HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH SECURITY AT MY FAVORITE ELECTRONICS STORE?

How much is too much security?  That's the question I ask myself every time I enter my favorite electronics store Fry's in north Houston.

Now, I have no problem with the store taking extra precautions to protect its interests but some believe the business may be a bit extreme.

For example, if you take a product back to Fry's for a return not only does the employee have to inspect the product but a manager or another clerk must be called to approve the refund...That's even after the inspection.

I was told this latest measure is new at the store. If you make a purchase with a debit card that's under $50 then the clerk waiting on you must get a password from another employee or manager to complete the purchase.

There are also other transactions where managers or another clerk must be called in to complete the exchange of product and cash.

I told one employee I feel really sorry for you guys having to jump through all of these hoops and she said, "I feel sorry for us too."

Also, if you're exiting Fry's with any type of purchase the attendant at the door has to check your bag and your receipt.

It left me feeling like a suspect for no reason at all.

Now, keep in mind (checking receipts at the door) this is a practice done by the retail giant Walmart as well.  But Walmart only checks your receipt (from my experience) if there are lots of bulk items and a shopping cart full products that are not bagged.

It has been my experience you can walk out of Fry's with one of their smallest bags containing a pack of gum and the attendant will check it to ensure it corresponds with your receipt.

Like I said Fry's is one of my favorite stores.  I got there at least once a week getting more of my geek gadgets but sometimes I feel sorry for the workers who don't seem to have the trust of the store.

I contacted Fry's to get a comment on all their security measures in place and a representative by name of Henry Everson said he would get an authorized spokesperson to call me back.

When I get an answer I will pass it along to you!

I just got that answer:  I got a call from Fry's spokesperson Manuel Valerio who says they have a process called check the checker.  He says that process is in place to reduce errors and ensure the lowest possible price to the customers.  Valerio says the store strives to give the public the lowest possible guaranteed price and that's done by reducing losses.

With that said despite the hassle and the sympathy I feel for Fry's employees and the check the checker policy I will be going back because they do have low low prices!