Sometimes, peoples’ lack of maths skills amaze me.
I was at the airport the other night, buying some stuff.
Total cost $41.35.
Gave the old bloke $60 (3 x $20).
I received $28.65 change, a “bonus” of $10.
Spent the next five minutes arguing with the old bloke, that he was short-changing himself $10.
Now some people might say “… serves him right, keep the extra $10.”
But the thought of the poor bloke having to make up cash from his wage stopped me doing that.
Andy Blume, over at Spatula City, wrote about something similar in his post: It’s French For ""Go away"".
In this situation, I will pocket the money, walk out. Then after a minute or two, go back in and let them know of their error. I think serves the dual purpose of showing their mistake, and also showing that most people are not honest enough to hand the money back.
I like the idea of walking out, and returning. Might do that next time it happens.
Many years ago I was in some store somewhere and I was given too much change. Trying to do the right thing, I took it back to the register and said “I think I got the wrong change”. The bitch looked at me smugly and said “Well, you should have checked it BEFORE you left the store, too late now!”. So I pointed out that I'd been given $20 too much, and was trying to return it, but after that she could go get fucked. Andy = win.
These days I don't give a fuck. Give me too much change, I walk. Give me too little change, I complain bitterly.