While many of us may think that bagging our own groceries will help speed up the checkout process, it actually can do the opposite and slow the whole process down.

Bagging groceries for an employee who was specifically trained to do so can disrupt their organization and “create confusion,” per one K Town Supermarket cashier.

Employees are trained specifically to bag food and perishables in such a way that nothing gets damaged or broken on the way home, so it’s best to let them do their job.

If you still feel inclined to help out as you stand and wait, simply ask the cashier if bagging would be helpful; every cashier has their own preferences.