By: Jacqueline Lytle
When Outtakes in the University Center runs out of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, I often venture around campus in search of the spicy snack. Parker, for one, never has them, which in itself is disappointing, but what’s worse is not knowing how much I’ll have to pay for the snack that suffices. The majority of the satellite Outtakes on main campus – like those in Parker and the law building – don’t display the prices of all merchandise. For a college student hoping to spend under $5 on a snack and drink, that bag of trail mix would not have been my final selection if I’d known it cost $5.59 before I got to the register. Not cool.
I practically live in the Parker building 50 percent of the week, so the ladies – and sometimes gentlemen – who work in the lobby’s café see me more than they’d probably like. While I appreciate the partially visible sign above the mini fridge that indicates the prices for beverages, bagels and hot sandwiches, I’d be happier if I knew the price of those Reese’s Sticks and Pringles before I approached check out.
I used to think it was just Parker that offered the opportunity for spontaneous purchasing, but as I stopped by the law building, I was surprised to see it was a trend. Except for the cold merchandise, nothing had prices. How frustrating. Of course we can take the product to the cashier and ask them to reveal the cost, but who has time for that? I just want to stop by the store five minutes before class, grab some peanuts, a candy bar and coffee without having to eyeball what’s within my snack budget.
We’re college students, and more often than not, every dollar counts. Being conscientious about what we’re buying and how much we’re spending is important. I have terrible spending habits, so I may be part of a small percentage, but I occasionally – i.e. 80 percent of the time – have a certain amount left on my card or am only carrying a small amount of cash with me. Without displaying prices, I have no clue whether or not I will go over that amount when I go to purchase items. That’s never happened, but I just knocked on my wood desk as a precautionary measure. I can’t imagine having to deny myself Ritz Bits.
The convenience stores around campus need to display prices so students are aware of what they are purchasing and don’t exceed their budget. No one should have to decline an invite to sushi or tacos just because they didn’t know dried fruit and a bag of Chex Mix would cost them $10.
