Money Moral Dilemma: Is it wrong to use staff discount after I've quit?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

It's a year since I left my job with a large, well-known fashion brand, which I still buy from regularly online. As employees, we got a secret code for 20% off and free delivery, which I assumed would be deactivated after I quit. Evidently, this isn't the case as I still use the code for every purchase. It's hardly a MoneySaving brand, so I couldn't afford to buy stuff from it as often as I do if I had to pay full price. My mate who still works there says the company won't care because they're still making a sale, but it feels dishonest. Should I stop?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. 

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Torry_Quine

You really have to ask!
The clue is in the name, staff discount.

Socajam

If the company were to contact you and ask you to repay the 20% discount that you are exactly stealing,  would you think that is fair?

Dox

It doesn't just feel dishonest, it is dishonest. Why do you even need to ask?

amy1angel

Where's the 'dilema'? It's wrong to take something you are no longer entitled to.

Salforal

Fraud by false representation. You are committing a criminal offence every time you use the discount code.

Lukas239

This forum is seemingly populated by self-righteous paragons. The discount means a purchase is still made (win for the economy), and you still have some money in your pocket (win for you) which you may spend elsewhere (economy win #2). Large corporations are likely to build relative 'losses' into pricing anyway. I say carry on, if they don't police or spot it, it's their incompetence. If it was a small, family run business it may be a different answer however. 

p00pieb0tt0m

I was made redundant from my job 3 years ago after close to 20 years service and the only perk we had while employed there was free broadband when paying for the phone service. I still get it free. I'm sorry, but for a communications company they don't communicate between departments well(never did), and why should I do the job for them?
I'm sure all companies know that ex members of staff use such perks and they must be willing to let it slide otherwise they'd change the code periodically or actually put it systems to stop people benefiting. 

navinight

As already said, it is a Staff Discount that was a perk issued when you were an employee.  

Middlestitch

Lukas239 said:

This forum is seemingly populated by self-righteous paragons. The discount means a purchase is still made (win for the economy), and you still have some money in your pocket (win for you) which you may spend elsewhere (economy win #2). Large corporations are likely to build relative 'losses' into pricing anyway. I say carry on, if they don't police or spot it, it's their incompetence. If it was a small, family run business it may be a different answer however. 

What's your objection to honesty?

james543

I agree with Lukas. Some real nonsense replies on here. Its up to your company to stop your offer. If I was you I’d keep using it as much as you can until they say anything (unlikely). You’ve not been dishonest because no-one has said anything to you. Don’t feel guilty at all!