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Correcting someone who minorly short-changed you

post #1 of 23
10/4/10 at 6:48am
Thread Starter 
I've always been a bit unsure as to the etiquette when it comes to someone short-changing you, but only by a small amount, say $0.50. Part of me naturally wants to correct them so as to let them know they made an error, for their ultimate benefit in not short changing the next person. But the other part thinks because the amount is so trivial, it could be seen as a sign of bad character or selfishness, or simply a lack of dignity or worth to care about something so petty. How do you guys deal with these situations, and whats your reasoning? There's a poll also above.
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post #2 of 23
10/4/10 at 7:11am
I hardly ever check change, but when I do and find I've gotten too much or little I say something.
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post #3 of 23
10/4/10 at 9:15am
I'm a pretty analytical and observant person, so I generally scan over the change right as it's handed to me. If I notice an issue right there, I'll bring it up, regardless of the amount (obviously not like $0.01, but for $0.50, definitely). If I get out to the car/home before I notice, then I won't bother unless it's a substantial amount.
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post #4 of 23
10/4/10 at 11:36am
It really depends on the situation and the person. With some friends it's an easy you-get-me-this-time, i'll-get-you-next-time relationship. With others, I know I'll never see that money back unless I say something.

Most of the time though, I won't say anything.
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post #5 of 23
10/4/10 at 12:00pm
If done immediately, it's never awkward.

In fact, they always apologize.
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post #6 of 23
10/4/10 at 4:34pm
lol this reminds me of a time where my friend covered the bill for 4 with a $100 after tip, and asked the waitress for $1 change. Turns out we under-tipped so he ended up giving her a few more bucks in the end after the fact.
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post #7 of 23
10/4/10 at 7:23pm
Sometime a clerk will give me small disk of metal with faces on them, I throw them on on the ground. Trash money.
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post #8 of 23
10/5/10 at 12:01am
I rarely check, but if someone were to short me $.05 I'll bring it up.
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post #9 of 23
10/5/10 at 12:08am
are you for real? like, in a financial transaction and someone gives you incorrect change? why should you feel even the slightest bit of reservation or embarrassment at asking them to transact the exchange properly? if it's a friend or something for whom you grabbed a sandwich or something, that's different.
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post #10 of 23
10/5/10 at 12:53am
Thread Starter 
Well it's still a means of correction, and like you wouldn't always correct certain people in your life at certain times (teachers, parents, relatives, elders, etc.) you might similarly feel inclined not to correct a cashier or a salesperson if the amount is trivial.
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post #11 of 23
10/5/10 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas View Post
are you for real? like, in a financial transaction and someone gives you incorrect change? why should you feel even the slightest bit of reservation or embarrassment at asking them to transact the exchange properly?

if it's a friend or something for whom you grabbed a sandwich or something, that's different.

+1
its my money. frankly, I find that its more common for me to catch mistakes in the stores favor, and I always point it out - I don't want the minumum wage clerk to be short at the end of shift.
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post #12 of 23
10/5/10 at 10:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by globetrotter View Post
I always point it out - I don't want the minumum wage clerk to be short at the end of shift.

This is exactly why making the correction, consistently and fairly, is the only correct answer.
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post #13 of 23
10/5/10 at 12:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XenoX101 View Post
you might similarly feel inclined not to correct a cashier or a salesperson if the amount is trivial.

um, why not?
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post #14 of 23
10/5/10 at 1:06pm
my brother worked in the restaurant industry so he always checks change ect..

the most common way you'll get fleeced is the when you pay directly at a cashier in a diner. they can press in a 3% tip then you get your change less three percent, but then you calculate a tip and then leave the customary 15% (or more). so the cashier ends up pocketing that 3% tip.

he gets to the point where he can even sense if the cashier is going to do it and bets me if they do. basically if you're busy and in a rush (with family running late ect) they'll try to pull it off.


if its in any type of business you can go ahead and bring it up. its your money.

if its between friends... fuck it its 50 cents... hell even a dollar its no biggie.
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post #15 of 23
10/5/10 at 1:19pm
Peruse it tirelessly to the highest conclusion.
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