$X.95 - $X.97 Round Up or Down?? I WANT my 5 Cents Change !

• 

  Flying Ace on 07/03/2015 - 00:46

  +9

  Definitely ask for it back. Imagine all those 5c pieces that a company like HJs or Domino's keeps and how much that adds up to.

  I once got given a scowl and a bucket load of attitude from a Woolworths minion that I dared to ask for my item for free because the shelf price was 5c cheaper than the scan price. "It's five cents" she said. "Yes, so it's the wrong price" I said. Met with eye rolling and much muttering.

• 

  Axelstrife on 07/03/2015 - 01:59

  +5

  I went to the bank last month with a money tin full of those "only 5c" i left with $50 in a note.

• 

  GnarlyKnuckles on 07/03/2015 - 03:19

  +9

  You are quite right that any sales total ending in 96 or 97 cents should be rounded down to 95 cents, not rounded up. This was made very clear to Australian consumers and businesses alike, back when they abolished 1 and 2 cent coins ('coppers'), in Australia, in the early 1990s.
  If you are feeling a bit embarrassed about asking for your 5 cents change (not that you should), just use a plausible 'white-lie' to off-set any 'judgement' you may be worried about from anyone else in the line… something like:

  "Can I please get the 5 cents change, my kids love them for their money-boxes"

  OR

  "Can I please get the 5 cents change, they're really handy for 'exact change' parking machines"

  OR

  "Can I please get the 5 cents change, my kids love that charity-thing at Woolworths where you drop a 5c coin into it and it spirals round-and-round!

  Or anything else along those lines. Of course you should not actually have to ask for your change, but if you do (i.e. if the company is flouting the law by routinely jagging every customer out of 5 cents wherever the opportunity arises), then a line like the one's above may make it easier.

  • 

    iSamurai on 07/03/2015 - 06:47

    +1

    I wouldn't even bother with a white lie. I'd just say sorry but you gave me the incorrect change and it's 5c short.

    But if I could pay by card I would… The discount given by Ing direct (2% off where payWave is available) is usually greater than 2c.

    Just my 2c.

    • 

      retiredfeline on 07/03/2015 - 18:27

      +1

      :)

      Just my 2pc.

  • 

    neil aus on 07/03/2015 - 07:19

    I'd just ask for my change and give them the stink eye, especially if there is a charity box on the counter, where I'd drop the 5c and shake my head at them, for shame… At least we're not quite like the kiwi's, 10c rounding since 2006, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_rounding

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 07/03/2015 - 18:15

      How do you round a cash transaction to the nearest 5 cents when the smallest coin is 10 cents?

      • 

        retiredfeline on 07/03/2015 - 18:26

        +3

        You don't, you round to 10 cents instead.

• 

  RockyRaccoon on 07/03/2015 - 07:41

  Even better just ask for all your money back

  Says you only wanted to pay $4.95 not $5

  If they mutter say, then you are falsely advertising the product, and you are going to report it to ASIC etc etc

  or

  If you get "it's only 5c" then say - Well make it 10c as it's only 5c and if it's ONLY 5c then you can afford that can't you!

  and/or

  if it's only 5c then put the sign up saying its $5 not $4.95

  OR do as neilaus says, But slightly different. Point to the Charity box and say - Put in 10c, my ONLY 5c and your ONLY 5c. if you believe what you just said.

  If they give you the 5c, then put it in yourself and tell them they are a mean "scrooge".

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 07/03/2015 - 09:03

    +1

    you are going to report it to ASIC

    …or to the RSPCA or to Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

    Which ever one you choose, please make sure you're wearing headphones or earplugs so that their laughter doesn't damage your hearing.

    Protip: Before making a hollow threat, at least make sure you know which agency or regulator you're trying to use as leverage. Price rounding is Australian Consumer Law (read: ACCC) NOT the Corps Act, Insurance Contracts Act (or any of the other laws administered by ASIC).

    • 

      RockyRaccoon on 07/03/2015 - 09:06

      The point was that if they are charging you $5 but ADVERTISING it as $4.95 it can be considered as false advertising

      BUT you are right the relevant authority is ACCC not ASIC . My Bad

      https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/misleading-claims-advertis…

  • 

    c64 on 07/03/2015 - 09:10

    if the allegations were true, i think deliberating not give the correct change would be more along the lines of stealing

  • 

    Flying Ace on 07/03/2015 - 15:15

    +2

    Next time give them $4.90 and see what they say?

    • 

      RockyRaccoon on 07/03/2015 - 16:06

      +1

      and in 5c pieces so they will have change for others

• 

  Geewhizz on 07/03/2015 - 08:19

  I'm surprised the cash register isn't telling them to give you the 5 cents?

  • 

    BobbyJ on 07/03/2015 - 08:36

    It probably is, but it doesn't know how much you're taking out…does it?

• 

  c64 on 07/03/2015 - 08:47

  +1

  I feel embarrassing if I ask for the 5 cents.

  you are not worth of ozbargain :)

  surely the receipt shows the correct rounded amount

• 

  [Deactivated] on 07/03/2015 - 14:44

  I've never had the same issue. Just stand there with your hand out towards the cashier and don't budge until they place the 5c change into your hand :P

  I wouldn't even bother saying anything. Just silently wait. Possibly with a little sarcastic smile if they're showing obvious reluctance to hand over that 5c. lol

  How utterly bizarre. They would clearly have a bunch of those coins in the till, so it's not like that currency doesn't exist or isn't worth anything. Do they also refuse to take 5 cent coins? Doubt it. So what gives.

• 

  retiredfeline on 07/03/2015 - 16:18

  +2

  Ask them why they haven't given you the 5c as you want to tip them for mediocre service.

• 

  spychiatrist on 07/03/2015 - 18:08

  I remember receiving a lollie instead of a 25c piece as change.

  • 

    GnarlyKnuckles on 07/03/2015 - 22:57

    A 25c piece? Are you American/referring to a 'quarter'?

    On your point though, curiously, in some parts of Indonesia change can include a wrapped lolly or two because the really small denomination coins are now very scarce, but they cannot legally 'round up' or 'round down' anything. In fact the whole concept of rounding up/down seems bizarre to them; they value any amount of money, no matter how small.

    • 

      RockyRaccoon on 08/03/2015 - 18:55

      Cant be a yank, otherwise it would have been candy not lollie