Money Moral Dilemma: Should I keep the refund I was sent in error for my damaged barbecue?

Jason9091

londoner_the said:

gothvixen said:

There's no such thing as karma. Nothing out there cares about insignificant beings on a tiny planet in one of billions of galaxies. There is such a thing as a conscience, and if you can live with having effectively stolen then do nothing. I would contact the supermarket and explain what has happened.

I'm one who believes in karma. Something similar. I got a new TV delivered and a couple of weeks another one turned up. I tried to let them know but I gave up trying to call their rubbish call centre. It was a time when you would be in a queue for an hour.

So I kept it but didn't open it for over a year. Just in case they realised their mistake and asked for it back.

Then after 1 year the TV that I did open breaks down. It was over a year so not under warranty. (Yes I know I could still claim repairs within 6 years)

But karma said the extra TV was given to me for this breakdown. So I opened it and used it.

This story is an example of a coincidence. They happen all the time.

Bonnypitlad

I’m sure “us lot” are grateful to captain_sparkle for pointing out that the deviation on our moral compass needs adjustment 

[Deleted User]

Are you seriously asking if you should keep the money you aren't entitled to?  

Chris_Jay

I think, as others have said, that the manufacturer has been made aware of a problem with a specific item. Customers are traceable if they pay by card, and companies don't like bad publicity, so I reckon that you won't be the only one to receive a refund. From a company point of view, recalling a product, especially a large item, plus issuing refunds, isn't cost-effective.
If it were me, I would make contact, just to be certain of the ins and outs here, but unlike some commentators, I don't think this comes under knowingly committing a fraud. You haven't contacted the store or manufacturer, and say you've let it go; even if you've told friends about it, I can't see any of them reporting the issue, not without telling you, anyway.
Make that phone call, send the email, use semaphore, however you prefer to let them know, and when they tell you not to worry, stop worrying. 
If it was your car, or washing machine, or an item that otherwise cost thousands (like those "smart" washing machines) it would be in the news - maybe it's one batch of BBQs, sent to one area, so not headline-worthy.

I'd be interested in knowing how you get on.

John_L_M

captain_sparkle said:

Is it not the same as a bank mistakenly depositing money into your account? or finding money in the street? Isn't that "theft" or something similar? Anyway, I would tell the company, from experience they won't do anything about it, that would involve a whole new procedure that they won't want to be bothered with. For all the people saying "keep it & don't tell them" I won't be having any business deals with you lot!! 😂

No, it is absolutely not the difference being twofold; The supermarket knew the product was damaged (though we do not know how) and secondly, the barbecue, whilst still usable and the purchaser was happy to keep it, was damaged (however slightly) and not by the person reporting the moral dilemma. (unless he/she is holding some information back from us. - and why would they?)

Had the supermarket wanted it back they could have sent a collection team to collect it (which would have cost them money) and secondly, the supermarket would then have had to dispose of the damaged product. (And they would not have been able to sell it in their shop - so they would have had to sell it to a third party such as those companies who deal with catalogue returns etc.) Processing returns like this costs supermarkets time and money.

The product arrived damaged, the supermarket offered a full refund without being prompted to do so; “Isn't that "theft" or something similar?” - emphatically not.

powerful_Rogue

keithyno.1 said:

This is a strange one. From what you've said, you didn't complain about the damage to the BBQ or ask for a replacement or a refund. Yet the seller's taken it upon themselves to automatically issue a refund to you, without you even asking for it?

If that's the case then keep the refund. If the seller's daft enough to give away money that's their lookout - just be a happy recipient. You've done nothing wrong, dishonest or misleading, or tried to obtain a refund under false pretences. 

I suggest that people on here who are saying you should return the refund are just jealous that they haven't had such a stroke of good luck.

Or just honest.

primrose_penguin

I presume you must have advised them there was superficial damage or how would they have known. If it was me I would get in touch with them and explain that although there was a small problem with the barbecue, you decided to keep it and therefore would appreciate a partial refund instead of a full refund to compensate for the slight damage. They may tell you to keep the refund they sent  you and if so that is fine, you can enjoy it with a clear conscience.

Size9Wellies

Keep it. If it truly was unsolicited, then it's either a deliberate payment on their part, or it's an error on their part. If it's an error and they come calling for it back, you just return it. If they don't, then enjoy the money.

JohnC471

The right thing to do would be contact the supermarket and ask them whether it was an error. 

NBLondon

honestcove said:

You say the supermarket said: “apologies for the item not being right”. What does “not being right” mean. What does the email actually say. The full text should answer your question if it is reasonable to keep the money and the product. If still in doubt ask them if they are intending to collect the product or not. I

This  ^^^^

The e-mail with the refund would have specified what it was for and whether the item was to be returned/ collected/ destroyed.    It would also likely have had a reference number so that could indicate if it had been sent to the wrong person.  

The time to ask the question was by replying to the e-mail.