Ethical question

[e.e.cummings]

I went to Banana Republic today and bought a bunch of clothes (I had a 35% discount coupon that applied for only today). Later this evening, I noticed that I was not charged for an item that amounted to about $130 plus tax - there were also some in-store discounts that applied, so I figured all of these discounts together made it a pretty good deal, and I thought nothing of the total when I was at the cash.

I am pretty honest person. I have hit a person's car with my car door when it swept by the wind and left a note; I have various times told cashiers when they have under-charged me or gave me too much change (when I was paying attention); I manage a petty cash at work - from the occasional sale of samples within the department- that is virtually unaccountable, but I would never dream of taking five cents from it. I do believe what comes around goes around.

So why does it even cross my mind to stay mum about this? I first thought, cool, I spend so much money there, I finally got something free! But I would feel bad wearing that jacket knowing that I didn't pay for it. I got it because one of those young girls on cash was not paying attention. So I should call them tomorrow and tell the manager. They are all young girls there - I can hear it now, most will probably think I am crazy to be that honest. I guess this also puts the cashier in a bit of hot water, letting expensive merchandise slip through their fingers like that. Ticks me off that it is a place that is not close, it's a pain to drive there. They should give me a bit of an extra discount for being willing to drive all the way back and be honest about it!

The hungry constantly-strapped university student that I was 25 years ago probably would have kept it and thought it was a gift dropped in my lap. Not saying that I would have automatically kept it, but rightly or wrongly I probably would have thought longer about it.

What would you do? Have you ever had a similar situation?

[divingbiker]

I'd call and tell the manager and see if they can do the billing over the phone. I wouldn't be willing to drive a long way to correct their mistake.

[Owlie]

I am a broke recent graduate, and I'd still feel guilty about something that expensive!

I'd call.

[e.e.cummings]

I think it is a given that I'll call. And when I stop to think about it, my husband resigned from his job recently so he can develop a business idea, I am the sole breadwinner, so I guess whether or not I have lots of money is not a factor. It's just the right thing to do.

[speedster]

You know, I actually find your honesty refreshing... I know most people would brag and gloat that they got something free without any guilt... but you want to actually go back and return it! Wow, that's cool!

Yeah, definitely give them a call and let them know that they didn't charge you for an item, but from my experiences, they certainly won't make you go through the hassle of coming back to the store to return it unless you REALLY REALLY REALLY INSIST upon it lol. They'll probably just thank you for the honesty and ask you to keep the item! And I'm sure that would make you feel much much better!

[speedster]

Btw, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get the 35% off discount?? I could really use one of those!

[Bike Chick]

I would definitely call and speak to the manager. I don't think I would enjoy wearing the jacket if I didn't and would feel so guilty I'd probably donate it to charity to alleviate my guilt. I would not drive back to the store though since it was their mistake. I'm curious to hear what they have to say.

[Skierchickie]

It seems pretty clear to me. Always listen to your gut. You were prepared to pay for the item when you looked at the amount on the tag, so the cost being tacked on later shouldn't really make a difference. Whether it's a large amount or a small amount shouldn't really matter - temptation can be strong, but this seems pretty black & white to me. Whether a group of young girls at the store think you're crazy or not seems pretty irrelevant.

I'm sure they'd save you a trip and take your credit card info over the phone. Hopefully they'll offer you a discount for your trouble, but maybe not.

Kudos for being honest - too many people wouldn't be, and would be proud of themselves for "winning". It's a sad fact.

[uforgot]

Call. You won't enjoy wearing it anyway if you feel guilty. I had a similar situation. My school reimbursed me for 3 graduate hours, but taking the class was a grant and didn't cost me anything. So there I was with a $225 check, reimbursement for something I didn't pay for in the first place. My principal told me to just be quiet and keep it, but I couldn't. I took the check to the superintendent and told him that I didn't pay for the class. He told me to keep the check. I earned the money by gaining the credit hours which benefit my students. They only reimburse $75 per hour and it doesn't matter how much it cost me. I took the check and bought a bike rack and hitch for my car with a cleared conscience.

[Tuckervill]

I once took home one of those small electric sanders with the pointy thing on the end--worth about $20--for free. I didn't notice until I got home and looked at the receipt and it wasn't on there. I considered taking it back, but like you, it was a long way and it was only $20 and it wasn't my error to begin with. It looked to me like she scanned the thing and it apparently didn't go through, but she didn't notice, and neither could I.

This was about 5 years ago. I don't feel guilty about it at all.

However, every time I use the sander, I think about how I got it for free. It would be so much worse for me if it were a $130 jacket! I would feel a twinge every time I wore it--I might not even get around to wearing it, which really would be a shame if I really liked it.

I know you're going to call, so when you do, make sure you come to the defense of the cashier and ask the manager to treat them fairly.

Karen

[e.e.cummings]

Btw, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get the 35% off discount?? I could really use one of those!

A few weeks ago, when I was shopping at BR, they gave me a little 'surprise' discount coupon leaflet - you would either get 15%, 35% or 50% - mine was 35% for just June 5, and the following Saturday, off anything in the store. Very cool!

On another day, I also received a booklet of coupons for 40% off one regular priced item for four consective Wednesdays.

Last weekend they have 25% off everything in the store for just that weekend! They have been having a lot of promotions lately.

On top of that, I normally am requested to fill out a survey after each purchase - once I fill out the survey, I get 20% off one item.

If you check on their website, they normally identify when they will have sales - sometimes they are very quick to come and go.

Those discounts certainly draw me back into the store!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What if the cashier gets fired for not charging for an expensive item?
I'm sure they keep track of who was on that register at the time of sale noted on your receipt. Somebody's going to get in trouble for sure. ...Just another aspect to consider.

[divingbiker]

What if the cashier gets fired for not charging for an expensive item?
I'm sure they keep track of who was on that register at the time of sale noted on your receipt. Somebody's going to get in trouble for sure. ...Just another aspect to consider.

Well, if she/he keeps giving away clothing for free, they probably would rather not have her as an employee, and it would be a good lesson for the cashier.

[e.e.cummings]

Okay, so I called and talked to the manager earlier today. She took my receipt information (all of the numbers on top of the bill - transaction number, all that stuff) and she said she would call me back. Have not heard back yet. Funny, I thought it would have been pretty straight forward - I say I have something that I was not charged for, I tell her what is, give her the info, give her my charge card number and authorize the amount, it's done. We'll see.

[e.e.cummings]

I just received a call from the manager. She said it was actually her who did the transaction! She told me that she really thrown by the fact that I actually called back and that she wanted to show her appreciation. When I originally made my purchases, I had one those 'surprise discount' coupons - you could either have 15%, 35%, 50% - mine was 35%. Well, she said she would revise my entire bill, but this time at 50% off everything (I bought quite a bit). The difference was $19.00! Good karma...