Wednesday, September 5th, 2007
Who has the right to examine your receipt?
Another off-topic entry, but it’s worth it! Just to preface this, here’s some information about store searches and examinations from Lawyer Lad of qdnow.com fame. There are two relevant podcasts: Store Security and Your Rights and Store Security Part 2.
Who has the right to examine your receipt? Search your bags? Since this is a recurring topic in the Writer’s Cave, and since some of us have been unlawfully detained for failing to show their own receipts when leaving Costco, I thought I’d share this:
Papers Please: Arrested at Circuit City
Guess whose side I’m on.
on Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 at 12:33 pm:
I’m guessing you’re on the side of the business owner, because if they don’t protect your rights as a citizen, who will?
;-)
I do think it’s interesting that you pointed out that you had issues with Costco (which is a private ‘club’, and is not considered the same type of establishment as Best Buy under the law). If you don’t comply, Costco can yank your membership, and then you won’t be buying anything from them again — they have a bit more leverage than Best Buy.
on Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 at 8:52 pm:
Hi Dan,
Thanks for the comment!
How is the store employee protecting my rights by demanding to see my receipt after I purchase an item and walk out the door?
As for Costco, I don’t think they can unlawfully detain people for not showing a receipt. I have read that they can revoke membership for not complying with the rules; however, I haven’t heard of them revoking membership for not showing a receipt.