is this shittastic, or am i just more angelic than the masses?

mlf625 · February 2012

There was a poll on the toddler board earlier. Gist of it was that you're in a department store to buy a $580 handbag. Apparently you're being treated in a snooty manner, which I think is beside the point, but that's what the post said. You get to the cash register, are rung up, and your total comes to $58. Do you pay and run, or question/correct the error?

I was kind of vomity reading the replies. The vast majority wouldn't correct such an error. Nobody wanted to answer me when I asked whether you'd do the same with, say, a 10 year old child in tow. BECAUSE WHY DOES THAT MATTER?!? (FTR, I think it does matter. Lots.)

I think that the only explanations for choosing to take the bag at $58 are that a) you're kind of dumb and believe a Burberry (or etc.) bag would ring up at $58 legitly .... or b) you're a stealing stealer who steals.

What say you, Austinites? Are you more morally sound than people everywhere? And no, I'm not making this clicky, because I want to hear what you say.

mcurban · February 2012

link?

goofyround · February 2012

You should ALWAYS do the right thing as hard as it may be. Because KARMA is a ***. Doing the right thing even if it's to your disadvantage at that moment will come back to your advantage at some point. Plus your children see you doing the wrong thing will think it's ok for them to do that too.

Nessia · February 2012

I'm not as concerned with the stealing part of it as I am with the fact that it could possible cost the sales lady her job. I could kinda see where people see it as stealing from a major company that won't miss a few hundred dollars. Not saying it's right, just saying I can see the way they're thinking.

rssnlvr · February 2012

Dude, even Monopoly has a scenario--"Bank error in your favor. Collect $200." It's not morally corrupt unless you are taking active steps to screw the system (e.g., switching price tags, putting a "clearance" sticker on something that isn't on clearance, etc.). If it legitimately rings up for a price that is different than the one displayed, I see nothing wrong with smiling, buying the bag, and giving a little jumpy-heel-click on the way out the door.

Now, I DO see something reprehensible about spending $580 on a handbag. Especially with a 10-yr-old in tow.

userdeleted · February 2012

I would have absolutely said something. I once had to argue with a cashier because she was ringing up like $300 of formula incorrectly for $50. She didn't believe me and called her manager and everything. I felt ridiculous, but it's important to me that I'm honest and don't take what isn't mine, so there you go.

Mainer-in-Texas · February 2012

I would probably say something like "Wow, I didn't know this was on sale" without even thinking about it, because I have done that in the past. And the cashier has always been like "That's a great deal!" and sent me on my happy way. Although it's for something like $20 off, not several hundred dollars.

rssnlvr · February 2012

MrsRosie:
rssnlvr:

Dude, even Monopoly has a scenario--"Bank error in your favor. Collect $200." It's not morally corrupt unless you are taking active steps to screw the system (e.g., switching price tags, putting a "clearance" sticker on something that isn't on clearance, etc.). If it legitimately rings up for a price that is different than the one displayed, I see nothing wrong with smiling, buying the bag, and giving a little jumpy-heel-click on the way out the door.

Now, I DO see something reprehensible about spending $580 on a handbag. Especially with a 10-yr-old in tow.

But if you realized the error before you paid, you would be taking steps to screw this system.

I argue that my responsibility as a consumer is to pay the price the institution charges me for an item. That's exactly what I'd be doing.

mcurban · February 2012

MrsRosie:
rssnlvr:

Dude, even Monopoly has a scenario--"Bank error in your favor. Collect $200." It's not morally corrupt unless you are taking active steps to screw the system (e.g., switching price tags, putting a "clearance" sticker on something that isn't on clearance, etc.). If it legitimately rings up for a price that is different than the one displayed, I see nothing wrong with smiling, buying the bag, and giving a little jumpy-heel-click on the way out the door.

Now, I DO see something reprehensible about spending $580 on a handbag. Especially with a 10-yr-old in tow.

But if you realized the error before you paid, you would be taking steps to screw this system.

Yeah. It's one thing to point it out and have them say, "Welp, our bad, here's your purse." But, to not say anything at all? I don't think I could/would do it.

FeistyFille · February 2012

rssnlvr:
Now, I DO see something reprehensible about spending $580 on a handbag. Especially with a 10-yr-old in tow.

BWAHAHAhahahaha!

If this were some kind of alternate universe where I would pay $580 for a handbag, I don't think I could do it without at least asking the clerk if that price were right.

mlf625 · February 2012

Link to OP: https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/63153018.aspx

rssnlvr:
Dude, even Monopoly has a scenario--"Bank error in your favor. Collect $200." It's not morally corrupt unless you are taking active steps to screw the system (e.g., switching price tags, putting a "clearance" sticker on something that isn't on clearance, etc.). If it legitimately rings up for a price that is different than the one displayed, I see nothing wrong with smiling, buying the bag, and giving a little jumpy-heel-click on the way out the door.
Now, I DO see something reprehensible about spending $580 on a handbag. Especially with a 10-yr-old in tow.

We're going to have to agree to disagree, lady. Assuming, again, that the consumer is bright enough to realize that's not a legit price, I DO think it's morally corrupt to walk out knowing the store is now $530 in the hole.

And what, exactly, is reprehensible about buying something you can afford if you like it and will enjoy it? Economy stimulation and such! It's never to early to teach a child economy stimulation. Or good fashion sense, for that matter.

ETA: or $522 in the hole. I'm not a f*cking mathematician, yall.

L L CG · February 2012

MrsRosie:
rssnlvr:

Dude, even Monopoly has a scenario--"Bank error in your favor. Collect $200." It's not morally corrupt unless you are taking active steps to screw the system (e.g., switching price tags, putting a "clearance" sticker on something that isn't on clearance, etc.). If it legitimately rings up for a price that is different than the one displayed, I see nothing wrong with smiling, buying the bag, and giving a little jumpy-heel-click on the way out the door.
Now, I DO see something reprehensible about spending $580 on a handbag. Especially with a 10-yr-old in tow.
But if you realized the error before you paid, you would be taking steps to screw this system.

I disagree. You'd not be taking steps to screw, but also not be taking steps to help. The absence of affirmative action to point out the error doesn't equate to switching stickers or tags. And, I don't have a duty to inform the store of their prices. They know the price. They employ the lady, they don't employ me.

When that has happened before, I instinctively say something like, "REALLY?" And then the sales clerk goes, "Yeah, great deal!" and then I pay and leave. If she wants to look it up and verify, fine, but I refuse to stand and argue with someone about what I should be paying a store for an item.

rssnlvr · February 2012

mlf625:
Link to OP: https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/63153018.aspx
rssnlvr:
Dude, even Monopoly has a scenario--"Bank error in your favor. Collect $200." It's not morally corrupt unless you are taking active steps to screw the system (e.g., switching price tags, putting a "clearance" sticker on something that isn't on clearance, etc.). If it legitimately rings up for a price that is different than the one displayed, I see nothing wrong with smiling, buying the bag, and giving a little jumpy-heel-click on the way out the door.
Now, I DO see something reprehensible about spending $580 on a handbag. Especially with a 10-yr-old in tow.
We're going to have to agree to disagree, lady. Assuming, again, that the consumer is bright enough to realize that's not a legit price, I DO think it's morally corrupt to walk out knowing the store is now $530 in the hole.
And what, exactly, is reprehensible about buying something you can afford if you like it and will enjoy it? Economy stimulation and such! It's never to early to teach a child economy stimulation. Or good fashion sense, for that matter.

So if it's the ethics of the action that bother you, would you take the same stand if a $2.99 item rang up for $1.99? No sale tag, no indication that it should have come up as anything other than $2.99, nada. Is it your responsibility to argue that you really owe them $1 more? Or is it the sheer difference in price of the original example that makes you feel obligated to say something? If the latter, what's the price line where you would say something vs wouldn't?

Of course, given the situation, I'd probably gasp and say "Seriously!?!?" when it rang up. So it's not like I'd just stifle any reaction and hope they didn't notice.

And lest you all think I'm a corrupt soul (more than you already DO), I've made it home, checked a receipt, discovered the grocery store clerk forgot to ring something up, loaded my kid back into the car, and driven back to the store to pay for the item.

And yeah, we'll have to agree to disagree regarding the buying of the handbag at all.

FireChiefsBride · February 2012

mlf625:
We're going to have to agree to disagree, lady. Assuming, again, that the consumer is bright enough to realize that's not a legit price, I DO think it's morally corrupt to walk out knowing the store is now $530 in the hole.
And what, exactly, is reprehensible about buying something you can afford if you like it and will enjoy it? Economy stimulation and such! It's never to early to teach a child economy stimulation. Or good fashion sense, for that matter.
ETA: or $522 in the hole. I'm not a f*cking mathematician, yall.

?

I agree with whomever said they would make a comment about "Wow, that was more of a sale than I anticipated" and wait for a response, possibly adding "Are you sure that's correct" if I truly thought it was inaccurate. It wouldn't feel dishonest though, bc I'm too cheap and (usually) only buy pricey items at a discount.

I got a wallet for $15 last month that I was expecting to pay $50 for at the sale price. I made the "sale" comment and the cashier agreed. Done.

MrsAJL · February 2012

I would correct the error. I corrected the error when my total at Target rang up as $7.68 and should have been $23. I sure as hell would have corrected a $500 error.

I think anyone who would let such an error slide as justification for poor service is an azzhole. No exceptions.

mlf625 · February 2012

rssnlvr:

So if it's the ethics of the action that bother you, would you take the same stand if a $2.99 item rang up for $1.99? No sale tag, no indication that it should have come up as anything other than $2.99, nada. Is it your responsibility to argue that you really owe them $1 more? Or is it the sheer difference in price of the original example that makes you feel obligated to say something? If the latter, what's the price line where you would say something vs wouldn't?

Chances are, I'm not going to notice a $1 mistake, especially considering one rarely buys a $2.99 item on its own and I don't stand there and itemize my receipts before leaving (because my kids are screaming, usually). But if I DID notice the price difference, I think it would be a reasonable assumption to think it was on sale for $1 off and I didn't notice it, and not to raise issue and hold up the line at Target (if I even had a freaking Target for this scenario to play out at, I mean). Any consumer with half a brain surely realizes a $580 bag isn't on sale for $58. So not same/same.

That said, if I DID clearly see that a mistake had been made, no matter how small, then yes- it would be my responsibility to correct the mistake. Not exactly the same, but one time at the BK drive through, the cashier gave me a $5 bill as change instead of a $1 as change. I'd already pulled ahead, and it was annoying as hell, but I parked my car and ran it up to the counter to get the correct dollar bill.

kiarox2002 · February 2012

I would say something, but I wouldn't argue. The other day I was buying some fabric and half of it was 25% off. The person cutting it put down that it was all 25% off. I pointed out her error. ("Oh, I got it from that rack over there, I don't think it's part of the sale.") She didn't care enough to retype up the fabric slip and sent me on my way. Now, I'm not going to sit there are argue with her. I brought it up and then let it go when she didn't care.

Nessia · February 2012

rssnlvr:
mlf625:
Link to OP: https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/63153018.aspx
rssnlvr:
Dude, even Monopoly has a scenario--"Bank error in your favor. Collect $200." It's not morally corrupt unless you are taking active steps to screw the system (e.g., switching price tags, putting a "clearance" sticker on something that isn't on clearance, etc.). If it legitimately rings up for a price that is different than the one displayed, I see nothing wrong with smiling, buying the bag, and giving a little jumpy-heel-click on the way out the door.
Now, I DO see something reprehensible about spending $580 on a handbag. Especially with a 10-yr-old in tow.
We're going to have to agree to disagree, lady. Assuming, again, that the consumer is bright enough to realize that's not a legit price, I DO think it's morally corrupt to walk out knowing the store is now $530 in the hole.
And what, exactly, is reprehensible about buying something you can afford if you like it and will enjoy it? Economy stimulation and such! It's never to early to teach a child economy stimulation. Or good fashion sense, for that matter.
So if it's the ethics of the action that bother you, would you take the same stand if a $2.99 item rang up for $1.99? No sale tag, no indication that it should have come up as anything other than $2.99, nada. Is it your responsibility to argue that you really owe them $1 more? Or is it the sheer difference in price of the original example that makes you feel obligated to say something? If the latter, what's the price line where you would say something vs wouldn't?
Of course, given the situation, I'd probably gasp and say "Seriously!?!?" when it rang up. So it's not like I'd just stifle any reaction and hope they didn't notice.
And lest you all think I'm a corrupt soul (more than you already DO), I've made it home, checked a receipt, discovered the grocery store clerk forgot to ring something up, loaded my kid back into the car, and driven back to the store to pay for the item.
And yeah, we'll have to agree to disagree regarding the buying of the handbag at all.

Call me corrupt because I wouldn't go back to the store. Load the kid up AGAIN? I avoid going places sometimes because I don't want to load and unload the kid.

And I agree with LLCG's lawyerly assessment of the situation. I would make a comment like "wow, great price" or whatever but I won't sit there and argue with the sales person if they agree that it's a great price.

kirknsarah · February 2012

I would have to say something. Not that I'd necessarily argue with the clerk, but if something rings up for 1/10 its labeled price, and I don't at least check to make sure it's correct, I think it would be wrong. But that's just me.

Nikison · February 2012

Mainer-in-Texas:
I would probably say something like "Wow, I didn't know this was on sale" without even thinking about it, because I have done that in the past. And the cashier has always been like "That's a great deal!" and sent me on my happy way. Although it's for something like $20 off, not several hundred dollars.

This.

august8080 · February 2012

Haven't read the rest of the responses, but that doesn't really matter bc my answer won't change. You need to correct their mistake, or at least ASK! "Wow, I thought this was marked at $580--I didn't realize it was 90% off!"

NoeliaV · February 2012

I'm such a type-a, goody-goody about this stuff. I do the "Oh? This is on sale?" routine, but even if they don't correct their error, I'm all cold-sweats walking out. Just part of my charm, I guess. ;-)

And, I think it's even more important to do so if there's a child present. Jeebus. Especially then I would hope that you would at least make an attempt to make them aware of the error.

ETA: And, at 90% off, I'd be doing more than the play innocent thing. I think I'd ask to speak with a manager if the cashier/salesperson didn't catch it after I asked, and if they were still okay with the error-in-my-favor, then I'd let it go.
You never know when John Quinones is watching you!

Chicklit · February 2012

I'd feel pretty terrible if I didn't make a good faith effort to correct the mistake.

How much of an effort is related to the price discrepancy for me. At the grocery store or Target, where it might be a couple of dollars, a simple, Really? will suffice. It probably evens out with the stuff I get overcharged for. A $580 purse that's 90% off? I'd be demanding proof and the blessing of a manager.

thethomps · February 2012

It's definitely shittastic. I would AT LEAST ask if it was supposed to be that price and if, for some unknown reason it was, then score! But taking it for $58 without saying anything is, IMO, stealing. And, yeah, crappy example to set for your kids. This seriously makes me think the cliched, "Well, I guess that's what is wrong with society/kids today if parents are setting that kind of example."

mcgee · February 2012

Nessia:
I'm not as concerned with the stealing part of it as I am with the fact that it could possible cost the sales lady her job. I could kinda see where people see it as stealing from a major company that won't miss a few hundred dollars. Not saying it's right, just saying I can see the way they're thinking.

Having worked retail before (I managed a department store cosmetics counter, so no expensive handbags, but just go with me here), I am fairly certain that if I'd somehow incorrectly rung up a $580 item for $58, I would have been fired. We got an employee discount, but we weren't allowed to ring up our own sales - if I wanted to buy something, I had to let another coworker ring it up for me to avoid the possibility that employees would give themselves additional discounts. When I worked there, people did get fired for ringing up sales for friends and giving them discounts.

Granted, the link for the OP was presumably an accident and not a deliberate act, but it's still an enormous mistake that cost the store more than $500. I assume the OP is trying to justify taking the purse at that price and not saying anything because the salesperson was snobby. Earth to entitled thieving biatch: stores that sell $500+ purses ALWAYS have snobby salespeople. I'm convinced it's a requirement for working there. The only nice and outgoing salespeople I've ever met at places like Saks and Neiman Marcus were working in cosmetics.

mlf625 · February 2012

NoeliaV:

You never know when John Quinones is watching you!

HAHA! Right?!

molliedb · February 2012

omg i love john quinones!!!

and yes, i'd say something. if i didn't i'd feel like an a$$hole every time i looked at that bag and i'd never enjoy owning it knowing i was dishonest.

joyco · February 2012

I bought some shoes at Kohl's once because I figured I might wear them a couple of times and that would be worth the $14.99 price tag. When I checked out, they rang up at $4. I said, "Are you sure?! The tag said $14.99 and *that* was the sale price." The guy said, "Yep, that's how it's ringing up so I guess you got a great deal today at Kohl's."

I love shopping at Kohl's.

Also, I can't keep my big mouth shut, no matter how much money it would save me. I'd have to inform them of their error. If, after arguing and the cashier seeing nothing wrong w/ the price, then I'd be on my merry way, having saved a bundle. But I think it's terrible for a person to just pay that little, knowing they're ripping the store off and not say something.

A&Jmom · February 2012

I would say something but not argue with them. I have had something similar happen (not for that much $$ though). I always say "Wow I thought it was X$" or "I didn't know that was on sale?" The cashier has always just said "that's what it says in the computer so it must be." Honestly from what I've seen of people working retail (not putting them down I used to also!) is what the computer says is gospel.

Now switching tags or putting something on a sale rack (which I saw done MANY times in my retail days) is completely different.

A&Jmom · February 2012

mcgee:
Nessia:
I'm not as concerned with the stealing part of it as I am with the fact that it could possible cost the sales lady her job. I could kinda see where people see it as stealing from a major company that won't miss a few hundred dollars. Not saying it's right, just saying I can see the way they're thinking.
Having worked retail before (I managed a department store cosmetics counter, so no expensive handbags, but just go with me here), I am fairly certain that if I'd somehow incorrectly rung up a $580 item for $58, I would have been fired. We got an employee discount, but we weren't allowed to ring up our own sales - if I wanted to buy something, I had to let another coworker ring it up for me to avoid the possibility that employees would give themselves additional discounts. When I worked there, people did get fired for ringing up sales for friends and giving them discounts.
Granted, the link for the OP was presumably an accident and not a deliberate act, but it's still an enormous mistake that cost the store more than $500. I assume the OP is trying to justify taking the purse at that price and not saying anything because the salesperson was snobby. Earth to entitled thieving biatch: stores that sell $500+ purses ALWAYS have snobby salespeople. I'm convinced it's a requirement for working there. The only nice and outgoing salespeople I've ever met at places like Saks and Neiman Marcus were working in cosmetics.

I don't know many places that have that antiquated of registers anymore though. (not like when I was in retail). Now days for the most part they scan the tag and it is what it is. It would not be the salespersons fault if someone entered the wrong price in the system (which is more likely what happened, someone forgot a "0") Now, that person might get fired.

Also, the mark up in retail is so high they would not be losing $500. yes, they would take a loss on it if it sold for only $58 but not THAT big of a loss.

Again, I would say something but if the cashier did not then look into it not my problem. But, I would never be buying a $580 purse either.

MrsShackleford · February 2012

I would say something "really? it rings up at $58? is that right?" If the response was yes, I would be on my happy way.

I guess I fall into the dumb category as I have no idea wth a Burberry handbag is.

Are they hand made? If not, I bet the store didn't lose money even at $58.

mlf625 · February 2012

MrsShackleford:

I guess I fall into the dumb category as I have no idea wth a Burberry handbag is.

I did *NOT* say (or even imply) someone was dumb for not knowing what some designer bag was. You twisted my words there. What I said was that a person would have to be not-so-bright to believe a $580 item was selling at $58. Just to clarify.

MrsShackleford · February 2012

mlf625:
MrsShackleford:

I guess I fall into the dumb category as I have no idea wth a Burberry handbag is.

I did *NOT* say (or even imply) someone was dumb for not knowing what some designer bag was. You twisted my words there. What I said was that a person would have to be not-so-bright to believe a $580 item was selling at $58. Just to clarify.

You are correct, I did twist your words. But not in that way. I was merely stating that "I" am ignorant in all things designer. Yes, going on a tangent away from the original topic.

batsteph · February 2012

I'd have to say something. I mean, who wouldn't love to save a surprise $500? But I know if I walked out without at least questioning the price, then I'd never enjoy using the bag.

I definitely wouldn't argue, though. I'd clarify the price, and if the clerk verified that the $58 was correct, then I'd be good. Good and happy!

And now I want a Burberry bag. Not that I'd ever buy one, at least not in our current squarely-middle-class financial situation. But I will say that every time one of my $50 bags starts coming apart after only a few months, I do wonder if I'd be better off financially if I just went ahead and bought Coach bags or something...

mlf625 · February 2012

MrsShackleford:
mlf625:
MrsShackleford:

I guess I fall into the dumb category as I have no idea wth a Burberry handbag is.

I did *NOT* say (or even imply) someone was dumb for not knowing what some designer bag was. You twisted my words there. What I said was that a person would have to be not-so-bright to believe a $580 item was selling at $58. Just to clarify.

You are correct, I did twist your words. But not in that way. I was merely stating that "I" am ignorant in all things designer. Yes, going on a tangent away from the original topic.

Okay. Just wanted to make sure you weren't taking me for a total B. Glad we cleared that up.

Mainer-in-Texas · February 2012

Ugh, I just went and read that thread and it reminded me why I decided to stay off most of the national boards. Srsly, people act like they are freaking 13.

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is this shittastic, or am i just more angelic than the masses?

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