere else).
Any drive around Pacifica on a sunny weekend reveals our collective 'hoarding' 'clutter' , whatever you want to call it- in many of our garages. I don't mind living with less, it is liberating in a way. As I said, I like to help my neighbor (or not-so-close neighbor) and do what I can- I just don't like being pressured or shamed relentlessly into doing more than I can- when the assumption may be 'if you live here you must be loaded'- when that's just not the case.
Expressing this opinion about Safeway donation requests does not constitute a diatribe against the company or the hapless employees who are forced to participate in this and should not be construed as such. Again, I am not a present or former employee or 'with' anyone who is.
I don't think KM gets 'poor shame', probably because lots of us are the kind of 'poor' that one cannot tell on the surface- we look like you , we speak like you- thus we are perceived as being better off than we actually are-(quotes on poor because I don't want to liken myself to the real poor') .
KM- I WISH I was well off enough to give and not feel it. I WANT the charities to do well(remember to check the links I put up for what the articles said about the store's discretion about what to do with the money)but I might even start telling them plainly 'Sorry, I can't afford this every time' since I am being put on the spot.
I am not a Safeway worker, present or former or 'with' anyone who is. My opinion/complaint should not be construed as an indictment of the entire company, the quality of their stores, the hapless employees pressured as well. etc. I miss the old timers there who have retired over the years, I like the sales- I would *rather* just keep shopping there- See- the thing is, KM, I shouldn't have to be pressured or shamed when I am buying a necessity-and I am sure the clerks don't like having to solicit either- The site owner can check visitor IP's as far as the claim I am some other poster.
Perhaps it is just me, but I am picking up a slightly snippy tone with KM and I'm not sure why.
BTW, we DO already donate to the school,and help local people with rides or the small but visible group that resides here that is worse off than ourselves. Don't forget to check out the links I posted where it said that the funds collected- at least part of that is discretionary- the store can use it to sell hot dogs or whatever as part of more donation hype- or rewards cards for employees that successfully solicit- that is not going entirely to said charity. I would have to verify SFist's info, but I would bet it's true.
Thank you for your response. This article is pretty far back in the date pile, only a few weeks into the beginning of this blog. Not sure how you found it. And, so, okay you're not the employee who also felt sensitive about asking people for donations, along with other issues.
Guess you're going to have to practice saying "no" without guilt. Not enough money around for most everyone these days, "worst recession since the great depression". We'll get through it eventually.
"I don't mind living with less, it is liberating in a way" your words of wisdom. Yes, there is something zen about living simply.
Socks:
It's real easy - next time just say to the checkout clerk, "Gee, that's funny. I was just going to ask you if you had any spare change."
Yes. Let's all ask Safeway if they have any spare change. We could use it.
That's beautiful Anon@8:14PM! We could have a guy from the Dept. of Public Works hitting up the Safeway employees in the parking lot when they arrive at work at the Linda Mar/Manor mall. When the employees take their scheduled breaks, we could have a Recreation and Parks person hit them up again. When they take their bathroom breaks we could have a guy in a Scott Holmes sewage treatment plant outfit waiting in the head to hit them up again for more money. When they are stocking the shelves we could have a Resource Center person hit the employees up for even more money. And, when they are moving displays and shelving around, we could have someone from the Planning Department hit them up yet again.
Finally, when the employees leave work for the day, tired, hungry, broke and thoroughly fed up with the relentless begging from City of Pacifica employees, the City Council can be waiting for them in the parking lot, asking them for the pink slips to their cars.
Sorry for the double reply-I got some error message re it being too long on the first- when I hit the 'back' button, my post was gone, so I condensed it-
Re: how I found the original post though it is older..
I found the post doing an internet search. Not very mysterious. I believe blog owners,depending upon which blog platform they use- can see the searches that lead people to their blog. I searched on the subject, but don't remember the search terms.
In any event..it's OK to be asked occasionally, and I don't mind giving when I can- just wish there was some kind of algorithm that kicked in with the card, that say- if you gave that week (or even the day before!),they wouldn't bug you at least till say, the next week. So it wasn't all the time, every time..
It is highly likely there is some truth to the talk of incentives and implied threat or pressure being applied to the workers-I do feel bad for them, in my experience they are genuinely nice, not snotty or surly.
Whether the company is using the donations as tax write-offs when it is not coming from their bottom line unless they are matching the donations...that part would require some research and understanding of tax law.
More chatter from the digital peanut gallery:
http://www.planetfeedback.com/index.php?level2=blog_viewpost&topic_id=313187&reply_id=225403
Zen, I don't know about that. I just know it's easier with less 'stuff'. It's amazing how much crap we *think* we constantly need, or the acquiring of stuff and/or spending almost always being connected to any activity. As if people can't self-generate things that to do that isn't about spending and stuff. I think people want all this external stuff because maybe they are lonely or unhappy, or that is part of it. I know at least two women who are addicted to home shopping. When you don't have the spend option, you have to come up with at least cheaper distractions.
I remember how much fun potlucks were when I was a kid, or other informal get-togethers.
Disclaimer: Not sure if I think we can fix everything-and yeah, I can be cynical when it comes to the big pharmaceutical companies and their possible investment in us not getting well.
Perhaps Safeway like other third party fund raisers keep up to 75% of every donation dollar collected. It would explain the aggressive constant fund raising campaign. Has anyone tried to run that down?
If people are getting upset by a simple question of a donation, just imagine how they will be when they are FORCED to give. Coming 2011 to a IRS Agent near YOU - BIG FAT TAXES! Yes, Big Fat Taxes will be here soon. Some old taxes, some new taxes, but they are BIG FAT TAXES, never the less.
Good luck, especially to the people that can't get over a "simple question" of a "donation".
@BigFatTaxMan- Newsflash for you as to the 'getting over'...
aren't we *already* (and have been for ?) forced to support all kinds of things we may or may not agree with? Stuff that never even does any good, but gives people busy-work jobs with pretend , feel-good titles. Sucks.
I know three groups here
1) the sick-of-it-all-cut-and-runners, who are going to just sell even at some loss and go somewhere else, like out of state.
2) the wait-and-sees- waiting for the real estate market to recover- then get out of here-again usually out-of-state, somewhere more tax-friendly
3) the long haulers 'take my gun and property from my cold,dead hands'
@Kathy... As a pro Pacifica economy supporter, I was somewhat surprised with you suggesting people go somewhere else to shop and that there aren't other options here in Pacifica. We have a nice variety of grocery shopping options other than Safeway from Oceana Market (Eureka Square), Pacifica Farmers Market (Manor), Sun Valley Fine Foods (back of the valley), just to name a few.
"Clean", this is America, shop anywhere you like for groceries. But, if you're looking for a TV, car, furniture, lamp shade, bicycle, refrigerator, tent, cell phone that works in the south of town-- anything other than "basic", good luck.
See "Pressuring.." 8/16 @5:29pm who indicated his choice is either Safeway or drive. I was only responding to his comments. Certainly Pacifica has all those markets you mentioned, plus the Wednesday Farmer's Market at Rockaway. A friend likes Oceana. But with a family of 4 Safeway may have the most competitive pricing. Personally I find Safeway convenient and reliable. And, Safeway's policy of collecting for charity does not offend me, neither does saying yes or no to that.
We are in hard times, charities need money to function too. "Pressuring" also mentioned he does his part for the school, and those worse off. All good.
@KM re: the shopping for things other than groceries
Sometimes you can get stuff online cheaper than 'brick-and-mortar' shops and wrangle it so you don't have or pay shipping or tax if you are savvy enough about it and use the net coupons.Maybe this would not work out for heavy items, but I have ordered things I would have ordinarily gotten at rite-aid via some internet drugstore. T
It was cheaper, no tax or ship, and no driving- no seeing a sale in the paper,getting there and finding they are out of stock*- hence wasting a trip. I know, you don't have to tell me.. I'm evil because by doing that, I am depriving Pacifica of taxes....
*or the new thing at rite-aid of having to accumulate yet another card with personal (or fake) info. I don't care if corporate knows what I buy* the internet companies know-it's the principle of the thing-
* This may sound weird, but I don't care if corporate knows what I buy happenstance- but I don't like another 'fill this out or else you don't get the deal' The approach is what I don't like, it just rubs me the wrong way.
The main reason that the big push is always for donations is that one of the managers bonuses is tied in with collections. If you cannot see the backwards logic behind that then you are blind.
A checker recently was asking customers if they wanted to round up to give to breast cancer (or whatever the charity of the moment was). So, if your purchase was $23.57, he would round up the pennies to $23.60 and the 3 cents went to the charity. I told him I hated being asked if I wanted to donate every damn time I bought something, and I knew he was required by Safeway to ask, but I thought his solution was a good one. Everybody was agreeing to round up and not have the pennies. And the checker got to say that all his customers donated, albeit only a few cents each time. But it's far more effective to ask for a specific amount like a few cents than to ask if you want to donate some undefined amount. And it's much less annoying.
I think it's silly to be asked after I have already answered on the keypad. Safeway can and should pick one or the other approach! I also choose my charitable donations very carefully and support only two charitable organizations, 1 local and 1 national, all year long so these things that are planned by others/corporation just aren't for me. I just say 'thank you, not today' and move on. I'm in there 3 or 4 times a week and no hassle, ever. We've all had jobs with aspects that we didn't enjoy. We each get to decide what is important to us. Sometimes we stay, sometimes we go. But if you take the check, why not be loyal? I'm glad Safeway is here for many reasons. If I wasn't I would choose another store.
I just tell ANY store that I make donations MYSELF, personally and directly, and NOT through any corporations of ANY sort. If THEY want to give, fine, but it will not be through any direct donation from me to them. I can write my own cheques to charities, thanks. My statement shuts them up every time at the checkout lines (and/or at their exits).
Simply saying "no" would shut them up, too.
I am tired to death of being accosted about donations. Recently, I've been getting nasty coments from clerks when I say NO to donating. We carefully plan to maximize the effect of the money we are able to give as donations. I don't want to squander drips and drabs on tiny donations which don't amount to a hill of beans!
I would like to know what the profit is for Safeway to be asking these questions. I'll bet there's quite a bit going into their own coffers -- and not into the charities!!!!
Some of the checkers don't like it either.
Those Donations are directly reflected into the Managers Bonuses. The collected monies must sit in a special bank account to draw interest so they can skim the interest off it. They do insist the checker to ask/beg for donations. And yes if they do not collect enough for that day. They get a stern talking to the next day. The checkers hours were in jeopardy. Battered Them Verbally.
How about no more Safeway Employee Thanksgiving Dinner nor Christmas Party at a certain store?
Safeway is just another corrupt corporation.
So, you who complain about this practice are not shopping there, right? Or is it ethically too convenient?
I shop at Fresh & Easy, Trader Joe's, Pacific Market, and Oceana Market.
After just getting back from a Safeway trip and getting asked again for the club card and again for some donation, I find it tiring to shop there. Seriously, the clerks almost beg you to use your card to save 20 cents, and then simultaneously ask you to spend 20 cents more for a donation. What gives?
I found this blog post after googling "Safeway donation scam".
I saved $34 last week with my club card. That's a pretty good savings. I now go online and load coupons on my card to save at least 30% a week. That's at least $1500 a year. Not exactly pennies.
Hahaha. You actually think you "saved" money with your Safeway card. Don't you realize that those are discounts on very inflated prices? Try this experiment: price all your favorite produce at Safeway. Then go to Pacific market and price the same produce. It's often 1/4 the price of Safeway. Even with your Safeway "savings" you're still paying more than twice as much for the same thing you can get elsewhere.
The produce at Fresh and Easy or TJ's is much better quality. Some things might be more expensive but it's worth it. That other stuff is
flavorless junk stocked for its long shelflife.
I'll be talking to Hutch in the Safeway organic produce isle, while saving money on other food staples. Most of us are savvy enough to understand pricing. And, in my household Safeway is 90% my good neighbor.
True, the veggies don't don't hold-up as well as desired, but sitting in the refrigerator for weeks has a way of doing them in. Otherwise, thanks for not shopping at Safeway, the store and the parking lot are way too busy as is.
2 1/2 year old date on this early blog article, probably time to open a new Love/Hate Safeway article. Always good to know where others shop for groceries and why. Comparing notes, revisiting this article is almost as much fun as learning about city visitor enjoyment and troubles on TripAdvisor.
I almost never go to Safeway anymore. I'm in Fresh & Easy three or four times a week instead.
I was in the Manor Safeway last week. The checker had the sniffles and kept wiping her nose with the back of her hand. Of course, this was right before she bagged my groceries. Nice.
At least she didn't ask me for a donation.
Now days I go to 3 or 4 different stores, Safeway, Costco, TJ's and yes Pacific Market for seafood. Fresh and Easy is too much out of my way.
There is no way of knowing where the money goes. Much smarter is to research who you want your money to go to, and donate DIRECTLY.
Also, the clerk may be required to ask "would you like to donate" but you the customer are NOT required to answer that question. Treat the panhandling request as just noise. Ignore it, even if repeatedly asked. Usually they just ask one time.
Rather, focus on whether they are charging you correctly and giving you the right change--they wish you'd not scrutinize the receipt, but pay attention to IT. The money thus saved can go to your own favorite charity.
You don't know where the money really goes. Donate to your favorite charity directly.
When they ask you to donate, ignore them completely, like street noise. Focus instead on whether they are charging you correctly on what you are buying. By so doing, you save money and can afford to donate to whoever you choose.
Safeway often asks to donate to cancer cure research. What a joke! There are so many cures for so many decades, but are all forbidden. Why?
Watch following youtube video: Cancer - The Forbidden Cures at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWLrfNJICeM
I don't like to give a single penny to unknown charities. Give generously to those you know personally are living for peoples needs, not to support administration of the organization.
The manager at Safeway in Linda Mar would fire any Safeway employee who was caught with a Fresh & Easy Bag or eatting Fresh & Easy food.
Fresh & Easy cut sales from 30%-35% at Linda Mar Safeway.
Safeway isn't called Slaveway for not.
More fractured fables.
I looked up Safeway's top five board members pay, 25 million between then and excludes there private air plane costs. How much as a percentage of there pay do they give to charity.
I think with the savings from the Safeway Club Card, I could donate a dollar.
The "savings" you're getting with the club card are discounts off of inflated prices. Shop at different stores and compare prices. You'll see that you're not saving anything at all. In fact, even with the card you're paying more for some things than you pay elsewhere.
Safeway should donate money themselves since they, as a corporation, have a much lower tax rate than people.
My strategy when prompted for these donations is to say to the cashier, "I don't know. I don't give to charities that I don't know anything about. Do you have some information about them that I can look at before I decide?" I then press them to tell me about the charity and offer me something in writing before I choose yes or no. Basically, I waste as much of their time as I can. If anyone in the line behind me gets upset I give them grief about not wanting to contribute to charity.
My next strategy is to immediately ask for a manager when I'm asked to donate. I'll then start complaining to the manager about what a terrible practice it is to ask for donations.
If only one percent of the people that shopped at these places would complain to the manager and write a letter to the corporate offices, then this practice would stop.
In other unreported in some media outlets in Pacifica:
Linda Mar Safeway robbed overnight.
Touché!! I totally agree
I completely agree!! So messed up the way I feel when I can’t afford to donate $10 to the food bank, when I’m stressing over having enough money to pay for my groceries. I asked if I could do a lower denomination, but they have it set at $10 period! Ironically, If Safeway lowered the donation amount, a LOT more people would be able to donate!!
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