calculators attached to grocery carts
in store calculators
shopping on a budget
spending within your limits
Does your supermarket provide calculators attached to their shopping carts?
By someonesmom
@someonesmom (5761)
Canada
January 29, 2008 2:32am CST
When grocery shopping on a budget, I've often used a calculator. The problem is (here in Canada) to my knowledge, these are not provided by the stores. This can make for problems, in getting the calculator positioned correctly, so that it doesn't get bumped etc., erasing all that's been entered.
This has happened to me, and it's very frustrating. When visiting the US years ago, I've come across these store provided calculators. I find this very helpful.
Do you ever use a calculator when grocery shopping?
Are there calculators attached to the shopping carts, where you purchase your groceries (whether you use them or not)?
If so, what stores have them?
Has anyone ever seen these outside of the US? If so, where?
12 people like this
37 responses
@MommaOfAllTrades (969)
• Canada
30 Jan 08
I'm in Canada as well, and haven't seen any carts with calculators. But do you know what I would love to see someday, hopefully in the near future, are carts that automatically calculate what you've put in. I know this isn't so far off since we have those automatic do-it-yourself checkouts now. So as you add items to your cart, a technology device would automatically display your total. The benefit of this is once you get to the cash, there is no major surprise, maybe somehow this device could be scanned and all you have to do is just pay... no need to unload the cart until you get to the car! (well then we get into a baggin issue... so it obviously requires more thought!)
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
I really don't think we've 'ever' had them here. Wow, that would really be amazing, and I'm sure the technology is already there for this. No 'major surprise' is definitely a good thing, and not having to put them on the belt ... well.:) As you know, we have bag it yourself stores 'here,' so maybe in the nice weather, the bagging could be done outside by your vehicle. We can always dream. Thanks for sharing.
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
This is a great idea, and for those who prefer bags, they could keep enough of those in their vehicles. I also envision 'enclosed parking areas,' so the weather wouldn't be a problem. Maybe they could even provide heat in the winter, and AC in the summer, for those who hate the heat. I might as well dream big here. Thanks.
@MommaOfAllTrades (969)
• Canada
12 Feb 08
Since we're dreaming here, enclosed parking is a fabulous idea! They want to offer those green bags... pffffffff We've got bigger and better ideas!
We should start our own supermarket and see who follows suit LOL
1. Shopping carts with integrated scanning device that calculates the total amount of groceries in the cart INCLUDING tax.
2. Cash registers that recognize the cart device chip and all you have to do is swipe your card.
3. Enclosed parking with heat or air conditioning depending on the weather for bagging your groceries at the car!
Loving it!
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
•
29 Jan 08
I haven't seen this before someonesmom but I have to admit it is a wonderful idea! My guess is that stores here would not want to do this as people might not always spend as much if they realised how much they were spending. I have used a calaculator in the past - just the one that is on mmy obile but it works really well - the main problem is that nowadays I get too distracted and end up forgetting everything if I take a calculator - keeps the cost down but only cos I forget to buy so many things! xxx
1 person likes this
@dangaroo (234)
•
30 Jan 08
I've never seen this in Poland. I've seen it somewhere though, I think in England possibly Safeways about 10 years ago or Netto. Surely Netto couldn't afford that kind of thing though? If anyone remembers which shop it was - let me know as I'd love to use one again! (quite sad I know!)
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
4 Feb 08
Hi mummymo,
Yes, that's another reason for not having them, 'they' want people to spend more than they plan on. Cell phone calculators are a good idea, but since I don't have a cell phone, I take a small solar powered one with me. The problem is, it's always getting bumped, and accidentally turned off. Thanks for sharing as always, and take care. xxx
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
4 Feb 08
I wish we had them here in Canada, netto, but don't think we ever will. I'm sure like us, there would be many people who'd put them to good use. Thanks for sharing, and welcome to myLot.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
30 Jan 08
I don't use one I normally count it up in my head but you are right it would be so much easier if they did have them on the Shopping Trolley's and it would safe a lot of People embarrassment when they get to the check out and find they do not have enough money
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Hi gabs,:)
I could 'try' to count it up in my head, but I find I have a bad memory for this type of thing 'nowadays.' That's why I have to carry a calculator with me, and I find it frustrating to say the least, when I get bumped, and the total is gone. I hate to be embarrassed at the checkout, so really try to avoid this happening. Take care.
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Sorry. Thanks so much for your response. You see what I mean about being forgetful.;)
@chertsy (3798)
• United States
29 Jan 08
I know what your talking about. It's those tiny little calculators right there on the cart where your hands go. In my hometown, the small market has those. I don't know if it comes in handy, as the prices there are outragious as it is. I wish the supermarkets had them here where I live now, it would be easier than having to make sure I don't drop mine, or having to hold it as I try to push my cart around.
1 person likes this
@chertsy (3798)
• United States
12 Feb 08
It's a really small market in a really small town, which is why the prices are so high. I get bumped, lose the total, heck I even had my calculator fall completely on the floor, lol. Normally, when I use it, I use my to get list as a scratch paper to write the total down every once in awhile so I don't lose my total.
When I do forget my calculator, I use the back of my to get list to calculate the total of everything, it's harder but it works.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
13 Feb 08
Thanks for this additional information. I sure can relate to all you've mentioned, regarding the bumping, dropping, etc. That's a good idea, to write the total on your shopping list, 'just in case.' Why didn't I think of that!:)
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Yes, this is what I mean. It's interesting that your small market has them, and yet they're so high priced. I see you feel exactly the same as me, about having to take my own calculator, as what you've said is what I find the problem to be. I'm always getting bumped etc., by someone, and losing the total. Thanks for your response.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
29 Jan 08
How interesting. I'm in the US and I have never seen calculators attached to shopping carts. I shop at different grocery outlets and have never seen these at any of them. At what store in the US did you see them at someonesmom?
Whenever I've needed to use a calculator I use the one I've brought from home. Sometimes, though rarely, I do mental calculation in my head when grocery shopping, but if I have to get down to the dollar I will use a calculator instead. I just don't trust my math sometimes and I'd hate to be off with my calculations, especially while grocery shopping. :P
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Hi sacmom,:)
I wish I could remember what store it was, but it was quite a few years ago, and 'I believe' it was in Florida. I have to get down to the dollar most times now, so will bring my own, as I can't take a chance on being 'out' in my calculations. Besides, if I am, I find it very embarrassing.
@vera5d (4005)
• United States
17 Jun 08
I have never seen a calculator on a shopping cart before though that would be a great idea!
Recently while traveling we went to a store called Bloom and I thought it was pretty darn neat that they had maps of the store on the cart so you could find stuff - being out of town and never to that store I really found it helpful! I was even more amazed their prices were lower than our grocery store here, though they didn't have as much selection as I am used to.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
18 Jun 08
I think it's a great idea too. The only place I ever saw this was in the states. Wow, I've never heard of a map of a store being supplied like this. Where is 'Bloom' located? Thanks so much for sharing.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
30 Jan 08
What a great idea! I wish our local supermarkets would adopt this great idea! I don't think any supermarket in the UK do this, I think I would have heard about it in the papers as this is a brand new idea and I'm sure so many people would benefit from this, especially if you are keeping to a tight budget. Mind you I think people would try to steal them or vandalize them, we have a nation who do not respect property. If they did start having them then I definitely would use one.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Hi wolfie,:)
I wish our's here in Canada would, as well. I haven't heard from anyone in the UK who has these. I would be a regular user of these too, but just as you, and others have mentioned, it probably wouldn't work due to 'a few people' spoiling it for others. Thanks for sharing. Take care.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
11 Feb 08
I think I would save a lot if I have calculator with my shopping cart. We have to pay over 9% for taxes, so it will be helpful to know what is my total...
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Hi pola,
I find it's necessary for me to have a calculator, so I have to bring my own. That's a lot to pay for taxes. Thanks for sharing.
@sweetaspie52 (2359)
• United States
19 Feb 08
No I do not use a calculator I just simply round the price up to the nearest dollar and than I usually have money left over.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
22 Feb 08
I see you do things the same way as many others here. This wouldn't work well for me, as I'd keep forgetting the total, but could write it down I guess. Thanks for your response.
@myworkid1987 (755)
• United States
31 Jan 08
I have never seen a grocery store that had calculators on their carts. I dont know if they provide them at the customer service desk or not. Im guessing they dont where I'm from cuz they are worried they would get stolen. I dont bring a calculator with me either. I am on a budget though. I just round my items up the next dollar and keep track that way to how ever much I have to spend on groceries.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Yes, vandalism, and having them stolen, seem to be a reason for not having them, that many have stated here. That's a good way you have of figuring things out, but I don't have the memory for it these days. I guess I could always write the amount down though. Thanks for your response.
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
30 Jan 08
I am in Texas and i have never seen these..that would be awesome, and yes i would use them if they were here, that would be an excellent way to keep with in your budget...What a great thing.I do wish i knew where any were at, i would use them for sure....
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Many that have responded, have never seen them, but if you look a couple of responses before your's here, you'll see that they do have them in Wisconsin. I doubt we'll ever have them in Canada, but would sure like to. Thanks for your response.
@whittby (3072)
• United States
7 Feb 08
Well, this has grown to quite a discussion! There aren't any calculators on the carts here and what a good idea. I used to bring one to the store with me, but that habit has fallen by the wayside. What I think, is the grocery stores probably don't want the calculators on the carts. I can keep a running total in my head to a certain degree, but don't always do it. If we knew how much the darn groceries were costing us as we went along, I doubt if we'd do that much impulse buying...Whit
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
Hi whittby,
Yes, it has really grown! There are none around here either, so that's why I bring my own. I'd love to see this, but I'm sure it'll never happen. I can't really keep a total in my head, as there are too many distractions, and my memory 'for this sort of thing,' isn't what it used to be. It would put a stop to a lot of impulse buying, which is exactly what the stores don't want. Thanks for sharing.
@dandan07 (1906)
• China
12 Jun 08
No, we do not have the habit, and we do not need it.
People here are good at heart calculate, they can know which one is the cheapest for them in a second. And they can know how much they have spend on the things before they go to pay them.
Uaually I have a list and price for what I want to buy, so before entering the supermarket, I know how much I will spend on the things I will to buy, though sometimes there is a change, it will not change too much.
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
17 Jun 08
It's great that some people are able to mentally calculate these things, but I rely on a calculator, as I find I forget the amount easily. This is especially true, if the store is crowded, and very noisy. I always use a list as well. Thanks for sharing.
@miaoyu0807 (101)
• China
31 Jan 08
Wahoo , I do never need it !In China ,most of people do not need it !We do it with our head !
sorry ,there is some wrong with my computer !
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
It's great that you're able to figure this out in your head. When I was younger, I could've done the same, but stess, and too many distractions, make it too hard for me now. The calculator works best for me.:) Thanks for your response.
@kellys3ps (3723)
• United States
30 Jan 08
I have never seen a grocery cart with a calculator attached to it, but it seems like it would be extremely helpful. I'm sure most stores don't want to offer them, because they want you to spend as much as possible. I just use a pen and paper to keep track of my spending.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
I'd sure find it helpful, like you, and many others who've responded here. The reason you've mentioned for not having them, is likely just what you've said. Using a pen and paper is also a good idea. Thanks for your response.
@lynboobsy11 (11343)
• Philippines
30 Jan 08
Yeah sometimes I used my cp calculator when I do the shopping. Here in my country I do remember one big supermarket that has it before but I don't know if it is still availble now since I never had a chance to go back and shop gian in that store.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
I usually take my calculator with me, because I need to. It's interesting that you did know of a store that had these. Thanks for your response.
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
30 Jan 08
I live in the US and I can't say that I have ever seen calculators on shopping carts. What a clever idea! I would use it if where I shopped at provided them on the carts!
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
I'd really like to see them here, but am not expecting to. From the responses I've received, it seems the trend is moving away from them, in those places that did have them. Thanks for sharing.
@princessa200145 (616)
• United States
30 Jan 08
we have them on our carts but i never use them they are to easily bumped and then u have to start over a nice thought though but between looking for what i want and the passerbyers with kids its hard to do it could be managed late at night but not during the day
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
It's interesting to hear, that you have them in Wisconsin. What store(s) are they in? I'd definitely use them, as I find my little hand held one, is too hard to manage. I agree about being bumped though. I prefer to shop when it's not crowded. Thanks for your response.
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
30 Jan 08
Wow that is a great idea. I always keep track in my head what I am spending and rounding it up to the next dollar.
Aingealicia
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
I think it'd be great too. It's wonderful that you can keep a tally in your head, as I'm just too forgetful, with things like this. Thanks for your response.
@stylist7698 (48)
• United States
30 Jan 08
This is the first time I have EVER heard of calculators on shopping carts. In Illinois, til this day with all the shopping I do we still do not have calculators on carts. They may feel it is more costly to them. I don't usually use a physical calculator, I try to do it in my head. I would love to see this option on the carts. I would probably stick to my budget more often.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
11 Feb 08
I think there's a lot of pros and cons to this, but I personally would love to see them. I don't think it'll ever happen here in Canada. Check out the response before yours here, as they do have them somewhere in Wisconsin. Thanks for sharing, and welcome to myLot.
