Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
Aug 10th 2014, 6:12 am
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 542
Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I have noticed that it is quite common when leaving a shop, for members of staff to ask to search the bags of customers. This happens routinely at JB Hi-fi shops, but I have also seen it at Woolworths, K-mart, and many others.
Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".
In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.
I have two questions:
1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.
Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".
In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.
I have two questions:
1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.
Aug 10th 2014, 6:19 am
#2
MODERATOR
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 29,862
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I have noticed that it is quite common when leaving a shop, for members of staff to ask to search the bags of customers. This happens routinely at JB Hi-fi shops, but I have also seen it at Woolworths, K-mart, and many others.
Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".
In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.
I have two questions:
1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.
Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".
In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.
I have two questions:
1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.
I also think that most shops have a sign saying that they reserve the right to search bags or something similar, and if you do not want bags searched, don't take one in a shop that does this.
Aug 10th 2014, 6:21 am
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,040
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
Nope. And thats a big NOPE. Ive caused great scenes coming out of JBHIFI. I refuse to let someone look inside my personal propety. I don't care what they say or do.
and its appalling customer trust too. Customers are these shops best assets.
and its appalling customer trust too. Customers are these shops best assets.
Aug 10th 2014, 6:41 am
#4
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Brisvegas
Posts: 5,461
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I open shopping bags and show receipt for goods on leaving stores if asked, but refuse to let them look in personal bags. If you've nicked anything the alarms will go off or the store detective will hunt you down anyway.
Aug 10th 2014, 6:50 am
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Sydney, NSW
Posts: 7,580
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I open my bag and show them before they ask!!
Aug 10th 2014, 7:03 am
#6
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,040
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
Aug 10th 2014, 7:09 am
#7
Not around much..
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 1,873
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I have noticed that it is quite common when leaving a shop, for members of staff to ask to search the bags of customers. This happens routinely at JB Hi-fi shops, but I have also seen it at Woolworths, K-mart, and many others.
Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".
In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.
I have two questions:
1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.
Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".
In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.
I have two questions:
1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.
And I thought we were the only ones stuck with K Mart.
I agree with Beoz on the bag searching. I don't know Australian law but I would imagine there isn't any legal authority to search (without some kind of private persons arrest). Having signs doesn't immunize the store from being sued.
Aug 10th 2014, 7:22 am
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
It's the one Australianism I will never ever adopt.
I Always refuse.
I Always refuse.
Aug 10th 2014, 8:51 am
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Jacobs Ridge, Gold Coast
Posts: 1,140
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I have noticed that it is quite common when leaving a shop, for members of staff to ask to search the bags of customers. This happens routinely at JB Hi-fi shops, but I have also seen it at Woolworths, K-mart, and many others.
Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".
In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.
I have two questions:
1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.
Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".
In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.
I have two questions:
1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.
I always just walk out of the shop without offering my bags for inspection, but if asked, I will show them. 9 times out of 10 I don't get stopped. However, I was in Bunnings the other day with my 6 mth old twin boys in a twin stroller and of the 8-10 years I have been going to Bunnings I have never been asked for a bag inspection until the other day when I walked out without buying anything with my 2 boys. They wanted to search the pockets within the pram, couldn't believe it.
Aug 10th 2014, 9:48 am
#10
Concierge
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 21,138
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I'm not asked in shops where the staff know me as a regular customers. I'm occasionally asked at other shops, so I just open my handbag and point it at them. I kid you not, I could hide a tank in my handbag if I wanted to - one look at the chaos in there and they retreat 
Interesting topic. I was shopping in a supermarket in KL, and there was the usual heavy security around, including at the entry and exit points. I thought I'd better offer to open my many bags from other shops for the security guy at the exit. He was horrified! No no no, we don't do that. Good!
Interesting topic. I was shopping in a supermarket in KL, and there was the usual heavy security around, including at the entry and exit points. I thought I'd better offer to open my many bags from other shops for the security guy at the exit. He was horrified! No no no, we don't do that. Good!
Aug 10th 2014, 9:56 am
#11
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,040
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I'm not asked in shops where the staff know me as a regular customers. I'm occasionally asked at other shops, so I just open my handbag and point it at them. I kid you not, I could hide a tank in my handbag if I wanted to - one look at the chaos in there and they retreat
Interesting topic. I was shopping in a supermarket in KL, and there was the usual heavy security around, including at the entry and exit points. I thought I'd better offer to open my many bags from other shops for the security guy at the exit. He was horrified! No no no, we don't do that. Good!
Interesting topic. I was shopping in a supermarket in KL, and there was the usual heavy security around, including at the entry and exit points. I thought I'd better offer to open my many bags from other shops for the security guy at the exit. He was horrified! No no no, we don't do that. Good!
Aug 10th 2014, 10:01 am
#12
Fighting my corner
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 11,948
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
I usually offer my bag before being asked. On many occasions I've found this results in me being waved through without checking.
I allow my bag to be checked. I never refuse. Why would I?
You're not being suspected of being a thief. If they suspected you of being a thief they would call security and detain you until the police arrived.
The law allows shops to set their own conditions of entry. They're acting entirely within their legal rights.
Incidentally, when I lived in Walsall one of the local warehouse chains used to check bags and request sight of receipt as you left the store.
Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse?
I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.
2. Does anyone know what the law states?
Incidentally, when I lived in Walsall one of the local warehouse chains used to check bags and request sight of receipt as you left the store.
Aug 10th 2014, 10:07 am
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 392
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
It drives me mad - I always refuse. If the security guard gets adamant I say to him he has the right to detain me and call the police, I'm hoping one day one of them does, I'd love to sue one of the big retailers :-) So far they always back off....
Aug 10th 2014, 10:14 am
#14
Concierge
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 21,138
Re: Bag checks when leaving Australian shops
