Category: Daily Living
Hey all!!! I live with my mother, and two sisters, but hope to one day live alone. How is it possible for a totally blind person to go shopping in a big supermarket? I know that a blind person can go into a store, and ask for one or two things without a problem, but what if it's a whole list of things? How do people on this site deal with this? Any suggestions would be wonderful!! Thanks
I've always just had somebody to go with me. Find somebody who is going shopping anyway, and coordinate.
hmmm that's a good idea, but what if one day you don't have anyone to go with, then what's the best way to shop?
Go online and have your food delivered like peapod.com
If you have a big shopping list, you can call the store ahead, and tell them that you need help shopping, and that you will be coming around a certain time. Once there, make sure to have a list, in print if possible, so the process can go along faster. I think shopping online is a good idea, not sure about delivery fees and all that good stuff though. When you lose your sight, you typically lose a hand, since you need it for whatever guiding method you use, so you are limited to the amount of things you can carry.
awesome idea about calling ahead of time!!! It's something I'll deffinitely try in the future Thanks
I've never gone to a store alone either, since I always have family or friends to take me. But I hear that some stores, especially the bigger ones, have shopping assistants, even if you don't call ahead of time. Also, many store chains have their own online delivery system. For example, the Shoprite and probably a few other places near me have websites. In some of their locations you shop online and then pay a fee to have people bag your groceries. Then, you go there and pick them up. In others, you place your order and they'll deliver. Also, if you can't shop online or if your local store doesn't have a website, see if they'll accept phone orders. Hope this helps. For me, one of the problems of just having someone pick up my stuff, unless I had a very specific list, would be that I actually like to go and shop. I don't mind getting other stuff online, but I like going to the food store and browsing.
I asked my mom the same question yesterday, and she told me the same thing about assistant shoppers. I live right near a pathmark store, and I'm not sure (but highly doubt ) that they have people who will walk around the store with me. I also like going into stores with someone of course and shopping for food. I did hear recently that there is some store that you could shop online and they'd deliver, but I don't remember what store it was. No actually i think it was that this said store does the online thing, but not the one near us. I don't know... lol I'm going to try and call ahead to the pathmark store one day, and see how it goes.
Wow! I don't see this as a problem at all. My fiance and I are totally blind and we go shopping by ourselves just fine. I don't know what kinds of stores you have in your area but places like price chopper, market basket, shaws, stop and shop, victories, and big chains like that have what's called a customer service desk where they can help you shop. All you do is just walk in and find the desk and say you would like assistance shopping. I have my list in braille so I just tell them what I need in each department. Like for the dairy department, I'd buy a gallon of 2 percent milk a dozen of white medium sized eggs, and some low-fat yogurt. What I found hard for me at first was knowing what brand I wanted. But I usually stick with the store brand cause it's usually cheaper. We always took a cab back home after shopping because it was only 5 dollars and the van service only allows us to cary 4 bags which is too little shopping for us. Our building has carts that we all can use tempararily to bring our shopping up to our apartment so it's not a problem for us to cary.
Also, I've noticed that if you go to a store that announces things like the different sales they have over the loud speaker, they usually have the desk where you can ask for assistance. lol My spelling is attrocious so I never feel comfortable bringing a list in print. lol I never called in ahead of time either but I don't usually have long to wait for assistance unless it's near a holiday.
I hope all of this helps you and if you have anymore questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
Michelle
Exactly. I don't see the huge issue with getting assistance. You're giving people a purpose, and it's not like you're being an overly complacent customer or anything. I'm totally with you on the cab thing. Definitely a good idea if you're carying stuff long distance, plus it enables you to bring more with you. Too bad I'm in New York City and I'm just not going to bother taking a cab two blocks from the store to where I live. lol
Yes in America it is law that stores must offer you assistants shopping, so as poster have said before me simply walk in, find the desk, and say you want help. Going to the store is best in my opinion. You can feel your veggies, and fruits to make sure they are fresh. You can't do this online, so if you get a lazy online shopper you end up with half bad stuff. For saving money on your shopping bill ask your shopper if the item your wanting is cheaper in another brand, or size today. Soon you'll know what brands you don't like, so if one is cheaper, but not good, then you'll pass. I go offten to keep from taking a cab around the corner. If you are only a few blocks, and weather is good, then you can use a cart you can buy for $20 that you can carry your stuff home with. These have wheels, are sturdy, up to say 1000 LBS. As was said before you loose a hand, to depending on how well you travel depends on if you want to use the cart idea. I simply load the bags on my arm and go.
this is all so helpfull. I'm going to try it one of these days (after the holidays of course) lol
Probably a wonderful place to try this would be Trader Joes. They're always nice and helpful in general, and they seeem like the perfect people for this. To see if there's one in your area go to
http://www.traderjoes.com
Besides, they have great stuff there and decent prices.
Actually the Pathmark close to me has refused me help, cause they didn't have the extra help and I never called ahead. So I do recommend calling ahead to the store and at least giving them a heads up. Plus this will help to let you know if its one of their busy times, the worse time to go.
I also use the online service of Acme markets and they charge only a $9.99 service charge to deliver. The only downfall of that is if they don't have things, and you still need to make a trip to the store. But at least you don't need to carry all of that home.
hello there when I was in Boston going to school at my state school they made us go shopping for food and the person I got some times was the some person who help me the week before and taking a cab is helpful to the drivers help me in to me buiding the my bags if I had to meny to handle myself. I have try going in my home town yet going to college don't need to yet.
Love Trader Joe's!
Hi all. Online delivery is certainly the most convenient, if it's in your area. But I've never had a problem with going to the store, either. They should, on no condition, refuse you assistance. That's what the store staff get paid for, is to serve customers. I go with a print list, and often a Braille one as well, so I can mark off items myself as we pick them up. That way, I'm not totaly dependent on the shopper's assistant to make sure I got everything. I also carry a pen in my purse, so the assistant can mark things off as we go, too. I try to make my lists as specific as possible, like including the brand of a product I want, the size of it, how many of it, like two packages of whatever. I also look at each item the assistant picks up before I put it in the cart. I have them pull the cart at the back of it, while I hold on to the handle at the front and follow. And depending on the amount of things I need, if I have a ton of them, I'll take a bus to the store, and a cab home. That's where delivery is convenient, especially if you need a lot. There are usually delivery fees, but if you would have to take a cab home anyway, it all evens out.
That sounds way too complicated. I like the freedom of being able to go to the store, pick out what I need and then browse for extra stuff. I wouldn't even think to include size etc if I was going by myself, though brand certainly. How do you mark the stuff off in braille btw? Do you delete a portion of the word?
I've had it where even calling ahead doesn't help. We called and asked if they could have someone availalbe in the next half hour or so and they said try again tomorrow. Needless to say we haven't gone back to that store since. All other stores we go to have no problem finding someone to assist us.
when I was in Austin, we could walk in to a store and get assistance. I was impressed. I dunno if it works the same up here, but I don't feel like waltzing in to jewel to find out. though.. that could be fun.
Yeah, I always have someone to go with me to Tesco, Sainsbury's, Somerfields, Safeway Etc, my mum for example. If there's anything I'd like to choose myself, I'll ask when we next need to do a supermarket run and get it while we're there. I reckon if I was on my own and I had to do it though, I'd either, go online, buy what I needed and have it delivered to my house/flat, or I'd show up at Tesco's or Sainsbury's customer services desks and tell them I required assistance with my shopping and hopefully get it.
Hi. It's not as complex as it sounds when it's an established routine. *Smile* I usually take the list in my BrailleNote and delete items as we go along. If I have a hard copy paper list, which I rarely do these days, I'll just scratch out the first couple letters of a word or something.
I brought a braille list with me. Austin's angel has a habit of reading verbatim, so I made sure to write things in a way that would make her look silly. two thingys of cookie dough. a package of delicious soda pop, 2 loaves of freedom bread. Oh that day at walmart was a blast. I'm not allowed to write lists anymore. crys.
yes, Liam is not aloud to write grocery lists anymore.
along with the freedom bread and all that, we also had to get liam some "manly soap" as he wrote on the list, and he made me tell the assistant shopper exactly how he put it on the list.
but yes, when i shop here in austin, we just go to the customer service desk and ask for assistance, there's a grocery store about two blocks from my apartment, and they recognize me and my roommate when we get there, and automaticly send someone out to help.
and depending on how much we get, we either walk back, or take a cab, its about a four or five dollar cab ride.
lol Sounds like you guys had lots of fun. haha
And I don't think it would be as complicated as all that. I usually remember what we picked out because I tend to remember the layout of the store so if we passed the dairy isles, I usually pick out the things I need from that department. Size of things matter to me as well. I like to buy the family size shampoo bottles cause I hate having it run out. And I love pickles so I always buy the larger jars. haha I was asked once if I was pregnant. It was quite embarrassing.
Do you know what I hate shopping for? Pads/tampons. haha I especially hate it when I need to get them and it's a guy who's helping me. *blushes* So I make my man buy them cause he's not as self-conscious as I am. I love him for that. hehehehe lol So when it's a guy helping us, I just mentally scratch it off my list and buy everything else. Our farmacy is right next door to our supermarket so it makes things easier for picking up perscriptions too. I love where we live. lol
Michelle
well the way i do it is go to the store and get hellp from some one!!! that works there and i buy alot of food!!!! i spend about 100 ore 50 $s if you have a list that would hellp them get what you want alot faster but if not just go and tell them what you want!!!
when my boyfriend and i go shopping, we usually ask for customer assistance and it's good to have a list ready so you don't have to remember everything.
Yes, when you go, go in and march up to the counter where you pay and ask for help. It's better to ask and get something done than to do nothing and all and to be afraid at home.
I just looked at the web site given earlier in this topic, and the only Trader Joe's stores are two hours away from me. grrrrr.
I never call ahead to ask if anyone will be available at a store. I walk in, let them know that I need ssistance shopping, and they find someone to help me. I go to places like walmart, a store here in canada called metro, and another one called sobey's, and even low grade supermarkets llike no frills. The only time I've ever had a problem shopping was when I made the mistake of going to a 24 hour store late at night, and they said they couldn't do it, because they were under staffed, and could I please come before 10 pm. But I think if I was ever refused help in a store, i'd go straight to the store manager and let them know that it is their duty to help us. If they can't assign one person for 10 or 15 minutes, there's a huge problem.
Most of these stores have courticy clerks, the guys who bag groceries, or bring in the carts. Most of them I've asked usually tell me they enjoy helping us, because it takes away from their boring duties, and gives them a chance to walk around a bit.
But to sum up, it is my experience that most places are willing to help you, since you're obviously willing to give them your business and spend money there. I refuse to buy my groceries online, since online stores up here are generally more expensive, and I'm a bit of a tight wad like that. lol
But good luck, and just remember that most places are willing to help if you ask for it.
Cam
i use a combination of going with a friend and peapod. the beauty part of peapod is that besides the name of the stuff and its size you can click on the product and get the ingredients, serving sizes etc. also seeing say all the yoghurt gives me an idea of things i might not know about.
I go to the customer service desk in the store and ask for assistance. If I go to Albertsons, I usually get the same girl to help me, so that works out well. I pretty much always get the same stuff, so I don't actually write out a list. Sometimes, I tell the person who is helping me what I want, they write it down, and go get it for me, but I prefer walking with them so I don't get bored and makes it easier if they have questions about the size/amount or brand I want. One time at Walmart, they had to get someone else to help me, because that person was afraid of my guide dog or maybe they were just being an ass, but that really hasn't happened to me very often. I either take DART Paratransit or a cab home and they help me bring my groceries in. I have never bought groceries online and would try it out, but I heard its kind of expensive.
the only thing i have found that is outrageous with buying on line is meat. ridiculous what they charge. all the produce and staples and bake goods are comparable.
If you live in the city where you can take a bus to where you need to go, remember to get the bus number and times from the company and ask the driver when the bus stops to make sure it's the right one. I'd do the route a time or two with someone who is sighted so you know where the bus stops, if you need to cross a busy street, and things like that. Or if you have a smaller bus that will do door to door pick-up, call them and set up a ride and let them know how long you think you'll be. Anyway, once inside the store, stop anyone and ask where the guest counter is. Once there ask the person behind the counter if they can get someone to help you do some shopping. That's what these people are there for and they'll help, no matter the list you have, because they want your business and they want you to come back. Have the person steer your cart and don't just let them put any old milk, or cereal or stuff in your cart. Go ahead and ask them for prices and amount in container so you, too, can get the best deal or ask for the one brand you like over the others. This works the same with super stores like Wal-Mart or Target or finding laundry soap, dog food, toilet paper, and more. If you still live with your parents, have them be your guide for the streets, bus, and store , but remember to let them know that this is your trip and you need to do this. They are not to give you any advice on items like you should get this instead of that, but they can help find the best way to the bus and store like if there are some kind of landmarks, like two blocks down and across one street, take right and follow curb until sidwalk to door. Try it with a friend in case your parents make you nervous. If you have a long list and don't want to lug all that on the bus and however far you need to walk, ask a friend to drop you at the store and pick you up and then you can use their trunk. Don't be afraid to ask the people you pass for directions. If you have a guide dog, I recommend leaving home while shopping in a grocery store, too much food smells, no matter how well they're trained. If you have trouble telling paper money apart, get one of those wallets that has several compartments for the different sized bills. Or fold your money in different shapes, like I fold $5 into triangles and $10 into long rectangles. I hope this helps a bit and good luck.
something that helps me, but may not help others, is when I find I run out of something, I use my labler and right it down, then I stick it in to a ziplock baggy that I have on my fridg, when I'm ready to go shopping, I take that baggy with me and just pull the lables out to see what I need, and so when I buy things with the assistant shopper, I just slap a lable on it at the store so i'll know what it is when I get home. I use this method because i'm prone for forgetting groacerie lists. and it kills two birds with one stone, may work for others, may not. it's something you definantly have to get use to.
Hey, that's a good idea. *smile* I never thought of doing that before. i'll have to try that.
Hey ladies, if you don't want to ask guys to help you buy your girl products, this is one thing you might consider buying online. If you go to stores like drugstore, or even Amazon, they have a wide selection of girl stuff. Sporry, that should have been drugstore.com. I'm more often than not, with another girl when shopping, as my sister, niece, mom or friend will take me.
I really like the labeling idea, and I never thought of that till I just read it. A variation on it may be to use the post-it note pads that sighted peopleuse. You don't have to worry with pealing backing off tape, or making sure the rubber band stays on the package. The braille won't be as durable as on heavy paper or dymo tape, but it'll sure work long enough for this purpose.
Lou
yeah usually when I go to the H E B here and buy whatever it is I need to buy, I end up getting the same lady each time, and she's a great help, usually I'm picky on brands of food and stuff like that but if I am running low on money or for whatever reason just need to go cheap on something, I have her handy little eyes to look for me and tell me what's on sale or what cheapest of that product she can find. Usually when I talk to the shopper assistants, alot of them bag groceries, or stock counters or something like that, so they get really tired of their job and love to help out and walk around wiht people, and yeah I've run into a few times where I've had to buy tampons and had a guy shopper, super embarrassing for me, but the guy was super awesomely cool about it, Lol.
Hope that helps.
Jess
I've always had a girl shopper help me buy my feminine products. *grin*!
When I used to buy feminine products, I always went to the store service desk first and told the lady there I would need feminine stuff. She would get that first and we would put it in my cart because the Jewel store I go to has a lot of guys helping.
Personally, I don't have a problem with men getting female products for me. If the store won't find somebody to help you, just ask them, if they would rather you shop alone knocking shelves over... I bet then they would rush to find you a shopper, LOL
wow that label idea is really good! I'm going to live in an off campus apartment with 3 other friends next fall and one is VI. One friend has a car, and there's always the bus if we really need it, but we're already trying to decide how best to label things, so I think I'll suggest that. :)