MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Would you keep a mistaken 'double refund'?

Susan_Frost

If I was at the counter I would have spoken up, have done in the past, usually it has been a deduction I was not expecting. Including the time (explained here once before) when I made £250 out of Homebase having queried the total "are you sure you've included everything" and rudely told yes by the 2 assistants.

But if I had actually got out of the shopping centre, I'm not sure I would go back at that stage. Probably if it was the last shop I had just come out of, but not go trailing around the centre again.

I would also say that when I shop in Boots, etc. etc. if I miss a 3 for 2 or something, the cashier usually points it out to me. I find most assistants helpful.

The real scenario is unlikely to happen to me in that, once the transaction was made, I would not start looking at my receipts. Why would someone do that ? If I had any inkling there was anything wrong I would address it at the time. Would notice later when my bank statement came (if it was a bank transaction). Other than that, I would probably not realise I had benefited.

scubajon

as above, big retailer...no. small outlet...yes. everyone makes mistakes, but you do not have the right to correct someone else's mistake. Mostly their prices are a steal anyway.

Gavin83

scubajon wrote: »

as above, big retailer...no. small outlet...yes. everyone makes mistakes, but you do not have the right to correct someone else's mistake. Mostly their prices are a steal anyway.

So why correct a small retailer then? I just think this is really strange thinking, that it's ok to steal from someone if they have the money to do so.

privateryan_2

I would do what a lot of people on here have already suggested... if it's a small local independant, I would typically make them aware (and have done numerous times), and if a large multi store chain, then no chance would I pass up the opportunity to cash in!
:beer:

My decision would also be based on the person serving me... if they were friendly and 'alive', then I would probably make them aware - if they were nasty or blatently not interested in serving me - then again I would cash in!

In the example here, the till wouldn't show as 'down' when reconcilled - so in effect, no one would ever notice the difference; and effectively the cashier in question couldn't be blamed as they're just going off the info that has been fed in to the tills...

On the numerous times where I've admitted being given too much change, the cashier never seemed particularly thankful - so why bother?

moneysavingmatthew

My view is always give back anything given to you in error. Doesn't matter if it's a large company or small. I take the same view on companies that owe ME money....

What comes around comes around....

I can't believe all you folk who think it's OK to keep money just because the company is 'big'. Those 'big company profits' are going to fund our pensions one day!!!

LauraF_3

Something similar happened to me before. I told the assistant, she didn't even say thank you, just scowled at me. I'd never do it again.

RHDragonlady

I have to say that think I would feel too guilty to keep the money, somebody made a mistake and they will get into trouble for that.

A bus driver once gave me change for a 10 pound note when I'd only given him 5. I did think about keeping it, as I do think the bus fares are far too expensive, but I couldn't do it and informed the driver of his mistake when I got off.

katoire80

would definately take the money back if it was a small retailer... they need all the help they can get at the moment!

cw18

I always check receipts before leaving a store these days -- have been overcharged and noticed until too late once to often -- so would expect to spot it before even leaving the shop.

And yes I'd go back to the tills or find a member of staff to speak to.

If there's a big queue and no free member of staff around I normally go to the closest till position and waggle my receipt at them to get their attention. Although I have been accused more than once of queue jumping, I just point out politely that I've already been served and am trying to get a mistake rectified rather than buy anything else (or get a refund on something I bought on a previous visit). This has always been enough to stop the moaning

Bikergirl1

I'd definately keep quiet-you don't get much free these days.