Have you ever had anyone "keep YOUR change"

[winniedapooh]

This happens to me at Dunkin Donuts drive thru all the time. I try to keep a ton of change in my car and they get no tip now! Also a big one is at a local steak house that opened up near us. No matter what the bill was...24.63, 42.51, etc. etc. They would round up and give change back on say 25, 43! This totally ticked me off because it happened all the time and it was like stealing. I spoke to a manager about it who said she must have been busy, uhhh I told you it had happened the last two times as well. I ended up writing to corporate and they got involved. Seems it was a regualr occurance at that restaurant but not anymore! It was quickly taken care of. I could not believe it and even with drive-thrus...what is this world coming to? People think they can just keep customers change. This makes me really angry because it is stealing to me. I waitressed and managed a restaurant for many years and would never dream of doing this.

 

[winniedapooh]

Here is a change story that'll make you cringe. Ds is a middle school teacher and has had lunch duty for a few years. He says that kids leave their change on their trays and throw away the change with their trays & food. He used to try to stand by the garbage cans and remind kids to take their change. They didn't care! They would say, "It's only a couple of nickels." Or "I always throw my change away. It's just change!" They were too LAZY to pick up their change and put it in their pocket or backpack! That was the issue--they would rather just throw away money than take 10 seconds to put the money into their pockets.

For part of the year, teachers collected spare change for Special Olympics. At that time, some of the change didn't get thrown away. But, I'd love to know how much money gets thrown away there (and everywhere else--I find it hard to believe that his school is the only place this happens) every day.

If my kids bought a school lunch and I knew that they should be getting change, then I'd be wondering where it all went by the end of the week.

Our school fixed this...every school in the district, there are 3 lol, are on a lunch card system. You put money on the card like a gift card etc. There are no longer any stereotypes in regards to free or reduced lunches and no change is thrown away!!!

 

[misskrystal]

Mine is a little different to the OPs, as it was an honest mistake, just an incredibly stupid one.

I bought bought a drink from a health food stall, gave the girl a 10 and she gave me change for a 5. I told her and she of course argued, but eventually gave in.

Only, when she tried to give me the correct change, she couldn't, as there were no 5's in the till!

 

[Carrie Ellis]

Our Papa Johns charges a delivery charge. You would not know it unless you ordered online. That is kind of scary! Once I saw that, I changed what I gave the driver because I always considered that in my tip. I am sure alot of people around do not know that they are charging an extra $1.50 to deliver.

I do not tip unless I am at a table service, ordered delivered food or I am at Sonic. I don't tip alot at Sonic because my order is usually very small and all they did was walk it out to me. It is not like they are coming out several times to give me refills!

 

[TreslovesWDW]

I hardly ever count my change I sure am now after reading this. i always trust that people can count. Most of the time at Walmart or the grocery store they count back the change when they hand it to me. I will be counting myself for now on.

 

[vhoffman]

Not getting correct change is one reason I started using a credit card for just about everything. We usually use AMEX, and pay it off every month, so we don't incur interest charges. Of course, we pay for the AMEX, but we use the Memebership Rewards points for air fare, rental cars, etc., so we come out ahead.

The worst thing you can do is pay cash at a restaurant, especially a "hotty-totty" type place, with the waiters in tuxedos, valet parking, etc. We had this happen a few years ago--the bill cam to $42 (for a light lunch for 2 people!). I only had 3 $20's, so gave him that--never came back! He just assumed I was giving him a $20 tip! And the service was lousey! When we complained to the manager, he said the waiter had already left and he couldn't track down "our change", in a loud voice, obviously trying to belittle us in front of the other customers. I said in just as loud a voice (playing to his audience), that our "change" amounted to $20, which I did not consider trivial. He then said since it was a cash transacation there was nothing he could do about it, but gave us a coupon for (one!) free dessert on our next visit! As though we'd ever come back there! After that,I learned to pay with a cc--at least they can't run off with it (and the transaction is traceable).

I started a similar thread to this one called "Do you Watch the Scanner at the Grocery Store?" Turns out many people catch mistakes on the scanner, everything from an item being double-scanned to sales price not ringing up. I now watch the scanner like a hawk, and average one mistake per visit! However, I usually don't count the change at a fast food window. Usually I use a cc there, too, but sometimes I use cash. Now I'll remember to count the change (along with checking the order before driving away!)

 

[OceanAnnie]

Good Grief, Vhoffman!!!

If the manager was worth his salt, he would've given you the change and taken up the issue with the waiter the next time he was "available". Some customer service!!

That's just crazy.

I too watch the scanner at the grocery store! Especially with produce. I had a cashier charge me $5 for 3 apples! She put in some exotic code instead of the code for granny smith! The apples were supposed to be $1.50 not $5! There was no line behind me so it wasn't because she was rushed! She was quick to change her mistake once I brought it to her attention. No "Sorry" though. It's hard to watch the scanner when you have children with you, but it's doable. I also review the reciept before I leave.

Sorry OT, OP.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

I started a similar thread to this one called "Do you Watch the Scanner at the Grocery Store?" Turns out many people catch mistakes on the scanner, everything from an item being double-scanned to sales price not ringing up. I now watch the scanner like a hawk, and average one mistake per visit! However, I usually don't count the change at a fast food window. Usually I use a cc there, too, but sometimes I use cash. Now I'll remember to count the change (along with checking the order before driving away!)

I would swear that Walmart does this on purpose. It is scary how many times I a have something rang up wrong. In fact, I have a reciept in my purse waiting to go back. I needed to pick my daughter up so I did not have time to go to customer service but (since I parked by lawn and garden) I took the tag off the shelf so I could take it to CS when I came back. I figured that it did not make a difference since that price was not correct anyway. I am pretty close to boycotting Walmart.

 

[Chris]

Has this ever happened to you?

When waiting for change from cashiers or wait people, they assume you don't want your change if it is a "small amount" especially a penny or two?

My mom was at the Dollar store, her change due was $6 and change. The cashier gave her $5 and change. My mom told her she was a dollar short, the cashier agreed and continued to ring up new customer. My mom thought she was going to get it when the drawer was opened. But NO, cashier finished with new customer and closed the drawer. My mom said "what about my dollar" and cashier said "oh, you really want it?" UMMM YEAH

WOW that is nervy!!!!!!! I have had it happen over change, under a quarter but this one place does it to me all the time! I'm like I give you enough of my money, I"ll take MY change please!!

 

[patsal]

The tanning place by me does this all the time. It is $9.99 for the week--they never give the penny back. At first I really didn't care, but think about it--hundreds of pennies per day over the course of the year must add up to some pretty nice off the books money for someone. I know it is only a penny but I stopped going to that particular franchise as a result.

 

[JAM'S MOM]

We had been using the pick up window at Outback Steakhouse. We HAD been real happy doing this for many weeks. The LAST TIME we went there, the delivery person who walked 10 feet to our car with our dinner decided that she was going to ensure she got a tip. Our change was to be 7.20 and she gave us 5.00. When I mentioned that the change was supposed to be 2.20 more, she stomped off in a huff and came back with 1.00. Looking at the money in disbelief, I was amazed at her gall. I no longer wanted to deal with this greedy little creep.

Mind you, I am a very good tipper and would have normally given her a tip. But since tips are at my discretion, I don't want the server to make the decision for me. I am sure not all of their locations are like this. If you go to the Outback Steakhouse in Bedford NH, you may experience the same rudeness, and creative mathematics.

 

[Cubiclegirl]

Don't even get me started on scanners. Our local grocery stores aren't bad but Kohl's is terrible. Last time I bought 6 items for my trip. I know they were all on sale. Only 3 or 4 rang up the sale prices. It must happen all the time because the clerk corrected it right away w/o checking when I pointed it out.

 

[robinb]

Make sure you know the policy for over-scanned items. Some stores will give you the item free (up to $5) if you are overcharged. A local big-box type store called ShopKo does that here. However ... the sales staff will never do so voluntarily. Sure, they'll change the price but they won't do the "Price Guarantee" unless you (the customer) insists on it.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I was charged 2.49 for something that cost 2.19 this week - and I bought 4! That's $1.20! I didn't notice until I was home, either, and I had bought it in New York, so I would have spent more to take the subway back to the store! grr. I was so mad at myself for not checking.

But as for the change thing, if they are teenage cashiers, that might explain it. I am a teacher and in the cafeteria I see more kids throw pennies away- right in the garbage can- every single day than you would believe. Sometimes they leave garbage on their tables and don't clean it up, including pennies, occasional nickels and twice so far a quarter. When I go around cleaning I usually pick the pennies up as my tips. It's sad- the adult teacher counting the pennies and the teenagers throwing them away!

 

[starwood]

I went to Burger King with gift certificates. I should have gotten a few cents back in change and they told me "they don't give change on gift certificates". I argued that I had gotten change in the past and they eventually gave me the change. From then on I always used $1.00 less in gift certificates and paid that in cash.

 

[rigs32]

When we complained to the manager, he said the waiter had already left and he couldn't track down "our change", in a loud voice, obviously trying to belittle us in front of the other customers. I said in just as loud a voice (playing to his audience), that our "change" amounted to $20, which I did not consider trivial. He then said since it was a cash transacation there was nothing he could do about it, but gave us a coupon for (one!) free dessert on our next visit! :

Why did you leave? Seriously, I would have phoned the police if the manager refused to refund the money. That is stealing and, you're right, $20 is not trivial.

 

[JoiseyMom]

OMG Dunkin Donuts is infamous for this!!! They boldly put out tip cups. Gee, I dunno...but $2.28 for a cup of a coffee and I'm expected to leave a tip, too? I stop there at least twice a day. And what's the tip for anyway? I either walk up to the counter or drive up to the window. I'm not a cheapskate...I usually let them keep the change, but when they EXPECT it...I think the meaning behind leaving a tip has gotten lost in greediness or something. Seeing as how I'm a regular customer, maybe they should throw something MY way now & then.

I have gone to LOTS of Dunkin Donuts (as a mystery shopper), and I am happy to say, I have always gotten the correct change. But I do hate the tip jar, they make above minimum wage, and are doing their JOB, why am I supposed to tip them?? I tip in restaurants, but that is part of the salary, they work for tips. I hate when I see tip jars in any sort of fast food or casual food restaurant. And no, I do not put any money in them. Thankfully I don't think I have ever been short changed, I have been given back more money, and yes, I do give it back.

Oh, and once I added wrong on my CC receipt at a restaruant, and was freaking out, but they put it in for the correct amount. I was a very happy camper.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Not getting correct change is one reason I started using a credit card for just about everything. We usually use AMEX, and pay it off every month, so we don't incur interest charges. Of course, we pay for the AMEX, but we use the Memebership Rewards points for air fare, rental cars, etc., so we come out ahead.

The worst thing you can do is pay cash at a restaurant, especially a "hotty-totty" type place, with the waiters in tuxedos, valet parking, etc. We had this happen a few years ago--the bill cam to $42 (for a light lunch for 2 people!). I only had 3 $20's, so gave him that--never came back! He just assumed I was giving him a $20 tip! And the service was lousey! When we complained to the manager, he said the waiter had already left and he couldn't track down "our change", in a loud voice, obviously trying to belittle us in front of the other customers. I said in just as loud a voice (playing to his audience), that our "change" amounted to $20, which I did not consider trivial. He then said since it was a cash transacation there was nothing he could do about it, but gave us a coupon for (one!) free dessert on our next visit! As though we'd ever come back there! After that,I learned to pay with a cc--at least they can't run off with it (and the transaction is traceable).

I started a similar thread to this one called "Do you Watch the Scanner at the Grocery Store?" Turns out many people catch mistakes on the scanner, everything from an item being double-scanned to sales price not ringing up. I now watch the scanner like a hawk, and average one mistake per visit! However, I usually don't count the change at a fast food window. Usually I use a cc there, too, but sometimes I use cash. Now I'll remember to count the change (along with checking the order before driving away!)

I had a similar experience getting a mani pedi- it came to 21 dollars- I gave 2 20's and never saw the girl again. I usually tip - but not a 90 percent tip!

 

[vhoffman]

I am shocked, but really not surprised, at the various posts from teachers complaining that kids leave money on the cafeteria tables, along with their trash, or, worse still, just throw away the change with their trays. I expect some flames here (but hey? I just got a good deal on a flame-proof suit, and got the correct change ), but I think part of the reason kids in school don't pick up after themselves is that they're not taught to do so. No,I don't mean the parents don't teach them at home, I mean, its what they're allowed to get away with at school.

My kids are currently in elementary (public) school. It seems that, at least in our school, the school is more concerned with making it an ongoing party rather than getting down to basics (which, BTW, I take responsibility for by teaching reading, math, etc at home). Seems just about every other week there's some sort of special doings, field trips, parties, stage shows, special guest entertainers, etc., etc., Even a "normal" day is more of a carnival atmosphere than a work environment (yes, I do believe that school is my kids' job, just like dh and I have jobs). They spend so little time on the core subjects, such as reading, writing, math, etc. They're forever in "enrichment" classes--music, art, gym, etc. They're in the hall half the time, going from place to place. And when they get there, everything is all set up for them to tear in to. The class periods are only 45 minutes long, so they can't spend much time in prep work, and heaven forbid they should have to actually put things away. There simply isn't time for prep and cleanup. They have been conditioned to thinking that they're somehow entitled to being "entertained" every minute, with all the prep work done, then, when through, they just flit off to another activity without cleaning up the mess from the current activity. Oh, yes, they are responsible for some things, like putting their backpacks away, etc., but they aren't responsible for the entire cleanup, it would take too long. I see the results in my kids at home. They literally jump from one toy/game to the next. When bored with the current activity, they simply leave it and tear into another game. I've taken to locking up all their toys and games (fortunately I have a closet large enough for this), and they must return one toy/game before they can check out another. And it must be put together correctly, not just stuffed any old which way into a box or bag. Well, you couldn't believe the backlash I've gotten from this routine. They hate it! They don't want to clean up after themselves, mainly because school never taught them that that's part of playing--putting things away when they're through. I recently went through the whole house, including their rooms, picking up, sorting and organizing their stuff. They're told to spend 10-15 minutes each night putting things away. After they go to bed, I go through the house with a trash bag. If I have to pick it up off the floor, I figure it wasn't very important to them and it goes into the trash. I've had this policy for about 3 weeks now, and strange -- I'm actually not finding pieces of toys all over the house. Wonder why?

Well, perhaps they won't be inclined to throw away money if they're taught to pick up after themselves. BTW, our school had a lunch card system so the kids don't have to carry money.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

vhoffman....you go girl!!

Actually, every one of your complaints evolved into why I homeschool now. I felt like I was treading water everday just to my boys up to speed in school because they did not really learn it during the day and retraining them in all the school habits that they acquired! We still do all the extra sports, field trips, etc...

My kids pick up pennies out the parking lots!