Lets face it, in the US we have all had the unnecessary car ding from a rogue shopping cart that someone didn't bother to put away. Or found a perfect parking spot only to find out there was a cart right in the middle forcing you to get out of your car and move it in order to park.
It can be argued that this problem has created job opportunities for some lucky individuals who traipse around the parking lot wind, rain, snow, or shine rounding up the carts like cowboys with cattle, however, for the consumer, this raises the cost of your consumables to pay the salary of the cart cowboy, so the UK and Europe, and the middle east, and most countries really, have developed this locking chain system. Want a cart? Put a pound coin in that slot there. It will unlock the trolley and a grocery shopping you will go! When you're done, simply take your trolley back, insert the locking chain and out pops your coin! Too lazy to put it back? Or maybe you're shopping alone with two babies and after you put your groceries and kids in the car you feel it's too dangerous to leave your kids unattended in the car while you run your trolley back...it's only going to cost you a pound and the shopper who does pick up your cart and return it is rewarded with a whole pound! TAX FREE! It really is a brilliant system... until you find yourself with nothing but 20 p and a debit card.
I found myself in this situation...well numerous times really... but the first time, I went to customer service and said "Hi, I need to get a lot of grocery's and need a cart, but I don't have a pound coin. Can I trade my ID or my keys for a pound, and I will get it back to you when I'm done shopping?"
The manager at the counter replied "You want a cart for free?"
I said "Well I will trade you and pay you back when I'm done shopping."
"You can't get a cart for free, and just say you'll pay us back."
"Do you want me to shop here? I have a lot to get, and I can't get it all if I don't have a cart."
Turns out, they thought I was asking for a carton of fags (cigarettes), saying I would pay them back later...
Now I know...I need a trolley.
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