Overlawyered: Chronicling The High Cost Of Our Legal System

Sorry, but we can’t let you tape your package in our store

What if you hurt yourself? “One customer’s misfortune inspired an unnecessary rule at the expense of 10,000 others who aren’t clumsy and litigious.” (Ben McConnell, Church of the Customer blog, Dec. 17).

What if you hurt yourself? “One customer’s misfortune inspired an unnecessary rule at the expense of 10,000 others who aren’t clumsy and litigious.” (Ben McConnell, Church of the Customer blog, Dec. 17).

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5 Comments

  • Sorry, but that’s just dumb. In a nation of 300 million, there will be some wackos out there. You can’t live your life, or change your business model, based on the unpredictable actions of one that might walk into your business.

  • Good comment, Eric. That is very silly.

    I see at the local hardware store they provide the string to tie down your recent purchase but disclaim that any employee will help a customer tie down any purchase, for liability reasons I am sure.

    I wonder if that policy will someday change…?

  • I can’t tape my package in your store? Really? How ya gonna stop me? Touch me and I’ll sue! I got a tape dispenser and I’m not afraid to use it bub!

    • By CNS

  • CNS,

    The point is not that they will stop you (they can’t, obviously), but that you are violating store policy if you do… which is one more point in their favor if you DO sue them over it.

    • By Deoxy

  • Store policy, eh? What if such policy is not posted, or if it is, not clearly enough?

    Reminds me of a suit I had once where the plaintiff tripped over the door threshold wheeling a dolly at a self-storage facility. The plaintiff attorney argued we should have assisted his client.

    Hey, knucklehead, it’s called “self-storage” for a reason! (And, it reduces costs.)