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kroger

March 07, 2025 07:31PM
Just did 2 in store Krogers. I am NOT great at figuring out people's ages and heights. I find the writing descriptions for deli, meat, produce and cashiers a bit tiring. Has anyone ever been questioned as to age or height of the people they described/ I also find the question about whether or not anyone did not greet you as you walked in the store a bit silly, I often pass people who are pick up order clerks and they have their faces in their computers trying to get the right orders in the right bags so they do not even look up. Not sure what Kroger is so interested in associates greeting people. Shops are taking me about 30 minutes in store. Not thrilled with the added descriptions- and thankfully doing self check as I do not need any more people to report on!
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March 07, 2025 08:04PM
I completed my first Kroger's July of 2006. Neither with the former MSC nor the current have I ever received a request or comment concerning my descriptions. My best guess is 800 shops over 18+ yrs.

I also probably average out at 30 mins. My time is predicated upon zero need to rush, a desire to give my best and ferreting out the reduced items which, of course, increases my profit. It is not uncommon for me to increase my take by 50%+ in the produce, deli and/or meat cases. This past Monday was approx. a 100%+ day, but those are unusual.

I NEVER apply for pick-ups.
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March 08, 2025 02:16AM
The store knows who was assigned to these sections on the day/time of the shop. If you are at all close,.they will know which one you mean.

And... how do I put this? They need their employees to be more engaged. I hope the shops help.at least a little.
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March 08, 2025 06:18AM
My description guesses go like this:
1. hair description - straight/curly/wavy, color,
2. age: if they look like they're in high school I pick 18 - 24. if they look like rotten little kids, but I can't put an age on them, I assume gen x and do the range up to age 29. If I think they are about my son's age I use the range up to 39. Anyone that looks older than my son is automatically 50, and everyone else is my age or older and end up in 60+.
3. height: SHORT (under 5 ft.), short like me (5'3") taller than me (5'5" - 5'9"), tall (5'10" - 6'), and very tall (over 6').

does that help?
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March 12, 2025 03:58AM
What are you talking about "writing descriptions"?? They are checklists, not narratives. And have condensed the age groups even more. Look like high school, 20s; look like young parents 30s, Have gray hair or dye jobs, 40's, More than a few wrinkles, 50's, My age or older 60+.

Try to remember glasses and facial hair.

Today everyone was so nice to me that I was convinced that my photo must be up in the office. I have noticed a lot of manager groups on the floors in the last months, too.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2025 04:00AM by melg.
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March 12, 2025 04:55AM
I did far too many this round. I'll be sitting out for awhile.

Produce guy was hitting on me at the last location. SMH. I've had about enough of grocery stores for now.
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March 12, 2025 06:13AM
melg, what I write in my notes, and what it becomes on the checklist.
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March 12, 2025 02:54PM
Morz, I was wondering what Fatlady meant. Some of her posts make it sound like she is not experienced with these shops. I find them pretty easy, most days.

For my notes I will write (Deli or Pro or Meat) Name blnd wavy pb (for pulled back) 20s 58 glasses (or stache, etc). Default around here is black straight short, so often won't even write that down, only if different. Sometimes I put my guess at exact age (I watch reality TV to keep up on what different ages look like).

I like to do it on my phone as emails to myself then I have it on the record in case I lose the slip of paper. When I pull into the lot I email myself the start time and any fails in the lot. Then on exit do cashier and bagger in the car, with the exit time. Hardest to remember (and see) are the names. Love it when the Deli person has name badge on their hat, like yesterday.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2025 02:58PM by melg.
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March 13, 2025 12:27AM
I use an app called Keep, it's the same one I use for my grocery list.

And those poor deli employees are going to be exhausted by my party planning! It's nice they have the pamphlets about meat trays as it gives me a good excuse to linger at the counter and then not buy anything.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2025 12:28AM by Deedeezthoughts.
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March 13, 2025 02:32AM
My kids and their spouse/live ins are aged 50---34. I think how they look and compare associates to them. Hair makes me giggle because to me male hair falling just above the shoulders is medium but to someone else might be long.

Is there a button on this site I might have accidently pushed as my recent posts are hidden?
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March 15, 2025 08:40AM
Honestly, if everyone is present in the 3 areas, I can complete the floor portion of the shop in 10 minutes or less. EZ shops to do. Just read the instructions.

Do not read so much, look about you and think of what you see there.
Richard Feynman-- letter to Ashok Arora, 4 January 1967, published in Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track (2005) p. 230
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March 15, 2025 08:02PM
Of course what takes time is getting the three areas (Deli you might have to wait a few minutes at most). Produce can easily take a second pass. I always seem to arrive just as they are walking away, Some meat counters have a buzzer or bell and I do use those if present. So usually one pass for Meat. The quality checks are much faster now that the number of items are reduced. Thankfully you aren't asked for the names/descriptions of those you pass in the aisles.

I still like to do the stores that don't have any service counters, even if the "hoods aren't the best. OTOH, the nice stores have the best markdowns.
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March 16, 2025 01:43PM
I am not an inexperienced shopper have been shopping more than 30 years and I could never do a Kroger floor portion in 10 minutes as suggested above. Two of the stores I shop are the large super stores and just walking to the 3 areas takes time. As the stores are usually busy as they are the nicest in the area I have to wait at deli and meat. At times produce man in back so have to return 5 minutes later. Granted the observations are less in terms of grocery items but the time is never 10 minutes. I only take self serve registers as Kroger is notoriously short on full serve lines and to stand in a long line of full carts when I am usually only buying 4 or 5 items makes no sense. I also think it is silly to stand at the deli or meat counters and being asked what I want and having to make up some silly question as not to seem like a shopper.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/2025 01:48PM by OldmanJames.
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March 17, 2025 09:05PM
The Service Deli has been easier than expected. Like the Meat Service Counter, I linger working on my report in front of the counter. When greeted, I simply say I was just looking. Or I ask if they have beef liver. Or what is the price of ?

Do not read so much, look about you and think of what you see there.
Richard Feynman-- letter to Ashok Arora, 4 January 1967, published in Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track (2005) p. 230
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