I kind of like the idea of forcing supermarkets to actually pay a salary and benefits to every worker in their stores. A " tip only" job is a thing of the past.
Perhaps Sosua has kids doing that job, but in Santiago la Sirena/National don't have any kids. Of course depends what you call kids. Anything over 15 ain't a kid no more to me.
As for " why should owners support the cost" whine, well because it is a service that, i am sure, many a client cherishes. Supermarkets are often more than half deserted in my experience ( la Sirena Santiago, as you arrive on the north autopista, National Santiago central, carrefour SD ), why ? Because they are so d*mn expensive, so services are important. I mean cheap s**t is twice the price of back in Europe, even accounting for import taxes and whatnot, it still leaves a nice margin.
I typically do a large shopping day once every 2 months or so, dropping anywhere between 25 to 30k pesos and would gladly switch supermarkets to one that does provide bagging service. Owners please take note.
Even if baggers become employees, they will still get tips off me. It is one of those jobs, like waiters that will always warrant tips....... if you want great service.
Shout out to my man at la Sirena Santiago, who always recognizes us, and takes charge of our 2 trolleys at cash-out, sorts our stuff out before it goes through the cashier and packs my SUV, cold stuff in the freezer thingy, heavy stuff on the bottom, etc......... all that for 200 pesos and 100 for the 2nd guy who helps...... it makes shopping less painful, at least for me.
