Family Food Centres
The last 4 or 5 visits to FFC near the airport, I've gone in, done my shopping and had a very polite man bag my groceries and help me out to the car. On the first occasion - he informed me that he is not paid by FFC and relies on tips for an income. (Note: (1) I usually tip 1 or 2 riyals when I receive this kind of service and (2) it hasn't always been the same man bagging and carrying my groceries).
Yesterday, when I went in - I only had two small bags and needed no assistance. I also noticed that while I was in the store one man who had helped me before was almost stalking me to ensure he was the one who bagged my groceries.
I was annoyed and when he tried to grab my bags to take out to the car, I told him I didn't need any help today (only 2 small bags, not heavy).
My question is in 2 parts (a) I find it hard to believe that FFC can hire people but not pay them and leave them to fend for themselves, perhaps I'm wrong? and (b) should I have let him carry the two small bags and given him a tip for something I can quite easily do for myself on this occasion?
deedee, i found it odd that a mom would let a nice man hold her baby for her so she could shop in peace. besides it's not part of the job description of these shop employees to maintain your peace and order. it sounds sort of abusive. we're talking here about people who are probably not getting their salaries paid on time, and now we know that just because they need the tips, we ask them to do babysitting for us too.
r7, don't be so sure that they wouldn't be working there, if they are not paid. it's a reality. open your eyes. most contruction workers, cleaning boys, shop employees don't get their salaries on time. sometimes 4 or 5 months had lapsed without salary, and then the company will pay them one or two months, if they ever do.
om maui He was doing either----he helped me from time to time for several years. And he only held my baby after I had known him for some time. By then I knew him as a nice man, not some creep. Usually the baby was sitting in the cart, but as any mom will tell you, they are always trying to get out! He was safer in my "personal shopper's" arms then running around possible getting hurt.
Im pretty sure they wouldnt be working there without being paid by the Company.. There are strict rules about the Labor Law now in place..
There salaries would be really low and im sure the tips make it easier for them..
i caught our cleaning boys at the pantry, eating khubus and chili sauce the other day. they said they haven't been paid their salary for 3 months. so this is their meal for several weeks already.
imagine their joy if they get 2 riyals for carrying bags! maybe that's even 2 days meal.
deedee, you had that man steer your cart AND hold your baby?! jeez louis, what were you doing, reading all the labels?
steering your cart, sure. but holding your baby for u?! i say, that's crossing the line, girl.
anyway, i agree with gloopygladys 100%. 2 riyals will not hurt u, with or without carrying ur bags. for u, 2 riyals is nothing. for them, it's a day's meal.
deedee you do have a soft spot...lol
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HE WHO DARES WINS
they are worth it. when I first moved here I had a guy at Megamart, that when he saw me coming, would follow me all around the store, steer my cart for me, get things off high shelves, hold my baby, and then make them open up a checkout lane so I didn't have to stand in line and then bag and take my stuff to the car. He was of great help as I buy A LOT of stuff (have a big family) was wrestling with a baby and trying to get through the under construction parking lot of megamart. I was sad when he returned to India.
Will pay them but not ask them to help me to the car.. man this is the only exercise I get...
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HE WHO DARES WINS
but if you really have a soft heart for those people, even if you only bought 1 kilo of sugar, you will still give him money even if he didn't carry or helped you with anything. besides, 1 or 2 riyals like per week when you go to FFC? not bad at all. :)
Does it really matter, he is paid 2 thirds of bugger all and lives in terrible conditions! Does 2 Riyals hurt your bank balance? Let him pack you up, take you to the car even if you don't need him! Give him the money to buy a days food. Even if he is paid by FFC it is nothing, so tip him!
i give him his tip while i am still on the counter and leave, i hate it when they carry my bags, but even if he does get payed by ffc, his salary is probably what most here spend on a shopping trip to ffc...its 2 ryals, give it to him and if you dont feel comfortable letting him carry your bags for you, then give him his tip and do it yourself....
Instead of wasting your time writing up a lame discussion topic:S.....If u had given 1 buck to the guy, u would have heard a word of thanks.
If you don't need anyone's help....say a big NO, wid a pasted smile...thats it.:D:P
are you sure that he is really a FFC staff?is he wearing an ID or uniform?Otherwise,you can checked with the FFC management or if you have the name then it would be easily recognized & can file a complaint.
a) FFC (or even other companies) cannot hire people without paying them. There are labor contracts and other legal formalities to be satisfied. What I understood is that the people who pack bags make more than others (including tip income).
There was also mention about contract staff (non-FFC staff, like cleaning etc) helping with packing of bags after hours, to supplement thier income. I guess FFC does not mind, especially during busy hours, and most customers do appreciate this service.
b)Tipping is totally upto you, just like any other place. I guess the general etiqutte in Qatar is that if they carry the bags all the way to the car, then tipping is highly recommended. You can always mention that their help is not needed in carrying the items to the car (even if they packed the items) and not tip them.
Disclaimer: I have ties with the FFC group.
These people are used to having a lot of customers availing their service, so their general course of action is to pick up the bags after they are filled. A simple "no", or even a winking of the eyes should convey to them that their help is not needed, and they generally move on to the next customer.
Obviously, they are human and appreciate the additional tips, so they do follow "familiar" faces occassionally. A "no thanks (with a smile!)" should take care of that ;-)
i think it's also happening in other supermarkets (experienced the same thing in almeera, however it was d cashier who informd me)...cant imagine how these people can accept such job, no salaries..they will just rely on the tips they will receive in order to survive, too bad
:(
like u, i did d same thing (even if the bagger tried to get my bag which just contains 3 lays and 2L coke) coz i dont feel comfrtable with d idea as well. ofcourse its not bad to give them some tip but i think its not our respnsbility to give d "salaries" for this ppl, it shud b d supermarket's management...
question part a- did you check with the manager if that was the case?
part b- i don't. i don't feel comfortable with the idea.
i always carry a canvas bag with me and like to bag my items myself.
if i were you i will just carry the bags my own to put it in the car. Is not because I dont want to tip, simply it is quicker doing it myself.