Good and bad buys from Aldi and Lidl

VfM4meplse

It only takes one rushed experience at the till to develop a system so you're not caught short twice

mcculloch29

There is very clear signage at my Aldi (and all Aldi's I believe) explaining the system so that you don't hold things up by packing slowly.

If you have more than a handful of items, a trolley is always the best bet.

It can be very stressful to be stuck behind someone packing slowly if you have public transport to catch or children to collect from school.

Back on track, I posted elsewhere how impressed I was with Aldi's fresh ready-prepared stir-fry veg. mix. I'd not seen this before and with Aldi sweet and sour sauce and Aldi supplied Quorn 'chicken' chunks, it made a tasty, quick and easy meal.

richardw

mcculloch29 wrote: »

...It can be very stressful to be stuck behind someone packing slowly if you have public transport to catch or children to collect from school…..

Your 'packing slowly' might be their 'packing as fast as I can', they might have some very good reason, that is not clearly apparent, as to why they can't pack as fast as you, perhaps consider other reasons for them 'packing slowly' next time and perhaps avoid getting stressed about missing a bus, or the children waiting a few moments longer.

Stompa

Nigel10 wrote: »

If you do not have a trolley and choose to use a basket, you have considerable difficulties at the checkout due to the lack of space!

Agreed. The checkouts are designed for use with trolleys, and following the comparatively recent introduction of baskets they've not been changed in any way.

For that reason I always use a box rather than a basket (which they won't let you take through the checkout). I then chuck it back in the box at the checkout, and pack into bags at a more leisurely pace at the packing shelf.

dlusman

richardw wrote: »

Your 'packing slowly' might be their 'packing as fast as I can', they might have some very good reason, that is not clearly apparent, as to why they can't pack as fast as you, perhaps consider other reasons for them 'packing slowly' next time and perhaps avoid getting stressed about missing a bus, or the children waiting a few moments longer.

The point is that they shouldnt be packing at the tills - The benches behind the till points are for packing.

richardw

I'm thinking just several items, not a lot of items being purchased.

Stompa

dlusman wrote: »

The point is that they shouldnt be packing at the tills...

If you're using a basket there's really no other choice though.

mcculloch29

Richardw, fwiw, I'm disabled, with greatly restricted mobility, and like to think of myself as an empathic person. I've worked in shops years ago, prior to being disabled, and whilst service must be friendly, it has to be efficient in shops with a heavy footfall. I can't use a basket, I just fling it all in the trolley and pack at the bench, taking that time to have an Aldi chilled coffee to refresh myself.

Back on topic, my Aldi flowers (single chrysanths and gypsophilia mostly) have just entered Week 4 and look good for several more days yet.
Last year I bought some double carnations at 30% off - supposedly past their best, they were absolutely glorious for over three weeks.
Nothing beats Aldi flowers, Tesco please note....

Kernow666

i buy all my crisps from Lidl the crusty croc range is really nice especially there ready salted 6pks , also there handcooked crisps in the big bags for 99p way better than kettle chips which are twice the price ( unless on offer )

richardw

mcculloch29 wrote: »

... and whilst service must be friendly, it has to be efficient in shops with a heavy footfall....

Yes, but that 'efficiency' must be an overall average and must take account for those who can't use a trolley and may just want to buy several items and pack as quickly as they can, even though others may regard this as 'slow'.