delete thread - it's gone way beyond it's initial question

alnavman · February 16, 2012 5:22AM

my wife came back from the local store today with some packs of cards for me. she got a bargain, charged for only one pack even though she bought multiples.....here's my problem, do I go back and tell them they screwed up or just forget about it and move on. I'm leaning towards going back and telling them that they didn't charge me enough..... any opinions???

jeffcbay · February 16, 2012 5:24AM

Small business or Wal-Mart?

If it's a small locally-owned business, I would go back. If it's a big money-grubbing corporation, screw 'em.

hotmush · February 16, 2012 5:28AM

I think you already know what you should do or you wouldn't have asked.

Dboneesq · February 16, 2012 5:29AM

<< Small business or Wal-Mart?
If it's a small locally-owned business, I would go back. If it's a big money-grubbing corporation, screw 'em. >>

WTF! I agree! However, I would go back to a large corporate store if the cashier gave me too much change, as many of the cashiers have to pay the shortfall out of their own pocket.

swartz1 · February 16, 2012 5:30AM

let the store do their job...

Ironmanfan · February 16, 2012 5:32AM

be honorable

go back

IMF

gameusedhoop · February 16, 2012 5:33AM

<< I'm leaning towards going back >>

And risk basically outing your wife? How would that do anyone any good, especially you? She obviously realized it and didn't say anything then, and the sales person didn't realize so I'd let it be. If you did go back you could also hurt the employee also for messing up, they could possibly lose their job.

I also like this answer

<< If it's a small locally-owned business, I would go back. If it's a big money-grubbing corporation, screw 'em >>

EAsports · February 16, 2012 5:36AM

Seriously, though..... that's up to you and your conscience. We can only tell you what we would do.

For me would depend on the gravity of the error, and the time and effort (on my part) required to go correct their mistake.

Buy 5 packs, get charged for 1, and the place is across town? I'll be honest.... I'm probably not going back. If anything, I may save the receipt and bring the issue up to the manager the next time I'm there. Buy 100 packs, get charged for 1? Yeah, I'm going back.

Also, it WOULD make a difference if I was buying from a local small business or if I bought packs at Wal-Mart. A big box has margins high enough on everything to expect 5% of their crap to disappear, and they probably throw away (or sell at a loss) a ton of crap anyway.

I have called my local shop and told them they forgot to charge me for this or that, as it has happened on occasion, and he's told me to forget it (and I've given him the money anyway on my next visit)..... but I've also been a customer of his for 20 years or so.... so it all evens out. I have a "relationship" with that shop. I have no relationship with Target.

alnavman · February 16, 2012 6:08AM

it was a big store, I'll not name it to protect them....looks about 50-50 so far, I'll sleep on it and see how it feels in the AM....not a mom and pop store at all.

Dialj · February 16, 2012 6:12AM

I think you already know what you should do or you wouldn't have asked.

+1

jivan · February 16, 2012 6:13AM

how would you feel if you and wifey owned the store and shoe was on other foot???

alnavman · February 16, 2012 6:25AM

you know this is funny for me in a way since I work part time at nights at a local Giant Eagle stocking shelves and just about every night I'm finding opened boxes of medication, snacks, condoms, half eaten donuts, you name it and I"'ve probably picked it up of the shelves while stocking......guess I'll be going back to the store and letting know they screwed up.

davelinkbelt · February 16, 2012 6:29AM

Do the right thing. If you have kids, this could be a great teaching tool for them!

cwazzy · February 16, 2012 6:38AM

<< 

<< I'm leaning towards going back >>

And risk basically outing your wife? How would that do anyone any good, especially you? She obviously realized it and didn't say anything then, and the sales person didn't realize so I'd let it be. >>

Do you pay attention to how everything rings up when you go grociery shopping? I know when I go I'm usually unloading the cart while they are ringing things up. So what makes you so sure that his wife saw that it rang up wrong? We usually don't catch errors until on the way home. So that's not a good reason to not tell them and settle up with the store.

milbroco · February 16, 2012 6:41AM

I am a firm beleiver of doing the right thing. Go back and let them know.
Bob

ddfamf · February 16, 2012 7:02AM

If you have kids, this could be a great teaching tool for them!

They will remember that moment for the rest of their lives!

Griffins · February 16, 2012 7:08AM

no one ever regretted doing the right thing.

LodiBrewFan · February 16, 2012 7:14AM

Keep them. Don't let the pious here dictate your actions. 90% of the board memebrs would keep them and never lose a minute of sleep. Trust me, you and your wife have paid for them. Little incidents like this are already priced in.

Brock21 · February 16, 2012 9:43AM

My daughter is a cashier at a chain home improvement store. Those cashiers live in dread
of this scenario, the management may review the security tape to try to fire the cashier.

Don't out the cashier or they will likely fire him/her.

Wait several days if you are going to take them back, and take them back at
a different time then they were purchased.

Cashier in a big box retail is a horrible job with zero job security.

Brick · February 16, 2012 9:51AM

The right thing to do is the right thing to do regardless of the financial condition of the one who made the error. Perhaps I used to live in Pollyannaland but it seems to me when I was much younger this would not even be a question.

miconelegacy · February 16, 2012 9:53AM

<< I am a firm beleiver of doing the right thing. Go back and let them know.
Bob >>

This as long as alcohol isn't involved...

otwcards · February 16, 2012 9:55AM

There's nothing wrong with doing the right thing.

It is far too easy, especially in today's world, to try to justify taking the easy way out. Sure, an error was made, but the opportunity should be made to correct it.

To those that are saying stick it to the retailer, I'm sure they'd be the first one's to waste $10.00 worth of gas to go back and get the $2.97 they were overcharged.

Karma . . .

miconelegacy · February 16, 2012 9:56AM

Karma . . . >>

This

psychump · February 16, 2012 9:57AM

"Everything That 'Cha Do" (Will Come Back To You)" Wet Willie

onlyanumber · February 16, 2012 10:31AM

Let me guess...Was it one of those boxes labeled 'retailer--do not sell by the box, sell individual packs' and your wife bought the whole box, whereby the cashier rang the bar code on the box and it was the pack bar code???

Brock21 · February 16, 2012 10:36AM

My daughter the cashier said "Don't go back, they will fire the cashier".

If you do go back, DO NOT take the receipt to show them the error, that
will out the cashier.

dontippet · February 16, 2012 11:51AM

I can't believe how many people are saying "don't go back." What is this world coming to? If you keep the cards, it is stealing. I understand that a mistake was made, but once you realized it, you need to go back and make it right.

Brick · February 16, 2012 12:01PM

I would think retailers would not want to get the reputation of firing employees for an honest mistake. If that was common knowledge it would disuade customers from doing the right thing and returning to pay the proper amount. I can see where an employee could lose his job if the boss thought this was a deliberate mistake for the benefit of that employee and/or a friend. But then the friend would not be returning to pay the difference.

WinPitcher · February 16, 2012 12:06PM

<< I can't believe how many people are saying "don't go back." >>

lol I can't believe that this is even a topic for discussion.

WTF? How do some of you get through the day?

Really?

HoofHearted · February 16, 2012 12:37PM

<< no one ever regretted doing the right thing. >>

Words to live by. I like that. Thanks!

WinPitcher · February 16, 2012 12:39PM

Guess who ever said that never heard of Murphy's law.

70ToppsFanatic · February 16, 2012 12:43PM

Seems like you didn't even need to ask this question.

Go back

matthewbschultz83 · February 16, 2012 12:57PM

Donate the money to charity.

hammered · February 16, 2012 4:29PM

just take the packs back and put them in the box they came from, No cashier involved and the store gets their merch back

vintagechris · February 16, 2012 8:27PM

<< I can't believe how many people are saying "don't go back." What is this world coming to? If you keep the cards, it is stealing. I understand that a mistake was made, but once you realized it, you need to go back and make it right. >>

I'm with you Don. Doesn't matter if it is a big store or small store. You should always have your integrity and not have it bought, especially for such a small price. Speaks volumes that some actually say stick it to the big corporate store and say it with pride, conviction and without hesitation, when it should be the complete opposite. Do the right thing with pride, conviction and without hesitation.

Justus · February 16, 2012 8:44PM

<< The right thing to do is the right thing to do regardless of the financial condition of the one who made the error. >>

I'm with you, Ralph.

LodiBrewFan · February 16, 2012 8:52PM

Keep them, Rip them, Then post scans.

At least we will get to see some cardboard

Bigjohn69 · February 16, 2012 9:05PM

<< Karma . . . >>

This >>

+1

whats weird is reading sean's post on his craig list finds i ran across an ad where a mom of 3 boys was asking for boys size 2 or 3 cleats,, my son (now 17) had a pair of 2.5 boys when he was playing ball, thought to myself, self, what the heck you gonna do with them, so i emailed her to just come pick them up she can have them,, i think i made her day, she emailed me back saying her HUSBAND will pick them up tonight,, gotta love Karma,, im just glad i didnt have to throw them out.. good deed for the day,, check,, yes this is my pat on the back, my bragging post, whatever you wanna call it, if i find his tiny glove he used she'll have that as well, so dont $heet on me..

footlong · February 16, 2012 9:37PM

years ago i got a check cashed at the the bank and they gave me $20 too much, new bills stuck together. i noticed this after i left. i thought i should go back then i remembered once before an old lady came back and complained of a shortage and was told once you leave the counter there's nothing they can do. i figured no sense in going back.

TonyC · February 16, 2012 9:47PM

<< just take the packs back and put them in the box they came from, No cashier involved and the store gets their merch back >>

If someone spots you taking them out of your coat and putting them back, they may think you are doing the opposite and you may end up with shoplifting charges.

dontippet · February 16, 2012 9:57PM

<< 

<< Karma . . . >>

This >>

+1

whats weird is reading sean's post on his craig list finds i ran across an ad where a mom of 3 boys was asking for boys size 2 or 3 cleats,, my son (now 17) had a pair of 2.5 boys when he was playing ball, thought to myself, self, what the heck you gonna do with them, so i emailed her to just come pick them up she can have them,, i think i made her day, she emailed me back saying her HUSBAND will pick them up tonight,, gotta love Karma,, im just glad i didnt have to throw them out.. good deed for the day,, check,, yes this is my pat on the back, my bragging post, whatever you wanna call it, if i find his tiny glove he used she'll have that as well, so dont $heet on me.. >>

Awesome! I try to look for these opportunities as well. It seems small and insignificant to you, but it was obviously a big thing for this family. You never know, the kid may have had to forego playing ball if it wasn't for your generous donation.

swartz1 · February 16, 2012 10:01PM

if you go back...

someones neck will be on the line....

I would have a harder time with that one...

dontippet · February 16, 2012 10:07PM

I don't want to be argumentative, but I really don't understand all the posts about someone getting fired for this. Just take the packs back into the store, go through the register, and pay for them. If it's Walmart, just tell the greater what you are doing. I have done it before and never had a problem. If you've already opened the packs, then it will be a wee bit trickier, but just go to the return counter and take care of it.

Once, I made a large purchase at Menards. Including in that purchase was eleven trim boards at $6 each. Once I got home I noticed that I was only charged for one board. I called the front end manager and I paid with a credit card for the other ten pieces over the phone. She was grateful and even told me that the biggest surprise she found once she moved to front end manager was how many people would come back into the store to pay for something that was missed.

jeffcbay · February 16, 2012 10:26PM

One time I went to a locally owned grocery store chain (Fishers Foods) and bought ~$86 in groceries. When paying, I used a debit card and I asked for $20 back. The cashier went to type in $20 but accidentally added a zero, making it $200. I had hit okay before she could fix it, so she said she HAD to give me the $200 because she couldn't void it. That pretty much cleared out her register, ones and all. Once I got home and put the groceries away, I counted up the money to make sure it was all there, and noticed that she not only gave me the $200, but she also gave me the $86 that my grocery bill came to! I drove right back to the grocery store and went to customer service and explained the whole confusing ordeal and gave the money back. They were more than appreciative, and gave me a stack of coupon books as a thank you.

Another time I went to Best Buy to purchase several items that totaled about $200. One item was a card reader that cost about $50 (this was years ago). Once I got home I started going through the receipt and discovered they never rung up the card reader at all. Never even scanned it. I didn't go back to tell them.

Maybe this makes me a bad person, but I feel that I'm plenty honest when it comes to dealing with people. I don't feel bad for ripping off large billion-dollar corporations.

swartz1 · February 16, 2012 10:31PM

maybe the person doesn't get fired...

maybe written up, maybe the hours get cut....

much can go the wrong way, when someone is thinking they are doing right...

I like the idea of a donation of some sort...

dontippet · February 16, 2012 10:38PM

<< maybe the person doesn't get fired...

maybe written up, maybe the hours get cut....

much can go the wrong way, when someone is thinking they are doing right...

I like the idea of a donation of some sort... >>

What if it was reversed? What if you were cheated out of $20. Would you still not go back to the store because the cashier might get written up?

In my opinion, making up excuses is not a good reason to not do the right thing.

swartz1 · February 16, 2012 10:46PM

I disagree that these are excuses...

knowing the world we live in today, these are real examples...

people look for the "fall guy" when mistakes happen...

we can have two different perspectives on this issue...

Bunker · February 16, 2012 10:59PM

<< no one ever regretted doing the right thing. >>

+1

vintagechris · February 16, 2012 11:17PM

<< One time I went to a locally owned grocery store chain (Fishers Foods) and bought ~$86 in groceries. When paying, I used a debit card and I asked for $20 back. The cashier went to type in $20 but accidentally added a zero, making it $200. I had hit okay before she could fix it, so she said she HAD to give me the $200 because she couldn't void it. That pretty much cleared out her register, ones and all. Once I got home and put the groceries away, I counted up the money to make sure it was all there, and noticed that she not only gave me the $200, but she also gave me the $86 that my grocery bill came to! I drove right back to the grocery store and went to customer service and explained the whole confusing ordeal and gave the money back. They were more than appreciative, and gave me a stack of coupon books as a thank you.

Another time I went to Best Buy to purchase several items that totaled about $200. One item was a card reader that cost about $50 (this was years ago). Once I got home I started going through the receipt and discovered they never rung up the card reader at all. Never even scanned it. I didn't go back to tell them.

Maybe this makes me a bad person, but I feel that I'm plenty honest when it comes to dealing with people. I don't feel bad for ripping off large billion-dollar corporations. >>

So you are saying at a certain income level, you don't mind ripping someone off? Sorry, but that is sad to me. To me it shows conditional integrity. Integrity should not be conditional on a dollar amount, but to you I guess it is. BTW, you do realize, those billion dollar companies are also owned by the little people as well? Stocks in these companies give even the little guy an opportunity to own a small part in the company. Not to mention, some of these companies may give stock options to their employees. Sorry but i'm on the side of the people in this thread that say the right thing is the right thing, no matter who you are dealing with.

I tend to be more trusting of people who do the right thing all the time than some of the time.

dontippet · February 16, 2012 11:22PM

<< 

<< One time I went to a locally owned grocery store chain (Fishers Foods) and bought ~$86 in groceries. When paying, I used a debit card and I asked for $20 back. The cashier went to type in $20 but accidentally added a zero, making it $200. I had hit okay before she could fix it, so she said she HAD to give me the $200 because she couldn't void it. That pretty much cleared out her register, ones and all. Once I got home and put the groceries away, I counted up the money to make sure it was all there, and noticed that she not only gave me the $200, but she also gave me the $86 that my grocery bill came to! I drove right back to the grocery store and went to customer service and explained the whole confusing ordeal and gave the money back. They were more than appreciative, and gave me a stack of coupon books as a thank you.

Another time I went to Best Buy to purchase several items that totaled about $200. One item was a card reader that cost about $50 (this was years ago). Once I got home I started going through the receipt and discovered they never rung up the card reader at all. Never even scanned it. I didn't go back to tell them.

Maybe this makes me a bad person, but I feel that I'm plenty honest when it comes to dealing with people. I don't feel bad for ripping off large billion-dollar corporations. >>

So you are saying at a certain income level, you don't mind ripping someone off? Sorry, but that is sad to me. To me it shows conditional integrity. Integrity should not be conditional on a dollar amount, but to you I guess it is. BTW, you do realize, those billion dollar companies are also owned by the little people as well? Stocks in these companies give even the little guy an opportunity to own a small part in the company. Not to mention, some of these companies may give stock options to their employees. Sorry but i'm on the side of the people in this thread that say the right thing is the right thing, no matter who you are dealing with.

I tend to be more trusting of people who do the right thing all the time than some of the time. >>

Love this post. That's why I called them excuses. You can excuse any of your actions, but that doesn't make your action right.

MantleMarisFordBerra · February 16, 2012 11:29PM

<< if you go back...

someones neck will be on the line....

I would have a harder time with that one... >>

I would be MUCH more concerned about costing someone their job in this tough economy vs. a few bucks a large chain store will never miss that resulted from an honest mistake.

delete thread - it's gone way beyond it's initial question

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