So, we're trying to teach our 12 year old a bit of independence before high school next year.
This morning we decided to let our 12 year old walk to the servo at the bottom of our street for a bottle of milk. It's about a 5 minute walk.
I gave kiddo a $5 note, as I go to this servo almost every day for said milk, I know for a fact a 2 litre bottle of milk is $3.50! They only sell the one type of supermarket brand milk.
I told my kid they could have the $1.50 change to buy themself a lolly or something.
Kiddo arrives home and i ask what they bought and kiddo replies "Nothing! I didn't have enough, the milk cost $5".
Now, hubby thinks I should let it go. It's only $1.50, maybe it was a mistake, the 'nice' guy who works there doesn't need to be on the end of a Karen attack (that's a direct quote from my husband so I apologise to all the lovely Karen's of the world 😂).
I think it should be addressed. It's not about the amount of money, it's about the principle!
What if the guy who works there is ripping off anyone he thinks he can get away with? The guy who works there also isn't that nice, he's actually a bit of a sleaze bag.
I also work retail, as a regular cashier, I could tell you the exact price of staple foods down to the cent so i always double check if something doesn't appear right, therefore i don't believe he accidentally charged $5 for a bottle of milk.
So, what are your thoughts here?
Query it or leave it be?
Update: I went in a few days later to check the milk price - still $3.50 as I suspected it would be.
I did mention it to the manager, just in case this cashier is deliberately taking advantage of vulnerable people.
Other than that, definitely something my kid and I learned from for future endeavors!
9 Replies
This is why you teach your children to always ask for a receipt. Can’t do anything without proof
Ah yes, that's a good point.
Thanks!
Walk down with them this afternoon to check that together.
I remember as child being ripped off on holiday by the corner store. I was about 10, and it took me a few days to realise and build up the courage to say 'I didn't ask for that, put it back'. (he was scanning and sliding extra products I didn't ask for into my bag.)
I'd tell your child what happened and teach them to check prices, check what is scanned BEFORE paying, ask for a receipt and question discrepancies. It's a valuable lesson.
Speaking up and wprking out issues is a tricky one. Especially if thats his first outing.
I I would tell your kid ok, well done for getting the milk.
I would tell him in future to get a receipt, especially if he thinks its not right.
I would go in and ask them what happened to his change. You might get a different story. You could model to him how to sort it out, but I wouldnt on his very first go.
I sell milk too and as a small business owner to buy from the wholesalers It is really expensive, I could actually go to Coles and buy it cheaper than what I get through wholesale. Maybe you got a special, maybe he has a different brand, maybe he's just put the prices up. $5 for milk at the servo is pretty standard. I would hope he's not ripping your son off and theres a reasonable explanation.
Well milk is $5 at my local servo. Go with your child and see.
Go with your kid, stay outside, give them the $5 and ask them to go in for milk. If he comes out with milk then ask him what happened last time, if he doesn't then ask him why and if he gives the same answer ask him did he check the milk prices or did the cashier tell him the price?
Definitely find out what happened because if the cashier is ripping him off then something needs to be said and if your child lied then something needs to be said.
My kids have actually done this before and said the same. I think it’s important to ask them to wait for their change and the receipt. Because my kids at the time handed them the money and walked off. In saying this the person should have informed your son that he had paid too much but maybe your son took off quick and the man couldn’t be bothered. it happens so it’s not your son lying or anything.