When Rogue Buggies Attack
Dear Mouthy Housewives,
If your shopping cart gets away from you and dings another car in the grocery store parking lot, should you leave a note? This just happened to me when I was with my friend and all she did was whisper, “Don’t tell anyone,” and run into the store because she didn’t want to pay $100 or more to fix it. What’s the right thing to do?
Signed,
Dingy
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Dear Dingy,
Just so we’re clear, when you say shopping cart, you mean buggy, right? See, I’m from the South and that’s what we call them down here. I married a former buggy boy, so I should know. As per our prenup, I am required to use the term ‘buggy.’
Now onto your question! I think leaving a note is an excellent idea. It’s so good, in fact, that I came up with a couple of sample notes people can use for this very situation.
Dude,
Your car jumped out and tried to attack my buggy! What could it do but defend itself, so if you see a ding in the door, you know why. You really should park your car out in No Man’s Land until you get it neutered.
Or, for those who like a more toned-down note:
This buggy rolled away and dinged your car. You should talk Target management about this, because there really should be brakes on these things. They are such a hazard that someone somewhere should be held accountable. But certainly not me.
Then again, most large stores have those disclaimers stating they aren’t liable for damage caused by runaway buggies. When you think about it, if a multi-million dollar corporation can deny responsibility for rogue buggies that they own, why not us?
I know our vehicles are super expensive purchases that only depreciate year after year, making them one of the worst investments to obsess and hover over, yet people still do. They get upset over every little scratch and ding. But let’s remember life is full of inherent risks and parking your car in a parking lot is one of them.
Signed,
Heather, TMH
6 Responses to “When Rogue Buggies Attack”
Comment by dusty earth mother.
Hmmm. I don’t know about this. I guess for me it depends on what’s in the cart. If she had a buggy full of whiskey in heavy designer bottles, then she obviously lost control of it and was not at fault. If her buggy was filled with toilet paper, diapers and feathers, then she is at fault for not being able to control such a lightweight (and boring) cart.
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Comment by Wendi.
I say only offer to pay for the ding if you agree with the political bumper stickers on the car.
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Comment by Disappointment Averted | Queen of Shake Shake.
[...] Also, I’m at The Mouthy Housewives today discussing rogue buggies….or are they shopping carts? Whichever. Do you tell on yourself if your buggy dings a car? [...]
Comment by Erin I'm Gonna Kill Him.
I would leave a note that would read, “I’m sorry, I dinged your car with my rogue grocery cart. I am writing a note because there are witnesses. This way everyone thinks I’m doing the right thing. Have a great day!”
I probably wouldn’t do this, but I have a friend who actually did.
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Nicole Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:14 am
Now THIS is hilarious!
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