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Would you take it all?

post #1 of 46
11/7/09 at 8:24am
Thread Starter 
When I am buying cat supplies I like to stock up. However I know what it's like to come to the store and find NONE of what I am looking for.

One time I had a very sick cat, and he would only eat one brand one flavor. I had such a hard time finding it as someone else kept clearing the shelf. I started ordering it from the store by the case, but even then, if I didn't get there on the day the truck came in, they gave my cases to someone else. There were times I was out of my mind with worry because I couldn't keep this food stocked in my house, because of this other person.

So.... if there isn't a lot there, I always always make sure to leave at least half a dozen cans on the shelf. If there are only two, I will leave one, and come back the next day for more.

This was brought to mind the other day when I was shopping. There was a woman buying cat litter and she took every single bag of a certain brand. Six bags, and she took them all.

If I had had enough presence of mind I would have said, excuse me, I need some of that too, and request she give me two of them, then after she left the aisle put them back. But I am not quick thinking, and by the time I thought of it she had left the aisle.

She KNEW she was being rude, too, because she kept looking furtively up and down the aisle, and avoiding my look, as she piled them in her cart.

So how about you? Do you strip the shelves, or do you leave some for others? Have you ever even thought about this before?
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post #2 of 46
11/7/09 at 9:33am
Why is it the women's responsibility to make sure the store doesn't run out of stock? If she needed (for whatever reason) 6 bags, then I don't think it's "rude" for her to take 6 bags.

When I go to buy my cat's wet food, I usually try to get a full case. I'm busy, and that only lasts me a couple weeks as it is. If it was all that was left, I'd have no problem taking all that's there. Of course, my cats eat a brand of food that you can get pretty much anywhere (Friskies, purple variety), so I wouldn't be too concerned that someone with a sick cat wouldn't be able to get any. However, I don't know if it would make much of a difference to me. If I don't buy it, someone else will...and there's a pretty high probability that whoever is buying it will clear the shelf as well.

At the end of the day, I think if people are going to a store and not finding what they are looking for, it's not the fault of other consumers, but the fault of the store.

Intersting topic...I had never thought of it before...
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post #3 of 46
11/7/09 at 9:40am
I'll buy whatever I need - if it happens to be all that's left, so be it. A lot of big stores have inventory that is kept track of through their computers + spot checks, when something gets low or runs out more is automatically ordered. Actually buying all of something, regularly, is one way to make sure a product is ordered more.

Also, big stores like that, if they run out it's not the actual store (managers) fault. More often than not it's because the person handling inventory on the other end (main distributer) isn't keeping up or a shipment is late. Lots of things can hold up shipments - especially making the people that have to load your truck P.O.ed at you. Other reasons shelves can be empty is mini recalls.
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post #4 of 46
11/7/09 at 10:22am
I have a standing order at our PetLuv store for cat food.

We also order cases of cat food from Trader Joes - but even then the stocking clerks are not informed about the pre-ordered stock and our order gets put out on the shelves - I suppose if we threw a fit they'd remember next time. We do try to help the merchant have the product we'll be needing by pre-ordering - so, if it's not there - they are the problem, not another customer.

I usually try not to take all the stock on the shelf unless I am in need of everything they have on the shelf - hoping that they have more in the "back" and will re-stock their shelves when they find the shelf empty - or another customer asks for it.

I'm willing to share, and willing to pre-order, - but the responsibility really goes to the merchant to re-supply his inventory of products.
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post #5 of 46
11/7/09 at 10:34am
If it's on sale, cleaning out their stock is fair game. If it's not on sale, I will leave some behind.
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post #6 of 46
11/7/09 at 10:36am
I don't feel bad about emptying the shelf. If I need it and it's the last one- i'll buy it anyway.
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post #7 of 46
11/7/09 at 10:42am
Same here... If it's something I need, I'm on public transit. I can't always just pop back the next day, or all over town, looking for something. So, if I only get the last few cans, ah well.

One thing I do tend to take the last of is a calming liquid I get from Petsmart. Invariably, I find only one or two bottles on the shelf, so yes, I do take all of it.

I know a local grocery store that carries the Wysong Uretic dry food I give my two... one time, there was a problem with distribution/supply, so no one had it. At all. That's when I ended up getting another urinary tract formula... and Jack for a UTI while eating it. I threw that stuff out as soon as Wysong came back in. But it was out here for weeks...
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post #8 of 46
11/7/09 at 10:53am
So I'm not the only person who worries about another cat going without should I clear the shelf! Although it doesn't happen with food or litter, which I order online or buy at the vets' office, I have to be careful about cat milk. Jamie insists on having his Whiskas cat milk every day, and often the only store in town that sells it runs out. We both buy several bottles when we see it's in stock, but I always make sure I leave two or three bottles, because I figure there are other cats who "have" to have their Whiskas cat milk.
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post #9 of 46
11/7/09 at 11:08am
I don't really have that issue. I live in a small town and the owner of the local pet store orders 2 cases of cat food for me and as soon as I pick those up she orders another 2 cases and puts my name on them. Same with my World's Best Cat Litter - there is always one waiting for me with my name on it so that if she isn't in that day and one of the students she has working there is, they know it's mine.
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post #10 of 46
11/7/09 at 12:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoeysmom View Post
Why is it the women's responsibility to make sure the store doesn't run out of stock? If she needed (for whatever reason) 6 bags, then I don't think it's "rude" for her to take 6 bags.
There is often more stock out the back if you ask.

It's not a problem I run into, as my litter is delivered in bulk and they eat raw meat but I think it's fair game for people to take whatever amounts they want to.
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post #11 of 46
11/7/09 at 2:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jcat View Post
So I'm not the only person who worries about another cat going without should I clear the shelf! Although it doesn't happen with food or litter, which I order online or buy at the vets' office, I have to be careful about cat milk. Jamie insists on having his Whiskas cat milk every day, and often the only store in town that sells it runs out. We both buy several bottles when we see it's in stock, but I always make sure I leave two or three bottles, because I figure there are other cats who "have" to have their Whiskas cat milk.
I've tried buying food on line a few times, but it just doesn't work out for me. I want things delivered to my post office box, because I don't want food sitting in the blazing sun or the freezing cold until I get home. And every company I've tried, they make such a big issue about delivering via the postal service.
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post #12 of 46
11/7/09 at 2:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by missymotus View Post
There is often more stock out the back if you ask.

It's not a problem I run into, as my litter is delivered in bulk and they eat raw meat but I think it's fair game for people to take whatever amounts they want to.
If you can find someone to ask, and get them to check.
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post #13 of 46
11/7/09 at 2:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by zoeysmom View Post
Why is it the women's responsibility to make sure the store doesn't run out of stock? If she needed (for whatever reason) 6 bags, then I don't think it's "rude" for her to take 6 bags.
You're right it isn't her responsibility. However, I think it is everyone's responsibility to think about others. My opinion. Just the way I was raised I guess. Courteous to a fault.

Thanks for replying everyone!
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post #14 of 46
11/7/09 at 2:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
I've tried buying food on line a few times, but it just doesn't work out for me. I want things delivered to my post office box, because I don't want food sitting in the blazing sun or the freezing cold until I get home. And every company I've tried, they make such a big issue about delivering via the postal service.
I've been lucky in that respect. Most of the online suppliers I buy from give you a choice of carriers, and the delivery people will leave the stuff with a neighbor (there are several retirees on our block) or put it in our garage.

The stores around here don't carry the food or litter I use, so other than treats like cat milk, I'm not faced with any worry about clearing out stocks of anything.
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post #15 of 46
11/7/09 at 4:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
If you can find someone to ask, and get them to check.
I think you need to shop at a different store if this is a problem. Even at Walmart, I can usually find someone to talk to if I need to find something!

Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
You're right it isn't her responsibility. However, I think it is everyone's responsibility to think about others. My opinion. Just the way I was raised I guess. Courteous to a fault.
I think about others plenty, thank you. If I had extra in my cart and someone came looking for it, I'd offer them some. But I'm not going to leave some of what I need behind so that some HYPOTHETICAL person who MIGHT need it can have some.

I know you didn't do this and perhaps you were just kidding, but I think it would be anything but courteous to ask someone for what they already have in their cart (ie. the woman with 6 bags of litter). You never know what a person's story was...if it was on sale, perhaps she was just stocking up to save some cash. However, perhaps she supplies litter for a shelter and that's the only chance she has in the week to get to that store.
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post #16 of 46
11/7/09 at 5:18pm
Interesting question. I think that If someone else was there at the same time I was who also wants what I'm buying, I would split whatever was left with that person. If they had a better reason for wanting it, like it was only food their cat could/would eat, I would let them have all of it. However, it's never occurred to me not to take all that's left of something that I need. I've been to stores many times only to find the item I'm looking for is out. Litter at Petsmart is a good example. Can't tell you how many times I've made a special trip down there, only to find the shelves bare. I don't blame the person before me who bought them - and I'm sure needed them as much as I did - I blame the store for not being able to keep it's shelves stocked.

Honestly, I think if I were dependent on a certain type of food, or whatever, I would find a guaranteed source, make sure I was stocked up, shop well before I ran out, etc. There are online stores that will ship your order at certain intervals, and any store who would give away something I had on special order would probably not get much of my business anymore.
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post #17 of 46
11/7/09 at 5:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Misty8723 View Post
Honestly, I think if I were dependent on a certain type of food, or whatever, I would find a guaranteed source, make sure I was stocked up, shop well before I ran out, etc. There are online stores that will ship your order at certain intervals, and any store who would give away something I had on special order would probably not get much of my business anymore.
Precisely! Bijou will only eat 2 flavours of Merricks and that is why I order 2 cases at a time and have a rapport with the owner to ensure she orders more for me as soon as I pick up my 2 cases. I have no worries that I will run out and not be able to get any. I also phone her when I'm getting low to ensure she has some on order. It's called "planning".
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post #18 of 46
11/7/09 at 5:58pm
I would not buy ALL of something. I was not raised that way - I won't even take the last piece of cake or candy
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post #19 of 46
11/7/09 at 6:17pm
I never take the last of anything either unless I need it. If I'm just shopping to stock up on food, but I've already got some at home, I'd never take the last can of cat food off the shelf.

Just in case someone does come in there who is completely out of food with a finicky cat.

But the more likely scenario is that someone just like me who doesn't really need it is going to buy it anyways... But it gives me peace of mind.


Have you ever been looking really really hard for something that you wanted/needed but couldn't find it, and then finally you found ONE? It almost feels like fate doesn't it?




My brand of cat food never runs out btw... but I did find that I was able to get him to eat a different type other than Kit'n'Kaboodle so lets hope he loses weight now!! (He just didn't want to eat the X-shaped pieces!!)
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post #20 of 46
11/7/09 at 7:58pm
Thread Starter 
I did, at the time I mentioned before, keep well stocked, as much as possible. I kept the cases stacked on my stairs. (still do)

But when the shelf was empty, and then the next time I went back the shelf was empty, and the time after that....well, the stock doesn't last forever. Where I live there aren't any other choice of stores that carried that food, and at the time, on-line shopping was not an option.

I'm not criticizing any one else's opinion or belief, just saying what I think and feel. It may very well be that the next person to come along will clear the shelf. But I live in my own head, and need to feel I did the right thing, for me.

I don't think it would have been wrong of me to ask the woman to not take them all because I wanted one, and then left it there for someone else. I wouldn't chase her down into another aisle. But I would have stopped her before she put all six into her cart, if I'd thought of it.

Leave something for someone else is just my way. For those who think differently, I'm not saying you're wrong. There are good points made here in favor of the woman who stripped the shelf. I just would not do it. Even for that food that was hard to find. Unless there was only the one left, of course.
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post #21 of 46
11/7/09 at 8:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nekomania View Post
I never take the last of anything either unless I need it. If I'm just shopping to stock up on food, but I've already got some at home, I'd never take the last can of cat food off the shelf.

Just in case someone does come in there who is completely out of food with a finicky cat.

But the more likely scenario is that someone just like me who doesn't really need it is going to buy it anyways... But it gives me peace of mind.
me too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nekomania View Post

Have you ever been looking really really hard for something that you wanted/needed but couldn't find it, and then finally you found ONE? It almost feels like fate doesn't it?

)
YES!
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post #22 of 46
11/7/09 at 8:12pm
It would never have occurred to me not to take the last <something> on the shelf. In fact, working in retail, I would be MORE likely to take all of something, because I know that the workers are more likely to re-stock if the shelf is empty than they would if one were left.
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post #23 of 46
11/7/09 at 8:33pm
Thread Starter 
The trucks come in nightly at the grocery store I shop in and all inventory (so I've been told when I ask for something) is already out!

(see, I have an answer for everything, haha)
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post #24 of 46
11/7/09 at 8:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yosemite View Post
I don't really have that issue. I live in a small town and the owner of the local pet store orders 2 cases of cat food for me and as soon as I pick those up she orders another 2 cases and puts my name on them. Same with my World's Best Cat Litter - there is always one waiting for me with my name on it so that if she isn't in that day and one of the students she has working there is, they know it's mine.
similar deal here... local store ordered 5 cases for me and makes up different flavors in a case and I buy as I need... they also do some dry food for me this way only a bag at a time

By nature I try to keep a little more than I need on hand so while I would try to leave some or ask when the next shipment came in I may clean out a store of something I needed
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post #25 of 46
11/7/09 at 9:00pm
Our Petmart is awesome when it comes to stuff like that. There are always associates out and about on the floor. At one time we asked if they carried our type of food in the larger bag size. Not only did they check their inventory, they checked their distribution source and manufacturer to see if they could get it for us. Turned out the manufacturer didn't make the larger bag size of it. Oh well, they sure did try. I know that if they are out of stock on the shelves I can ask about it. If my store really is out they will at least check the closest stores and have them hold it for me if they have it.

If we need something and it happens to be the last one, then yes I will take it. If we're stocking up and don't need it right then, I won't.

The only exception to that was when Petsmart was having issues keeping the Litter Locker refills in stock. They would only get them in about once a month and then only one case at a time. They would be gone fast! So when that was happening and I saw that they had 2 left I did grab the last two. I didn't need the second one right then, but they had been out so many times when I did need them that I snagged it when I had the chance. Granted, it's a little different because no one needs a Litter Locker refill to keep their cats healthy. Thankfully they have resolved their distribution issues and they generally have them in stock all the time now.
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post #26 of 46
11/7/09 at 9:40pm
Sometimes people that clear the shelf are ones that have driven a very long way to get supplies. Where I used to live it was 45 minute to a Wal Mart (only store in the area) Then it was 2 hours to a Sams or Target. To get to a city and real shopping, it was 3 hours ( again one way).

I would call and order ahead as much as I could, but often times that didn't help. Some stores won't pre-order even if you pay ahead. I always bought as much as I could so I wouldn't have to make a big trip as often.

I can't tell you how horrible it is to hear...."we'll have it in stock tomorrow" when you have driven 3 hours.

For anything that wasn't too heavy I ordered online. Shipping was usually cost prohibitive for heavier items.
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post #27 of 46
11/7/09 at 10:29pm
Yes, I would, and have, and that includes people food, horse feed, and assorted hardware. I have a fair distance to drive to get to a 'real' store, so I am not shy about cleaning out the last of a product. With winter coming on, I am going to be even less shy about it as a 60+ mile round trip on bad roads is not a task to be taken lightly.
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post #28 of 46
11/7/09 at 10:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
The trucks come in nightly at the grocery store I shop in and all inventory (so I've been told when I ask for something) is already out!

(see, I have an answer for everything, haha)
At the retail store I worked at it was store policy to tell customers that we did not have their item in the "back room".

Because it would be too much work for the store to add a price tag to the item before bringing it to the customer.
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post #29 of 46
11/8/09 at 4:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_wings View Post
I'll buy whatever I need - if it happens to be all that's left, so be it.
that's me too. on the rare ocassion i'll say to the cashier: "you guys need to order more" (like she cares lol) and even rarer i'll leave 1 of x item (for reasons unknown to even myself) (a watered-down way to be "considerate" i guess?)

Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_wings View Post
Actually buying all of something, regularly, is one way to make sure a product is ordered more.
excellent point. makes me feel better
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post #30 of 46
11/8/09 at 5:10am
Thread Starter 
yep, I know about driving long distances. I live in farm country and everything is long distance. People have made reasonable justifications for taking it all. Doesn't change my beliefs. I was raised to leave something for someone else, and by gosh, I will remain that way all my life, because I believe in it.

But I appreciate everyone sharing their points of view.
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