Should I Feel Bad, I Inadvertently Stole from Woolworths

Hoju on 18/06/2015 - 10:38

So, I think I feel bad.

Just got back from a Woolies shop. At self checkout, the items totalled $47. I had used an everyday rewards deal that said I'd get X $5 product free when I swiped my card. Went through the process and all groceries in the bags and trolley ready and about to pay but the $5 hadn't come off. Meanwhile my toddler was running out of control (one of those days) and I had a bladder about to give way. I called the attendant who went through the deal on my phone, the items on the checkout screen and eventually took me and my trolley through to the front desk where she told the person the discount hadn't come off. They did the same thing then said ok we'll give your money back and handed me the $5. Meanwhile my toddler has run out down the escalators to go up and down…

Anyway, it wasn't til I got to the car that I realised I never actually paid for the shopping!
I could have grabbed my kid and gone back up to pay but… yeh.

What would you guys have done?

Poll Options

  • 335
    Yes, you stole and should go back and pay the money then say 400 hail marys
  • 164
    It's just one of those things that happen, make the most of it as the big guy usually wins
  • 47
    DAMN! If only you'd had a bigger shop!
Food & Grocery

Related Stores

Woolworths
Woolworths

Comments

  • cloudy on 18/06/2015 - 15:55
    +3

    I don't understand the way the poll is created. To say its ok to steal coz it's from a faceless organisation. It's heading down the path of financial planners saying its ok to steal from clients, coz I'm to really stealing, they are still getting a financial product, just one they don't need. (pocket commission in back pocket).

    Maybe I'm drawing a long bow, but if u start needing to post on forums for some empthay that what u did is ok, then it's probably not ok in ur own mind. If it is ok in ur own mind, well u might end up doing a cheeky on a regular basis and one day might get caught and go to court like a friend of mine, who now struggles to find a job coz of a conviction stealing a cheap dress. It's just not worth doing.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2015 - 16:46

      Not a lot of employers actually do police checks…

      • R3XNebular on 18/06/2015 - 17:51
        +1

        A lot actually do. If you were an employer would you choose a person with a criminal history or one without. Government based jobs most will request a crim check.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2015 - 10:01

          Government jobs, obv. If you want to sort mail for Australia Post or unload shipping containers or practice medicine or law. Also, once a certain amount of time has passed you can have this expunged. Just sayin' one (profanity) up ain't gonna ruin your life.

  • chill on 18/06/2015 - 16:11
    +17

    Another embarrassment to the OzBargain community.

  • Aap Ke Papa on 18/06/2015 - 16:21
    +3

    A sinner comes before you – Greenspoon, of House Woolworths… He has committed the acts of falsehood. He has confessed his sins and begged for forgiveness, he will cast aside all pride, all artifice and present himself as the gods made him, to Woolies, take the goods bought and do the walk of shame and pay for the groceries.

    -GOT 5:10

    • mparf on 18/06/2015 - 19:01
      +22

      SHAAAAAAAAAAMEEEEEEEE
      ding
      ding
      ding

      SHAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEE
      ding
      ding
      ding

    • Jackymon on 18/06/2015 - 19:03
      +4

      SHAME! rings bell SHAME! rings bell

    • devinadalovely on 21/06/2015 - 20:02
      +1

      Maybe Greenspoon needs to be paraded back naked to Woolies with his credit card in hand (or in his slot) whilst Ozbargainers jeer and swear at him throwing vegetable scraps.

  • AlanJ on 18/06/2015 - 16:23
    +5

    The fact that you worried about it enough to later post on this forum, and that you are still thinking about it enough to read all these comments, surely indicates that you are "paying" for your mistake, and the best way to salve your conscience (which really doesn't need much salving, because it was an honest mistake, and not even solely your fault… And I am sure we can all understand that, on realising what had happened, you chose to think on it a while instead of rushing straight back into the store) is to make a point of going back to the store, finding ( if possible) one of the assistants who featured in the original drama, and telling them what you have since realised. Maybe they will — as has been suggested above — decide that the whole thing is just too difficult for them to deal with ( no one knows exactly what you bought, prices have changed anyway), and they will politely tell you to forget it. Maybe they will suggest you make a contribution to the store… But how they would actually effect that process, I can't imagine. But, whatever the outcome, every time thereafter that you visit that Woolies, you will feel relieved that you have done the right thing, and I wouldn't be surprised if the staff remembered that, too, and gave you a friendly wave. It never hurts to do the right thing.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2015 - 16:42
    +13

    Why come on here and ask "should I feel bad"…. then defend every comment that confirms YES you are a thief.

  • Dumax on 18/06/2015 - 16:51
    +3

    I'd love to see your excuses if the police turn up at your door asking why you didn't pay…

    • twinbag on 19/06/2015 - 23:56

      A weak bladder and annoying offspring Officer.

    • secondstory on 20/06/2015 - 22:23
      +2

      "I mustn't have even realised. I don't even remember this grocery trip and I definitely didn't remember when I got to the car or anything but if that is really the case and you can show me the proof since I don't remember, I would be more than willing to pay the amount owed."

  • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2015 - 17:34
    +5

    You shouldn't even have to ask, and the fact you are already outlining excuses (bladder, toddler etc) shows that you know you're a thief but want to be excused for it.

    Go back and pay for what you stole. It's because of people like you that products have a slightly higher markup to offset expected loss.

    • Dpx on 18/06/2015 - 21:21

      ^ Read this thief OP

    • [Deactivated] on 22/06/2015 - 14:39
      -1

      No

  • IHateFrasierCrane on 18/06/2015 - 17:47
    +3

    Wow, I guess the negative people here don't have kids.

    Obviously mate, you feel guilty. Otherwise you would not have posted this. I understand what it's like when you have a toddler you're trying to chase down. However, I would feel guilty as shit and go explain myself. Because it would always be on my mind.

    You're not a bad person for doing it, but making it right will make you feel better.

  • Hoju on 18/06/2015 - 18:03
    +34

    Well as an update, I did go back and found the original cashier at the front desk but not the self serve one.

    I waited til my other half was home and went up and explained. She said she had no way of tracing the transaction but seemed to me more like she couldn't be bothered. I even gave her my EDR card to double check.

    Decided to give the kids half each to give to the charities we see at the weekend markets. Nothing lost out of my pockets, kids are happy, charities are happy and I have to be honest that I couldn't give two craps about Woolworths.

    On another note I'm pretty impressed at how up in arms people got about a relatively small amount being lost from a big corporate. It got a bit personal but whatever, it's the Internet.

    Curious as to if
    1) the attitude is different if we were both studying parents struggling with the kids and mortgage (true) vs a wealthy individual
    and
    2) if the amount was $1, $5, $10, $20? At what point does outrage begin?

    (Forgive me for my interest in ethical discussion… If you want to comment don't make it personal if you can)

    • Dan_ on 18/06/2015 - 19:18
      +17

      I once bought two shirts from DJ's at 50% off online. Received them, didn't like them, returned at the store. Store rep was obviously not familiar with processing online refunds. Gave me a refund for the FULL PRICE (~$100). Would've been quite a tidy profit for me as it was already credited to my card. I only noticed when I was asked to sign the refund receipt. All I had to do was sign and walk away.

      But I said, I will happily sign it but I'll let you know that is a lot more than what I actually paid. Went through an entire process of DR to my card for the $100 back and then doing another CR with the right amount.

      So what if the big corporate is profiting from the little guy? No one forced me to shop there, it was entirely my choice to shop at DJ's and yours to shop at Woolworths.

      I neither believe in that Karma BS, nor do I believe there is an omnipresent being watching me. I find it incredibly disappointing that some people need to convince themselves that the universe will somehow reward them or that a god is watching/judging them just to do the honourable and decent thing.

      Whether you're a parent struggling with kids or a wealthy individual is irrelevant. The way some people think that being a struggling parent somehow means everyone else owes them something does not sit well with me at all. No. It was your choice to have children when you are studying and also have a mortgage. If you are now struggling, that is the consequence of your decision. Very few people are considered living the easy life, we all have our problems to deal with. Being a "struggling parent" doesn't justify anything.

      Oh and by the way, I have an entry level job, not exactly a high flyer.

    • John on 18/06/2015 - 19:32
      +1

      Good on ya.

      Well, really.. I think the important value to discuss is INTEGRITY - "Doing what is right, not what is easy". Regardless of your financial situation or the amount in play… what you do about it tells exactly the kind of person you are.

      So I think yo should be glad that you did not choose something just because its easy. I'm sure somewhere sometime, your rewards will get back to you. Maybe not financially.. but there will be something.

    • belongsinforums on 19/06/2015 - 00:50

      it's not personal. stealing is a crime. once you realised that you didn't pay, but chose to keep the goods, you committed theft. luckily for you, you're already in australia and you don't live in 1788.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 09:43
      +3

      I once got negged to hell on OzBargain because I made a fuss about returning something to a big retailer, and the retailer accepted the return, even though the good people here on OzBargain didn't think that I should have returned it. So I expect that if you steal even just a cent you will go to hell, but if you find a deal that you can twist and exploit beyond it's intended purpose, then that is open season.

      • jackary on 21/06/2015 - 01:52

        Yeah I remember that post, and I'd be interested to know what similarities you see between this situation and yours, (rightfully or wrongfully) returning a game to Kmart on the basis of sexism? They both seem pretty morally bankrupt to me.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2015 - 08:48

          Scenario A: Inadvertently taking $47 worth of groceries from a major chain without paying, but then not knowing if it is the right thing to do or not to go back and pay.

          Scenario B: Signing up for a Life Insurance plan that comes with a $100 EFTPOS gift card that works out that it is technically possible to cancel it after you receive the gift card and make a profit

          Scenario C: Major retailer makes big statement that the particular game franchise they have been selling for many years are morally "against their values" due to supposed "sexism", and voluntarily recalls all games in that franchise, precisely at the time that the New Release sales season of that particular game franchise ends and the new Christmas sales season starts. As a form of protest, I ask the same retailer to accept my old copy of the game from that game franchise that they sold me 6 years ago as a return, they agree to, and give me $49 back (their choosing of the amount) out of the original $699 bundle, which I then donate to charities related to the actual content of the game franchise.

      • devinadalovely on 21/06/2015 - 20:09
        +1

        Succinctly put 'the land of smeg'. I found some deals and the twists needed to get the deal was overwhelming and didn't bother. I don't need to work that hard to save a dollar.

    • Geewhizz on 21/06/2015 - 06:20

      She said she had no way of tracing the transaction

      Each docket has an individual number on it. Of course she could have traced it.

    • ttc72 on 23/06/2015 - 04:51

      For me, theft is theft, no matter the amount, who it was from, or your personal circumstances.

      It is good that you went back, it is not good that your post seems to be that you only did it because so many people said that you should and you really seem to think that you shouldn't have.

  • ilsan0 on 18/06/2015 - 18:05
    +7

    Personally, I would never go back and high 5 all my family and mates that I could 'bullshit the bullshitter' grocery giant for once.

    The question is, can you do it again? :)

  • Associatedmyths245 @ Woolworths on 18/06/2015 - 18:07
    +2

    ( Edit as original comment was made before the above reply.)

    Now you have attempted to rectify the situation do you still feel remorse, or guilt? You have attempted to remedy the situation therefore you have done everything reasonable. By alerting them you not longer need to worry and as a bonus got to keep the groceries. In the end its a win for you.

    • Hoju on 18/06/2015 - 18:44
      +4

      I do feel better but to be 100% honest I was really hoping they wouldn't ask for it back. I went back because it was the right thing to do not because I wanted to give them the money!

      • AlanJ on 21/06/2015 - 20:38

        Well, that's a perfectly natural attitude… No one would have expected you to rush back eagerly to part with a sizeable part of your weekly income, knowing that the money is going to a company to which such a paltry amount isn't even going to be noticed! I think you are punishing yourself too much… The point is, there was a right thing to do and a wrong thing to do, and until you did the right thing, your conscience was bothering you. Now you have done the right thing… Your conscience is 100 percent clear, and you don't have to feel bad about anything. All these people who have chimed in here to cry "thief" and suggesting that you should be punished as if you had marched in with a pair of rifles and a mask are the ones who might well feel bad… If Woolworths ever has a sale on CHARITY, some of these people can use a hefty supply… Would they really be so harsh and condemnatory if they were talking to you face-to-face? Time for you to relax and forget it… Your toddler is lucky to have a parent who cares about ethical behaviour, who fesses up to errors of judgement, and who rights wrongs when it would be easier not to. That's being a great role model!

  • stargalaxy on 18/06/2015 - 18:49
    -2

    I think you should have gone back and pays, doesn't the cashier got her pay docked if the cash register is short of funds?

    • Associated2842 @ Woolworths on 18/06/2015 - 22:35
      +1

      We don't. This was self-service anyway

    • dbun1 on 20/06/2015 - 15:43

      lol I don't know anywhere where that happens

      • [Deactivated] on 22/06/2015 - 14:42
        -1

        Service stations with Indian employees

  • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2015 - 20:12
    -2

    It's a faceless organisation that doesn't mind replacing employees with machines. I'd still pay the money though unless I planned on never going back.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2015 - 21:36
      +1

      Hmm, your reasoning is interesting. It is faceless organisation because it doesn't mind replacing employees with machines. Pretty much every company or business nowadays has a machine of some sort, you know?

      Regardless one's judgement on the company, stealing is stealing. Stealing from a thief does make you a thief too.

  • untg on 18/06/2015 - 22:05
    +1

    I once walked out of a shop with an item still in my trolley that I hadn't seen so I put my shopping in my car, went back and paid for it.
    The shop attendant was surprised that someone would do that! However it would have just played on my conscience if I had kept it and until it's paid for, it doesn't belong to me.
    Suffice to say OP, if you go back and right the wrong, you will feel better about it because clearly you are conflicted (which is a good thing!).

  • JimmyF on 18/06/2015 - 22:58
    +1

    Was this the 1kg catfood for 'free'? Cause that offer isn't working at all!!

  • fgt on 19/06/2015 - 02:45
    +2

    Don't worry about it. It's a mistake plain and simple, human error.

    What's important here is intent. You didn't go to the store with the intent to steal, you had everything intention of paying and I assume you're an honest person in daily life. Due to an error you weren't charged for your goods. Bona fortuna to you.

    Coles and WW have loss through theft and breakage factored into their prices anyway. If it was a small family run or independent business I would say definitely repay the money, or it was a large amount of money, $1000+ of liquor or such, repay, but $50 of food items. Forget about it.

  • Davo1111 on 19/06/2015 - 05:32
    -2

    i hope you like prison OP

    • gimli on 21/06/2015 - 09:52

      I hope you like living under a bridge.

  • Geewhizz on 19/06/2015 - 06:10
    +2

    I Inadvertently Stole from Woolworths

    No, you inadvertently walked out without paying.

    It only becomes stealing when you then choose not to pay for it after YOUR stuff up - nothing inadvertent about that.

  • DarkOz on 19/06/2015 - 06:57

    Sorry to say but you intentionally stole the trolley of unpaid items.

    You knew you hadn't paid for the trolley when you were still near the shopping centre. What is stopping you from going back and pay for it? Greed!

    When I first read your post I was thinking "Uh oh the kid must have taken something which wasn't paid for…" and I would never have imagined you haven't paid for the trolley.

    Go back and pay up.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2015 - 07:43
    -2

    Simple the OP is a thief.

  • Brainwhacker on 19/06/2015 - 08:40
    +1

    The honest thing to do is to go back and pay, apart from the fact it would not be on your conscience, and that its not a huge amount, its the principle that matters; (and karma, silently!)

  • sleet on 19/06/2015 - 08:50

    Do what you can to sleep at night. It seems like it's bothering you enough.

    Why don't you spend $47 on canned foods and donate it or donate the money to a charity?

  • Hirolol on 19/06/2015 - 09:11
    +14

    I think people are completely missing the point.
    This guy got woollies to pay him $5 to take a bunch of groceries.
    Winning

  • bocca on 19/06/2015 - 09:21
    +1

    This feels like a Business ethics multi guess question from my exam last year

    • Debravity on 23/06/2015 - 22:55
      +1

      What was your answer?

      • bocca on 29/06/2015 - 13:27

        Yes, take it back haha

  • zealmax on 19/06/2015 - 11:49
    +1

    One evening many years ago, when self checkouts were not around. I managed to put the shopping into the Woolworths shopping basket and took it home. Only did I realise what I had done once I had gotten home. I keep forgetting to return it. The colour of the basket was orange in the days, now they have black ones. I will hopefully get around to returning it soon.

    Edit: I paid for the items in the basket, and the checkout person didn't even realise I was putting them into the basket at checkout.

  • outlander on 19/06/2015 - 12:15
    +3

    Give it to charity. Now, instead of being a brazen theif, you're a robin hood

  • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2015 - 12:25
    -4

    It's not stealing if you aren't caught.

    It's called winning in life.

    Should you return it? Depends on if you think you'll get caught later on… Otherwise, enjoy your spoils or whatever.

  • ankor on 19/06/2015 - 12:25
    +1

    Years ago, I once walked out with headphones from a specialty shop in Sydney without paying. Turned back after being halfway up the street and gave them my money. Shopkeeper was very happy to see me again with money in hand.

    OP, the right thing was done and you have taught the kids a good lesson too.

  • Sydneyswans on 19/06/2015 - 12:31
    -1

    I went to coles a few weeks back and one of the items wasn't scanning and then it accidentally scanned twice. So the attendant simply deleted the items that were doubled but in the process deleted both the second scanned chocolate bar and the original scanned chocolate bar. Soooo in the end I forgot to scan it again as well and simply walked out.. now I felt so guilty but it was almost midnight… coles was closing in a few minutes so I had to go… in the end I did what I did and I'm not proud of it but hey what happened happened and walked in the store the next day no sweat…

    • diddy50 on 20/06/2015 - 15:24

      More importantly, was it a snickers and was it awesome!?

      • Sydneyswans on 22/06/2015 - 12:49
        +1

        I was in healthy mode… unfortunately it was a dark cacao chocolate bar…

  • sillyguy on 19/06/2015 - 13:45
    +2

    I am calling the police…

  • GaryQ on 19/06/2015 - 14:56

    The other night I went into Safeway and picked up a couple of bottles of Dry Ginger and went to walk into the Bottle Shop as I have done many times, to buy scotch and pay for all 3 at once. The checkout girl at the Supermarket side waved me through when I explained my intention.

    Go into bottleshop, she says she is unable to scan the softdrink because they are now a BWS, not part of Safeway anymore (but still use the same rewards card).

    So - free dry ginger

    • diddy50 on 20/06/2015 - 15:25

      Do you prefer safeway or the woolworths name?

      • GaryQ on 21/06/2015 - 09:29
        +1

        I'm old fashioned - I shop at Safeway, catch a train to Spencer St Station and go to see concerts at Melbourne Tennis Centre. Occasionally I'll see a game at the Telstra Dome.

        • diddy50 on 21/06/2015 - 09:47

          I prefer to go the footy at docklands. Haha safeways

        • altomic on 21/06/2015 - 10:33
          +1

          @diddy50: woolworths in middle camberwell —> Angus Tickerbag.

  • syousef on 19/06/2015 - 14:59
    -2

    It's actually risky either way.

    Don't go back: Could get found out and end up in hot water - criminal record, theft. Plays on your conscience if you have one. Congratulations - you're a thief.

    Go back: Chances are they'll just take your cash but there's every chance you get a nasty little bureaucrat who decides to call the police. You end up with that criminal record for your mistake despite trying to correct it.

    In practice you'd have to be quite unlucky to end up before a court but depending on what you do for a living you could be risking a lot more than the value of the item.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2015 - 18:28
      +2

      I've gone back many times over the years. You either get someone that says it's too much hassle, so don't worry about it (rare). Or, they just do it - and you leave. No one is going to try to prosecute you for being honest.

      First, they'd look so arrogant in court, the judge may well award your court costs against WW for wasting their time. Same with police. "Um… You called us because the person WANTED to pay!?"

      Second, if the second is a different person to the first that fixed the discount, the first one could get raked over the coals. But then take revenge on the second - losing them their job, etc.

      Third, the staff have obviously been doing "friendly training" the last couple of years. But after the intial friendliness obligation has been met, most of them are just as apthetic as they ever were. i.e. It's just easier for them to put it through their register, get rid of you, eager to get back to their extremely fulfilling vocation.

      Finally, I once saw a guy stuff a bag of chocolates down his jeans in WW. I told the staff - and he saw me telling them. So he walked up and down just outside, not leaving the centre until he saw staff shrug and say, "There's nothing we can do unless we saw him do it ourselves." (If they're not interested in prosecuting a 100% certain thief, someone honestly returning to pay certainly won't be.)

      • syousef on 20/06/2015 - 11:38
        -1

        There are no guarantees. Your livelihood might be on the line. You are exposed. Is it likely they'll prosecute? No. But because the consequences are severe it is still a significant risk.
        You aren't very likely to have your life saved by a seat belt either but you're a fool if you don't use one.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2015 - 15:02
    +4

    Walked out of a restaurant without paying, realized 30 minutes later and went back to pay. The guy who served us was sure we paid and wouldn't take our money. I am 100% sure I didn't pay. Put the money in the tip jar.

    • SlickMick on 19/06/2015 - 15:58
      +4

      nice.

      I remember my sister stealing a ribbon when she was probably about kindy age. Mum made her take it back and apologise. Life lesson learned.

      I'm really impressed with the integrity of most ozbargainers who reply to such topics.
      Some of the OPs concern me though :)

      • Jabba the Hutt on 20/06/2015 - 15:56
        +2

        I'm really impressed with the integrity of most ozbargainers who reply to such topics.

        Except we've no way of knowing how much of it is 'keyboard integrity' :)

        • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 20:30

          Small amounts are not worth having a guilty cloud hanging over. Large amounts on the other hand…

        • Debravity on 23/06/2015 - 23:01

          A hell of a lot more than what the posts represent, I'll bide. People become so phony when they can hide behind an avatar. WW are the biggest poker machine 'rapists' in the world. They knowingly exploit (human) weaknesses for the gain of shareholders. The morality of that is, at best, akin to theft, and at worst, dehumanising and deeply destructive to our society. Do you ever see them come back to a gambling addicts place and give them the $40k back that they took (because they were problem gamblers who couldn't gamble responsibly)? Ah, nah.. At least not yet…

  • momov3 on 19/06/2015 - 16:13
    -1

    I've walked out of ALDI and Woolies and Coles with unpaid item 'hidden' in the corner of trolley amongst other plastic bags, and did not place on the counter. But I returned both times after finding out in the carpark and they seemed surprised I even bothered to come back and pay for it. Although they thanked me, they seemed blase about the whole thing. Long ago the same happened and I chose not to return to the shop, could not be bothered to walk. The carpark was far away and there were toddlers needing attention. Something so bad happened to my car the next day which was not at all a normal thing to happen. Even the dealership thought so. It had just gone off warranty, I had to pay $600 to repair it. To this day, I equate that occurrence as being a punishment or payback (whatever you call it) for my 'dishonesty' and never again. At least you're not the same person who scanned his bag of onions 55 times at the self service checkout, though I rather think he/she'd most likely be an OzBargainer reading this. You have to do what you have to do to be at peace about your decision. Otherwise it will gnaw at you all your life and then when something bad happens, you will always wonder if it was because of this. If it makes you better, you could donate a similar amount to charity.

  • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 19/06/2015 - 16:15
    +2

    Integrity and honesty is not doing the right thing when everyone is watching- it is doing the right thing when no one is watching.
    Justifying theft by saying that Woolies is a big retailer is like saying that it is right to steal from a rich person.
    Good that you tried to put things right, and did not keep the profits. I usually shop across shops using the same trolley, and I have had couple of occasions when inadvertently, an item was not scanned- and detected when I put them in the cloth bags. I have always gone back immediately to pay ( one was around 18 bucks for smoked salmon). At the same time, if I have been overcharged- esp. Coles has been pretty good in refunding, and giving the item for free.
    (Woolies, last time I went to the checkout, and the girl there instead of scanning each item, just scanned the same item twice since the products looked similar, and after paying, when I checked the receipt, and pointed it out, just refunded the difference. Always a good idea to check the receipt after purchasing anything. Sometimes, the people at the counter do not check properly whether a discount sticker has been pasted.)

    PS:
    I was once complemented by my boss on returning the stationary/pens, when I was moving on to another company, but found that quite natural. The other company is going to provide you the stationary for official work as well.

  • momov3 on 19/06/2015 - 16:36

    And yet again, one wonders about the times when their scanners have not scanned the discounted prices, and you have paid $$$ more than you should. That has happened so many times to myself, and the occasional time I checked the receipts, I got back my money. The many times I do not check the dockets, can you imagine all through the day and years, howmany customers have been cheated by those supermarts? I told them off once when they did that. Questioned the Manager as to howmany people during that catalogue period had been fleeced off $discounts up to the point when I made her aware her about their scanners being incorrect. All she did was look at me like 'who cares they didn't know about it or didn't bother to come back for a refund unlike you so what they don't know they don't miss'. You'd think the supermarts would put out a media notice alerting any customer who got overcharged during that period to present their docket for a refund, but they wouldn't do that would they? (In my case it was a $20+ overcharge on fish!!)

  • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2015 - 17:58

    If they don't give enough change I require it - and if they give too much change I return it. Even if it means I do it on the next visit.

    Your question was should you feel bad. But I'll answer another question instead:

    Should you make it right?

    I always try to correct my mistakes AND deliberate wrongs. Whether others do or not is entire their choice.

  • AussieDolphin on 19/06/2015 - 18:06

    Wow! I can't believe you're asking the public about your conscience. You know this wrong on so many levels. Making up excuses about rotten fruit etc….doesn't make this right, not even a little.

  • Tarnos on 19/06/2015 - 18:12
    +1

    This topic and comments makes me lose more faith in humanity.

    Firstly, obviously this was theft because otherwise there will be nothing to feel bad about.
    But the resolution was to start a poll about what people think? Our actions to be judged by how many vote yes or no? Do you need Facebook likes to tell you how good your life is?

    Then we are bashing karma but talking about honesty and integrity. Honesty and integrity - why do you need this if you don't believe in "karma"? The concept of karma is not to harm others so you won't be harmed and vice versa. I don't see a reason to have honesty and have integrity if you are an atheist or don't believe in karma. Really you live for this life alone, why worry about others? I'm surprised you wouldn't say rob if no one is watching. Lie if no one knows the truth. You won't benefit yourself and nothing good will come to your life.

    • DingoBilly on 22/06/2015 - 13:29

      Karma is an illogical idea that doesn't make sense.

      Honesty and integrity is something that's actually a personality trait of sorts. Christians are not nicer or better people than Atheists, even though they believe they can't steal/lie etc. Ultimately it still comes down to the person, you have Atheists who extol the virtues of Christianity far better than any Christians, Christians who are the worst scum of the Earth in terms of people, and vice versa.

      Regardless, karma can't be proven to exist, and you should therefore refute the idea based on the scientific principle. You can demonstrate however the idea of honesty/integrity for religious/non-religious people regardless.

      • Tarnos on 22/06/2015 - 14:20

        I don't identify as a religious person because I believe religion divides and I agree with you on the grounds that identifying to religion doesn't make you superior.

        However, what cannot be proven to exist also cannot be proven not to exist and it is a matter of conjecture. Laughing karma in the face to some is like laughing Jesus in the face of a Christian. There is no need for such degradation of beliefs - which is the root of so many wars of the past and in the present.

        I don't believe people were born to have honesty and integrity, we are taught in schools and by our families based on "morals" which formed some sort of religious teaching a long time ago. Instead we are born to survive and to continue the human race. If you had to go to jail for telling the truth or punished for every little mistake I think you would think twice before you upheld honesty and integrity. But if you have come to terms that there is a greater power then would you be willing to do that - and that is where an idea like karma or religion comes in.

  • serpserpserp on 19/06/2015 - 18:20
    +3

    Won't somebody please think of the poor Woolworths shareholders in this story???

    • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2015 - 20:36
      +3

      Yes, they will - collectively - lose at least $0.000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001 - from their dividend. It's an outrage!

    • diddy50 on 20/06/2015 - 15:22
      +2

      Most of those shareholders are normal people, mum and dads…

      The average Joe Blogs

      • serpserpserp on 20/06/2015 - 15:40

        diddy50: What is your point?

        • diddy50 on 20/06/2015 - 16:43
          +2

          The shareholders are being mocked for losing dividends. Making it seem like they are nobodys, just rich shareholders, so why care. When in fact they are regular people who invest for a better future.

        • serpserpserp on 20/06/2015 - 17:33

          @diddy50:

          Think you are reading waaaaaaay too much into mine and RFM's posts.

          I think it is common knowledge that the majority of shareholders on the ASX100 etc. are mum & dad investors either directly or via their super funds.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/06/2015 - 19:04

          @serpserpserp:

          ;-)

      • airpoe on 21/06/2015 - 23:35

        the major shareholders in most listed companies are usually investment banks & hedge funds

      • Debravity on 24/06/2015 - 00:22

        Profiting off other people's misery.

    • Debravity on 24/06/2015 - 00:21

      The poor, 97% of pokie machine revenue scum sucking idiots whom profit from the misery of others, because they are able to easily distance themselves from the decision to vote against owing these horrendous machines. Most of these "poor shareholders" (97% give or take) voted to make others poor, for their own greedy purposes. Their community - their neighbours and family!

      Do any of you "poor shareholders" ever stop to think about the innocent people whose lives are indirectly crushed by addicted gamblers? The partners, children and family who go without food, end up homeless or victims of violence and abuse.. The people stolen from to support gambling? The prostitution and drug problems which all stem from gambling problems? NOPE, YOU DON'T. So, it's interesting that you shareholders have the audacity to cry poor over something like this, when there are innocent people living in gutters due to your pathetically selfish attitude towards others. BOO HOO!

      • diddy50 on 24/06/2015 - 09:53
        +1

        Never realised people were forced to gamble away their life savings on pokies.

        Last time I heard people volunteered to gamble.

        Addiction is terribly bad, but it's a choice they made.

        P.s. I am not even a share holder!!
        I usually shop at Aldi, iga, foodworks, milk bar and coles. Hardly ever at woolworths or safeway.

        • Debravity on 25/06/2015 - 05:20

          Here's my answer to that, from a societal point of view. We know heroin and ice are very addictive and cause great destruction to society, so we outlaw them. People volunteer to take them, but they are outlawed due to the perceived harm to society.

          Do I need to explain where your logic on pokies is faulty, from a societal pov, when comparing them to other addictions? I doubt it. It's just that we have been told it's ok to play pokies a bit. Well, I know of many people who have taken both ice and heroin and never hurt anyone else. But the ones who can't control themselves are who we have developed laws to protect society from. Do you see how it is the same thing. And in fact, pokies are known to be as addictive as heroin, and a lot easier to get hold of, as they are legal and everywhere.

          Gambling addiction is an addiction for the government as well. When we get desperate for more taxes, they will legalise marijuana, like in California and many other US states. Even after declaring how dangerous it is to human health. Go figure - it's all about taxation and the populism.

  • Janko on 19/06/2015 - 20:04
    +1

    How I feel about the particular company determines if I'd return or not.

    Woolies - likely not. Too many times I've got home to find bread not fresh despite dates being good, or fruit tasteless. Don't find the staff friendly.

    Aldi - Find the staff friendly so would return. Discovered upon returning home a can of $2 can of coconut cream I'd bought had been scanned then cancelled, but the $13 pack of nuts before it had been charged twice. Legitimate mistake - I won't hold that against them. I'll bring it up next time I visit and see how they handle it.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2015 - 20:41
      +2

      Hm… I prefer unfriendly staff. At least their being honest, LOL. I don't like this new fake "complimenting" and "commenting" they're directed to do…

      "I've been wanting to try that - what's it like?"
      "I buy this myself - that's a great price, isn't it!"

      etc.

      • Janko on 19/06/2015 - 20:53

        Yeah I don't like that either, but sincerely friendly is possible.

  • DryScissors on 19/06/2015 - 22:15

    I once bought flowers from woollies and forgot to scan them. I went back a week later to pay for them. They didn't even make me feel good about it, just asked me for my card!

  • shiningstars on 20/06/2015 - 08:03

    When going through the self service checkout, I accidentally put in the wrong fruit and veg code for my pears. I ended up paying about $3 more as I was in a hurry (as why i went through self service) and no-one was available to help correct my mistake. I have noticed the lack of support at self service increasing and wonder if woolies profits from this as it did in this situation. Is this stealing?

  • Jaskie on 20/06/2015 - 09:11
    +2

    I don't think this is theft, no, totally an honest mistake. But it does sound like you're just looking for us to say "no no, it's ok, you don't have to pay."

    What you do from here has nothing to do with theft or what we think, it's totally down to your own value system and it's not for any of us to judge either way :)

  • johnno07 on 20/06/2015 - 11:37
    +1

    Ethically you should go back and pay. Morally - completely up to you. The world will keep on spinning either way.

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